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In doing wood burning, one of the most important things to learn, especially if you’re not good at drawing freehand on wood (like me), is to be able to transfer your design to wood.

I did a bit of research on different options for doing so, and decided to try one out. This process involves printing using an inkjet printer onto the shiny side of label paper (after removing all the labels, of course).

Once you have your print, you can place it face down on the wood and rub over the design, being careful not to move the paper to avoid smudges. I found using some tape when you place the paper down really helps to keep it in place. And remember to invert your image if there’s text in it.

Once you are done, just lift up the paper and voila! I was quite impressed at how the design transferred, it was pretty detailed and clear – ready for some wood burning! And another good thing is that you can wash off any remaining ink from the paper and reuse it for your next design 🙂

Learning the art of wood burning! 

Having some downtime over the Holidays was a refreshing break from the everyday stresses of life. I decided to try something new. My sister had bought me a wood burning set that I had yet to try out, so now was the perfect opportunity! I started small, trying out the different tips on scrap pieces of wood and watched many videos on how to use them and create different strokes.

My first attempt was to make some ornaments, so I drew some simple designs and was on my way. I must say, it definitely takes a lot of practice to get a nice outcome, I’m still trying. Also, the tool does get really hot, so you have to be very careful while working.

Next, I decided to go bigger. I bought a cheap cutting board form the Dollar Store and drew a mandala/flower design on it. It’s a slow process (especially compared to being able to etch perfectly on a laser cutter in just minutes) but it definitely feels good to be working with my hands. I think my first project turned out ok, for a beginner!

Since it looks like it’s going to be a while before I’m able to get access to laser cutter again, I decided to invest in a better wood burning system, one that comes with a pen-like handpiece which will give me more control and make it much easier to draw with, as well as variable heat control and interchangeable tips.

I’ve already got a couple of requests for projects, so I’m looking forward to delving in a little deeper!

Over the past months, we’ve all been adapting to a new way of life, new ways of communicating with friends and loved ones, new ways to share special times, new ways of running our businesses, playing, learning, working, sports, exercising and socializing etc.

There have been many challenges thrown our way. Being home, feeling isolated and unsure of what the future may bring has become the new norm. For some of us, life has become much harder, full of loneliness, stress, uncertainty and anxiety.

As we struggle through these hard times, remember to be kind to everyone, reach out to those who might need help or feel isolated and be mindful. Together, we can help each other through these times.

Hoping the new year brings some peace, love and joy to all!

So it’s been quite the year, with the current situation taking a toll on the world. But that said, I have to say how grateful I am … so lucky to have food, shelter and a job and all my friends and family are safe and virus free. Now that it’s Christmas, I am so grateful to be able to spend a bit of time with my family and friends before we are all under lockdown again.

A special thanks to all those who supported my little business, I truly appreciate your support!

Hoping next year will bring some relief to those who are suffering from the virus, the brave people on the front lines and those trying to hang on to their businesses…it’s definitely been a huge struggle for some. My heart goes out to them!

Wishing you and yours a joyous and safe holiday season!

Since I’m not able to engrave my designs with the laser cutter that I normally use, I decided to learn how to make and apply stencils. I purchased some stencil paper and prepared my designs for cutting on my handy Silhouette cutting machine. Through trial an error, and watching some very helpful “how-to” videos, I learned a few tricks and was well on my way. Still, I’m only doing some basic designs for now, but might explore further to do some more complex ones. The best thing about stencils is that they are reusable!

I decided to make some personalized ornaments for my colleagues, some of whom had new babies this year. It was interesting playing around with different designs.

From wall décor to ornaments, some fun ideas came to mind. I’m even stenciling some snowflakes on my window with some spray snow. Next summer, I might add some designs to the privacy space I built in the yard, and I’ll maybe stencil designs on the patio stones or even the planter boxes. So many possibilities, can’t wait!

It’s been 6+ months without access to the laser cutter, which I normally use to cut my designs in wood. So, I thought why not go back to the basics? I bought a scroll saw and got to work. Having to manually cut wood sure was a rude awakening from being spoiled using a laser cutter. But challenge accepted!

So, I discovered that I am definitely not a natural at this, but thanks to my handy Dremel, I can easily sand away all the flaws. Unfortunately, I can’t cut my entire design with this saw, due to my lack of skill and patience. So, I decided to try out some new techniques and explore my options. I’m using stencils of my designs, which I cut with my Silhouette machine, and transferring the designs onto the wood pieces that I cut. Playing around with different techniques is always fun. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t but that’s ok, I always learn something!

A while back, I decided to try Redbubble out just for the fun of it. It seemed like a cool idea, my designs on various products! I ordered a few products to see how they would turn out and was pleasantly surprised with the quality and service. I’m wearing a mask with my own Peace-Love design whenever I’m out in public, how cool is that! There’s many products to choose from:  kids/adult clothing to home decor to phone cases to mugs to bags and much more, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a creative and unique gift, check out my shop!

My shop is “AnnasDigitalArt”
https://www.redbubble.com/people/annasdigitalart/shop

If there’s a specific design of mine that you’d like on a certain product, let me know and I will create the product at Redbubble for you!

Here’s a $20 voucher from Redbubble that you can us toward your first purchase: https://www.talkable.com/x/YIybid (expires January 13, 2021) Feel free to share it!  Also, Redbubble often has good sales, so if you’re not in a rush, wait for one before you order.