A guide to gourd pyrography--using heat to create works of gourd art--that discusses gourd prep and work basics, provides step-by-step instructions for several designs and techniques, and presents secrets from fifty artists.

Gourds -- with their infinite variety of unusual shapes and sizes, and their smooth surfaces -- have provided a perfect canvas for artists in the American Southwest over many years. It's easy to carve, paint, and stain them, and add embellishments like beads and feathers. These beautiful projects, including rainsticks, masks, and bowls, reflect the traditional designs, techniques, and colors that are indigenous to this region.

Provides examples from twenty artists along with information on their tools, methods, and influences.

Although it is often referred to as woodburning, the art of pyrography can be worked on just about any natural surface, including gourds, leather, or cotton rag paper. Now Lora Irish, the author of the bestselling Great Book of Woodburning, offers thirty-five amazingly detailed new projects that explore the craft of pyrography across the full range of inventive pyro media. Inside her new book, readers will learn the basics of pyrography systems, tools, supplies and practice boards. Differences between the various substrates are examined and discussed, including both wood and non-wood working surfaces. Irish provides expert advice on temperature settings, fill patterns, hand positions, textures, stroke patterns and more. Chapters are included on creating tonal values, understanding shadows, adding color to your burnings, and finishing the work. Thirty-five new patterns illustrate the application of fine pyrography across a wide variety of imaginative media, including vegetable tanned leather, dried gourds, cotton fabric, artist paper, chipboard and papier-mâché. Irish is known for her amazingly detailed patterns that positively exude expression, and this book does not disappoint. Each fascinating project includes complete instructions plus photographs of both the finished piece and the work-in-progress across pale, medium, dark and detailed stages.

Discover the wonderful art of gourd carving and produce gourd-geous results in a minimal time! Gourds grow in all shapes and sizes, and no two are alike. This book shows you how to prepare a gourd for decoration, and then lets your creativity soar! Step-by-step photos and text demonstrate several techniques you could use, including carving, woodburning, painting, staining, stenciling, and pine needle weaving. The projects covered here include vessels, a hanging potpourri, and an adorable Santa Claus. Patterns are included to get you started, and a color photo gallery displays finished projects.

A best-seller! Renowned pyrographer Sue Walters teaches you everything you need to know to create stunning pyrography artwork with three step-by-step projects, original patterns, and an inspiring gallery of work. Includes information on equipment, safety, materials, pattern preparation, techniques and 3 projects; a beginner, an intermediate, and an advanced.

Filled with 25 step-by-step woodburning projects for artists of any skill level, Pyrography is sure to inspire! Also included are technique lessons, practice exercises for beginners, full-size pyrography patterns, astonishing artist profiles, product reviews, safety and cleaning tips, and so much more. From burning a dynamic steam engine train and personalized pet photos to making a dream catcher clock, realistic mountain lion portrait, and several other exciting projects, this jam-packed guide – written by pyrography experts Lora S. Irish, Simon Easton, Michele Y. Parsons, and many others – is sure to turn up the heat on your pyrography skillset!

Gourds -- with their infinite variety of unusual shapes and sizes, and their smooth surfaces -- have provided a perfect canvas for artists in the American Southwest over many years. It's easy to carve, paint, and stain them, and add embellishments like beads and feathers. These beautiful projects, including rainsticks, masks, and bowls, reflect the traditional designs, techniques, and colors that are indigenous to this region.

"If you're an artist looking to explore a versatile medium or are interested in making dolls, look to nature's bounty. Learn a variety of classic techniques as you create projects. Comes with a gallery of inspiring work by talented artists."--adapted from back cover.