Review - The Wood Burn Book: An Essential Guide to the Art of Pyrography (Rachel Strauss)

I received this free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very readable, well-illustrated book that covers general techniques of wood burning, provides example projects (with clear step-by-step instructions), and really walks the reader through the process from choosing equipment to understanding the options for adding color and various finishes. The example projects provide a taste of the broad range of artistic expression possible with pyrography, including many that never would have occurred to me--from cork trivets to leather to canvas.

Unlike many how-to books I've encountered on various crafts, this one offers snippets of advice from a variety of people who work in this medium in addition to the main author--which is a great strength. For those inclined to delve deeper online, many of these advice snippets include the social media handle of the contributor.

As I am very much a novice pyrographer, I cannot speak directly to what the book would offer someone with more experience--but from my perspective, it's a great introduction to a craft I had tried years ago but had not touched in years. It makes me want to get some wood and bring out my supplies and start trying things. I'm excited to try it out!

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