New piece

[Pyrographer]

This is a copy of the first burning I ever did. I have "colorized" it just like the old movies and made lots of "artistic" changes using a cute little hummingbird from our backyard bird habitat, modified the fence also using some "artistic" changes and the flowers have been changed a bit. I used shading in this one which I wasn't very good at back then so there wasn't any, just outlined mostly....and no I won't/can't show you the original because it's long gone!!!!

Speaking of our bird habitat. We have been so innundated with birds they are eating us out of house and home and Wild Birds Unlimited now knows us on a first name basis. Al also spent the weekend (god bless him) vaccuming up dropped seeds, spreading the rocks away from the feeder so I can have a free-form pond of sand to keep the rocks clean of seed. It's mostly done but ran out of sand. We have a variety of feeders to attract a variety of birds and also now have Rose of Sharon and trumpet vines in the yard and come spring I'll have my rose bushes put in and perhaps a butterfly bush. So, I should have lots of great photos to use for burnings in the future. Unfortunately no more Iris but will have lots of other flowers to choose from since my neighbors have volunteered to let me use their yards for photos as well.

Anyway, I used oil pencils with turpene so it just has a hint-a color. It was actually a last minute decision...one of those executive decisions that I didn't regret. If I had thought of doing it sooner I would have left the top leaves lighter. I really did it so people could see that I actually do know how to use color even though I don't like to use it. Mostly it's a personal preference because I figure if I wanted a painting I'd do a painting.

This was done on a basswood cheeseboard that hubby makes and it came out darker than I would have liked but I was in a hurry with just too many pots on the fire. I don't like burning on basswood anymore and I was in a rush so I turned the heat up too much to get it done quickly. I'll be glad when the class and show is over and I can get back to normal and slow down a bit Head Bange

Once we get back from visiting Toto in Kansas I plan on working on my two burnings I've set aside and some more gourds.

Nedra

[chpster90bu]

You are unbelievable. You rushed this and it came out like a masterpiece. I should be so lucky....lol I love the coloration....muted, but there and as far as I'm concerned, it's gorgeous and I'd love to have it! I've missed seeing some "Nedra" work lately (except for the little gourd)....I know you've been so busy! Hurry up and come back to us. Bonnie

[Mottles]

Hi Nedra, hey your burning and colorizing turned out really nice. Sometimes we have to listen to that little voice inside us that say try it! My problem is that little voice doesn't always steer me in the right direction as it did you.
Did you use a final finish on the board and if so what? Everyone in your class is going to want to make their own. Hope hubby has made plenty!
Are you still going to be in Yuma, and are you going to be in the Mesa, AZ. show in February?
Kathy

[Pyrographer]

Bonnie, I really hating rushing a piece but I thought this would be a good project for the class. I let my student pick their projects but I always like to have a nice variet. I've missed me burning too.

Kathy, I do try to listen to that voice. Usually it's the one that has all the creativity. It was hidden for so long I am trying to give it every opportunity to come out. Hubby made a few of the cheeseboards and also some bread boards. Hopefully it will be enough but only time will tell....

I haven't used a final finish on it yet. I'm still debating over something that can be used with food versus the polyacrylic. I'm leaning toward the salad bowl finish so IF someone wants to use it they can. I'm sure that is what I"ll end up using and need to do it in the next few days so it's dry in time for us to leave.

Yes we are going to be in Yuma in January and in Mesa in Feb. We are excited about coming. It's always difficult when you move and have to start over again but we have been blessed both in Washington and now here being able to get back into the swing of shows so quickly. We're off to Kansas on Sunday for the class and show and I've already been asked to come back again because they have a waiting list for classes so that makes me feel great.

I'm hoping to see you in AZ....

Nedra

[Micky]

This turned out great. L really like the texture on the wood and how the top of each piece of fencing has weathered differently.
micky

[Pyrographer]

Micky, it was a fun project. I got photos of old fences, barn board and also photos of gate hinges to help me with that. I wanted the fence to look weathered and worn and it was fun doing that part of the burning. I really wish I had the first one I did so I could compare it now. It would be a hoot!Mobster

Nedra

[Mottles]

Nedra, wonderful news I'll be at the Mesa Show and will look for you. I'll add a blurp I already have in our carving club Newsletter that you and Lori Corbett will be teaching. Glad, to hear you are doing so well and get to meet some of folks on this board.
Boy, I would want my cheese or bread board as a decoration only.
Looking forward to meeting you too!
Kathy

[Lindy]

Nedra - As always, beautiful. Of course I almost fell off my chair when I saw you had colourized it!!! I really like the soft look of the colours in that piece and I love the pattern.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Lindy

[Pyrographer]

Lindy, I don't want anyone here taking me for granted and think you can predict what I'm going to do...he he he

It's actually a simple design and I figured if I could do it on my own when I just started then someone in class can do it with me being there to help.


Nedra

[Lindy]

Nedra - when you're holding workshops such as this how much time are you able to allow for them?

The seminars I'm doing with Lee Valley are usually 12 hours stretched over 4 weeks, or a Friday evening and all day Saturday. When they're stretched I can give them a more challenging pattern because they have time for "homework", but the weekend ones I need to keep it simple.

Thanks
Lindy

PS - Nedra, you always keep everyone guessing so not to worry about being predictable.Jester