Transferring a pattern

[cedarshavings]

I've done some carving but not much in woodburning except burning detail into a carving.
How do you transfer a pattern from a photopgraph of an actual person onto the wood? or is that even done and you go at it like you would drawing on blank paper. I am not a good drawer.

[telecarver]

You can scan the photo on your computer and make it whatever size you want with photo processing software. Flip it to reverse the photo. Here you have your pattern. the next step I have not tried but I have heard it works so experiment. Lay the printout face down on your board and use an iron to transfer the ink onto the board.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried this. You could also trace the pattern onto the board.

[Druid]

Originally Posted by telecarver

You can scan the photo on your computer and make it whatever size you want with photo processing software. Flip it to reverse the photo. Here you have your pattern. .

You can also make it black and white so that you get a better idea of the contrast?

[AlArchie]

You CAN use the heat transfer method IF you pattern is made on a commercial copy machine, not your standard ink printer, A pattern can be made on an ink printer that will transfer by using clear plastic projection material
(available at office supply stores) instead of paper. Make sure you reverse the original picture before printing.

Once printed, simply place the print ink side down on your board and rub it briskly with the edge of a credit card, and the ink will transfer to your board. Might take a few sample runs to get the technique down pat.

Try it, it works.

Al

[WhittleBurner]

I use a photo program and convert the picture to black and white then print to size wanted. Transfer using graphite paper and just trace your picture onto the wood. Ink will not erase if you don't burn entirely over it , graphite does erase.