Juried Art Show Enteries

Blustery day here - I think Piglet just flew by my window.

Before the power goes out again, I want to post today.  This morning I was preparing two of my pieces for a juried art show.  It is the first time I have ever entered a contest of this type, and I am a bit nervous for the outcome and comments.  The first piece I have entered is Peregrine Falcon that I introduced a few days ago.

The second piece I am entering is called Elephant Kiss, pictured below.  The pyrography project started from a photograph.  The picture was rendered grey scale, then I reduced the number of colors in the picture, lastly I found the edges.  Printed, this template was perfect for tracing the outlines of these elephants.  The photograph had heavy shadows covering most of the right elephants face, so I sketched in details as best I could.  Most of the pyrography work is comprised of dots, however there are some lines so it is not true pointillism. 

What do you you think about these pieces?  Wish me luck and if you are in Massena, NY visit the Public Library and vote for your favorite piece in the show.

 

- Take Care -

 

Pyrography - Patterns

..A couple of years ago I stumbled upon this special issue: Pyrography.  A lot of my time was spent in waiting rooms and so I had plenty of time to read the magazine, cover to back page.  In fact, I have read the magazine multiples of times and refer back to it often. 

This was the first publication of Pyrography and Fox Chapel, publishers of amazing wood working magazines and books, promised it would not be the last. 

One of my favorite things about this magazine, as well as other wood working magazine, is that it is chocked full of patterns.  The Bird House Pattern and tutorial was fun to try.  Unfortunately, I chose a scrap piece of pine plyboard.  The pitch made it very difficult to get the detail right.  The glossy finish detracts from the piece as well. 

Live and Learn.


 Also in this issue was a pattern for an adorable pony bust by Orchid Davis.  She had two renditions of the pony head, one was highly shaded refining cheek, muscles and ridge lines.  The other was detailed but the face was less shaded and the same color as the background.  Both were lovely. 

My attempt does not compare, but I love it just the same.  I am particularly fond of the way the framing and shading compliment each other.


In 2012, Fox Chapel published a new issue of Pyrography.  It was chocked full of advise, patterns and features, just like the first issue.  Still, I found I was disappointed; it felt redundant.  To be fair, the first issue was packed so full of excellent tips, advise on wood burners and amazing works, that I was expecting more.  The magazine had amazing news for Pyrography Artist.  The Art Exhibit pushed this form of expression a long way toward becoming recognized as an Art form.  The work displayed was phenomenal.  The patterns were good, just not my cup of tea, so to speak.  Much of the advise was not news to me, though.  Thus my feelings of being let down.

Oops, I did not intend to critique this publication.  I hope I have not offended anyone.  A blog is an opinion place, so I guess that is mine.  I am looking forward to 2013's issue.

Have you read the magazines? What do you think?  I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

- Take Care -

 

Peregrine Falcon - Free Patterns

     So much snow.  (Deep sigh)  My son came home from school sick Thursday and finally went back today.  His Asthma was triggered by the cold/flu bug he caught. 


     Finding material to use in your woodburn, carving, or scroll work is the topic today.  I am not one to put pencil to paper and draw whatever I have in my mind's eye.  However I am good with software that help me take my photos and make a pattern.  This requires a photo of what I want.  Sometimes, there are no photographs to use for your material.  Now what?

     I have spent countless hours searching the internet for free material.  That does not mean I own them.  The copyright remains with the original artist.  The terms of use are different from person to person, but most will allow you to use the pattern, without changing it, to create your Art piece.  The other day I introduced you to Steve Good.  Today I want you to meet Gary and Marie Crosby of Darkwood-Woodcarving.com.  It was on this site that I found the pattern for my peregrine falcon.  They have beautifully rendered patterns. 
The Crosby's site stipulates:

                " I ask that you do not change or sell the carving patterns which are all covered by copyright laws. Copyright © Gary & Marie Crosby 2001. But use the patterns for your next carving or Pyrography project and pass them around for free. All patterns are in a PDF file format which is a free program downloadable on the net (PDF Reader) just click on my crest at each pattern to open the PDF file then save it to your computer or just print if out. "

     So, when you looking for your next patterns, don't forget Darkwood-Woodcarving.com  -  If you have a pattern you would like to share or a site that is really awesome, please let me know.

 

 - Take Care -

 

Signs, Signs and more Signs

     Snow, Snow, pretty, pretty Snow is falling here.  It has warmed up and this dusting makes the world appear clean and serene.

 

    

     What to talk about next.  Well, I slept on it last night and I thought I would like to share Sign making.  Print Shop is my favorite program for making a template for signs.  Currently, I am using Print Shop Deluxe 22, but have use many versions.  The program allows for larger sizing and has many fonts to choose from.  The grid you work on has a ruler that can be in inches or set up for the metric system. There are also many pictures in their library and more online to help you customize exactly what you want.  It is so simple to import a picture, if you already have one in mind.  The draw back to this program that I find is that is crashes often, especially when browsing fonts.  Saving often helps, but it can really be annoying.   

 

     First, I create a customized headline with the name.  The font I choose depends on whether I will be hand routing the sign, scroll cutting or wood burning.  Rounded letter fonts, like the ones on the left, work better for routing.  I use a dremel with the router attachment.  It is easy for me to control.  Fonts that have bold letters, squared or rounded are easy to cut on the scrollsaw, however they are time consuming.  Pyrography, writing with fire, can handle any font.

 

     Signs don't have to be just about words.  A picture can be scroll cut, or woodburned onto the sign.

 

     Any way you make it, your sign can be colorful.  Stains can be added in any of these wood processes before a final finish is applied to the sign.

 

     Before I had my business I could not fathom what I would want a sign for, but not all signs are for businesses.  I have made customs signs for camps, campers, House plaques and garages.  Custom signs make great gifts for 'that hard to buy for' loved one.  Ideas: Mancave, Gone Fishing, Guns,  Military (Marine, Army, Navy, Airforce, etc...), Grandma's Kitchen, Work Shop, Garage, Den, Crafter, Sewing, Book Nook, Laundry, Feelings (Live, Love, Laugh), Pet memorials, Sayings (Jesus lives Here), or just about anything that matters to you.

 

     If you would like a custom sign created for you I would be happy to do so.  You are not committed to purchase the sign until you've approved of the design, which will be emailed to you.

Contact me for design and pricing options.

 

     Do you make signs?  I would love to hear about them and see pictures. 

 

- Take Care -

 

 

 

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes

     Not as Cold today - I'm going into the shop.  Woot!


      When I first started wood burning, oh 20 some years ago I bought a boat load of wooden boxes from everywhere.  They were in need of sanding and some repair, but made an inexpensive canvas for my pyrography.  I had a cheap wood burn pen with maybe five tips.  The kind that screw in and you just plug in the pen to heat up. 
     Many of my boxes sold at fairs and fundraisers to benefited playgroup, preschool, and church groups.  At one of these event a gentleman said to me, "You have potential.  Keep practicing and you will be real good one day."  Then he moved on.  At first I was insulted, then discouraged.  As time went by and I got better equipment and more 'practice' under my belt, I learned to judge my work and became as critical (or more so) than that stranger.  He was right, and it took a few years for the words to sink in to the right spot.







Today I make my boxes and my equipment allows for a finer touch.  I am more choosy of my designs and the finished product.  I might not be 'real good' yet but some days I think I am getting close.  Thank you stranger for helping me see my work with a professional eye, instead of a crafter who says that is pretty good.

 

 

 

- Take Care -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Re-Purposing Wood pieces

     Another frigid day in Northern NY - The flu has come home with my son.  He sleeping on the couch, poor boy.

     In the warmer months I like to peruse sales of all kinds for wooden objects that I can get for next to nothing, and can be fixed up and given a new life.  Yesterday I showed you a telephone table that I refinished.  Today I am going to introduce a few pieces that were re-purposed.

     This Bluebell change bowl was found at a junk sale.  It was one of many wooden objects that I loaded into my box and donated $20.00 to walk away with.  I wish I had a before picture, but imagine a rounded, broken off handle shooting out of the top and a shallower spade shovel like shape for the bowl. 
     The wood is very soft and smells like incense.  I deepened the bowl and rounded off the sharp point.  This wreath of Bluebell compliments the finished piece.  A butcher block oil was rubbed into the wood to protect the wood and render it food safe.



     The Tulips and Butterfly add a feminine touch to this rustic mirror.  The wood was salvaged from an old water bed frame.  The mirror was one of many panels that decorated a wall.  Even the pine 2x4 that the flowers and butterfly were cut from once added support to a child's tree house.  The mirror is not the best for gazing at your reflection, but it add country charm.  If that doesn't suit you then perhaps you'd like a tray to hold a comb or perfume bottles on a dresser or vanity. 


This wooden utensil holder was once tongue and groove pine boards.  They were cut into an oval shape with a flat back.  One piece was set aside while the rest were stack cut to create the open center.  They were sanded, stained and then glued together.  A food safe finish was applied.  The idea for this was taken from a challenge Steve Good posted a while back for a mug.    My niece is in cooking school and I thought this pattern would make a nice utensil holder.  I have to make her another one, this one sold at a craft fair.


These adorable kittens were burned onto a cork memo board.  It can still be used as a memo board, but bare it is beautiful. 

     What do you re-purpose? 

- Take Care -

 

Finds - Telephone table

I thought it was cold yesterday (-14 F) - This morning it is -21 F. Yikes! I haven't been able to get into the shop in a few days, my heater won't take the chill off with these temps.

One of my favorite things to do is to Recycle wood pieces. Taking an old grungey piece and refinishing, refurbishing or repurposing it is so satisfing. The first piece I did was this telephone table. I pick it up at the Salvation Army for ten bucks. The top was split and the front was warped so badly you could slide your hand into the drawer while it was shut. It took months to get the warp out of the top and sand off the blackened layers of paint, stain and old finishes. The original drawer pull crumbled to pieces as I unscrewed it from the drawer front. It was in bad shape.

I carved an apple blossom fron pine to replace the drawer pull. The top and front were burned with apple blossoms. The rest of the piece was layered with polyurethane. I sold it for $65.

Scrollsaw Nativity Puzzle

     It is so cold here in Northern New York. Brrrr....

Years ago my husband bought me a scroll saw and it sat there, along with the router and other power tools.  They were intimidating.  I had never really used them before.  In school I took shop and had to use a band saw.  My pieces were not shaped evenly because I feared the powerful machine that ate through hard wood like it was butter.  I was sure my fingers were next.

Well I have overcome that fear thanks to a ScrollSaw magazine and Steve Good's website.  If you are new to scrolling you must check out this site.  Steve has a catalog of free patterns that range from down right beginner to much more complex.  He also had a daily freebie and video how- tos.

You can find him here: http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/

 These are some of my attempt at his patterns. 

 

I am thankful to Steve for getting me cutting on the scrollsaw.  Once I got going I felt more at ease and began to tackle more challenging material.  Below is a project that took me over a year to complete.  The pattern was free from Steve Good, but I modified it. 

 

                                                                                             The first thing I did was to size it and print two copies, one of which was flipped so the images were reversed.  Next I got rid of the puzzle shape areas.  I then designed a tri-layered setting for the pieces to sit on.  Then came the cutting, shaping, and lots of hand sanding. (After this project I bought sanding mops and other sanding tools)  Once I was satisfied with each piece they were stained and dried.  Each figure was then glued together and mounted to the scene.  The background areas were chosen for the wood grains so they would look like layers of sand dunes.  

 

 

 

I hope you like it.

-Take Care -

 

Blue Heron on a Log

     Yesterday I spent a long time playing around with my Blog's design.  I learned so much about adding gadgets and changing attributes.  Fun - fun - fun!

     Today I want to introduce you to Blue Heron on a log.  This beautiful bird was stalking his prey when we saw him across the river.  My husband was floating around in his Kayak and let himself drift downstream toward this heron.  He was able to snap several pictures.  This is the one I chose to turn into a pyrography piece.

The lighting and time of day were not studio perfect, but I loved the depth in this particular photo. Using enhancement software I sharpened and lightened up the picture. Next, I erased the elements that I was not going to include in my wood burned piece.

 

        

 

                                                                                 

Then next step was to render the photo to grey scale.  Shading and Lighting in the fore, middle and background were tweaked before I had the program find the edges.  A bit more tweaking and then I had a usable trace patterns. 

    

 Transferring the outline onto the birch ply board was accomplished using carbon paper.  The cons to using this method is that the lines are not easy to get rid of.  They don't erase or wash off well and when you burn a heavy inked line it is dark and not always the shade or width you might desire.  Sometimes you can sand away the offending area, but not always as the heated ink absorbs into the wood.  For this reason I try to minimize the amount of details I add in this step and then use a pencil and sketch in more details to burn using the outline and other pictures as a reference. 

 

     When I am wood burning I take it one section at a time and completely detail it. My favorite part on this piece were the feathers - especially on the wings. They seem daunting for there are hundreds of tiny lines on each feather - but - Wow! As each feather is finished they are so beautiful, and as more are finished the bird just seemed to appear. (I admit I get tunnel vision and time slips away from me as I work.)

 

  

 

     This piece is currently listed on my Etsy Store if you are interested in owning it.

 

That's all for today.

- Take Care -

Monarch on Clover

Last night I couldn't get this Blog off my mind; I wasn't sure if I really wanted this.  In the light of day I realized that it will be good for me.  I have always loved to write and, in fact, have several stories penned out.  Add to this my need to connect with others out there who like the same things I do and possible find a collector or two to give my Art a home; I need to give this Blog thing a fair shake.

 

   In the February/March issue of Professional Artist, Carol Marine wrote about jump starting her stagnant Art career by taking some sage advise (do art daily) and get yourself out there (blog about your work).  Of course, she was much more eloquent, and I highly recommend reading her article.

So here I am - getting myself out there. 

 

 

Today I am introducing Monarch on Clover.  This was the first piece I started from a photograph.   This monarch's picture was snapped in the yard years ago with a new Digital Canon Eos Rebel.  Mind you it is not the newest on the market today, in fact it is obsolete, but back then it was state of the Art.  The clever thing about digital photography is that we didn't have to wait to see if the picture would turn out well.  It was stunning.  I stumbled upon it when playing around with a new photo enhancing software program that came with my laptop, and had a great deal of fun changing it around.  The thought came to me to create and outline of the key elements so I could make a template to wood burn.

 

 

 

First, I erased the background and other parts of the picture.  This process allowed me to get rid of distractions as well as keep a color palette of those shades in the butterfly, flower parts I was going to burn.  Second, I modified the image to grey scale and then played around with the lighting.  Third, I created a posterized picture with seven colors to use as a reference for shades of brown when burning(this photo is not represented here). The Last step was to go back to grey scale and find all the edges.  Once again I played around with the light, shadows and such to get the details I wanted.

The outline was traced onto a slab of birch ply board and then the wood burning began.

 

Few of my pyrography pieces get colorized.  This butterfly and the clover screamed to be bright and vibrant, so I used oil paints mixed with other ingredients and made stain.  Applying the stain was tricky as it tried to bleed into areas I  didn't want it.  (This is why I went with oil paints over water colors)  I am very pleased with the end result.  So was my Mom - Happy Birthday Mom.  In July this Monarch found a home at my mother's house. 

 

I think about making another Monarch wood burning, but I haven't yet.  I am not one to do something twice.  I am usually so full of new ideas and have so many things going at once.  But, I can see myself doing this one again.

 

- Take Care -

 

Welcome

January 20, 2013

     This is my first entry on my first blog - and I am finding it a bit intimidating.  I will try hard not to babble as I do when I am nervous.  The mission of this blog is to introduce myself as a Artist and to get myself out there.  I am new to this Artist business, even though I am getting on in years (the Big 50 in November). The past couple of years have been tumultuous, filled with many ending and beginnings. 
     During one of the life changing moments, I stumbled upon a Pyrography Magazine, published by Fox publishing.  Within its folds I learned the term pyrography, and that this was an ART form - writing with fire.  The idea that my hobby was an artform was a concept that - well - itched.  It niggled at me and I twisted it around in my head for a long time.  Up until this time I burned some boxes for fund raisers, and did some paid work for a carpenter friend, but I didn't think of it as artwork.  But what I did do was try out the techniques and I began to create more pieces. 
     My work improved, but it still wasn't where I knew it could be.  Then Christmas came.  My loving husband's gift changed my pyrography work immensely.  A professional, variable temperature, interchangeable pen, pyrography machine.  With heat that was instant, constant and changeable, I was able to get the shading, depth and quality I was looking for.  I still have a long way to go, but with these tools I am excited about the journey. 
     In this blog I plan to introduce one of piece every day.  Please share with me your thought and opinions.  You can always email me here: TerrysNiche@gmail.com 

 Here is Morning Glory Coffee Table.  This was a table I picked up at a second hand shop.  It was stained walnut brown and had seen better days.  Strippers and sanding revealed this beautiful wood grain.  Water damage and stains became rich soils for this flowering vine to spout from.  The transformation was amazing, and the affirming comments were so uplifting.




To own a Terry's Niche original you can go to my ETSY shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TerrysNiche
or you can bid on one of my Ebay auctions here: http://myworld.ebay.com/315parky3?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

     Have a Great Day!