­­­­­The art of wood burning has been around for centuries—you may have even seen pieces at your local antique shop or flea market. But what you may not know is that wood burning is actually a great hobby that is relatively easy to learn, and you don’t even need that many tools to create your very own masterpiece.

Most of the tools are available at a craft store and the soft wood required should be easily accessible. You should also have a variety of items to choose from, such as frames, boxes, and plaques. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can have unique, handmade pieces that friends and family will love—and can’t get anywhere else!

Directions:

1. Fasten the size point you want to use to the pen before turning it on, as it heats up quickly. After about 2 minutes, the pen should be ready to use.
2. Place your template over the wood and lightly trace it with a pen or pencil to outline your design.
3. When you’re ready, create gentle strokes on the wood over the pencil tracing (you don’t need to push too hard as the pen is extremely hot).
4. Gently brush away any wood scraps or ash with your soft cloth, being careful to avoid touching the hot tip of the pen.

Note: You will be working with a piece of equipment that can get extremely hot. Never touch the tip of the pen with bare hands—use pliers to change out the points, and always keep the pen on the stand when not in use.

Whether you want to make a thoughtful gift for someone else or are simply taking up a new hobby for yourself, wood burning is a great way to create long-lasting pieces that really make a statement.