Discover wood burning craft techniques and the traditional paint medium of gouache.

This handsome technique introduces two very old art materials to students. The gouache is muted with white and thinned to a translucent wash over the wood grain. The wood burning provides a rich brown textured outline.

Young children can use a dark brown marker instead of the wood burning tool for a similar effect.

Grade Levels

Elementary through High School

Procedure

Step 1: Draw the Design

1. Choose wood piece.
2. Design to fit wood grain texture. Suggestions: landscapes, faces, abstract.
3. Lightly sand edges of the wood with light to medium sandpaper to remove any snags in the wood.
4. Draw designs onto the board or use graphite paper to transfer.

Step 2: Woodburn

1. Woodburn design into wood using basic point. It will cut and burn over gray transfer/pencil lines.
2. Point will burn if a constant pressure is not kept, resulting in burn holes if the tool is not lifted.
3. Over burns and burn holes are characteristic of this technique. Wood varies in softness and these inconsistencies are normal.
4. Do not try to cut round corners or small detail.
5. For younger students, use a dark brown Pentel marker to trace over the lines of the design. This will give a similar effect without the danger of burns.

Step 3: Paint

1. Select several colors of Gouache and squeeze about 1/4" onto a plastic lid or palette. Each student will need about 1/2" white to start.
2. When mixing, always add pigment to the white until desired color is reached. After you have the desired color, thin slightly with water to make a translucent wash.
3. Apply paint until all areas are covered. Do not paint over woodburned lines and be certain you do not apply the paint too thickly that the wood grain does not show through the paint.
4. Fine detail may be added using Pentel Milky Gel Pens.

Step 4: Finishing Suggestions

1. Gouache is not permanent. Use spray fixative to protect the work.
2. Frame if desired, add saw tooth to back for hanging.

Hints

• Use wood scraps from lumberyard 1' x 10" x 8", 12 etc.
• Spray the wood to seal before you start if the wood is very porous.
• Seal back as well to prevent warping.
• Keep designs to simple line work.

Extended Lesson

Use square cubes, putting a different design on each side, draw around the block to extend the design in 3D.