WOODBURNING FOR BEGINNERS: IRIDESCENT BUTTERFLIES OR FISH
by Kathy James, Southwest GA

CLASS FULL, PLEASE CHOOSE ANOTHER

Learn the basics of woodburning with your machine, choosing the right temp, practicing good lines, and caring for your machine and tips. You will apply your designs with PyroPaper and learn how to accomplish shading using the tip you have. Stargazers iridescent paints will be available for those who would like realistic wings/scales. There will be time for more than one butterfly or fish if you like. Take home extra PyroPaper designs and several handouts.

Required Supply List: one or more gourds or scraps (for butterfly jewelry), any size, ready to woodburn. Must bring a woodburner with adjustable heat (Burnmaster, Detail Master, Razertip, Colwood) and a bladelike tip (skew), or purchase one onsite. Handheld models from craft stores will not work with PyroPaper.

The student will complete a kimono wall hanging that allows the inside surface of the gourd to shine. The piece will make use of the white lining of the gourd (that we usually scrape out) to imitate the fine lines of crinkled fabric. The kimono will be cut in 2 pieces and we will use wire and beads to put it back together. The class kit will have all the precut pieces needed for the student to piece together the kimono. The project can either be made for a wall hanging or a shadowbox.

Required Supply List: $4 precut kimono kit, available from instructor in class.

Students will learn to make cordage (rope) using day lily leaves, yucca, strips of corn husk and other materials, and trim a small gourd with the cordage and other natural materials. All foliage supplies will be furnished by the instructor. The instructor will furnish a small gourd bowl.

Required Supply List: an old towel, scissors, and a small container or bucket for soaking dried materials.

Optional: Feel free to bring something dried from your garden to incorporate if you wish. Bring any dried long leaf material from which you would like to try to make cordage.