This is a wood burnt plaque that I made for my lovely Wife for Valentines Day. Yes most anyone can do this, hopefully these instructions can help. Please beware of all SAFETY issues with wood burning tools.

Step 1: Pick Your Material

Select wood and size of your project. I like using 3/4 inch birch plywood, it is easy and an even burn. Hardwoods like oak are harder to burn and pine is easy but does not burn even due to grain.

Step 2: Edge Detail

Dress edge as you like, use router, bench grinder, hand grinder or nothing. I use many styles and usually stain to add contrast to project.

Step 3: Add Pattern

Can you trace? That Is all you need to know. if you can draw or not it's that easy. You can apply any drawing, photo that you want by just placing tracing (carbon paper) and transfer to wood (don't over apply pressure) just enough to see outline.

Note: I have made a seperate drawing for each item and can use the same template in different layouts, always good to layout on paper first.

TRANSFER PATTERN TO WOOD.

Step 4: SAFETY FIRST

Please follow all Safety items when using tools (We need your instructable also!)

Step 5: Tools

These are the tools of the trade, forgot sandpaper for light cleaning, Please use your stand.

I have my favorite tips ( I usaully do lines, shading, everthing with 1 tip) you will have your favorite also, so I won't suggest.

Step 6: Burn It!

Take your time, (may want to practice holding iron and burning styles on scrap).

Have fun! Burn it!

Step 7: Add Color

Photo's says it all! Color, Color, Color!

Step 8: Insert Hanger

Many different ways to hang project, center and apply as required

Step 9: Clear Coat

Apply protective coat to protect project. I use poly with mat finish but there are other choices (will also make your colors POP!)

FINISHED! Hope you enjoyed.

Time to give it to my Wife because I Love her!

Thank you for looking!