The boy and I are proud owners of a wonky Ikea coffee table that we found on the side of the road. The major problem with this table is that it has a handy-dandy shelf, which likes to collect just about every small object in the apartment. It looks bad, our cats sometimes steal things, and I'm constantly losing things only to have to dig around on the shelf later.

So I figured we needed a box... but a FANCY box. A Zelda box!!

I decided I might as well have a go at woodburning, because it's something I've always wanted to do. I practiced a little on a wooden spoon ( P.S. I'm really sorry about that, spoon. I don't think anyone wants you in their kitchen now. D: ) and then went for it!

I used this fantastic pyrography instructable by wood is the word to get me started - if you've never woodburned before, give it a look. It's super helpful.

And so, without further ado, my first ever woodburning project - a Legend of Zelda themed box!

Step 1: What You'll Need

box of some sort (I chose this hinged basswood one!)
pencil
printer
templates printed out to size
woodburning kit (I used this one)
tape
pliers (optional but allows you to switch out hot woodburning tips!)
sandpaper - finer is better! I'm using 220 grit.

I found source images online and then printed them to size. I chose the Hylian, Zora, Kokiri, Goron and old Gerudo crests.

Step 2: Transferring the Patterns

I chose the easiest way to transfer the pattern - just rub a pencil all over the back, tape the pattern to the box, and outline with a ballpoint pen.

This creates a very light pattern that you can go back over with pencil to get cleaner lines.

For smaller pieces, do the pencil rub first and then cut the pieces to size. It'll be less frustrating. :)

P.S. For best results, sand the surface thoroughly before you start. It'll make it easier to transfer the pattern and easier to use the woodburning pen if everything is nice and smooth.

Step 3: Woodburning!

I suggest doing this part outside if you're able - I climbed out onto the little terrace next to my apartment and worked there. Otherwise, a fan and open windows is a good idea. It gets really stinky really fast. :D

I let the woodburning pen heat up while I made the pattern on the box darker.

For the woodburning, I used two tips: the universal tip (shown in photo 1) and the shading tip (as seen in step two)

I outlined everything first using the shading tip, because it has a great point and nice smooth edges. After that I went back in and used the shading tip to start filling things in. The universal tip is great for cleaning up wobbly lines because it has such a nice sharp edge.

I also used the universal tip to create the border - it was really easy and I think it looks great!

Use the sandpaper to correct any mess ups - try to use a light hand on the first pass to make it easier to sand off. :D

After the first two hours I really started to get the hang of it. I might be addicted to woodburning now. Ohhhhhhh lawd. Like I need another terribly time consuming and tedious hobby. ;)

Step 4: Boomshakalaka!

Three hours later, and I was finished!

And then I danced a bit because it was all pretty exciting.

Step 5: Finishing the Box

Because I wanted to keep a high contrast between the color of the box and the woodburning, I chose to simply oil the wood instead of staining. I used Boos Mystery oil since I had it on hand.

It took a little over two coats of the oil to get the wood nice and saturated. :)