Frequently asked questions.
Why are your pieces so expensive?
Handmade crafts can often seem too pricey. There are many reasons why you pay more for handcrafted than mass-produced:
The years of training and skill that the artist has put into developing their craft.
The time that the artist has spent creating the piece.
The supplies that the artist has used to create the piece.
The artist's overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and insurance.
The artist's profit margin, which is necessary to cover their costs and make a living.
When you purchase a handmade craft, you are not just buying a product. You are also supporting the artist's livelihood and their creative vision.
Why are some of your wood burned items more expensive than others when they seem smaller or less complicated?
A big factor in the price of an item is the cost of the supplies. I use a variety of wood for my projects, and I can pay anywhere from a few dollars for a blank piece to upwards of $50. Some of the woods I use include:
Basswood: The least expensive type of wood for pyrography, basswood is soft and easy to work with. It has a light color and a fine grain, making it ideal for detailed projects.
Birch: Slightly more expensive than basswood, birch is a good choice for beginners because it is easy to find and has a smooth surface. It is also a good choice for projects that will be used outdoors.
Aspen: Aspen is a soft, light-colored wood that is easy to work with. It is more expensive than basswood and birch, but still reasonable in price.
Poplar: Poplar is a versatile wood that is relatively inexpensive. It has a medium grain and a light color, making it a good choice for a variety of projects. Rainbow poplar is multi-colored, and costs more.
Maple: Maple is a popular choice for pyrography because it has a beautiful grain and a rich color. It is a bit more expensive than other types of wood, but it is worth the investment for high-quality projects.
Walnut: Walnut is a dark, rich wood that is perfect for projects with a dramatic look. It is more expensive than other types of wood, but it is a good choice for special projects.
Cherry: Cherry is a beautiful wood with a reddish-brown color. It is a bit more expensive than other types of wood, but it is excellent for high-quality pieces.
How long does a custom order take?
That all depends on the scope of the project, and whether or not I have all supplies available. If I need to order a particular piece of wood, it is obviously going to take longer to complete. I do my best to give an accurate estimate of time and cost once we have gone over all details of the order. In general, you should expect at least 2 weeks for a project that doesn’t require additional materials to give me time to create the initial drawings, transfer to the wood, do the actual burning, finishing the project, packing and shipping.
How can I take care of my wood-burned item?
The best thing you can do for any wood-burned object, is keep it out of the sun! While you cannot prevent your piece from fading over time, you can definitely slow it down significantly. Here are some tips to keep your burn looking fresh:
Keep it out of direct sunlight, and preferably farther out of indirect sun as well. Lighter burns will be more susceptible to sunlight than heavy, dark burns.
If your item has been finished with sealant, you can wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it dust free. If it hasn’t, you can refresh the wood with mineral oil, cutting board oil, or cutting board wax (follow the package directions).