Simon Easton - Learn to Burn: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started in Pyrography

Simon Easton studied a BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he focussed on woodturning, silversmithing, and pewterware. His pewter napkin ring set was one of the MMU winners of the Pewter Live 1999 competition, and was displayed at Pewterers Hall in London. He won both a Precious Metals Bursary and a Grant from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in order to produce design concepts he had developed. The common theme in Simons work was a decorative and textural feel, often rich in embellishment or pattern.

Before graduating in 2000, Simons design for a wooden turned decorative bowl was selected for inclusion in the onetree project. This project, which toured the UK as an exhibition, stemmed from the use of one single ailing oak tree distributed to a range of artists, designers, manufacturers, and craftspeople. Every single part of the tree (from the leaves to the roots) was used to create a stirring and diverse display of talent, which was also featured in a book published to accompany the tour. For the onetree exhibition, Simon created a decorative turned wooden bowl with a spun pewter insert, entitled Wish, Hope, Dream, Everything.

In recent years, Simons crafting focus and love of wood has led him to the art of pyrography, which he uses with a contemporary twist to create richly decorative items and gifts. The result is a diverse and exciting body of work released under the name Wood Tattoos. He has created a varied range of works and commissions, sells at craft fairs and galleries, and accepts custom orders at www.woodtattoos.com. He is an active member and moderator of the UK Crafts Forum, where he assists in passing on tips and advice to all craftspeople.

Simon is the author of Woodburning with Style, a comprehensive guide to the art of pyrography, published in 2010. The book has received many positive reviews from readers around the world. You can also see Simons latest work by following him on www.facebook.com/woodtattoos and checking out his latest designs at www.flickr.com/photos/woodtattoos, where new photos are added regularly.