In 1999 Jeff and I purchased 20 acres in Central Oregon's High Desert and decided to try our hand at living "off-grid". We did that for about 18 months and it was an amazing experience. The closest town was 35 miles away and even our nearest neighbors lived 4 miles down a dirt road. We had no access to television and our phone and internet services were limited to trips we made into town. We learned what it was like to get back to nature. It was quiet, and peaceful, and life took on a slower pace, which was a welcome departure from what we had grown used to in the city. It helped me reconnect with my creative side...my inner artist. And I found myself craving new projects! Something challenging and exciting to do with my hands.

This is when I decided to pick up a new art form...wood burning or it's professional name; pyrography. In my case, I focused on creating full-color photo reproductions burned into wood.

More recently I learned that I could also burn images onto leather, which offers a much smoother surface to work with. Both have their own unique attributes and a portrait can be created in virtually any size with either medium.

I can recreate your special photo and turn it into a wonderful gift, keepsake or memorial that will last for years.

There are many options available...the images I've included are only a small representation of what is possible. Together we can design a truly one-of-a-kind work of art! Let your imagination go wild! Any UNFINISHED wood or leather item can have an image and/or lettering burned onto it. I offer pieces where the entire work is shaded with only the burning tool...creating a kind of "old world" charm and appeal. I also offer full-color photo reproductions where the initial image is burned onto wood...wood creates the best surface for color application...and then all of the shading is hand-applied in artist grade color pencil. I also offer spot-color when you want that "old world" look and feel, but want a particular item to JUMP OUT from the picture...such as a flower that is held, or a bow in the hair, a tie on a suit, or a collar on a beloved furry friend.

Your original piece of art can then be left "raw"/unfinished, or you may choose to have it varnished. The edges/border of wooden pieces can be fully blackened with the burning tool, painted a particular color, or left plain. An option for hanging can also be added to the back, if you'd like.

Portraits may be burned onto boxes or wooden containers of all kinds. Even instruments can be burned. But keep in mind that the item MUST BE UNFINISHED prior to burning. This is because toxic fumes can be emitted when applying heat. Also, any kind of finish prevents the burn from "taking" properly on the surface of the wood.

I normally offer you (and acquire on your behalf) several wood options for your portrait or item and my cost is incorporated into your total price. You MAY provide your own wood or wooden item to be burned, so long as it meets the no-finish-applied requirement. If you do this then I will only bill you for services I provide.

Pricing is on a per-job basis and is dependent on all of your personal preferences and choices.

I ship anywhere in the United States via USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail and add nothing above my cost for shipping. If you live outside the USA I will happily ship to you, but we will have to discuss shipping options based on your location so please message me for details.