Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 November 1895 — FIREPLACE MOTTOES. [ARTICLE]

FIREPLACE MOTTOES.

They Can Be Etched Into Wood With a Hot Poker. Over the fireplace, in straggling letters, may be carved in the wood, or fired upon the tiling, appropriate devices and sentences. It is not an expensive fad, and is something indicative of real individuality. As instances, “Welcome ye to this cottage by the sea,” or “Welcome ye to the cot by the old oak tree,” or whatever tree be nearest. Again, “Come, bask in my cheerful warmth : ” “ Find in my fire, your heart’s desire;” “Good cheer, find ye here;” “In gladsome mirth, gather around my hearth;” "Shall I not take mine ease beside my fireside?” These or other mottoes might be etched into wood, for a cottage, by poker work, a decoration of which too little is generally known. Pyrography.as it is designated, is done after a little practice by any one having the least art training or dexterity and precision in drawing. While there are sets of tools by winch finished work can be done, a small-pointed poker, heated either over a spirit lamp, or in a coal fire, can be made the instrument for fine effects. Not only lettering for mantels, but designs in lights and shadows, for panels, screens, picture frames, cabinets and brackets are made by the poker point. Good, well seasoned wood, free from knots and cracks, must be used to expect good results. It is said by experts that elm shows the blackest tracings, but that sycamore, holly and lime, followed by the oak, ash and elm, lend themselves readily to this work.

On any simple design or lettering the beginner can practice. There are but few rules. The bright woman will soon find the limitations and the beauties of pyrography. The beginner should trace upon a panel a simple design, perfectly geometrical, and with the heated poker or point follow the pattern with light, quick strokes. She should avoid resting the poker for an instant, even, on first touching the wood or upon leaving it, under the penalty of leaving an unsightly hard dot or point. Where the shadows are deep the point can be slowly touched again and again. With practice the amateur can shade the wood etching from any conceivable depth of shadow to the high lights, which are the untouched wood. It is well to first lightly trace the outlines, when the iron can afterwards go over the deeper portions at pleasure. The dark background is made by fine parallel lines crossed diagonally by others. The same rules in regard to leaving the design untouched should be observed, as in any other kind of drawing.