Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather by Lora S. Irish

Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather

by Lora S. Irish

This comprehensive resource covers a variety of hand lettering techniques for use on the three main pyrography media surfaces: wood, leather, and artist paper. Includes sections on safety, tools, basic pyrography techniques, pen tip styles, burning strokes and tonal values as well as templates for seven fonts. Renowned and award-winning artist Lora Irish takes you through each project step-by-step and shows you how to finish your chosen project with flair. Achieve your hand lettering goals and make beautiful, personalised gifts and signage with this must-have guide.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

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Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Lettering on Wood, Paper and Leather is a well written and accessible pyrography workbook by Lora S. Irish. Released 3rd Jan 2023 by Fox Chapel, it's 96 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a beginner friendly guide that presupposes no previous experience. It's written in easy to understand language and has a logical layout. The author provides a good introduction to pyrography including tools, supplies, and a concise short overview over safety and the different options for burning tools. I liked that she doesn't recommend one brand of tools over others, and all the brand names are blurred out or fig-leafed in the photos.

The intro chapters are followed by the project tutorials, grouped thematically: supplies and planning a project, lettering and font, troubleshooting, cleaning & finishing/sealing, and 6 start-to-finish tutorials for lettered signs and decorative items. Templates are included in the book. It's very well and clearly photographed throughout, and action shots are unobstructed, without fingers or items in the way of the "action". The projects themselves are appealing and upbeat and will make attractive gifts or home decorations.

Five stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, makers groups, activity groups, and the home crafter's studio. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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Reading updates

  • 27 January, 2023: Started reading
  • 27 January, 2023: Finished reading
  • 27 January, 2023: Reviewed