In my home, cutting boards and wood go together like water and ice, and to say I have an overzealous love for wood cutting boards would be an understatement. Not too terribly long ago, I made a custom wood cutting board for my best friend as a wedding gift, and she talks about the cutting board the same way I talk about my kids!
Not only does she dote on the cutting board continuously, but people are also constantly asking her where she ordered it. Wait … what? Ordered it? No, we do not order anything if it is something we can create ourselves.
If you read my articles then you know I am all about making presents for the holidays to save money because we have so many people in our families. This year I have decided on etched glassware for the kitchen (I wrote about that two weeks ago) and yes, you guessed it … customized wood cutting boards.
The wood burned cutting boards could not be easier and can be made at any skill level.
Items needed:
– wood cutting board-can be made or store bought, light wood works better
– wood burning kit- can be bought at any craft store for less than 12 dollars
– patterns-can be designs or letters
– ballpoint pen
– printer
First, you will need to figure out how you would like the finished product to look. You can add a quote, a last name, or a design. The options are limitless, and the Internet can provide great inspiration, so look around and try to find something that speaks to the individual receiving the gift.
Once you have decided what you will be burning into the wood, print it off onto a sheet of printer paper in black ink. Using the ballpoint pen, you will need to outline the letters or design onto the cutting board. Do this by simply laying the paper down and tracing with the pen.
This will leave an indention in the wood, which is the line you will trace with the wood burner. When buying a wood burner, I like to make sure the kit I purchase has just a regular “freehand” tip available.
After plugging the wood burner up and making sure it is nice and hot, start burning the wood following the outlined indentions.
When wood-burning, make sure to keep a steady hand for a good quality finish; try to make sure you keep the depth the same throughout the entire design. You may need to go over spots more than once to achieve desired results.
It is never a bad idea to have some scrap wood handy if you are not familiar with wood burning. It is a very easy skill to learn, but it is always good to try it out before you take on the actual job.
Once you have finished, wrap it up and take it to the incredible person who will love and admire the handy work. Then you can watch them gasp! ... when they find out you actually made it for them.
Happy wood burning and good luck!
April Sherrill is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald. Contact her at april@dailydata.com.