Text and images by Amy Christie for Design Mom.
It’s getting to be that time of year again: handmade gift-making season! This year, we thought it would be fun to try a new creative tool, a dremel (or you could call it a wood burner), a heated tool used for etching and drawing on wooden surfaces. For the next three days, I’ll be sharing cool and easy projects using this one tool (find the second project here).
ETCHED WOODEN SPOONS TUTORIAL
First up, mixing spoons! Inspired by this project, I thought it would be interesting to see what super simple designs — dots, plaids and hatched arrows — looked like on etched wooden spoons. And they turned out so great, I thought they’d make a gorgeous gift!
Since I had never tried one before, I found it fascinating to work with the etcher — it’s a whole different way to alter an object. And you guys are lucky, because after my experience with these projects I can offer some advice. As a warning, it does get crazy hot and can 1) burn skin, 2) burn a whole through clothing and 3) make burn marks on anything it comes into contact with. Only two of these items are inspired by personal experience and I’m embarrassed enough not to tell you which two. : ) So please be careful!
That said, don’t be intimidated. It was actually really easy to work with. Just be careful, and when you aren’t actively using it, rest it on a surface that won’t burn. And of course, make sure to unplug it when you have finished your etched wooden spoons.
Also, there is a good chance that when you finish, you will smell like what I imagine Smoky the Bear smells like — burned wood. So crack a window, turn on a fan and pretend you’re enjoying a bonfire. The result is well worth it.
Plug in the Dremel and let’s get going!
Supplies to Make your Etched Wooden Spoons:
– Wooden spoons. I bought a cheap-o pack from the store and ordered a little nicer set online for about a dollar each.
– Etching tool. I know. A 20 dollar investment, but it gets great reviews and I think I’ll be able to use it ton. You could even share it among your crafty friends.
Heat up the etching tool and get to burning. Any design will do.
The best part of it is, you can doodle anywhere you want! Unlike with paint (which isn’t typically food safe), the design can continue onto the the parts of the utensil that will come in contact with food. Draw on the handle. Draw on the head. Draw on the whole thing! Dots, lines, hatch marks. The sky is the limit.
There isn’t much to direct here, and no templates needed. It’s that simple. You can use my designs as a reference, or free hand a design from your imagination. If you are more comfortable, you can trace a design or use a pencil to sketch on the spoon what you intend to do first. Then put the tool to the wood and make it come true.
If you want, make a little symbol, like an artist’s signature, somewhere on the spoon (I used my signature heart), because it’s a piece of art! Then tie them up with a ribbon and the gift is ready.
——–
THESE ETCHED WOODEN SPOONS WOULD ALSO BE GREAT FOR:
– A house warming gift.
– A birthday gift for a baker.
– A Mother’s Day gift topper.
– Party favors for a kitchen-themed party or shower.
P.S. — Like to make gifts? Check out our Perfect Gift series.
Pingback: | BHG Style Spotters
Did you continue with the design on the back of the spoons?
Pingback: Friday I’m In Love | A WordPress Site
Pingback: 27 Free Wood Burning Pattern Ideas | Guide Patterns
Pingback: Link Love from around the wedding world, DIYs & crafts! | Bespoke-Bride: Wedding Blog
Pingback: 9 Adorable DIY Gift Ideas Under $25 - Mommy In Love With Fitness
Pingback: Utensilios de cocina de madera decorados diy | T-agged blog
Pingback: 15 DIY Valentines Day Gift Ideas - Simplify Create Inspire
Pingback: DIY: Customiza tus utensilios de madera
Pingback: DIY the Most Darling Spoons | Froghill Designs Blog
Pingback: etched wooden spoons - Fun Crafts Kids
Pingback: DIY Bridesmaids Gifts They’ll Love | Wedding Planning Tips
Pingback: DIY Bridesmaids Gifts They’ll Love | Vintage Wedding Guide
Pingback: Wonders of Wednesday #31 | Daily Dorothy
Just came across this on pinterest, LOVE it!!
So cute! How did you come up with the designs?
I love this and wanted to let you know I shared/linked this post on my blog : )
http://www.christinakayrambo.blogspot.com/2015/12/hand-made-holiday-do-it-yourself.html#.VnCmUxFViko
Thanks!
Really enjoyed this post! I have shared this on my site fantastigift.com :)
Pingback: The Tiny Kitchen – The Jungle
This might be a dumb questions, but after you have burned the wood spoons are you able to actually use them on food or are they just for a decoration? Thanks.
Your photos are absolutely amazing! This reminds me of when I used to have a really cheap wood burner as a kid. I think my Amazon cart may end up with one more item… :)
Pingback: 22 Beautiful Free Printable Wood Burning Patterns | Mostcraft
Pingback: 13 Awesome Crafts to Gift (That people actually want!) - Lifestyle For Real Life
These gorgeous spoons take the idea of a wooden spoon to a whole new level. I can only imagine how nice they must feel in your hand. Thanks for sharing !!!
Pingback: Handmade gifts – Zigzag Handicraft by Twisted Sisters
Pingback: 15 Awesome DIY Projects That You Can Make and Sell – Wikis diy
Was it harder to burn de bamboo set? It was to.me… love the post, love the tips… looove the burning projects!
Pingback: 35+ Handmade Gifts For Mom (Perfect for Mother's Day)
Pingback: 30 Outstanding Dremel Projects You Can Make in a Few Hours - Homesteading Alliance
Pingback: 75 Crafts to Make and Sell
Pingback: 9 Best Ideas for Gifts on a Budget - Revolves Around You
Pingback: wooden projects for gifts | Woodworking Projects
Pingback: 30 Easy DIY Craft Projects That You Can Make and Sell for Profit
I carved my fisrt 2 spoons (I’m over the moon) and you gave me a really good idea with the etching tool and the burning designs. Thanks a lot! :) As you said it’s the perfect gift idea!
Just finished sketching our some Native American designs and thought what a unique idea to give as gifts this year to our seniors. Thanks for sharing.