The first thing we do, is make the pieces to be designed. Dave and I select pieces of Maine white pine, that we think has "character' color, knots and other things that make a piece different.
Daves Domain
Dave does all the woodworking, and taught himself these skills, when we moved to this remote part of Maine. He is a perfectionist, and much care goes into each lap desk, wine box, chest etc. that he makes.
My Turn!
After a piece is constructed, it comes to me for designing. First I choose a design, which may be my own , or an image that I like, that is copyright free. I particularly like, antique tile, nautical, and medieval design. I transfer the image onto the surface of the piece I am doing with graphite paper, tracing the image onto the wood. Graphite paper is less messy than carbon paper, and excess lines can be erased from the wood easier.
Next comes the WOOD BURNING. a simple electric pyrography (wood burning) tool can be purchased at Walmart for between $10 and $20. They also have kits that include a tool, designs, and a basswood plaque to work on. These tools and are shaped to achieve different effects, such as shading etc.
For the more advanced burners, units that have multiple tool hookups, temp control, and finer wire tips, that are interchangeable, are available at Colwood, and other companies. I have always like Colwood products. WWW.COLWOOD.COM
WOOD BURNING TAKES PRACTICE! Take a scrap piece of wood, and practice on it, doing curved lines, straight lines, and shading techniques. Walmart also has wood burning books, that show you how to use your wood burner. You will eventually develop your own style!
MY NEXT STEP, after burning my design into the wood is the coloring process. Some things, I don't color, or tint with colored stains. When I do paint, I use Acrylic paints, which I prefer, for their versatility. The wood burning serves to give the painted image definition, depth, and a permanence to it, as it is now part of that wood, and can't wear off with time.
THE LAST STEP,in the process is the finish work. I apply between 3 and 6 coats of polyurethane, sanding between each coat. The client can choose the patina they would like, satin, semi gloss, or gloss.
When the piece is thoroughly dry, we add the brass hinges, knob, ring-pull, whatever is required for that piece. As a finishing touch, I make up a potpourri sachet, to give a lovely scent to the boxes, lap desks, chests, and pet urns.

WOOD ON WATER- is located in Eastport, the most easterly city in the US.
WHAT WE DO
My husband Dave and I, Handcraft out of white Maine pine, chests, Lap desks, wine boxes, wall boards, Pet Portrait keepsake boxes and urns, and custom chair rails.
WHAT KINDS OF DESIGNS ARE AVAILABLE?
The choice is yours! Let me know what you would like to see, and I will research it for you, or bring me an image of your pet, boat, house, crest, or anything that is special to you, and I will wood burn and hand paint it on any of our Products!
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission, and our GUARANTEE,is to create one of a kind pieces for our clients that are affordable, made with the highest standards of excellence, that our clients will treasure for years to come. If you are not happy with any of our work, we will gladly refund your money, or make you a new piece at NO COST TO YOU. We love what we do, and it shows!
CALL OR VISIT US TODAY!
OUR RETAIL SHOP in Eastport is open seasonally May to October. 207 853-9663
Our WEBSITE URL is: http://www.woodonwater.com
WORKSHOP- Open Year Round-207 853-4025
WWW.WOODONWATER.COM

What I find REALLY EXCITING about my work, is the endless possibilities for applications!
I have done work on BAR TOPS, TABLE TOPS, CABINET DOORS, CHAIR RAILS, BASE BOARDS, CEILING BORDERS and more! Also, work like this adds value to a home, and is much more affordable than you would think. We LOVE OUR WORK! and that is the number one driving force behind what we do!
So, next time you are looking for some unique, interior design ideas, here they are! Make a room truly your own, with some chair rails with your favorite design on them, and add maybe some matching end tables, wall boards, or coffee table. Can you imagine this work on FLOOR TILES?.......

A gal I know in Virginia, opened up a great shop for Parrot toys and supplies, and asked me to do a sign, for the inside of her shop.

She wanted a black capped Caique, on one end, and a white bellied Caique on the other, with the name of her shop in between. She left the artistic details up to me. following are some photos of the results. Hope you like them, she loved it!