How to Make Engraved Wooden Beads
Wood beads are growing in popularity and can add a bit of fun to any project. Engraving plain wooden beads is a great way to personalize them or give them a fresh new look.
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Things You'll Need
- Magnifier
- Vise (small)
- Wood engraver
- Wooden beads (plain, non-varnished, non-painted)
- Sandpaper (fine or super fine)
- Soft cloth (terry cloth, chamois)
- Bucket of water or sand
Instructions
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1
Gather all items within arm's reach for easy working. Clear a table or workbench that is stable (you can clamp the vise to it) and near a good light source. Set up the wood engraver and magnifier, if you are using one.
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2
Sand your beads if needed. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth.
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3
Draw or transfer your design to the beads (skip this step if you will engrave freehand).
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4
Clamp a bead into the vise.
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5
Press the engraver to the wood, moving it to follow the pattern or design.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice your design on paper beforehand if necessary.
Use light pencil or disappearing ink to draw your pattern on the beads. If you use wood transfers, make sure they're dark enough to see but light enough to be sanded off at the end. When burning the wood, go over the line as much as possible so that it cannot be seen.
Clamp the beads tightly in the vise but be careful not to crack, break or cut into the beads.
Hold the engraver as you would a pen or pencil.
The amount of pressure you put on the engraver will determine the darkness and depth of the burn. A lighter touch will produce a shallower, softer colored burn; a heavier touch will produce a darker, deeper burn.
If, after engraving the beads, the edges of the engraving are a bit rough, sand them again using a very light touch and super fine grit paper. Do not sand off the engraving.
The wood carver is made of extremely hot metal and will cause serious injury if improperly used.
Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby while working to extinguish fires.
