This listing is for a bundle I created to make an antique craft kit. I love pyrography (wood burning). It is also called Flemish Art, as one of the biggest sellers of blank pryography pieces at the turn of the last century was named ... Flemish Art! It was a folk art craft that was HUGELY popular with the Victorians. Pyrography "blanks" - wood pieces that had a pattern and design for you to finish were sold from just about everywhere - Sears catalogs, "Flemish Art" and the maker listed above. Many times the pieces came with the design already burned into the wood, or partially done, like this one. or not done at all for you to design and create. The designs were on just about everything you can think of. One of the most popular pieces for the Victorians were the "hanky" boxes that were given as gifts at Christmas. They most often had a poinsettia design on the top, and would have held a hand made hanky to go with the box. This piece is for a "Gibson Girl". This was one of the most beautiful of the Art Nouveau styles, and was originally created by Charles Dana. The company Thayer and Chandler, according to the reference book that is included in the bundle, had the only authorized rights to reproduce the Gibson Girl designs. While this piece is a Gibson Girl and VERY similar to the designs shown, she is not exact. I am sure, however, that she was made by this company, just in a different year, or was on a different catalog page than what is shown in the reference book. She is definitely a Gibson Girl, and they definitely held the rights for reproduction, so this is a pretty sure thing.
Although Gibson Girls and Art Nouveau were hugely popular, they fairly quickly faded in popularity - early 1900s only. In later years, because the designs are so romantic and lovely, they are highly prized by collectors.
I HAD planned on completing this project. But, I am 74. If I haven't done it by now, I am not gonna do it. The design in the center was meant to be pryographed to bring out the design, then painted lightly with water color, then stained either dark, or a lighter color, or just finished with the dark edge. The best way to finish a piece like this, when it is completed to your liking, is to add Tung Oil, in either a low gloss, or medium gloss. Don't use high gloss; it will look too new. Tung Oil is great for antique furniture, too; especially where the finish and stain are a little worn and faded. You can often add Tung Oil and not have to refinish the piece. I have used it since the 1980s on just about everything, including my Grandmothers cedar chest.
You can always contact me, if you get started with the project, and need ideas or help. I hope you like this set; I always thought it would be so much fun, and you would have a really great antique piece when you are done.
The copyright date on the book, btw, is 1994. The pen is from the 1960's. You wouldn't want to use a 1920 pen, as they had to be heated in fire - weren't electric. Way too much margin for error!