the author introduces what five tips she recommends, how to create a variety of dimension, shade and texture with your woodburner and how to develop your drawing skills, and close-up instruction on lettering. The book also includes border patterns and images in themes including harvest, arbor, seaside, floral and more. From the simple beauty of a single oak leaf, to ... Read morean elaborate portrait of nature, the patterns in this book are beyond compare. You'll find techniques for getting started in woodburning and how to develop your pyrography skills. The heart of this book is a treasure trove of patterns: individual elements, borders, and central images which can be mixed and matched to create personal works of art. Or, you can refer to the authors complete compositions which weave poems and verse with imagery. Pattern themes cover a wide spectrum including harvest, arbor, birds and other wildlife, seaside, clipper ship, teatime, Native American, garden, floral, lighthouse, and much more. I have wanted to try this lost art for quite some time but other books have been a bit daunting or too simplistic. This one was different. It lead me through the craft step by step, from chosing the tools (I had no idea that there even was a choice) the wood and the patterns. I now know how to transfer designs of my own making, create lettering and add color to the finished product. The artist led me through each project through words and amazing pictures of her work. I can't wait to make a sampler quilt as I learn the craft. Wood burning?drawing a design on wood with a special tool?can produce stunning works of art. Pompano, an artist whose love of nature drew her to wood burning, guides novices through basic tools and techniques, including selecting the appropriate materials and designing distinctive artworks. Much of the book is devoted to projects, including several beginner projects designed to introduce basic concepts, as well as a pattern treasury featuring mix-and-match elements and fully realized projects. VERDICT Pompano's expertise combined with the comprehensive information and wide variety of projects make this a fine addition to library collections. Show Less