Pyrography aka Wood Burning

Pyrography - /paɪˈrɒɡrəfɪ/

"Pyrography or pyrogravure is the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. It is also known as pokerwork or wood burning. The term means "writing with fire", from the Greek pur (fire) and graphos (writing).^[1] It can be practiced using specialized modern pyrography tools, or using a metal implement heated in a fire, or even sunlight concentrated with a magnifying lens. "Pyrography dates from the 17th century and reached its highest standard in the 19th century. In its crude form it is pokerwork." -Wikipedia

When I made our coffee pallet coffee table couple years ago I kept these two core blocks. Years later they were absolutely perfect for experimenting with woodburning and now they serve as a nice stand for my cactuses!

You might want to freehand but drawing first with a pencil or transferring your design into the wood first is a good idea, especially if you are a beginner. 

Tip: Place the metal holder and tape into the surface to make it stable and avoid any accidents because otherwise it moves whenever you touch the cable. 

Then let the woodburner heat up as instructed- and start drawing carefully. Not to fast not to slow, without pushing too much. You will feel the right way after a minute a or two. Burnt wood also smells great!

Happy wood burning!