Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take custom commissions?

Absolutely! I would love to bring your vision to life. Please visit my COMMISSION REQUEST FORM page for next steps. 

Please continue reading the sections below prior to completing the request form. 

What is pyrography? 

Pyrography literally means "writing with fire." It is a traditional art of using a heated metal pen to manually burn detailed designs into wood, leather, and more. 

Is everything hand-burned?

Yes. Every single piece I work on is burned by hand. I either freehand the design, sketch it out in pencil first, or use transfer paper (similar to a tattoo artist) for detailed work like pet portraits. Each piece is made with love and truly unique. 

• Dark Side Pyrography retains full copyright and intellectual property rights to all original artwork, artwork designs, photos, and digital proofs created, even after purchase. 

• Dark Side Pyrography reserves the right to photograph, film, and share images of completed custom works on our website, portfolio, and social media channels for marketing purposes. If your order is a gift or time-sensitive surprise, please notify me in advance, and I will happily delay posting until after your gift has been given! 

• Dark Side Pyrography will not burn trademarked or copyrighted logos, characters, or artwork unless you possess written legal permission/licensing from the copyright holder. 

Birkenstocks - What leather type is recommended?

I only accept oiled leather or nubuck leather varieties for my Birkenstock commissions. Some colors burn better than others. I will let you know if I have any leather type / color recommendations after confirming your commission request. 

Purses, Totes, and Small Leather Goods - What leather type is recommended?

I prefer to burn high-quality full-grain leathers by premium makers like Portland Leather Goods, Bergamot + Amor, Rugged Earth, and Range Leather Co. However, because pyrography involves burning at incredibly high temperatures, I am selective about the specific stiffness, weight, and finish of the leather I choose. 

Why do you prefer rigid/stiff leather?

I prefer rigid, stiff, heavier weight leathers because they hold their shape under the heat of the burner. 

How do different leather finishes affect the burn?

The treatment of the leather completely changes the final artwork: 

• Dry or Oiled Leathers: These are my favorite to work with, as they absorb heat beautifully, especially for pieces that require a lot of shading and intricate details. 

• Shiny or Coated Leathers: I try to avoid leathers with high-shine topcoats. When my burner hits those coatings, the finish melts instead of burning cleanly. This can produce a tacky, sticky line rather than  crisp, dark edge. Shading can also unpredictable with this leather type. 

Do you ever burn pebbled leather?

I prefer not to. In my experience, artificial or natural texturing on pebbled hides reacts poorly to high temperatures. Applying heat to a textured surface creates a risk of localized warping, bubbling, and heat shrinkage, which ruins the symmetry of the design. 

Do you treat or seal the leather after it is burned?

Yes, but I only treat brushed leathers with a waterproof spray. Brushed leathers have a velvety texture that can be prone to absorbing oils, moisture, and dirt. Applying a waterproof barrier helps lock in the design, protects the raw burned lines, and minimizes the risk of smudging and staining over time. I recommend that my clients reapply 2 coats of waterproof spray to brushed leather bags and Birkenstocks once per year. 

Price Quotes

Price quotes for custom orders are valid for 30 days from the date issued. Please note that any requested additions or design changes requested after a price quote has been shared may incur additional charges. 

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept Vemno, PayPal and Zelle. I also accept cash and check (local customers only). 

What do you charge?

Because every project is unique, pricing varies based on size, detail, and materials. Once you submit your order request, I'll send over a personalized, itemized quote so you know exactly what to expect! 

Below is a general price list:

Stud Earrings - $20 per pair or 2/$35

Dangle Earrings - $35-$40 (depending on style)

Leather Burning  - $100+ 

Pet Portraits - $200+  

Unique Custom Orders - TBD after speaking to client

When do I pay?

The full balance plus shipping fees must be paid in full prior to the shipment or local pickup of the artwork (no shipping fee required for local pickup).

Can I submit reference photos?

Yes. For leather and woodburned art, please submit real-world photos, similar concepts, technical drawings, or a detailed description of design elements you would like to have included. 

Kindly refrain from sending images of work created by other artists. I pride myself on maintaining a unique artistic style and do not copy or recreate existing artwork from other makers. 

For animal portraits, interested clients must provide a high resolution reference photo before I decide to take on a commission.  Clear, high quality photos that show hair strokes and fine details are what I am looking for. This will help me create the best possible portrait. 

AI Policy

While AI can be a helpful tool in certain capacities, as an artist, I feel that AI generated reference materials stifle the creative process and create unrealistic standards. 

When contacting me with commission enquiries, please submit your reference materials using real-world photos, similar concepts, technical drawings, or a detailed description of design elements you would like to have included. Please no AI mockups. 

Do you charge shipping & handling?

Yes. I add a $15 return shipping and handling fee to any order that needs to be shipped to a client. Please note that the fee may increase for larger commissions or multiple items shipped in one box. 

What shipping carrier do you use?

I ship all custom orders through USPS. As soon as your piece is on its way, I will send you a tracking number so you can follow its journey!

Liability & Shipping Disclaimer:

Incoming shipping safety is the client's responsibility. Dark Side Pyrography is not liable for items lost or damaged before delivery to me. For completed orders, I will assist you with USPS tracking and resolution if issues occur en route to you. 

How long does a custom piece take to make?

Turnaround time varies due to the fact that I am a part time artist. Currently, custom pieces take between 4-8 weeks to design and burn before they are ready to ship. An estimated timeline will be provided when your commission request is confirmed. 

What types of wood do you use?

I primarily work with basswood and birch. Basswood is my preferred choice for commissions because its light color and minimal grain allow the shading and detail to stand out cleanly. 

I have also burned Acacia wood cutting boards and plaques with good results. 

Can I provide my own wood or item for a project?

Yes, provided it is raw, untreated wood. I cannot burn on stained, painted, or chemically treated wood (like pressure-treated lumber or MDF) because burning them releases highly toxic fumes.

Can woodburned art fade over time?

Yes, natural wood can fade or shift in color if exposed to sunlight. To keep your design looking vibrant, always display your piece out of direct UV light and away from high-moisture environments.

Do you seal your woodburned pieces?

Yes, I apply a high-quality protective finish to every piece. I use Krylon matte finish spray coating, which includes UV inhibitors that block untraviolet rays from the sun. I also use Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic, which prevents yellowing and seals moisture. These finishes will help protect your art for many years to come!

Can you add color to your woodburned pieces?

Yes. I do like to add colored highlights or accents from time to time, using watered down acrylic paint and Gellyroll pens. Each piece is finished with Kylon UW Acrylic spray and Minwax Polycrylic. 

Did you know?

My work made it into The New York Times! Reporter Sadiba Hasan was covering the bridal Birkenstock trend and featured one of my amazing clients, Calista McCullough, who chose to wear a pair of Birkenstocks I custom-burned for her wedding. Even though they didn't include a photo or my business name, seeing "Pyrography Artist, Rebecca Holm," printed in The New York Times was such a fun, unforgettable thrill!

My work has also been featured on official Instagram profiles such as Razertip, Resparked, Steger Mukluks, and Portland Leather Goods.