So many people ask me, “Why woodburning?” Well, the answer is, it was not a revelation, not a long-time desire, not even a sought-after hobby to take up time. It was a tickle.

My late husband took me to a state fair where someone was doing Pyrography demonstrations. He said I should give it a try. I let the moment slip by but thought of it often, particularly after he passed away at only 60 years old. That tickle became an itch, became a tap on the shoulder and finally a need to see if he was right. I picked up a kit (which looked like a soldering iron) on a whim and the rest is history.

My tools are much more sophisticated now. I have my own wood shop. I call it Wholly MO’s but, in reality, my daughter has joined me and is quite good. Our styles are different, as they should be, and we enjoy sharing our creations.

I love animals, landscapes, the beauty of nature (see horse and rider), and the smile of the customer who sees what I saw in a moment come alive. I tend toward delicate, intricate pictures that touch the heart.

My daughter, Anna, thrives on design, vibrance, purpose and completion (see luna moth). Her pieces are strong, bold and beautiful. Anna’s confidence shows in every piece she sells.

… and we both LOVE the smell of burning wood.

Together, with our silly sense of humor, our eye for detail, and our ultimate desire to make someone happy, we are Wholly MO’s Woodcrafts.