Beautiful Basswood

One of the first questions someone new to wood burning asks is “what type of wood should I use”? This is a great question because not all woods work well or are safe to burn. The best choice for a beginner is called basswood and it can be purchased at many online retailers including Amazon. Here is one shocking fact about basswood, it doesn’t come from the basswood tree because the term “basswood” was a nickname given to the wood. Native Americans used the fibrous, tough inner bark, called "bast" for making cords, thongs and ropes. Over time "bastwood" became the common name used by tradespeople but it actually comes from the American Linden tree (tilia americana).

Basswood is similar to the maples and ash since it has a light-colored sapwood that  can vary from a stark white color, a very light brown, to a  yellowish flesh color. Basswood wood burns very smoothly at a temperature range of 200C-600C. The grain is smooth and allows you to create clean crisp lines. Basswood soaks up watercolor washes well but a clear coat does slightly change the color of the wood. Basswood is a soft wood, so it is a great choice for artwork that doesn't need to be frequently handled since it can easily gouge.

Fun Fact: The American Linden tree (Basswood) grows on moist upland slopes and can be found growing from New Brunswick to Manitoba. Lindens are large graceful deciduous trees and their asymmetrical leaves are heart-shaped The flowers of the tree attracts many bees and the nectar makes a white honey.