Cartoons, Design

Burning for You

1950's wood burning kit 2014-12-22steve wallet architect wood burn hanukkah cat 2014-12-22I acquire a retro/nerdy/cool hobbysteve wallet architect wood burn cat under tree 2014-12-22

steve wallet architect wood burn cat on a stick 2014-12-22The other day Lisa saw an ornament in a store that she really liked. She brought it over to me and said “It’s wood burning, you can do this!” A few days later I got my first wood burning tools for Hanukkah. The rest, as they say, is history.steve wallet architect wood burn world's best dad 2014-12-22steve wallet architect wood burn on the beach 2014-12-22

I remember when I was a kid that wood burning was a somewhat obscure hobby. See top photo of a 1950’s kit – “fun for the whole family!”. I knew about it but had never done it and didn’t know anyone who did. Now I know. It’s sort of like drawing, slowly, with a thick pen – on lumpy paper. steve wallet architect wood burn cat top of tree 2014-12-22Smells good.

steve wallet architect wood burn cat gift 2014-12-22It’s fun, but what do you call the finished drawing? “wood burns”? “burns”? Please use my contact form or comment below with your suggestions.steve wallet architect wood burn buddies 2014-12-22

Here’s what I’ve done so far, in the order I made them.

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Cartoons, Design

Happy Hanukkah!!!!!!

steve wallet architect 2014 hanukkah latke recipe cartoon detailCartoons for the holiday

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steve wallet architect 2014 hanukkah latke recipe cartoonThis year I combined a recipe with cartoons. As you read the steps of my father’s recipe for latkes, the traditional fried potato pancakes eaten at Hanukkah, the cartoons tell a story. Like all holidays, this story involves food and family.steve wallet architect 2014 hanukkah wallpaper

And my string of wallpaper designs continues with a Hanukkah pattern. It is made from the pieces that make up Hanukkah – food, games and love.

“Ah lichtige Hanukkah”, a bright and wonderful Hanukkah to all!

Try your hand at some latkes if you’ve never had them, they’re great!

A Hanukkah guide
see my earlier Hanukkah cartoon for the story of the holiday

menorah-The candle holder for the lights of Hanukkah. An additional candle is added each night until you have 8 on the last night.

dreidel-a traditional Hannukah game played with a spinning top

gelt-foil wrapped chocolate coins eaten at Hanukkah