As the thin tendril of smoke slowly dissolves into nothing, a fresh line is etched into the surface of the fabric. Scenes of native flora and fauna slowly appear on the rim of the hat. Custom art adorns the surface of the fabric soldered onto the material; each motion brings the wearable art to life. Join Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Stef Grinberg as she chats to Stacey Nicholls, the owner and artist behind Stack of Art as they chat about pyrography, the artistic process and hens’ nights!
Stacey has always connected with art in all its various forms. From sculpting to water colour, “I’ve always loved doing anything creative, ever since I was a kid,” she said. Stacey founded Stack of Art to offer, “a one-of-a-kind creative experience perfect for modern weddings,” she explained. Through her workshops she teaches clients the art of pyrography by guiding them through each step of the – almost – meditative process.
“When I learned how to do pyrography on hats … it made me want to share the skill … and use my own designs at the same time, which seemed like a fun way to get my art out into the world,” she said.
The wedding and each celebration that leads up to the big day is a time filled with originality and character, a reflection of the couple and their love. Pyrography and learning the art of burning designs into fabric is an activity that provides you with a memory that can be worn, displayed and held for years to come.
Image courtesy of Stack of Art.
Old, But Not Forgotten
Pyrography is one of the oldest artforms in the world. The exact origins are unknown, with traces of the heated etching around the world. Ancient Egypt, China and Indigenous American culture are just some of the original users of the craft, having pioneered the art of engraving free-hand designs with a controlled heated object. Such engraved decoration has been found in ceremonial items and household objects, made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo and bone. As time went on, pyrography went through an evolution of its own, and as the artform grew in popularity, the techniques changed to allow for functionality and speed at once. Although, such materials aren’t used in Stacey’s work, utilising the first techniques is integral to learning the art of pyrography. Her work focuses on the fundamentals of the artform, burning intricate designs into the chosen material. First using polyester hats to learn, before moving up to an Akubra or other felt hats, as the skillset becomes second nature. The hat-burning workshop blends the artform with a wearable accessory.
“We use fedora-style hats for our workshops, you can keep the brim flat for burning your design, or curve it… if you want more of a cowboy hat look,” she said.
Yee-haw!
Each sketch that can be burnt into the fabric of the hat is initially hand-designed and drawn by Stacey. Experimenting with various artforms and ways of sharing her creativity, she explains, “my first real art obsession was watercolour painting; it was my go to way to relax. After that, I taught myself how to sublimate (heat print) my artwork onto mugs and candle jars.” From finding inspiration in the world around her and turning that idea into a stencil for hat burning, Stacey can translate a moment into an art piece.
“I’ve always loved to draw, especially Australian botanicals, native wildlife, and pretty much any animal. It’s something I’ve kept at for years, slowly developing and improving my style along the way,” she says.
Her inspiration becomes that of others, as they begin to etch her intricate designs into hats. The designs aren’t limited to what has been done, as Stacey offers on the spot drawings which can be tailored to you.
Last Rodeo
Stacey’s group hat burning workshops for hens’ nights, the ‘Last Rodeo’ as she calls it, entails ten to twenty people experiencing the art of drawing with fire. One of her favourite memories from a ‘Last Rodeo’ event is where the daughter of the bride desperately wanted to match her mum, and Stacey was able to produce a matching hat for the little girl to enjoy and treasure.
“[The session] is a great way to make cherished memories,” she said, adding that “it is a lively way to spend time with your friends and family.”
Watching each new piece come to life through pyrography, from the mother of the bride to the maid of honour, fills Stacey with joy as she explains her favourite part of every workshop is “seeing everyone’s different designs come to life.” The best part of the process is that you learn as you go, together.
“I love when people walk in saying they’re ‘not creative’ and then leave with a hat they’re genuinely proud of,” said Stacey.
Even the most self-proclaimed ‘uncreative’ individuals have creativity within, just waiting to be unleashed. The wearable artwork that follows from this empowered creativity is a beautifully crafted piece, reflecting personality in every etching. As the interactive workshop concludes and the artists have finished their craft, Stacey is left with the joy she brought into the day saying that “their smile at the end says everything.”