Knightingale Crafts

Based in Fife, Scotland artist Jamie Andrews designs, engraves and cuts wood using a laser to create unique Wall Art.

‘I got started in my current business after moving back to Scotland from Canada where I was farming fresh-cut flowers. During the winters in Canada, when the farm was under three feet of snow, I got into pyrography (decorating wood & leather with burn marks, also known as pokerwork). 
So when the opportunity to take on an ‘open-studio’ workshop came along, I couldn’t resist. I started woodworking, making small items of furniture and pyrography artwork and house signs. Eventually I invested in a laser engraving machine in order to grow the business. I started experimenting with the cutting facility of the machine and one thing led to another and now 100% of my business is laser cutting decorative items.

I start with initial drawings, photos and designs and then upload them onto the computer where I format and adjust so they can be used by the laser machines.  I use FSC certified birch or poplar plywood, made specifically for laser cutting, and apply Danish oil. During the laser cutting there can be a lot of adjustment depending on the thickness and quality of the wood and the intricacy of the design.  After engraving / cutting my designs I then hand finish them by sanding and adding painted highlights and any other final details.’