I had a knock on the door late this afternoon. As I opened it, I was greeted by three excited, smiley faces. My neighbour’s boys came over to pick up the box for this week’s homeless men’s food delivery. With them was their little brother. Being school holidays, and he being an enthusiastic artist in the making, had painted this picture for me. You can see on the bottom he has painted the words ‘to raili’.
When he was very little – just a few years ago if you are a grown up – and aaaaages ago if you are not – he used to send me ‘text’ messages. I must have struck a chord somewhere in his heart as he made up a bedtime song about me that the whole family had to learn! Aren’t kids just the best !
Today I finished my own little masterpiece. You may remember I was learning the fine art of pyrography (aka woodburning).
I added layers of shading. Then I started adding colours.
It didn’t feel finished. So I added some more subtle texturing and shading.

Somehow it just kept having more and more layers of colour added. I lost track of how many subtle layers I added one over the other. Until I ended up with a celtic knot that does not look at all like it was a wood burning in the beginning. But now the artist within tells me it is finished.

© Raili Tanska
Steps for Peace
Love this! Great job!
Thanks!
Oh such a sweet little boy! And your piece of art was mindblowing. First time I’ve come across this art form (pyrography) and without a doubt I’m impressed with your work!
He’s a delight to have around. And thank you for your lovely compliment 🙂
Pleasure is mine 🙂 Good day to you!
Offerings and burnt offerings. Love both your good deeds and art. It looks like a cross between a Celtic knot and a flower. Very beautifully done.
Thanks Opher 🙂 A flower? I’ll have to go and have another look at it.
Stunning, Raili so beautiful must say an artistic touch. Great post
Awww, that’s sweet of you to say so. There is a streak of creativity in my family. My brother and sister are both far more talented than me.
Wow great to hear that Raili. Art in itself is beautiful so keep it up
When I looked at the second to the last picture I thought, “That ought to be on a horse’s bridle.” I can see it all made out of shiny gold. I like it! I say go with your inner artist!
Funny you should say that about the gold – I coloured the first, outer ring in gold 🙂
Very very nice Raili.😊
Thanks Janet 🙂
We all need a little boy like that in our lives. Nice artwork. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks – and you’re right, we do 🙂
Wow. I love it! And talk about an adorable little guy!
Thanks Sumyanna. The little guy has a big, cheeky grin and a twinkle in his eye 🙂
Oh, the cutest! You’re welcome 🙂
Lady, you’ve got loads of talent up your sleeves. Now that’s one adorable sweetheart you got there. His painting plants a smile on my face and I can imagine a cherub with a heart of gold 🙂
Thanks Jacquie 🙂 I got a play/brunch date with the those kids this Friday….I dare say there will be more art work to admire
I love your work! the sweet story about our little neighbor boy really touched me! you know that i admire what you are doing for the homeless community-and teaching others to do the same. God bless you
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and kind comments. May you be blessed also 🙂
ooks like you’ve cracked the pyrography thing – nice work!
I like today’s quote in Steps for Peace. Lady Gaga’s got style, at least that’s how I see it 🙂
Thanks Jane. Lady Gaga is a fascinating phenomena,isn’t she !
Yes. She outdoes wishy-washy Madonna by a mile… but I’m biased. I never liked Madonna.
Fabulous work Raili. And I love the Lady Gaga quote, which I may steal sometime in the future.
Help yourself! Happy to be of service 🙂