Pyrography is the free-handed art of decorating wood with burn markers. It is also known as pokerwood, or woodburning. After the important discovery of fire, the early form of wood burning was invented. Locally, 59-year-old Bonnie Pellet has been wood burning since she was 17. Her wood burning hobby is the result of a demonstration that took place in an art class she took at Windham High School.

Over the years, Pellet has entered her delicately engraved pieces of timber in eight shows and won first prize in a local church bazaar. They are on sale at the consignment shop One More Time Around in Moosup.

Her pieces sell anywhere from $5 to $150. Pellet uses pieces of wood she finds at hardware stores and flea markets or anywhere she might stumble upon kindling that she deems valuable. She has even utilized an old ironing board for artistic purposes.

Talent in Pellet’s family is not specific to just Bonnie. Her sister Gail paints using acrylics and is adept at arts and crafts. Pellet’s mother used to stencil.

Pellet has an associate’s degree in children’s education. She is from Canterbury and has been living in Taftville for four years. She looks forward to entering more shows after the pandemic subsides.

Lisa Shasha lives in Norwich.

Friends and Neighbors is a regular feature in the Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.