New Wood Cut & Engraved Designs Are Coming to the Studio

I’ve been experimenting with something a little different in the studio lately, and I’m really excited about the possibilities — wood cutting and engraving.

I’ve always loved creating artwork that feels as though it could have been discovered inside an old book, tucked away in a forgotten library or hanging on the wall of a slightly magical old house. My newest idea is to take that love of vintage illustration, fantasy artwork and old woodcut-style designs and turn it into something three-dimensional.

From Illustration to Wood

Using a wood cutting and engraving machine means I can take detailed black-and-white illustrations and transform them into pieces that can be cut, layered and engraved into wood.

I’m particularly drawn to designs inspired by vintage woodcuts, old storybook illustrations, gothic architecture and celestial imagery.

Think crescent moons, tiny stars, gothic windows, botanical details, moths, fairies, dragons, old books and little magical symbols.

The vintage moon design pictured here is exactly the sort of direction I’d love to explore — intricate enough to feel special, but with those strong graphic lines that work beautifully when translated into wood.

Magical Wall & Bookshelf Decor

One of the things I’m most excited about is creating pieces that don't necessarily have to be traditional framed artwork.

I’d love to make wooden wall plaques, gothic window shapes, layered wooden artwork, engraved signs and freestanding bookshelf decorations.

Some pieces could sit between your favourite fantasy novels, while others could be displayed alongside candles, old books and little collected treasures. Larger designs could become statement wall pieces for reading rooms, bedrooms and cosy book corners.

Essentially, I want them to feel like little artefacts from another world rather than simply another piece of home decor.

Inspired by Vintage Woodcut Art

There is something I absolutely love about old woodcut and engraving illustrations.

The limited colours, bold outlines and tiny carved details give them such a distinctive character. They can feel gothic, whimsical and slightly mysterious all at once — which makes them perfect for the kind of fantasy and bookish artwork I love creating.

I’m planning to take inspiration from this traditional style while adding my own themes and illustrations, creating pieces that feel vintage but still work beautifully in a modern home.

Made for Book Lovers & Fantasy Homes

Of course, books will be a huge part of these new designs.

I’m already imagining little wooden library signs, celestial bookshelf plaques, moons and stars, enchanted windows, dragons curled around books and magical quotes.

Some could be engraved, some completely cut out, and others could use several layers of wood to create depth and shadows.

I also love the idea of creating smaller pieces specifically designed to slot into a bookshelf or stand amongst a collection of books.

A New Creative Experiment

This is very much a new adventure for me, and that’s probably what makes it so exciting.

There will be lots of experimenting with different woods, engraving depths, shapes, layers and finishes while I work out exactly what these new pieces can become.

I already have far too many ideas!

If you love fantasy decor, gothic interiors, vintage illustration and bookish home accessories, keep an eye on the website and my social pages because I’ll be sharing the first designs as they come to life.

Hopefully, very soon there will be a whole new collection of wooden fantasy wall art and magical bookshelf decor waiting to find a home amongst your favourite books. ✨🌙

What would you like to see turned into wood first — moons and stars, dragons, fairies, gothic windows or something completely different?.