We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debra Corness a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Debra, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Wood Burning Arts, Colorado-based artist Debra Corness transforms the rustic elegance of nature into beautifully crafted wood-burnt pieces—from canvas art and jewelry to bespoke furniture. What drives her is more than creating visually striking work; it’s a deep-rooted connection to Colorado’s landscapes. Her mission—to celebrate the region’s natural beuty—becomes meaningful through each custom design and class she offers, inviting individuals not just to admire, but to feel and carry a piece of Colorado’s spirit with them. Every consultation, commission, and workshop is a testament to why this mission matters—to keep creativity rooted in place, community, and the transformative power of art.
Debra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Debra Corness, and I’m the artist and founder behind Wood Burning Arts—a creative studio rooted in Colorado and inspired by the raw beauty of nature. My journey into pyrography (the art of wood burning) began as a personal creative outlet. I’ve always felt deeply connected to the outdoors, and one day, while exploring ways to bring that connection into my home, I discovered the warmth and texture that only fire and wood could create together. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and soon a business—driven by a desire to help others tell their stories through natural materials and handcrafted design.
At Wood Burning Arts, I create custom wood-burned art pieces, personalized gifts, furniture, jewelry, and even offer workshops for those who want to learn the craft themselves. Every piece is one-of-a-kind, infused with care and meaning, whether it’s a portrait on a slice of live-edge wood, a customized serving board, or a wood-burned keepsake to commemorate a special moment. I also offer collaborative design consultations, where I help clients bring their vision to life in a way that’s both personal and lasting.
What sets Wood Burning Arts apart is the combination of storytelling, sustainability, and craftsmanship. I don’t just make decorative pieces—I help clients celebrate their memories, heritage, and values in a tangible, lasting way. Every knot, grain, and burn mark adds character and authenticity. I’m proud that my work resonates with people on an emotional level, and I love hearing that something I made will be passed down or gifted with pride.
What I want people to know is this: I’m here to create art that feels meaningful, not mass-produced. Whether you’re decorating a home, searching for the perfect gift, or looking to express your creativity through a workshop, my goal is to offer something soulful and beautifully made. Wood Burning Arts is not just about the finished product—it’s about the process, the connection, and the story behind every burn.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in authenticity, patience, and a genuine love for sharing my process. When I first started Wood Burning Arts, I didn’t have a big strategy—I just started posting what I loved: the art, the behind-the-scenes process, and the meaning behind each piece. Over time, I noticed that people weren’t just connecting with the finished work—they were connecting with the story behind the work: the textures of the wood, the spark that inspired a design, or even just the peaceful rhythm of woodburning itself.
Consistency has been key—not just in how often I post, but in the feel of my content. I focus on creating a warm, earthy, approachable vibe that reflects who I am and what I make. I also found that engaging with my followers (replying to comments, asking questions, sharing client stories) made people feel like they were part of something more personal. That connection built slowly, but it built strong.
My advice for those starting out: don’t get caught up in chasing trends or perfect aesthetics. Focus on being genuinely you. Share your work, your voice, and what matters to you—whether it’s the process, the mission, or the people you’re creating for. Use video to your advantage—people love seeing hands-on work like woodburning come to life in real time. And most importantly, don’t be discouraged by slow growth. Every new follower is a real person who chose to be part of your creative journey. That’s something to be proud of.
Social media is an incredible tool, but it works best when it’s an extension of your passion—not a performance of it.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Keeping in touch with my clients and building lasting relationships is at the heart of everything I do at Wood Burning Arts. Because so much of my work is custom or deeply personal, I treat every project as a collaboration rather than just a transaction. I always start by listening—really understanding what the client wants, what the piece means to them, and how we can make it special. That kind of connection sets the tone from the beginning.
After a piece is finished, I stay in touch through personalized follow-ups—whether it’s a thank-you message, checking in to see how the piece was received, or even sending behind-the-scenes updates during the process if it’s a larger project. Many clients become repeat customers, and I love that. They know they can reach out for another meaningful gift, a custom piece for a new space, or even just to say hello.
On a broader level, I foster brand loyalty through social media, email updates, and in-person events or workshops. I like to bring people into the creative process—showing them how a piece comes to life, sharing stories behind the wood I use, or offering glimpses of my daily work as an artist. It creates a sense of familiarity and trust. When people feel connected to you, they want to support not just your work, but your journey.
Loyalty, to me, isn’t something you chase—it’s something you earn through care, consistency, and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.woodburningarts.com
- Instagram: Woodburningartsdc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16kQSEVqKE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Kent Corness