This is a decorating method Michael has used for a while now.
The decoration is applied with a pyrography pen, which is connected to an electrical supply and the tip becomes hot enough to burn the timber, in a controlled fashion.
He first marks the design in pencil on the bowl. Once he is happy with this he uses the pyrography pen to permanently burn the design. Most of the designs on the Neolithic inspired pieces are quite authentic having been found in some form on pottery, walls or stones at various dig sites through-out Orkney.
Michael also makes his own custom tips to apply other designs to pieces. Sometimes the design will follow the natural grain of the timber. Other areas can be heavily burnt to create a textured effect which can then be enhanced with colour if desired.