Christina has engraved some of my turnings with a ‘Peter Child’ machine, the iron has a heated wire which can be bent to various shapes to burn patterns in the wood. You will need a certain amount of natural talent to do this, in fact if you cannot draw with a pencil then maybe it is not a good idea to attempt it on a turned item!!.
There is another type of iron which is perhaps easier for beginners and is very much like a soldering iron with a universal point.
However do not let me put you off, have fun and by all means go ahead and practice, who knows soon you may be able to produce something like these.

Ash Platter	Beech Pot