Multi-Layer Decorative Easter Egg Wall Art

The first step I took to create this project was to import the design file.  If you have downloaded the project file and want to do this exact design, you can skip over this and other steps that relate to the creation of the design.

Once the design is imported by just dragging and dropping the included PNG file, select the image and use the image tools column.  Click the “Trace Image” button and the software will create a vector around the design.  In this view, I use the “smoothness” slider to help round off rough edges in the image trace.  It helps to zoom in on the design and inspect the path of the vector.  Keep in mind the laser is going to cut exactly on the blue line, so any rough edges will be cut out.  Once everything looks good click “save”

To keep a clean workspace, I like to move the image trace off of the original image and then remove the image from the workspace.  Now we just have the vector of the image outline to work with.  This is important, because in this project we want a cutout of the design and not an engraving of it.

Step 1 Video Guide:

https://youtu.be/4hbKr8j2DxY?si=6FB2hbzq5alQ_BG3

In this step, I inspect the design cutout and determine if I want to remove any elements.  In this design, I don't really like the short line for the sun ray and the dot above it, so I decided to simply select it and remove it from the design.  

With these removed, I thought it would look best to adjust the remaining lines that are the sun rays and fill in the gap left by the removed parts.

Step 2 Video Guide: 

https://youtu.be/4hbKr8j2DxY?si=DWQ6ihmNbAJ_T4PG&t=62

The next task is to create a backing board that is the exact shape of the overall design.  In this case it is an egg, so it is not as easy as just drawing a circle.  At first thought, I planned to simply copy the image trace and delete everything on the inside.  This does not work with this design, because the elements of the egg are attached as part of the vector, so if we delete the floral part it deletes the egg as well.

To fix this, we will simply use the outline tool.  This will draw a new vector around the overall shape.  Of course we wanted it to be the exact same size, so we will need to separate the two and then resize the outline vector so that it is the same height and width as the egg design.  

Step 3 Video Guide:

https://youtu.be/4hbKr8j2DxY?si=_HpjG2O-19gwTmb1&t=106

Because of this project's size, I cannot fit two of the egg outlines on one piece of material.  I had to copy the backing board vector to a new tab and run it on different piece of material.

Step 4 Video Guide:

https://youtu.be/4hbKr8j2DxY?si=zbi2nogYqKk7R75j&t=238

All processes in the project are cutting, so the same settings apply.  I like to use “ctrl”+"A" to select all.  This ensures I am applying the parameters to all vectors on the design.

Remember to consider the setting that are appropriate for your model and laser strength.  I am using the D1 with a 5W laser, so my settings will only be applicable for that configuration.

Step 5 Video Guide:

https://youtu.be/4hbKr8j2DxY?si=36c-eXbv5AfmeCvG&t=265

I labeled this step as optional, because it is simply a method I used to help visualize what will remain as a solid, continuous piece after it is cut out.  To do this, simply select the vector and change the processing to “engrave” This fills the shape in with the layer color.  In my project it is black, so it is very easy to see what the solid cut out shape will look like.  This helps to confirm the cutout before running it on the laser.

The final step is to use the laser to cut out the designs and to assemble the project.  Be sure to follow all safety guidelines related to your laser and wear personal protective equipment when the laser is in operation.  Don't leave your laser unattended.

Once the design is cut out, we used craft paint to add a little color to the design and then glued the two layers together with wood glue.