Step 1) First off this project starts with a fresh open work area of the XCS software, It all starts with the Text button, clicking it brings on the work area the default Hello, this hello can be easily edited in the text box. Along with changing the actual text the list of options include changing the font and also it's style. In the project the word MOM is used all capital letters with the Arial font and bold black. This step also is the time to size this new word to the desired size you will want to work with.

Step 2) In this step a long narrow rectangle will be needed, in fact 4 of them so once you create the rectangle size it to be 1" wider than the word MOM. Once you have copied and pasted the rectangles to make 3 of them the same the word MOM also needs to be duplicated.

Step 3) Now that we have all the parts we need in the work area, it is time to change some of it. This is where we will take one of the rectangles and with the un-lock ratio pressed we will heighten the rectangle and bring it over the top of the MOM, this will overlap almost half way. Once in place the combine feature is used and the subtract is selected. you are left with an odd looking half word.

Step 4) Now it is time to do the other MOM word but this time removing the top half and not the bottom, Same procedure other than placing the new widened rectangle on the top area and using the combine feature once again selecting subtract.

Step 5) Now we need a border for the bottom and the top of the split word, this is done with yet another narrow rectangle, this time the rectangles stays the same and is positioned just slightly over lapping the main word, for the top part of the word it will be on the bottom and for the bottom part of the word it will be on the top. once these are both in place a simple unite from the combine feature is needed. Do this one at a time.

step 6) In this step we will add more text, while we have the top and the bottom of the split MOM word lined up to be exactly on top of each other the text button is used to bring in more text This time it is edited to LOVE YOU. It then is manually sized to fit between the MOM halves and placed so i is slightly over lapping the top and the bottom parts of the word. The alignment tool is used to make sure the LOVE YOU is also centered, Then the combine feature can be used one more time and unite is used to make the entire project one piece.

Step 7) Now that it is all one piece, the wording is set to engrave, also the outline feature is used and set to 1.5mm offset. This too has it's setting set to cut. then it is off to the laser for it's work..

Step 8) Once the laser finishes the part is slightly sanded and a clear coat of polyurethane is added for protection for a life time of enjoyment.