• Start by importing a line drawing into XCS. You'll want something fairly simple, without any small, intricate lines. I started with a simple SVG drawing of an apple. XCS imports my image with the different pieces already split into separate layers. Select the entire image and size it as you'd like.
• The first canvas will be for the frame. A second will be for the inserted color sheets. You can't duplicate a canvas in XCS, but you can select the entire image and copy it. So add a new canvas and paste your image on that canvas, too. We'll just leave that there for now. It's important that the image on this canvas is exactly the same size as what you set up on the first.
• Back on your first canvas, we'll create the outer edge of the frame first. This process may vary depending on how complicated your drawing is. Select all the elements you want to represent with color sheets. For example, in my project, I only want the apple and leaf to be see-through. I won't select the stem, because I plan to just incorporate that into the frame itself. Now use the Outline function. Leave the default setting of 2, and click OK. This creates an outline around your color elements. Select these and put them in a separate layer. This will be a cut layer for your laser, so you might as well set that processing type now.
• Next, I add a rectangle to the bottom of the frame, ensuring it overlaps the outer edge I just created. I round the corners a little by changing the corner radius and ensure it's center-aligned with the full image. I'll use this to personalize this ornament. If you don't want to do that, you can leave this step out.
• We'll combine all the outer edge elements, but before doing that, I nudge the stem object down and over a bit so there are no gaps between my elements. I want one solid outline around everything. Now select all the outline elements, and move them to the cut layer. Select that layer again, use the Combine tool, and select Unite.
• Now create the ridges that will hold the color pieces in place: Individually, select each element you plan to punch out from the original drawing. For me, that's the leaf and the apple. For each element, select it, then use the Outline tool and change the value to -2 (negative 2). Click OK. Now select the new, inner element and the original element you selected. Set the processing type to Engrave, use the Combine tool, and choose Subtract. You should now see a thick outline for that section of your drawing. Follow these steps for each color element in your design.
• The final step for your design is to create the inner edges of the frame. This cuts out the area of the frame that you'll be able to see through. Select all your color objects at once and use the Outline tool using that -2 value again. Click OK. Now move this to your Cut layer.
• When that's done, you should have a completed design. Add a small circle to your cut layer somewhere near the top of your design if you want to hang this ornament. You may need to add (unite) a larger circle with your cut layer and Subtract a small circle for a hole if there isn't a nook or corner big enough to add a hanging hole.
• If you want to personalize your ornament, add some text in the box at the bottom. I use the Bradley Hand font for a classic whiteboard/chalkboard look.
• All done? Great. Now select everything, copy it, and paste it. Slide the whole, copied design over and out of the way. Now select everything you just moved except the text (you can always shift-click to deselect the text if it's already selected). Use the Reflect tool and Reflect Horizontally.

That's it! That's your frame. These elements will ultimately sandwich the color sheet inserts.

Start by inserting your frame material into the machine. I use 1/16" basswood.

Auto-measure the height, then adjust your settings as needed. I like to bundle the components of a project by processing type or step. For my ornament frame, I put the inner, outer, and hole cuts in one layer and adjusted the cut settings. Then I put the ridge engravings in another layer and apply the settings I want there. And finally, I put the personalization elements in a layer of their own.

Before processing, remember to select your personalization elements and Ignore them. You're first going to be cutting the frame out and engraving the grooves that end up inside the ornament to hold the color inserts in place. No harm if you forget, but ultimately you want that text on the outside. And be sure to secure your material so it won't move around when you remove the engraved objects.

Frame and process! This may take a while. XCS has to scan across a full shape to engrave the ridge areas. Depending on your design, you may save some time by Combining (Unite) all the elements in the engraving layer.

When that's done, carefully remove the frame and inner pieces, but leave the remaining outer material in place. Try not to move it while removing the cut pieces. Your frame pieces may be delicate. Always handle them carefully.

If you're personalizing your ornament, remove both frame halves and turn them over, inserting them in the opposite spaces. Now set all the cut and engraved ridge elements to Ignore and Output only the text elements.

Frame again (to ensure nothing moved) and process.

Bonus: The by-products from this project are the cutouts from your design. Maybe you can use them for another creative project!

Back on the second canvas, you have the original design. If it's not already in separate pieces like my apple, you may have some work to do. You may need to do some creative copy, paste, and Combine and/or Outline tricks to end up with separate elements. Split up the final elements by color using layers.

Set the operation for the canvas to Blade Cut and make sure your device is set up for cutting. Use the blue LightGrip mat for color PVC sheets. DO NOT attempt to laser-cut PVC sheeting. The resulting fumes are toxic.

One color/layer at a time, select all elements on the canvas and set to ignore. Then select the color layer you want to cut, and set it to Output. Be sure you choose the right material: Color Glossy PVC Sheet.

Put your sheet in the machine. I like to leave the protective film on the sheets to keep them clean while processing. Frame (always frame) and cut your piece(s) out.

Then do the next color layer, and so on….

In case you missed it above: DO NOT attempt to laser-cut PVC sheeting. The resulting fumes are toxic.

Now it's time to make sure everything fits properly. If it all went to plan, your cut inserts should fit perfectly in the grooves of either side of your frame. Depending on your design, you may need to flip each insert to fit it in place properly.

Depending on the look you're after, you may want to paint, stain, or varnish your frame.

Reminder: your frame may be quite delicate. Handle it carefully. I've managed to break a frame or two in the finishing steps.

I opted for a dark stain and glossy clear coat, but first I cleaned any stray burn marks with a magic sponge. So I needed to let the wood dry before any further finishing.

Apply your finish and repeat as needed, allowing each coat to dry sufficiently. Depending on the look you're after, you may want to use spray paint, wood sealer, or nothing at all.

To assemble projects like this, I like to use Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue. This is available on Amazon (but frustratingly, not at Michael's). It sells with multiple dispensing heads for pinpoint accuracy for small areas. Run a thin bead of glue in the corner of each ridge, along each length of the frame, and on any large sections like the personalization area.

Remove any protective plastic still on your color PVC pieces and carefully insert each in its appropriate place. You only need glue on one side of the frame. Pick up the other half and carefully place it over the bottom half, ridges facing in. Carefully align the halves so everything lines up nicely and place a book or something with some weight on top of it. Let the glue set overnight.

To hang, you can either run some string or fishline through the hole or hang it right from a suction hook. I opted for the latter. It looks great in the window (though it's admittedly a little hard to read when it's sunny outside).

I recommend storing or moving it in a solid box or between two firm pieces of material to avoid breaking the frame or creasing the color inserts.