![[Laser cut and engrave] Black circular design with intricate bird and floral patterns](https://image-res.xtool.com/resource/xtool/community/attachment/xtool-community/eeae4636-ab46-4840-bd2a-cbb2f15f7ec0?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
Cardinal in Smoke Ornament
Instruction
Information
Cardinals - they have come to symbolize Christmas and the spirits of loved ones having moved on but still with us. This lovely design was created to symbolize a Cardinal surrounded by ethereal smoke in the shape of a heart, representing the love of an angel watching over you.
Included is the Inverted and Regular image.
[Style] Smoke effect
[Prompt] complete full body cardinal design in the shape of a heart
Instruction
Step1: Before you Begin
NOTE: This project uses 2 machines. The P2 to cut the black acrylic and the F1 to engrave it.
While it is possible to cut black acrylic on other machines, including the F1, the cleanest cuts are on the P2 or a CO2 machine. I used the P2 to cut the ornament out and then the F1 with the IR laser to engrave it. IR lasers really make engraving on black acrylic pop.
This comes as about a 3" sized ornament but you can adjust the size to your liking. I actually made some of these as 2" ornaments as well for a mini ornament sale I am having.
It is possible to use other materials instead of Black Acrylic for this ornament but you will need to find the settings for that material.
Step2: Cut your Ornament Blank
Simply put in your black acrylic into your machine and cut your ornament blank. If doing multiple, cut them all at once.
Do keep in mind, if your acrylic comes with a clear plastic coating on it, for health reasons, you will want to remove it as it could be harmful when lasered. Smokey Hill Designs comes with a paper coating so it was safe to cut through.
Step3: Engrave your Ornament
This was engraved on the F1.
Once I downloaded the image from AIMake, I fiddled with the Saturation, Sharpness, Contrast, and Brightness until I got the desired coloration right. Then I turned the grayscale to about 4 and inverted the image since it will be engraving on a black background.
I placed my piece on the plate of the F1 and focused the laser by bringing the red and blue dots together.
I framed my image by hitting the 3 dots beside the framing button and then selecting “Outline” in the box that popped up. (See picture) Pressing “Frame” will then pop up a circle outline on the base plate. I center my ornament in the circle. (the blue framing light will be just outside the edge of the ornament and that is ok)
Using the settings above, I engraved the image and it was fairly quick, about 3.5 minutes.
Enjoy your new Ornament
