Santa’s Gift Stop at the North Pole
Instruction
This 7-inch-tall holiday centerpiece, crafted entirely from colorful acrylic, features a cheerful Santa delivering gifts next to a North Pole sign. The sign doubles as a functional gift card holder, adding a personal touch to this festive display. With its 11-inch oval base and vibrant details, this design brings a playful and practical charm to any holiday setting, making it a perfect addition to the season of giving.
Although this project was created using an xTool P2s laser, it can be made with any laser machine. Users will need to adjust the cut settings based on their specific equipment. While acrylic was used for this design, other materials such as plywood paired with paints can offer a unique and equally stunning alternative.
• Gather the following materials:
• Acrylic sheets: 3mm Red, White, Black, and Gold Mirror acrylic.
• Tools and supplies: Glue, tape, and paper towels.
• Load the design file into xTool’s Creative Space Software.
• Review the file’s sections to determine how much of each acrylic color is needed. The design is organized and grouped by colors and parts to make the process easier and more efficient.
• Begin by cutting the two base pieces, the backside of the North Pole sign, and the backside of Santa.
• Next, cut the outline pieces for the North Pole sign and the Santa image. These pieces will eventually be glued together, but set them aside for now.
• Proceed to cut the remaining pieces of the design.
• Once all pieces are cut, sort them into color groups to keep everything organized.
• Important: Do not glue anything at this stage!
• Place the Santa outline and the North Pole outline upside down on a flat, stable surface.
• Fit all the respective pieces into their places within each outline, ensuring everything aligns properly.
• Once all pieces are positioned, carefully remove the masking only on the side to be glued. This ensures the visible surfaces remain protected during assembly.
• Glue the pieces into place and allow them to dry completely.
• After the glue has dried, remove the masking from the front and back parts to reveal the clean, unmarred surfaces. This step keeps the visible areas free from scratches or glue drips.
• Apply your preferred adhesive or glue to the prepared pieces and carefully bring them together.
• Pay close attention to alignment to ensure that the stems of the Santa and the North Pole sign will fit properly into the base later.
• Glue the two base pieces together, ensuring the rectangles on each piece are perfectly aligned. This alignment is crucial for the stems to insert smoothly during final assembly.
• Begin by gluing the letters to the face of the North Pole sign. Ensure they are properly aligned for a clean and professional look.
• Once the letters are securely attached, glue the face to the main North Pole sign itself.
• Once all gluing is complete and the adhesive is fully dry, remove the remaining masking from each piece.
• Insert the stems of Santa and the North Pole sign into the holes located on the base. They should fit snugly and securely.
• Take a moment to admire your finished masterpiece—your festive creation is ready to bring holiday cheer! 🎅🎁✨