Custom Christmas Ornament

Convert Images to vector format-Step 1

First, by searching in Google images, I found the logo Image of the hosting organization, of course, I was not able to use it as is, as there are some works that need to be done.

We need to convert the PNG image into a vector format, with the help of Silhouette Studio, I was able to achieve the following:

Load the image up to Silhouette Studio, with the “Trace” Tool, to convert PNG to vector

Convert Images to vector format-Step 2

By adjusting the value of "Scale" and "Threshold", the yellow highlight will change accordingly, which will decide the details of the trace. Once you get good coverage, then click "Trace"

Convert Images to vector format-Step 3

When the yellow highlight disappears, you should have the original and the vector image on top of each other, so remove the original, and use the vector image from this time on.

Prepare the image - Separating

Now, the vector file is ready to use, but in my case, I am going to separate it into 3 different images, so use "Release Compound Path", to separate the vector image into pieces, then according to the design, gather the different pieces, and move them to the side or group them, so in my case, I separate them into 3 groups:

a lotus flower,

a ship, and

a Chinese character of the hosting organization

Prepare the image - Modifying

Now, these 3 groups of images, are still not laser friendly, so manipulating the shape with Point Editor and connecting the little pieces in each group to make them into one or more manageable sections. Now they are ready to add to the design.

Building the Base Shape - 1

1. With the "Drawing Shape" tool, draw a perfect circle (suggestion size 3.5"-4").
2. Offset the circle by 0.2", and create a larger circle with the same center point,
3. Making a copy of the large circle, that is going to be the "Layer 4"
4. Select both circles, and use "Subtract" in Modify Tool, cut out the small circle, and create a ring, this is "Layer 1".

Building the Base Shape - 2

1. With the same method to create a very small ring, this will be the hanging hole for the ornament (.35-.4").
2. Make a copy of the Layer 1 ring, place the small ring on the center top, and a round corner rectangle can be added for a more decorative look.
3. Center align all three images, then "weld" them together, and this is going to be the base for Layer 2 and Layer 3

Building the Layer 2

This will be the layer with the name of all three parties of the event

1. The image of the Chinese character logo from the hosting party will be in the center top, so place the image and make sure it overlaps the ring base, and weld them together.
2. For the other two parties, with Text Tool type out the name (suggest bolder font), then use the "text to shape" option, place them onto the inside rim of the ring base, and weld them together

Building the Layer 3

The Lotus flower base and the ship will be the main image of this layer, for a more interesting look, I would like to create a ship cut out of the lotus flower

1. Arrange the ship image on top of the lotus image (reference the original logo for the proper placement location)
2. With the "Subtract" of Modify Tool, the ship will be cut out from the lotus flower
3. Place the lotus/ship cutout image inside the ring base, and make sure it will overlap the ring, then with the "weld" of Modify Tool, the ring and the image are combined into one

And now, all four layers are created, you can stack them together to have a preview of the ornament.

*I did have to modify the ship image a few times to get the cut out correctly

Review and Export Design

And now, all four layers are created, you can stack them together to have a preview of the ornament.

Then, save it to the SVG format.

Laser Cutting

1. Now, open the xTool Creative Space, and connect to M1
2. Use the"Image" command to upload the SVG file
3. Lay material into M1, auto-measure the thickness, then set the setting, for cardboard, I found that 70/10/1 scoring works the best.
4. Turn on the Air purifier and the Air Assist, if they are available
5. Click "Process" and CUTTING begin

Assembly

1. Set all 4 layers down by their order
2. Do a "Dry Fit", stacking all layers in their order, this will give you a final check before gluing, make sure everything is in the correct orientation.
3. Then flip and set the whole stack down, so that layer 1 is on the bottom, layer 4 is on top, and all face down.
4. Begin by flipping layer 4 over to the side, so the right side of layer 4 is facing up, apply glue to the back side of layer 3, and place the glue side onto Layer 4, making sure all edges are line up, before pressing them together.
5. Do the same thing with layer 2 and layer 1, reference the photo or the PDF files for gluing area as needed.
6. Then cut a piece of twine, ribbon, or any type of string (6"-8"), feed it through the little hole of the small ring, tight a knot where two ends meet, then your Ornament is done.....

*Tip 1: Always apply glue on the less detailed layer

*Tip 2: Do not over-glue it