Step 1) This project starts out with a dog form the shapes list, this is just one of the many different animal characters that can be used. Once in the work area the image is set to be engraved. Then an outline of the doggy is made with a 0.100 offset. Once this is done the outline is moved away from the main dog image.

Step 2) Now we need a longer body of the straw clip, so a n oval is created using the insert button and is place right over the outline of the dog. This is united with the help of the combine feature to make it all one piece.

Step 3) Now we get to play with the vector feature to create the straw flaps, this is done with selecting vector and creating a U shape, once it is shaped they way we need it it is copy and pasted to create a second one. The second one is flipped over with the reflect option and both are placed one the top and bottom of the new shaped outline dog.

Step 4) Now everything is ready except the straw holes, this is done by measuring the outside dia. of the straw and creating a hole or circle the same size. These are placed in the center of each of the new straw flaps we placed earlier. Then it is off to be engraved and cut from the acrylic with the S1 20w.

Step 5) Once the laser machine has finished the small clips for the straws are ready, all that is needed is some heat applied to the flaps so they bend to a 90 degree, It doesn't take much heat and they bend easily. Once bent just holding it in place for 30 seconds is enough for the acrylic to cool and stay bent ready to slid on the straws and be used.///