12 Tips- Making Intricate Christmas Ornaments with a Laser | Glowforge Layered Christmas Ornaments

[@theoilykrafter]

Make a jig with leftover boards you just cut from to help line up the 2 pieces, since you already have the 3M on the back, line up the outlines and glue in place. That makes it the same height as the ornament. So it's just a drop in the back piece then drop on the top piece and press down, should line up perfectly. Remove the ornament from the jig and it's ready to go. You can use a finished ornament that you feel confident is perfectly alined to help line up the 2 boards for the jig.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

LOVE this idea! Definitely going to do this. Thank you!

[@RonInAVan]

Nice work, when I make vinyl signs and decals when weeding out or cutting with a Exacto knife I lay my project out on my self healing mat, I do that when I’m adding transfer tape also like you did. It makes it really easy to cut. I just bought a laser can’t what to start using it. Much thanks for the great video.

[@lareesamoore937]

Just a tip, when painting with red paint if you do a coat of light to medium gray first you won't have to do any extra coats with the red. I don't know what the sorcery is but it works like a charm.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Ooohhh...thanks for the tip!!!

[@jadams2013]

I use 3m 77 spray adhesive. Easy to find, quick and cheap. Works great.

[@joybidwell9487]

Thank you for showing what to use to burnish. This works better than any of my other scrapers! Really cute ornament!

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

You're quite welcome! YES, it's the absolute best scraper tool.

[@lonniebridges9170]

Thank You for taking the time to do this video. I am a new Glowforge owner, and this was so very informative. You pointed out things I never would have thought of.

[@dianaruiz4670]

This is a great video. Lots of great information. Showing your small mistakes and keeping them in the video shows your videos are authentic.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Learning to embrace that everything doesn't have to be perfect is hard for me, so it's nice to hear this. 🤗

[@pathann4195]

for masembly make a jig on laser add bubbles with 1/4 in holes at 6 to 8 locations around outsise with one edge almost intersecting outside glue 11/2 inch long !/4 in dowels in to holes place red bottom in then top dowels will line them up for you and press down

[@enuf37]

I use an exacto knife to cut the 3M tape, I love the way you describe each step,I had been trying to apply the tape and masking by laying it on the wood but your method works much better!

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Oh good! I'm glad it helped you. Someone just told me about non-stick scissors!!! They are AMAZING and I will talk about them in a future video. I bought them on Amazon (Wescott titanium bonded non-stick craft scissors)

[@lynnreynolds905]

I use my, razor knife for cutting and when I am placing the paper onto the board, I just use my hand to get it to lay down nicely.

[@georgemccombs5070]

I like the use of the 3m 2 sided tape, also might I suggest using a razor knife to trim the overage of the masking tapes (that's what I do).

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Is that how you trim the 3M too?

[@georgemccombs5070]

@@KeepCalmandCraftOn I haven't tried the 3M tape yet, but it should cut easily with a razor knife.

[@Apokalupsis88]

Such a great and creative idea! Well done.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Thank you!

[@cindyrobinson2618]

Wow! That ornament is amazing! I just got a laser cutter for Christmas! I’m so glad I saw your video before attempting any cuts…the 3m tape and masking tape are great ideas! I would love to see more laser cutting and etching videos. Like you, I have a bit of crafting ADD as well…everything from card making, crochet, cricut, resin, just to name a few. And now laser cutting and engraving. Can’t wait to get started!

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

So glad to have you here! I'm planning many more laser videos this year, so stay tuned.😊

[@Merika76_]

Hi what size and type of wood did you use for the red piece? I love this tutorial! Thank you 😊

[@Merika76_]

I just barely got my first laser two days ago 😅😊

[@DavZell]

A much easier way to apply the tape/sheets is to cut the length you need first. Then hold the sheet in the shape of a taco, sticky side out. Lower the taco to your board, aligned to the middle, and slowly lower it. It will spread outward with no bubbles as you apply a little swiping/pressure as while lowering it. Make the sheet a little long so you don't have to be worried about exact length. Also, use a craft knife for trimming instead of scissors. It's much easier and no sticking.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to try that. I've since gotten non-stick scissors (which I never knew existed until someone commented and suggested them😊) and they are amazing!

[@kellycato253]

Thanks so much for sharing! I just tried masking for the first time following your video and it is a game changer.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

YES it is!!!😁

[@Deafeningstorm]

So...about 3M adhesive. I work in a print shop and when ever we apply adhesive where we can't use a laminating machine we use glass cleaner. It allows the adhesive to float on the surface while we take a squeegee and push out any bubbles. We use the mist setting on the spray nozzle and spray just enough that the adhesive won't start biting. Now, seeing as you are applying straight to MDF in this video, that may cause the MDF to swell in areas because it is now wet from the glass cleaner. Some type of wood sealer might work and prevent the glass cleaner from soaking into the MDF and prevent any issues. Good luck!

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Nice tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@starspangledsquirrelM]

Thank you so much for your fabulous videos! Unfortunately, I have occasional flaking or spots that look like the white board surface has been rubbed off…. How do I fix this? It’s so frustrating to have to scrap projects and redo them! Thank you so much for any help you can provide!

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Occasionally, I get some of that, but it's very slight. I'm able to take a white paint marker and touch up those spots. It works great, and unless you know the mistake is there, no one will ever notice it. Thank you for the kind words about my videos. I'm glad you're enjoying them🤗

[@jessicadavis3868]

Use a rotary cutter tool. Perfect for quick straight cuts. I use it to cut vinyl and I think it'll work perfect for you. Amazon has a good one.

[@Mors2369]

Agree a rotary tool would be awesome at it

[@charlynprater3593]

GREAT video. I have ordered my Glowforge Pro.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

You're going to love it!

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Thank you for taking the time to make this very informative video. I am new to using the laser to make things, especially to try and make some money to help pay for the cost of the laser. I appreciate your tips. I still struggle with getting the right masking and making sure my air assist doesn't want to blow up. The 3M double sided tape does look like a game changer. Your link did not work, but the video is older and things moved. I did get to the FB page it referred to and have asked them how much they charge. They haven't gotten back to me yet. But the tape has gone up considerably with the inflation. Do you use this tape for making signs that go outdoors. How does it hold up compared to glue - much easier but will someone's letters fall off the sign a year from now- Just curious if you had any information on this.

[@germanmarcano5510]

First I want to thank you for your great videos for me have been very usefull!! I want to ask you a question: when I remove the masking tape from the painted mdf I notice sometime like a masking glue residue over the paint how do you remove that without damage the paint?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Thank you! I'm so glad you're finding the videos helpful. My masking is such a light tack, I've never had residue. But to wipe off charring I use a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol on it. You may try that.

[@patriciawiley99]

I have scissors that are non stick blades. Or you can try razor cutter

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I have since found out about those non stick blade scissors and I have some. I LOVE them! They work perfectly.

[@pathann4195]

Just use the exacto knife you already have to trim 3m and masking

[@higherstandardspc]

Very nice tutorial, nice techniques, is there a message in that ornament : )

[@lavaquera3004]

Great video

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Thank you!

[@danieller9645]

What were your setting in glowforge? Also what material did you select? Thank you. Danielle

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I used the medium draftboard settings in Glowforge and it was perfect.

[@bootsybootsy19]

does this work with glowforge aura

[@dennisclaycomb9322]

Where do you get your MDF board and 3M tape rolls?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

All the links for where I get everything is in the video description.😊

[@edbreyer4103]

I love this ornament but the link you have is dead. Do you have an etsy store or an updated 2022 svg file version I can buy?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

This was not my file. I found the Etsy shop I bought it from and here is a 2022 version. www.etsy.com/listing/1284009631/digital-file-for-2022-year-in-review

[@edbreyer4103]

@@KeepCalmandCraftOn thank you so much!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I’m super curious about the tapes you are using. I’m assuming they are laser safe? Seems like I tried to use masking tape before and it burned. I have been using blue painters tape. But it doesn’t come in great sizes.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

The links to all the exact tapes I used are in the video description. You have to be cautious with ANY thing you put in your laser including tapes because there's always a risk of fire. I don't believe any of them are labeled as specifically laser safe. You have to be sure they are barnished down very well so they don't lift during lasering. That is when I hear fires start. I have not had a problem as of yet.

[@erics2670]

you probably won't ever see this but one simple trick for things like this when you make a lot of them. On the very first set make a box outside of the ornament with some space like 1/2" bigger on all sides, I just like having a square but that's up to you. After you get done with the first set if you take the box pieces and glue them together they make a very good jig for laying the intricate party face down inside then slowly adding the backing, this way they never get offset even the slightest

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I have heard of this and do want to try this method for my 2 layer ornaments.

[@Truecrimequeen68]

I bought your svg can you tell me what settings you used?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I used the medium draft board settings in Glowforge.

[@pastorwifeshoaf745]

Where did you buy the svg for this ornament?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

@@pastorwifeshoaf745 I bought it on Etsy. If I can find the link, I'll post it for you.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Found it! www.etsy.com/listing/1073079025/digital-file-svg-for-2021-year-in-review

[@staceystewart9060]

How do you get scorch marks off the painted layer?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

For this particular ornament, I didn't worry about removing scorch marks from the painted layer because it was layered and you wouldn't see it. But I normally wipe down with alcohol to remove scorch marks.

[@mariemiller9571]

Do you know if they sell glowforge in australia

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Yes! The website says "Click the BUY NOW button, pick your item, and fill out COUNTRY field." It will tell you what countries they ship to and how much shipping is. (Click on my referral link so the discount is applied if you decide to purchase.)😊

[@romeorice583]

Exacto knife / razor blade to trim the 3M tape ;)

[@monkeysausageclub]

Try a sharpened pizza cutter to cut the tape. Although this video is over a year old at this point so you've probably already got a system sorted 👍

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I discovered non-stick scissors thanks to someone's comment and they are AMAZING! Pizza cutter sounds like a great idea too.

[@danieller9645]

What size of masking tape do you have? Width? From the company.

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I got the 12" roll

[@danieller9645]

@@KeepCalmandCraftOn Thank You! I guessed and since the glow forge is 12”, I went with that. Whew 😊😜

[@eburckardt]

Where do you get your white mdf?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

The direct link is in the description😊

[@koreysmith8699]

What were your settings

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I used the medium draft board setting.

[@joybidwell9487]

Do you sell this svg?

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Why can't you use the same tape on both sides?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

The white tape is masking just to prevent the scorch marks from getting on your finished project. It's not very sticky. The 3M tape is a very sticky adhesive to adhere pieces together. They serve 2 different purposes, so you don't always need both.

[@pathann4195]

NO scissors use Exacto knife with cut pad and curved blade

[@tonibates5341]

I’m having the hardest time connecting the words to attach still to the wood😩

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

Not sure what you mean?

[@pathann4195]

You need better fume extraction and air assist

[@wjb40]

Box cutter instead of scissors.

[@davidsmith9431]

What settings did you use on the white MDF board?

[@KeepCalmandCraftOn]

I use the GF draftboard setting.