How To Make Custom Laser Cut Christmas Ornaments

In this "making" episode I design and make some simple laser cut Christmas ornaments, customized for friends and family. I show where I got my free stock vector graphics (usable for gifts, NOT for resale) and talk about the challenges of cutting mirrored acrylic.

[@dickebk]

thank you for sharing your process and taking the time to create this tutorial. well done! this is a great gift idea!

[@GreylightMay]

Thanks, dickebk! I'm working on a nice laser cut wreath right now that I hope to post early December. A little later than I wanted, but it is a quick and easy project that I plan on posting the files for on my website. If you are a subscriber you'll be notified when I post it...

[@judithriojas1823]

This is actually helpful I’ve been trying to look for information before I invest and this is great👍

[@GreylightMay]

Judith, I hope you subscribed!

[@2011theones]

You are so cool

[@GreylightMay]

You are so nice!!

[@RunLikeAGirl2]

What laser cutter would you suggest for home to use for a hobby?

[@GreylightMay]

RunLikeAGirl, I can't suggest a specific cutter, but my "things to consider when buying a laser cutter" video has a lot of good info to help you decide...

[@GreylightMay]

Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3y5goaboq5jeZY

[@alinanitu2932]

hello.can you tell me pls whar laser cutter you use? thank you

[@GreylightMay]

When I made the ornaments video I was using a 60w Universal. Now I use a 100w Rabbit, which is the same hardware as a Boss.

[@DylansDIYWorkshop]

I really like this video too! I see in the description that you can use stock vector graphics as gifts however not for resale. I'm assuming because of the fact they might be copyrighted. Is the only way around this to create the vectors yourself?

[@GreylightMay]

In most of my projects I create my own vector graphics, but even running an image trace on copyrighted artwork is considered infringement if you sell your work. Your best options are to do really original artwork, which can be a variation on something you've seen but significantly different, or to buy a version of the license which allows resale. These usually aren't very expensive, like $70, so if you want to sell them you can recover that investment pretty quickly. The cost, of course, varies so you just have to check the price and try to have several options to choose from...

[@dickebk]

you can by vector batch images that you can use for resale by searching on Etsy. you pay and then download the zipped batches of images/ templates.

[@jerome2007000]

Hello I loved your work , But I'm trying to use ur method in searching Adobe stock .. cant find any luck with your templates .. could you send me a link on how to search or download them it would be awesome cheers!

[@GreylightMay]

Jerome, try these links: stock.adobe.com/images/decorative-snowflakes-vector-shapes-set-1/92732469 stock.adobe.com/images/various-snowflakes/72261677 stock.adobe.com/images/vector-silhouette-of-snowflake-christmas-festival-symbol/36984149 The reindeer seem to be gone. Let me know if these work for you!

[@Ki4hair]

What kind of machine do you have and where did you get it from...

[@GreylightMay]

Ki Ki, I get access to a laser cutter at my local makerspace, where I can use all of their equipment for a very reasonable monthly fee.

[@alizakhazkil7127]

Greylight May when about sis the maker space

[@alizakhazkil7127]

Is*

[@GreylightMay]

Aliza, a maker space is a place where a community of people come together to make things, usually on shared equipment that is too expensive to own individually. Usually there is a membership fee of some sort, a monthly fee - I pay $50 a month. For that I get unlimited access to a lot of different equipment - a wood shop, a metal shop, 3D printers and laser cutters. Do a google search for 'maker spaces near me' or 'hacker spaces near me' and see if anything comes up. Even local libraries are starting to add 3D printers and laser cutters, and membership there is free!

[@briansavage9897]

Where do you suggest getting your raw materials? I'm a new Glowforge owner

[@GreylightMay]

Brian, I buy my acrylic from Delvies Plastics and my plywood from Home Depot...

[@briansavage9897]

I can only find 1/4" at HD. What products do you use for 1/8" as some of the items I am cutting are pretty small and 1/4" looks way to bulky. Thanks!

[@GreylightMay]

Brian, I get my 1/8" plywood in 12x12 pieces, by the box from Amazon. Check out: 3 mm 1/8" X 12" X 12" Premium Baltic Birch Plywood - B/BB Grade - 45 Flat Sheets By Woodpeckers As for bigger sheets, the rare times I used them I got them at TechShop, but I'm not sure who their supplier was.

[@GreylightMay]

Brian, looks like Woodpeckers also has larger sheets (see my previous response) and their quality is very good, so I would buy those from them on Amazon as well...

[@karyncarrion4464]

I felt bad and I really enjoyed your video so I wanted to subscribe. I was wondering why I couldn't see any subscribers on your channel though.

[@GreylightMay]

Hi! It's hard for me to tell what others see when they look at my channel, since I have a special view as the owner. I have a 175 subscribers, which I'm proud of for my relatively short time doing this. I very much appreciate everyone who subscribes! Did you sign up?

[@karyncarrion4464]

Greylight May I don't understand your question.

[@GreylightMay]

Karyn, it turns out that there is a setting that says whether or not visitors can see the number of subscribers, and it was 'off'. I just turned it on, and now the number of subscribers should show on my channel. Thanks for mentioning this, otherwise I wouldn't have known this setting was available!

[@thisismycoment]

You are beautiful.