Materials used:
Laser module of Xtool M1 ultra
Brown cardstock
Foam tape
Double-sided tape
Floating shelves
Decor items
Step 1: Use the image option and bring the picture you want to laser to the canvas, then click the "Edit" option to clean up the background using the Magic Wand tool and the Eraser tool.
Step 2: Then use the "Adjust" option to change the image to "Grayscale" and play with the sharpness, brightness, and contrast options to see how you like the picture. Also, I learned that changing the "Bitmap mode" to Jarvis helps in crisper laser engraving of the image. You can find this option on the right-hand side panel of the XCS software when you select the image for Lasering on a Flat surface.
Step 3: Add"any text" if you wish using the Text tool.
Step 4: Once the above steps are done, you need to draw a square or rectangle that you want to cut as the outline. Make sure you are selecting the cut option for this if you are only using a part of the wood sheet. I did the laser engraving of the Gopuram (Temple Tower) in a 7" X 7" square.
Step 5: Now, connect the machine and select the material used as " 3 mm Basswood sheet," then use the pinpoint technology and mark the area where you want the laser engraving to be done on the wood sheet. Also, don't forget to use the triangular prism base to place the wood sheet. Once the area is marked, make sure the parameters are selected as per your desire and then click "Process". The software shows you a preview and the total time it takes to process. Once you are okay with that, click start" and press the button on the machine to watch the magic happen.
How to frame a laser-engraved picture?
A Shadow box is the simple answer for an elegant look. Try different colored cardstock for the background based on the image. I personally tried red embossed chevron design cardstock, plain cardstock in red color, and finally went with brown cardstock as I felt it goes well with the Gopuram picture.
Attach the brown cardstock to the back of the frame using double-sided tape, then use foam tape to give an elevated effect to glue the laser-engraved image to the cardstock. Once it is done, lock them in the frame and hang it.
How to hang a picture frame and floating shelves?
I already had a couple of floating shelves we got as gifts from our friends long ago and wanted to use. Those shelves would pair perfectly with the gopuram shadow boxes. We tried different layouts with the picture frame and floating shelves on the floor before hanging them on the wall.
Finally, we went with the square pattern. We started marking the areas on the wall where the nails would go. Let's take a look
Materials used:
Painter's tape
Black marker
Screw driver
Step 1: Find the middle area of the wall where you want to hang the picture frames, then let's hang one of the square shadow boxes. For this, hold the shadow box and mark the top and bottom portions of the shadow box using a long painter's tape, making sure the tape is straight using the leveler. Repeat the same for the bottom portion.
Step 2: Paste a small piece of tape on the back of the frame as shown below to find the right spot where the frame will sit once it is hung on the picture hanging hook. Then, remove and paste the tape on the wall, measure the center, and use the long tape you taped in step 1 as a guide.
Step 3: Hammer the picture hook using the tape as a guide and hang the first shadow box. Repeat the same steps for the other shadow box.
Step 4: Time to hang the floating shelf. If the shelf didn't already come with screws, you need to find screws that fits snug so the shelf will hang properly. Take the floating shelf with you to the hardware store and find screws with anchors and also make sure you don't buy tapered wood screws as that will easily slide out of the shelf's mounting bracket.
Paste a long piece of painter's tape covering the mounting bracket and use a marker to mark the spots of the mounting bracket as shown.
Step 5: Use a leveler and paste the painter's tape in the spot you desire. Use a drill or a screwdriver to screw the screws in wall. The screws has to be all the way in with only 0.5" peeping out to sit in the mounting bracket. (This depends on how deeply the mounting bracket is designed into the shelf.
Step 6: Remove the painter's tape and hang the floating shelf. The hanging part will test your patience, but you will make it work. We did not use anchors, as we know we are not going to use the floating shelves for heavy objects, but if you are going to use the shelf for heavy objects, it is recommended to use a wall stud for one of the screw or wall anchors. Tada! Now your wall is ready to be adorned with decor items.
I hope this post gave you an idea of how to make your own home decor item using Xtool M1 Ultra's laser module, and you also learnt some tips and tricks to hang picture frames and floating shelves. Do check the Xtool website for all the cool laser machines.
If you are a homeschooling parent, you need to check Xtool Education to learn how laser cutters can be used to transform abstract concepts into tangible solutions, such as designing functional prototypes, engineering mechanical models, creating art, and enhancing learning across multiple subjects with tech tools, such as STEAM and maker education.
This post is a Collaboration with Xtool, however, all the opinions expressed are my own. By clicking the affiliate links above and purchasing, you are helping me grow, and it is not going to cost you anything. Thank you.
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