This is a very very simple project once you learn to use XCS properly. First, find a suitable image of the flower you wish to use. I chose a generic rose line art in black and white. I only wanted one leaf so after importing the JPG in XCS, I edited the image erasing the leaves I didn't want. I also cleaned up some of the many overlapping petals because if the lines are to close they won't cut properly. I saved it, and once back on the main screen I chose "outline" to create the outline of the entire rose. I took the rose image into the editor again and used the magic wand to remove all the spaces I didn't need (inside the rose and leaf but not the long stem). I used outline again and made a "skeleton" of the rose that will lay on top of the first outline. These should both line up on top of each other perfectly.

Next add your text. I wrote each letter separately so that I could control where and how they would connect. I used a "script" font to give it a more natural look and overlapped them. Once you find the right spacing, just go to "Combine" and select "Unite" it will connect them. Continue this with each letter and you will now have a name that you can cut out. Remember to use the blue guidelines to help you line up the letters.

Once the name is completed, bring over your flower image (either one, it's your preference) I chose the top one or the "Skeleton" image to add the name. Basically the same process in connecting the letters to one another. I used "rotate" to turn the name 90 degrees, then just bumped it close enough to overlap a little bit. Select the name and the flower, choose "combine" and select "unite."

If it's not what you wanted, click" undo" and try again...over and over until you get it exactly where you want it! (No excuses, take your time and place it where you want it.)

You can resize the flower but remember, the smaller the cuts, the easier it is for the wood to burn in the tight cuts. I use a "grill" as my honeycomb with aluminum underneath and no air assist....yeah can you believe that? They come out GREAT! For those of you concerned about scorch/burn marks not to worry. check out the next step.

I do enjoy painting my projects. I water down acrylics and use glitter tempura paint to give my projects a little extra pizzazz.

I also want to share a little trick I've been using for a while now. Instead of standard wood clamps, I use these binder clips you can buy at the Dollar Store, 12-1" for $1.25 or smaller ones, 14-.5" for $1.25. You're welcome...lol.

So, finally, your style of painting and how or what you paint is up to you. I tried painting different things and every style comes out looking great! You can make a stand, add a magnet to the back, hey maybe you can even make a necklace? What ever you do, just try to "learn" the process. Thanks for your review and if you have any suggestions or comments please share them below!

Sincerest thanks!

Robert

UPDATE: For those of you who were concerned that the "leaf stem" was too thin, I thickened it. Also I added a base for you to stick the flower in (Shaped as hearts). Just note, the size of the slot is for two(2) 1.5mm pieced of wood. If you are using a different thickness, you will need to adjust the square hole slots. I also place two Font styles that I use that are thick and elegant enough to use on the flower.

SUGGESTIONS: I used 2 hearts of each size and glued them together. You can either glue the flower into the base or leave it free. Initially the flower will fit in very snug into the slot, But over time it may loosen so I would suggest to glue it in. Finally, A trick i read about that you may want to try. You can place old air freshener sticks (same scents) into a zip lock bag with your "flower" to give is a fresh scent. Just be careful not to let the sticks come in contact with the wood as the oils can stain the wooden flower.

I hope these tips help!

Robert