This Easter, we dedicated time to a small project which was particularly enjoyable for the kids as they love painting. They were also thrilled to watch their project evolve from a computer design to a final laser cutout.
Projects like these are a fun way to spend time together and talk about the importance of Easter. The celebration of the resurrection of Christ and the hope he gives through salvation.
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Step 1: Import image and trace
Our first task is to import the image and to trace it using the image trace tool. I have included the .PNG file, so you only need to drag and drop the file into the workspace of XCS. The design itself was created using Microsoft Designer, which is a free generative AI tool. Before we move to the next step, we can go ahead and delete the image since we won't use it in the project.
Step 2: Create Additional Layers
Next, we need to add in a circle with the same diameter as the trace of the design. This circle will be the base that holds all of the parts together. To get an exact match, select all of the elements of the image trace. In my project, this created three parts, so select all three. With all three selected, the dimensions listed in the toolbar reflect the overall length and width of all three objects combined. I set the values to 5 inches. I then created a circle with the same 5 inch diameter.
This is also a good time to create the text. “He is Risen". Using the circle for the base plate as a guide, you can easily adjust the curvature to match.
You may have noticed that when you did the image trace, there were a few rough edges. This is simply due to the fact that the image has some shading to it, which does not produce crisp edges. We can easily edit this out by using the combine tool with a few simple shapes.
I first will place a square on the canvas and move it to the edge of the shape, overlapping any rough edges. I then select both the square and the image trace and use the combine tool to “unite” the two. XCS then smooths out the edge.
For some of the rough edges, it is easier to use a shape on the inner part of the cut out and use the “subtract” tool to remove part of the image trace.
There are three major parts. The image trace, which all parts get cut out. The backing circle, which gets cut out. and the text “he is risen” The text has an engrave and cut out as part of the job.
Our first task is to import the image and to trace it using the image trace tool. I have included the .PNG file, so you only need to drag and drop the file into the workspace of XCS. The design itself was created using Microsoft Designer, which is a free generative AI tool. Before we move to the next step, we can go ahead and delete the image since we won't use it in the project.
Next, we need to add in a circle with the same diameter as the trace of the design. This circle will be the base that holds all of the parts together. To get an exact match, select all of the elements of the image trace. In my project, this created three parts, so select all three. With all three selected, the dimensions listed in the toolbar reflect the overall length and width of all three objects combined. I set the values to 5 inches. I then created a circle with the same 5 inch diameter.
This is also a good time to create the text. “He is Risen". Using the circle for the base plate as a guide, you can easily adjust the curvature to match.
Step 2 Video:
https://youtu.be/rUlVpOUEo8w?si=TCnv3ARvVWFgPOax&t=68
You may have noticed that when you did the image trace, there were a few rough edges. This is simply due to the fact that the image has some shading to it, which does not produce crisp edges. We can easily edit this out by using the combine tool with a few simple shapes.
I first will place a square on the canvas and move it to the edge of the shape, overlapping any rough edges. I then select both the square and the image trace and use the combine tool to “unite” the two. XCS then smooths out the edge.
For some of the rough edges, it is easier to use a shape on the inner part of the cut out and use the “subtract” tool to remove part of the image trace.
I cover this in-depth in the how-to video below.
Step 3 Video:
https://youtu.be/rUlVpOUEo8w?si=_Hm_b_JrWmwOnJ9s&t=226
There are three major parts. The image trace, which all parts get cut out. The backing circle, which gets cut out. and the text “he is risen” The text has an engrave and cut out as part of the job.
Step 4 Video:
https://youtu.be/rUlVpOUEo8w?si=oTTUvTXuKXRVRRsb&t=420
Finally, Cut out the parts on your laser. Be sure to wear all personal protective equipment and follow the safety rules for your machine.
With all the cut out parts. we decided on colors and used craft paint on each part. We then assembled all parts for the final design.
Step 5 Video:
https://youtu.be/rUlVpOUEo8w?si=Cm1FV8RtTO6XA3IA&t=470