Summary

This piece was created for xTool’s Carve the Spring contest, which celebrates the use of natural materials in creative ways. But why stop at natural when you can go living? In a playful twist, this project turns a live plant into a canvas for technology-driven art. Forget wood and acrylic—this is laser crafting on the edge.

This guide walks you through the surprisingly delicate process of engraving or cutting intricate designs directly onto a living cactus leaf. The result? A personalized piece of botanical art that grows with your design. Whether it’s geometric patterns, custom text, or even images, your cactus becomes a living masterpiece—where nature and technology meet in a bold, conversation-starting display.