How to create laser-cut jewelry for under $4, using free software

In this Instructable I will show you how to make some unique jewelry for less than $4 using free software and a Ponoko laser cutter.

And how to sell it for $14 using a free e-commerce online store (no signup fee, no item listing fee, no sales success fee).

Step 1: Stuff you'll need

A computer.

Free vector software called Inkscape (check out the next step for details).

Inkscape design templates to upload to Ponoko.

A free making account with Ponoko.

Some brooch pins.

A bit of glue.

A camera and tripod.

Some background paper.

Now it's time to get started ...

Comments

[jiminashland]

Thank You for the explanation, your post is very helpful and "instructable."

I am confused why someone could not distinguish the difference between an effort that is helpful and self-serving spam. If you work for the company, it is even better, I expect the information to be more accurate.

Thank You for the Inkscape tip as well, I was not aware of that tool.

Keep up the good work!

[jeriellyn]

Actually, as I see now, there are several of these tutorials on this site from this person...selling the same site product. This person needs to be banned as they are breaking the terms and conditions of this site. How about it, Instructables??

[jeriellyn]

As it was not stated at the gitgo that this person worked for this company and then the tutorial introduced....it has major SPAM and despiration for clients written all over it. For SHAME! It would have been nice to see this tutorial with some truth in front of it. It's always best to be upfront right away.

[Bloopism]

I still don't quite understand Ponoko...it's confusing to me, I'd like a tutorial to understand how the thing is supposed to work. They make the designs that you give them into products? Do people buy directly from their site instead of from you...confusing.

[rhoaste]

I lost it at the title... Laser cutter for under $4. LOL what a farce.

[Batness]

This doesn't feel too spammy to me, mostly because I'd love to figure out how to use Ponoko. My biggest complaint is that if someone wanted to make a few different small items this doesn't seem to be the way to do it; the making cost is too high for personal use.

[jdlewis]

Thanks for your comments guys - I work with Dan (aka the author of this Instructable) at Ponoko. We'd surely welcome a category as per your suggestions - we do always check with Eric before posting. Y'know the reason we use Instructables is because it's a great and easy way for us to prepare and present this info for our own users. Is there any one (or more) thing that we can do that would improve our Instructables in your eyes?

[Browncoat]

'Fess up from the get-go that this is posted by someone who works for Ponoko. Cuz it's still great info to have, but now I feel like I don't want to use it because it wasn't presented in an up-front way.

[akimbo m]

Hmm... ya think it would be a good idea to have an official section where we can at least know that such posting is an attempt at advertising but has a little bit of instructable value?

[akimbo m]

In other words... encourage transparency

[dchall8]

Am I the only one that sees this as SPAM? It's very well done SPAM but it sure looks like SPAM to me.

[Scott_Tx]

Just a smidge. It does instruct a bit.

[dchall8]

Sure it instructs a lot, but it is still advertising for a service. All of this author's I'bles send you to the same website, so they all look like SPAM to me? I think there should be a special category for the Instructables that happen to have Instructable value but at the same time advertise their products and services. Dremel just posted five that fall into this category.

[Scott_Tx]

I didnt see the others, sounds like a bannin to me

[joejoerowley]

Oh yeah. I just gave you 5 stars btw. I know what I want for christmas now, a laser cutter and if I can't get one of those then a gift card to ponoko.

[joejoerowley]

Great Instructable! I have been a little hesitant about working with ponoko because I didn't really understand the whole process. This is a great guide! Thanks for everything!, Joe

[cowscankill]

Wow! Awesome!