How to make laser-cut jewelry for Valentine's Day

This Instructable shows you how to make some personalized laser cut jewelery using Ponoko - maybe for your Valentine ;) . If you've never worked with a laser-cutter or have only used a vector art package once or twice before, then this guide is for you.

After a previous Instructable on making a laser-cut lamp, I realised it was important to create clearer step-by-step guides. As long as you've got a computer that can run a vector software package you'll be able to achieve some very cool results.

If you prefer to skip the Instructable and just get making, feel free to download the .eps files I've already created.

Let me know how you get on!

Step 1: Stuff you'll need

You'll only need a few things for this Instructable:

A steady hand
Inkscape
Ponoko Inkscape templates

Chain or Leather for the necklace
Earring hooks
Jump Rings
Pliers
Ink and Paint Brush
A rag

Comments

[tylerpitchford]

You should definitely be careful about using images off the internet and make sure any image used is under a permissive license (creative commons would be lovely). Otherwise, you run the risk of creative an unauthorized derivative work and setting yourself up for a copyright infringement suit (not fun). There may be some fair use arguments but that's a very narrow defense, especially on commercial products (even if relying upon a small amount of a copyrighted work).

[KwartzKitten]

I had no idea this was even possible. It looks pricey, but I'm glad I know about this! Thanks!

[dimovi]

That would look great laser cut out of cherry from CutYourWay.com

[s_allen40]

I just used these guys. Excellent work and incredibly quick turn around

[douks]

were can i find a laser cutter because it does't Exict were i live

And those who have it braught it from out the Country and it Costs more than 2000 Euro

[thepelton]

There are disks full of copyright free images that you can use any way you want. I found them at the local bookstore.

[hennahonu]

Which engraving style did you end up inking? Was it the raster or vector? What depth?

[jhorvath]

Ponoko is awesome and if we had the capital we'd sign on with them. In the meantime, check in your area for shops like ours that offer laser cutting/marking services. Also lots of awards and trophy shops have lasers and might be willing to cut your stuff.

[volquete]

ponoko is a great site, but if you're buying, it's expensive because of shipping from new-zealand to America. but, it's still great for selling!

[KoLAddict]

I'm having a hard time getting the ink to go into the engravings, instead, it prefers to go in the spaces in between shapes. also, the acrylic on the front isn't smooth, so I guess that's why.

[danemery]

What type of ink are you using? Did you make the same design as was in the Instructable or was it your own design? Perhaps it might work if you let it dry a little before rubbing it off.

[KoLAddict]

I'm using waterproof ink, on a different design, but the front wasn't flat acrylic, it was kind of scored.

[KoLAddict]

how do you make the guides on the top and left sides measure in millimetres? they only measure in pixels for me.

[danemery]

When you create a guide you double click on it to bring up the editing window. There is a little drop down box on the right which will allow you to change the guide units to mm.

[Gonazar]

Great instructable! What kind of ink are you using?

[ERNesbitt]

What a wonderful service! If you don't mind my asking, approximately how much was the cost for the laser cutting?

[PerfectlySquare]

2nd picture on Step 15 shows the cost: $3.13 to cut $2.21 for materials Now, that's just what I see, so maybe there were other costs (like shipping) to figure in. Hope that helps! :0)

[danemery]

Yep PerfectlySquare is right. Thanks for that. Shipping is additional and differs depending on where you live. It may be good to note that the eps file contains 3 pendants and 3 sets of earrings so that works out less than $1 each.

[PerfectlySquare]

Be warned though.... while this service is MAKE-tacular, to my knowledge they don't have a facility in North America yet. That unfortunately means that larger stuff you can make can be cost prohibitive to the average weekend tinkerer in regards to shipping expense, since they're based out of New Zealand. For example, the lamp instructable linked in Step one apparently cost over 60 dollars to ship. They do have plans to get a North American location though, and you can see Dan's comments on the lamp Instructable for more details. (Is it here yet? Is it here yet? Is it here yet?) I have to admit though, given how reasonable the price of materials and cutting are; once these guys get over the shipping hump, they will no doubt EXPLODE with business. (Makes me wish I had some venture capital lying around. Sadly, I don't even have Mountain Dew money.) On the bright side...if you were looking for an excuse to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand, this is it!

[danemery]

We are so close its painful. I can't give you an exact date but I can tell you we have ordered a machine. We have also had some developments on the cheaper shipping front which we cant wait to roll out. Make sure you have signed up to our newsletter so you get the info on this as soon as we release it.

[PerfectlySquare]

*signs up* And thanks for the update. I am a BIG believer in this service and what it can do for artists and makers, so it's great to hear you guys are close. Best of luck, and I'm sure I'm just one of many chomping at the bit!

[GorillazMiko]

WOW! AWESOME INSTRUCTABLE! Very very detailed, GREAT pictures, GREAT videos, this Instructable is just AWESOME! Nice job, I hope to see more great Instructables such as this, this one is really good. Nice job again, +1 rating. (added to favorites)

[Kiteman]

>doh<

I still have a Ponoko project on my to-do list!

Dan, i will eventually get back to you!

[danemery]

Sound great!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Awesome! I can't wait to make my laser cutter now!