Laser Cut Layered Flower Necklace

We love playing with different materials on our laser cutter, and we really wanted to show that you can create a natural beauty with a CNC laser cutter that is so precise.

For something so easily produced it has a lovely hand crafted feel and everything we used was recycled from old clothes that we tea stained to give a soft look.

You can create this both with a laser cutter or by hand if you don't have access to one using scissors and buttons.

Changing the material and colours drasticly changes how the necklace feels and what kind of statement you want to make.

It takes about 1 hour to cut and make this necklace so why not give it a go

The team at Littlebiglaser.com

Step 1: The Concept Of The Flower Necklace

In the initial design concept we envisaged a multi layered statement necklace that was both perfect and natural.

We used AutoCAD 2011 to create our flowers and shape our base layer.

We were able to use AutoCAD not only for the perfection of the design but also able to use it to directly output the cut parts directly to the laser.

We love AutoCAD due to its easy nature to create complex repeated parts that always come out just how we have drawn them.

We have included the AutoCAD 2011 file as well as a Corel Draw file that you can use to make your own (although not for financial gain or for profit please)

Step 2: Materials & Equipment

We used the following materials in our instructable :

- A4 Sheet of Felt
- 4 x A3 Sized sheets of fabric
- 1 Meter of ribbon
- 3mm thick white acrylic
- Reel of cotton

We used the following tools in our instructable :

- Laser cutter (in our case a Universal Laser 4.60)
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Scalpel
- Cutting Mat
- Sewing needle
- Sewing Machine (optional)

Step 3: The Felt Base

Using the cut file, export the horse shoe shaped necklace backing to your laser cutter (or print at 100% scale and cut by hand)

Step 4: Attaching Ribbon To Felt Base

Attach the ribbon to the felt base by either a sewing machine as we did, or alternatively use a needle and thread. Another alternative is to use fabric glue.

At this point sew the ribbon on the outward facing side as where it will be stitched will be hidden by the flowers and make it much more comfortable to wear.

We cut the ribbon into 50cm lengths (20 inches for non metric measurement) but adjust to what feels comfortable, we also heat sealed our cut edges to stop any fraying

Step 5: Laser Cutting Material Flowers

Choose you materials carefully, we used a felt base for our largest flower, then repeated the same size flower with net.

Play around with your materials to find an order that works best for you.

using materials with natural patterns and alterations creates a more natural feel.

Cut each size of flower from a different material.

Step 6: Cutting the Acrylic Flowers

Using the smallest flowers on the attached file (or using a pretty button) laser cut them in your chosen material, we used 3mm thick white acrylic but you could use anything you want from felt to wood.

Step 7: Assembling The Material Flowers

Layer up all your petals starting from the largest on the bottom to the smallest on the top, alternate petals so that you have a nice natural flower look.

Align the petals to the center dots, you can use what ever you like from a paperclip to your eyes!

your almost there....

Step 8: Sewing The Assembled Petals

Stitch the petals together in center either side of the center dot, use cross stitches to hold it together and cast off at the back when your ready.

Ensure that your stitch grouping does not exceed the size of the acrylic flower that will cover it away later on.

Step 9: Glue The Acrylic Flower To Petals

Glue the acrylic flower to the center of the fabric flower with the hot glue (or glue of choice) being careful to not have any over spill or strings! 

Step 10: Glue The Complete Flowers To The Felt Necklace

Glue the flowers to the felt using the center dots as a guide starting from the outside and working towards the center.

Its a good idea to have a dry run with no glue to get an idea of what will make you happy, then commit it to glue forever!

Step 11: Finished Product

Now that the glue has cooled its time to get your favorite dress on and do the following:

- Wear
- Enjoy
- Look and Feel Stunning


We hope you have enjoyed our first instructable, we know we have...

We will be back with more..

Chris & Stacey of Littlebiglaser

Comments

[triumphman]

Wish I had a laser. Most of us out here can't afford or get access to one! Boohoo! The things I could make! Awesome!

[jessyratfink]

That is amazing. I love seeing more uses like this for a laser cutter. :D

[littlebiglaser]

Thank-you so much, It makes me happy that you love it as it makes the effort of creating this worth it :)

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I love this! I agree with jessyratfink, it is nice to see something else done with a laser cutter :D

[littlebiglaser]

i would love to thank you both for your comments, its sometimes nervewrecking to submit your designs to a crowd, and your warm response will inspire us to create more beautiful things with the laser.
We have so many designs and ideas that im sure you will love.

Again thank-you so much