This is just a simple Cartman sign that I made for fun. Its about 12.5 inches by 13.5 inches. I made the Cartman sign using a carving program called Aspire on my computer then carved it out using a CNC machine. Masked and painted it and all done. This is my first Instructable so bear with me. ;)

Step 1: Creating the Cartman Sign Using Aspire.

Using Aspire I made the rough vector outline of the Catman head. I then created some cutting paths for the CNC and lastly added some color just for looks. Gives you a better idea what the finished product will look like.

Step 2: Preping the Wood.

After the Cartman head looks like I want it in Aspire I need to get my wood ready. I'm using half inch MDF. It carves nicely and makes a nice sign. First thing I do is clean dust off the wood. Prime the wood so the paint sticks better, sand and paint. After the paint is dry. I cut a sheet of masking that will cover my MDF. This will make painting easier later. Make sure the masking is flat and smooth. No bubbles.

Step 3:

After your done masking its time to make the magic happen. I loaded my file from Aspire into the CNC machine and watch as the Cartman head comes to life. This is the fun part. After changing a bit and cleaning all the dust off, the Cartman head is ready for paint.

Step 4:

This is where the mask comes in handy. With the mask on I paint the black everywhere the CNC cut the wood. Everywhere that I want black that is. The mask keeps paint from getting on my first layer of paint that I already did. And with the mask there is no need to stay in the lines. I was never good at that anyway.....

Step 5:

When all the lines are painted like I want them I remove the first layer of mask. This will reveal the paint from before. I then paint my new color over the old paint layer and try to stay in the lines this time. The first pic. I paint the yellow part of the hat. When thats done I remove the next layer down of masking and paint that part light blue to match Cartmans hat. When thats done I remove the mask from the eyes and paint them white along with the teeth. Got to have nice white teeth right? When all the masking has been removed I go back over it and make any touch ups that I need to and your done. Cartman Head sign.

Step 6:

After all that work, its PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!!!!

Thanks for looking at my first instructable.

You can see some of my engravings at www.thewallclock.com