I like manipulating images. Ever since I saw a Gimp tutorial about tracing bitmaps and making Cricut shapes for use with Sure Cuts a Lot.

Then I saw Groover's laser engraver Instructable and added that g-code plugin to Inkscape I made a whole bunch of hot plates and trivets.

This year isn't too different. I just found some new inspiration.

Just three things needed, Wood squares, black paint and a can of WD40.

Step 1: Cutting the Plaque on the CNC

This has become commonplace now so I wont go into any real detail. If you have questions just ask!

Now how do you highlight that nice work? I took a trip to the dollar store and found a way to do all my plaques for less than $10

Step 2: What You Need

I use hardwood pre finished flooring. This means the surface is pretty resiliant.

I just drown it in $0.99 Flat Black paint.

Then wipe off the excess with a paper towel.

Next spray a paper towel with some WD-40 or $0.99 Carburator Cleaner.

I prefer the WD-40 but its $5 a can. If you cheap out you can do the finish for $2

The WD-40 gives a nice shine too. I guess some Pledge would do and probably smell better.

Well not to me..............

Since these were ll scraps from when I installed a new kitchen floor they had some pretty rough edges.

about 2 minutes at the belt sander and they look store bought.

FYI, belt sanders work better when clean. Get one of these big rubber eraser bars to clean the belt.

Its not just for pictures anymore. QR codes too!

I placed this one outside my office door.

Go ahead scan it. its real and It works right off the pic here.

Makes you work to see who's the man behind the curtain.........