Inspired by Día de los Muertos and the artistry behind skull motifs, I wanted to capture cultural depth of my own culture in wood. The project was originally planned as a full 3D skull, but considering material limitations and the intense rastering required, I pivoted to a 4-layered design. This layered approach preserved the intricate look while optimizing material use and simplifying the laser cutting process.
Design Process
Starting with an outline, I used Inkscape to draft a layered version of the skull, allowing for details to emerge on each layer. After 30 minutes of brainstorming, I dove into 3 hours of design work in Inkscape and then passing onto CorelDraw, refining each layer for a clean and symmetrical cut. Every line was carefully adjusted to ensure each layer would align and create a cohesive piece once assembled.
Prototyping and Testing
Wood can be unpredictable, and with the fine details in the design, I spent 20 minutes trying out different laser settings. I ran several test cuts to avoid too much charring and ensure that each layer would maintain clarity and depth. The tests helped me find optimal settings for both rastering and vector cutting.
Cutting and Assembly
Once dialed in, the cutting process took just over an hour to complete all four layers. Each layer had to align perfectly to bring out the full impact of the design, so I made sure to carefully check each piece. The final assembly involved 10 minutes of gluing each layer together with wood glue, bringing the skull to life in a detailed and sturdy form.
Reflections and Learning Outcomes
This project pushed my understanding of multi-layered designs and how to approach woodcutting for complex designs. By shifting from a full skull to a layered structure, I learned to adapt designs based on material limits and the nuances of laser cutting wood. The experience has sharpened my skills in adjusting laser settings and organizing a piece with multiple components.
Total Time Log (5hr):
30 minutes brainstorming in Inkscape
3 hours designing in Inkscape and CorelDraw
20 minutes testing laser settings
1 hour for cutting
10 minutes for assembly
Final Thoughts and Visual Display
This layered skull design was a rewarding experience that taught me to balance detail with practicality. Check out the photos and videos see how the Día de los Muertos theme came to life with wood layering!
Comments