Introduction
In this post, we help you create the Trunk Tales – A family portrait Laser Cutting Project.
This striking laser-cut design features a pair of elephants, stylised with layered wood for a warm, earthy camouflage effect. The mother and calf stand together, showcasing a harmonious blend of light and dark wood stains to create texture and depth. This piece is perfect for any wildlife enthusiast or as a unique home décor piece. Get the design files, follow the tips, and craft this stunning elephant duo for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
The Trunk Tales – A family portrait laser cutting project is a wall artwork.
Suitable as a gift for all ages.
The project uses plywood.
It is an an intermediate project, and I estimate the project can be completed in 2.5 hours. However, your completion time will depend on the laser cutter, the dimensions of the project and your skill level. If you think my time estimates need adjustment, please feel free to let me know via a comment below.
The free design can be downloaded here. (please notify me if the link is down)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Materials
- Plywood: Choose stains or dyes to be applied after laser cutting to enhance the natural wood texture. Ensure the back layer is the darkest, and gradually use a brighter colour until the front layer is almost white.
2. Prepare the Design File
- Download the design file from the source link provided on the project page.
- Unzip the file to access the SVG.
- Load the SVG into your laser cutting software.
3. Set Up the Laser Cutter
- Adjust the design size to fit your chosen material dimensions.
- Set the appropriate laser parameters:
- Cut: Specify power and speed for clean cuts.
- For the material-specific settings, refer to your laser cutter’s guidelines.
4. Use the Laser Cutter
- Place your material on the laser bed.
- Run the cutting processes for all required pieces.
5. Following Laser Cutting
- For Plywood: Wipe smoke marks away with a slightly damp rag. Apply the wood stain or dye.
6. Assemble the Layers
- Use appropriate adhesives:
- Wood Glue for plywood. As the front two pieces were fragile, rather than using clamps, heavy items such as books could be placed on the artwork as you glue the front two layers to the back layers.
7. Prepare for Wall Mounting
- Attach a hanging mechanism, such as adhesive strips, to the back of the artwork.
- Verify that the mechanism is suitable for the wall surface.
Congratulations on completing your Trunk Tales - A Family portrait! You can gift it to someone who will admire its beautiful craftsmanship.
If you enjoyed this project, please share your experience and leave a comment below.
Need help?
- Unsure of the colours to use? Create colour swatches
- View the materials and tools I used to create the items
- View my 50 laser cutting tips
- Leave a question
The completed Trunk Tales – A family portrait
