Christmas gift idea - ideas???

[Mike vonBuelow]

Ok, so I'm happy with the family crest I've created in CX3, now I have to figure out what to do with it...


I originally wanted to 'layer' it by cutting out sections, but the mantle makes this just about impossible since it goes in front of and behind 3 times... I could re-position it so it stays behind the shield.

I guess I could create hairlines on EVERYTHING and peel back each section to paint it on a nice piece of finished wood, or ???? , I'd just have to be careful for the smaller areas.

I could blast this if I get my s/b unit up and running (never used it before, though), or find a local person with a unit



What would you do?

[Tim Bateson]

I would go for an inlay effect. You seem to have Black, Gray, & White. Start with a light colored wood - light poplar, maple or something like that.
1. Cut out all of the Black & inlay/replace it with a dark wood (black walnut), then laser the gray areas.
-or-
2. Cut out all of the Black & Gray areas & inlay/replace with a dark wood and a medium color wood (stains work well for this task).

[Ray Mighells]

I think I would go for building it up back to front using full width sheets of thin wood to get some heft to it. Use different colored woods, alter grain direction and build up areas with dummies as in Intarsia, etc Could be a fun project, but I wouldn't plan on having it done by this Christmas.

[Mike vonBuelow]

I have to make 7 copies, too, btw

[Dee Gallo]

Seven ideas:
1. Edgelit nightlight (everybody's favorite!)
2. Votive candle holder
3. Tree or hanging ornament
4. Glasses
5. Leather mousepad
6. Mirror, as part of a border design or in the center
7. Black granite or marble: coasters, small standing decoration, wall hanging, trivet

All easy and without the need to cut out millions of pieces.

I'm sure there are a hundred more.

cheers, dee

[Mike vonBuelow]

Dee,

Coasters have been my primary idea since I've been creating the crest - something that's usable all year long. And display'able.

Can I get different "shades" in marble? I only need 3, but 4 would be better.
Can I color fill?

Tim,

I like the inlay idea a VERY close second - because I can use full color. And the circles are coins - so I was going to use gold leaf paint and sprinkle some Pearl Ex pigment powder to make it really shimmer.

[Craig Matheny]

Hey Mike one other option you have is on some of the layers you can engrave on to give that layer two depths I Did this using the basic 5 military Seals I also added a close up of the Air Force Seal. So instead of extra layer of wood I just engraved the layer. These will be clocks when finished.0817154409.jpg0821095510.jpg Hope this helps

[Dee Gallo]

Dee,

Coasters have been my primary idea since I've been creating the crest - something that's usable all year long. And display'able.

Can I get different "shades" in marble? I only need 3, but 4 would be better.
Can I color fill?

Tim,

I like the inlay idea a VERY close second - because I can use full color. And the circles are coins - so I was going to use gold leaf paint and sprinkle some Pearl Ex pigment powder to make it really shimmer.

Mike,

Yes, you can color fill stone. Two options are: artists oil paint (from tubes) for a soft look or litho ink for a bolder look. You will have to seal after wards for permanence. Another thing you might consider is using hatching patterns to differentiate the colored areas. Hatching, cross-hatching, dot patterns, etc. in addition to solid engraving will give you varying tones.

Another coaster idea is to use clear plexi, engrave the back.

cheers, dee

[Dee Gallo]

Craig, those are really nice! I like the use of the layered look and they will be exceptional as clock faces. Will you finish them with paint or stain? What will the rest of the clock be made of?

Thanks for sharing, dee

[Martin Boekers]

Mike check out Roy Brewer's video on converting to a halftone pattern, this may
work for what you are doing.

If you had dye sub, I'd recommend polyester napkins they are cheap and would be
nice for place settings through the holidays.

[Craig Matheny]

Dee, Thanks I most likely will put a coat of stain prior to the cutting and then the clocks movements when installed will be the hanger.

[Chuck Stone]

numberclock.jpgcat frame.jpgclock vector.cdr

Here's a couple of things I tried for gift ideas. the cat frame was from Steve Good's website
for scroll saw. The clock was just a little time in Photoshop to type and place the numbers,
then converting in Corel Trace and then some cleanup. Put a clock movement in the center,
cut a backer board (masonite?) a bit oversized and a contrasting color behind it.. I did mine
in 1/8" birch

ps.. the black stuff on the jpeg of the clock isn't in the file.. there was some schmutz on
the scanner glass that I didn't see till later. (so much for scanning 'cured' poly resin..)

[Dee Gallo]

Chuck, that clock face is WILD! I imagine red hands would really pop. Don't you hate it when you carefully position something and scan a hair or something right in there?

[David Fairfield]

Engraved glass is always classy and purposeful. A coat of arms on a set of stemmed wine or champagne glasses would be really nice-- its an appropriate motif on an appropriate item. I have made gifts like this and they always go over well. For me, the graphics work best if they are black white, no grey scale.

Dave

[Mike vonBuelow]

I've decided! One of my ex-co-workers has a laser and a sandblasting setup - so I've placed an order for mixed drink sized glasses (yes my family like to drink).

Each male relative (& family) will get a 4-pack with the crest etched.

I have all the makings for a sandblaster setup too, but I need some help with the hose setup, and some basic instruction so I don't blow myslef up, or blast my face with abrasive.

Chuck,
Cool Clock! Looking forward to seeing it finished.