Introduction: How to Make Laser Cut Earrings!

By

purpose and function: add a fun flavor to your outfit!

Supplies

  • Laser cutter
  • Plywood
  • Foam core (optional)
  • Inkscape (software)
  • Boss Laser (software)
  • Wood stain
  • Paintbrush
  • Flat nosed pliers
  • 6mm round jump ring
  • 21mm short fishhook earwire

Step 1: Design Earrings on Inkscape

You can use the Inkscape file attached if you want to create the specific earrings pictured, or you can design your own earrings!

There are two ways to design your own earrings:

1. You can find a stencil that you like online, and save a picture of it.

  • Then, you can import it to Inkscape and select Path --> Trace Bitmap. Press "update" to make the image appear. If it doesn't appear, you might need to increase the brightness threshold. Then press "ok" ONLY ONCE.
    • This converts the png image into a vector image. Vectors do not get blurry when you zoom in on them.
  • Delete the stencil that you imported. (You can differentiate between the old stencil and the new stencil by zooming in and seeing which one is blurry)
  • Press the white box with the X in it at the bottom of the page.
  • Right click on the black box. Then press "set stroke."

2. You can create your own design on Inkscape.

  • You can use the shapes in Inkscape to design whatever shape you want! To group objects together, go to object --> group objects
  • Select the object and go to Path --> Stroke to Path
  • Press the white box with the X in it at the bottom of the page.
  • Right click on the black box. Then press "set stroke."

Once you're done, save as a "dxf" file.

Attachments

Step 2: Import Inkscape File Into Boss Laser Software

If you want to etch a certain part of an object instead of cutting it, make it a different color (red) than the part of the object you want to cut (black).

Step 3: Laser Cut!

You might want to test cut the earrings on foam core to make sure that they're the way you want them before you cut them on plywood.

If you do this, put the red part of the object on the "foam core etch" setting. Put the black part of the object on the "foam core cut" setting. If your Boss Laser software does not have these settings, measure the inch of foam core and use that for the setting.

For cutting on the plywood, put the red part of the object on the "plywood etch" setting. Put the black part of the object on the "plywood cut" setting.

Step 4: Stain Earrings

Use wood stain and apply a light coat to one side. Let dry for 30 minutes to an hour, then lightly paint the other side.

Step 5: Attach Jump Ring and Fish Hooks Using Pliers

Enjoy!