This Instructable focuses on the assembly of the Dino Planter.

If you want to get started designing your own parts, try starting with my previous Instructable, which walks you through drawing a necklace pendant from scratch in LightBurn.

These instructions are for use with an Emblaser 2 and use 3mm Poplar Ply. You can of course, use any material and any laser cutter, though your setting will differ from those shown.

Materials:
- 500 x 300mm Poplar Ply Sheet from Darkly Labs
- 1Lt Soft Drink Bottle
- 100 x 2.5mm Cable Ties (I used about 40 clear ones, but coloured ones would look great)
- Glue (super glue, hot glue or PVA glue all work fine)
- 4-5cm circle of Fine Mesh (I used fly screen mesh)
- Suitable Potting Mix

- Plants (I used a type of succulent called donkeys tail)

Tools:
- Emblaser Laser Cutter from Darkly Labs
- Computer with LightBurn software installed.
- Long Nose Pliers
- Flush Cutters
- Scalpel

- Scissors

- File (Nail files work well)

One last thing before we start: The Emblaser 2 has a Class 1 classification, the safest laser device rating available. However, as with any laser device, there is still the potential for material ignition.

This Instructable assumes you have read and understood the safety instructions that came with your Emblaser 2 (also can be found here), and have the appropriate safety measures in place.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Materials:
- 500 x 300mm Poplar Ply Sheet from Darkly Labs
- 1Lt Soft Drink Bottle
- 100 x 2.5mm Cable Ties (I used about 40 clear ones, but coloured ones would look great)
- Glue (super glue, hot glue or PVA glue all work fine)
- 4-5cm circle of Fine Mesh (I used fly screen mesh)
- Suitable Potting Mix

- Plants (I used a type of succulent called donkeys tail)

Tools:
- Emblaser Laser Cutter from Darkly Labs
- Computer with LightBurn (Emblaser Software)
- Long Nose Pliers
- Flush Cutters
- Scalpel

- Scissors

- File (Nail files work well)

Step 2: Downloading and Cutting

Begin by downloading the attached LightBurn file.

If required, adjust your setting to suit your material. I used 3mm Poplar Ply from Darkly Labs. Keep in mind that this file is designed to be cut out of 3mm material, thicker or thinner material will not work without adjustments.

Load your material and run the job on your Emblaser 2.

Once cut, punch out each part carefully. Then, using your file and scalpel, clean up any rough or sharp edges.
Next, lay all the parts out as shown.

Emblaser - Planter (Tri - Nested).lbrn
Download

Step 3: Assembly

You are now ready to start assembly!
I experimented with several methods of attaching each part with cable ties and found that different methods worked best for each area.

Starting with the base and moving upwards, attach each of the pieces.

It is a good idea to keep each joint loose until you are sure everything is sitting correctly.

Use the above images, as a guide if required.
When everything is attached, tighten each cable tie with your long nosed pliers, before trimming the ends of each tie with your flush cutters.

Step 4: Painting and Decorating

Using your watercolour paints, begin by painting the assembled planter. Try not to use an overly wet brush, as this can cause the wood to swell.
Next paint any of the optional decorative parts you want to use.

Allow everything to dry before continuing to the next step glueing on any of the optional decorative parts included, or come up with your own!

Step 5: Planting

Using your flush cutters, start by cutting off the plastic ring on the empty soft drink bottle, left behind from the cap. Next carfully cut the bottle so that the edge is flush with the top of the planter when inserted as shown.
Once cut, place the bottle into the planter and screw on the cap from the bottom of the planter
Place a small square of fly screen mesh or similar into the bottom of the bottle.
Next add some potting mix, suitable for your plants.

Add your plants, top up with soil, then give them a light water. Remember that the planter has no drainage, so water it sparingly. If it is over watered however, you can unscrew the cap at the base and allow it to drain.