Laser Cut Tree Medallions

Students laser engrave meaningful symbols and text into slices of tree branches.

Project Image

Tools

Laser cutter

Graphic design tools (such as VectrCanvaGoogle Slides, or Cuttle)

Shop tools (optional)

Materials

Tree medallions (slices of tree branch) or similar

Project details

Students use a vector editing program like Vectr (vectr.com), Canva (canva.com), or Cuttle (cuttle.xyz) to design meaningful graphics to engrave into slices of tree branch.

Use graphics from online libraries like The Noun Project, leverage tools like RemoveBG or other background removers, or digitize hand-drawn designs using a tool like picsvg.com or the Glowforge laser cutter. 

Tree medallions, or slices of tree branch, can be sourced from retailers or created using local materials and basic shop tools. This creates an optional opportunity for students to engage with hand fabrication in addition to graphic design and laser engraving. 

This project provides students an opportunity to be expressive while learning or honing their graphics and fabrication skills, as well as create a special memento of their learning or growth.

Have a question or want to share your Makes with us? Contact us!

k12maker@mit.edu