This week we went to the FabLab again. This time it was to design a small wooden box! Clinton took us through the process of firing up the software and the basic capabilities of the program. I found it pretty easy to use and get into. We made some changes to the template of the box so that it fit our original design with the embroidery. We then had the opportunity to choose images that we wanted lasered onto our box. I am going for a retro space theme for my project so I chose images relating to the study of astrology. It took me a long time to find images that I wanted and the position in which I wanted them. We were able to choose more complex pictures than when we were doing the digital embroidery which I appreciated. I am very excited to see how my box turns out!

The CnC machine is AMAZING! Watching images get etched onto the wood was so satisfying. My dad is a carpenter and I know he would love using that machine for designs. I am used to etching wood with wood burning tools. I have been able to make complex designs on wood, but they have taken a long time to accomplish and were not nearly as perfect as the laser etched images. I’ve wanted to use a CnC machine for some time now! I am definitely going to the FabLab to use the CnC machine again.

The last step in our box endeavors is to add LED lights. I am going to try and place the lights in a way that makes it look like they are stars. So far, I’ve really enjoyed working in the FabLab with all the machines and all the people. Digital embroidery was so cool. My mother and grandmother use sewing machines a lot and I have used them as well. The digital sewing machines were so easy to use and they made beautiful designs so fast. I want to use them to etch patterns into caps.  I wish I would have ventured into the FabLab sooner!