Leather is a timeless substrate that looks rustic yet sophisticated when laser engraved. No wonder it's an incredibly popular medium for laser customization! Here are two projects perfect for the literary aficionados out there: leather bookmarks and journals, each personalized with laser engraving. These keepsakes are wonderful for the world's aspiring writers and avid readers.
Laser Engraving Custom Leather Goods
Engrave journals and bookmarks and transform them into keepsakes for book lovers
By Devon Posey, Epilog Laser
(Originally published in the January 2018 issue of Insights.)
Leather is a timeless substrate that looks rustic yet sophisticated when laser engraved. No wonder it's an incredibly popular medium for laser customization! Here are two projects perfect for the literary aficionados out there: leather bookmarks and journals, each personalized with laser engraving. These keepsakes are wonderful for the world's aspiring writers and avid readers.
Read on to learn how easy laser engraving these items can be. Even the simplest design or initials look fabulous on this medium.
Leather is a very sturdy substrate that holds up incredibly well to engraving—from bookmarks and journals to leather wallets, belts, coasters, and much more. If you've never worked with this material before, give it a shot! We think you'll be pleased with the results.
Creating Laser-Engraved Leather Bookmarks
GREAT MARKETS
In addition to your store and website, you can sell laser-engraved leather bookmarks at:
MACHINERY & SETTINGS
We used a 60-watt Helix with the following raster settings: 100% speed, 25% power, 600 DPI, and standard engraving.
MATERIALS
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Leather Bookmarks: For a short-run sample, we often purchase our materials through Amazon; however, you may elect to find a wholesale distributor of this type of product so you can offer them in your store.
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Engraving files: Create your own text/graphics to engrave; use customer-supplied graphics; or download Epilog's free artwork, which you can find at www.epiloglaser.com/resources/sample-club/leather-bookmarks-laser-engraving.htm
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A laser system
Step 1: Download the engraving files and adjust the artwork as needed.
Step 2: Insert the material into the laser. If you're doing a large production run, consider making a jig to hold all of the bookmarks in place. (To learn more about creating jigs, go to http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/29904/how-to-create-a-jig-for-the-laser.)
Step 3: When your graphics are ready and your materials are placed, send the job to the laser, and press "go." That's all there is to it!
How to Laser Engrave Custom Leather Journals
Laser engraving a leather notebook results in a beautiful, weathered, rustic look. Customized leather journals make fantastic gifts for aspiring writers, students, travelers documenting their adventures, new graduates, and couples seeking a unique guest book for their wedding.
GREAT MARKETS
In addition to your store and website, you can sell laser-engraved leather journals:
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At libraries
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At bookstores
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At specialty gift shops
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As graduation gifts
MACHINERY & SETTINGS
We used a 75-watt Fusion M2 40 with the following raster settings: 80% speed, 100% power, 600 DPI, and standard engraving.
MATERIALS
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Leather journals: The ones we used ranged from 7 in. by 5 in. to 8 in. by 6 in. For this short run, we sourced our journals from Amazon, though a quick Google search for "rustic leather journal" will turn up fantastic results.
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Engraving files: Create your own text/graphics to engrave; use customer-supplied graphics; or peruse Epilog Laser's resources for free download.
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A laser system
Step 1: Download the engraving files and adjust the artwork accordingly. You may need to change the dimensions to fit your piece.
Step 2: Insert the journal into the system and move it to the upper left corner of the table. If you'd like a visual indicator of where your design will engrave, draw a vector box around the graphics and with the red dot pointer on and laser lid open, run ONLY the vector portion. When you are satisfied with the placement, remove the vector box and you're ready to engrave.
Step 3: Send the job to the laser and press "go"!
Devon Posey is a graphic designer at Epilog Laser, a leader in laser engraving, cutting, and marking industry. In business since 1988, Epilog designs and manufactures quality laser systems in Golden, CO. Learn more about the company and laser systems at www.EpilogLaser.com.