Ikea Hackers: Mirror Tutorial

One of the latest trends in home interiors is 'Ikea hacking'.
Originating in 2006 Ikea hacking involves taking everyday purchases from Ikea and recreating them into your own unique creation, whether simply adding embellishment or finding a new purpose for an item such as lampshades and cabinets.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, see Trotec's own Ikea hack where we take a plain mirror and transform into a unique gift. Why give flowers when you can make someone smile all year round.

Trotec's recommended lasers
Speedy 100, Speedy 300, 
Speedy 400, Speedy 500

Settings: Visit the main site for the recommended settings for your laser. 

Step 1: Take an everyday idea mirror with a thick wooden frame, we used Ikea's Malma mirror.

Step 2: Using the template, downloadable from our website, insert your Valentine's message into CorelDraw, whether a poem, love note or sentimental song lyrics. 

Step 3: Spread the love!

Wipe off any residue, wrap up in a bow and spread the love with a unique Valentine's gift. 

Also perfect for other special occassions such as birthdays, Christmas and graduations, or merely to celebrate a random Wednesday, because we don't always need a reason to make someone's day. 

Trophex 2015 Review

It was a busy year for Trotec Laser at Trophex 2015, at Birmingham's NEC.
We welcomed a dynamic range of visitors to the stand from current customers who have seen their businesses soar with the help of their Trotec laser to those looking to purchase their first laser from a wide range of industries including traditional trophy and awards producers to those looking to enter the craft and personalised gift market.

We can't wait to work with the people we met and look forward to welcoming them to the Trotec family.

We created a whole host of new samples to showcase on the stand. Check them out below

Laser etched wine glass

12mm laser cut acrylic trophies

Intricately cut paper art, perfect when incorporated into greetings cards or frames on a contrast backing.

Elaborate laser cut card wedding stationery. The super fast laser doesn't burn the card meaning even the lightest of card can be used. 

Photographic replication onto granite. Recreate the most intricate details with the help of our ultra sharp laser beam.

Visitors could learn how to etch mirror by laser etching the coating from the back of the product.

Our lightning fast galvo, the ProMarker has a fibre power source allowing the user to mark metal in seconds. These metal gift tags make perfect corporate gifts or wedding favours. 

We produced a living hinge by laser cutting intricate zig zag shapes to produce flexible wood. 

Don't forget mans' best friend with personalised, photographic dog tags. 

We used the rotary attachment on the Rayjet to laser etch onto Champagne flutes. 

Our custom built stand drew lots of attention from visitor's to Trophex. The stand was built by one of our customers with many aspects produced on a Trotec laser.

For tutorials on how to create some of the above samples including champagne flutes, acrylic cutting and greeting cards visit our samples pages.

Trotec Laser Customer Awarded by Theo Paphitis

Laser Inspired Designs began their small laser engraving and cutting business in May 2013 when they first purchased their Trotec Laser. They began selling laser engraved, personalised gifts at local craft fairs and soon rented space in a local PopUp shop.

With plans to stay in PopUp Ashford for just 4 weeks this soon extended to 5 months as their business grew with the help of their Trotec Laser. 

Laser Inspired Designs' Trotec Laser enables them to produce a wide range of gifts including:

Personalised laser engraved wooden wine boxes

Personalised laser etched glasses and Champagne bottles using their Trotec rotary attachment

Laser cut acrylic jewellery

A range of laser cut and engraved wedding items, to name just a few.

Small Business Sunday

Every Sunday Theo Paphitis, entrepreneur and star of BBC's Dragon's Den recognises deserving businesses with his Small Business Sunday award. Theo personally reviews each business and rewards passion and energy. 

The rewards for Laser Inspired Designs have been momentous with a surge in new social media followers from the increase in exposure. They will also receive a section on Theo Paphitis' website and the opportunity to attend exclusive networking events.

The growth of Laser Inspired Designs' business has led them to increase their product range. Their Trotec laser's versatility has allowed them to produce larger product runs, while maintaining design consistency and quality and are now creating prototypes, branding products and signage for other businesses. 

Branded laser engraved wooden buttons

Branded laser cut and engraved acrylic display stand

Branded wooden laser cut and engraved corporate products

We can't wait to see what the future holds for Laser Inspired Designs and their Trotec laser.

Interested in how a Trotec laser can benefit your business?

Whether you are already running a business and want to increase productivity and expand your product range, or, Laser Inspired Designs story has encouraged you to start your own business, Trotec laser can help. 

View our full range of Speedy lasers and the many possibilities they hold or contact us at sales@troteclaser.co.uk and on 0844 800 0020.

Tired of eating gingerbread? Laser cut it instead.

At Trotec Laser we have a new use for any left over festive gingerbread. Use our free guide to laser cut cute gingerbread men, or if you are feeling adventurous, try the gingerbread house.

View video courtesy of FabLab London

View video courtesy of FabLab London

Settings

Cut: 85 [Power], 2 [Speed], 2000 [Hz], 6* passes

Engrave: 60 [Power], 30 [Speed], 500 [Hz], 1 pass

*6 passes may seem excessive, but it is required to laser cut the gingerbread without burning. 

Tip

Use cardboard underneath the gingerbread when laser cutting ginger bread.

Important Note

The gingerbread is not recommended for consumption after laser cutting, mainly due to its slightly burnt taste. Many edible items are safe to laser mark without altering the taste, Contact us to find out how you can safely mark and engrave food with a Trotec laser.

With thanks to FabLab London for the guide. 

Feature on our blog

Email your laser creations to lucy.hall@troteclaser.com to feature on our blog.