Laser Engraving Woodblocks - Online Course
Curious about the process that goes into engraving woodblocks?
You're in the right place if you want to learn how to laser engrave on wood.
In this semi-live online course, you’ll
● Learn how to create laser engraving files in Adobe Illustrator
● Figure out the best laser engraving settings for different materials on your laser cutter
● Determine what materials to use, which to avoid, and where to source the materials
● Learn how to laser cut wood to make engraved woodblocks
● Get expert feedback and insider tips for troubleshooting common and unexpected laser cutting problems
But don’t feel overwhelmed, while this is a self-guided course on how to laser cut on wood, you’ll still have access to me via live Q&A sessions.
This workshop is for you if
● You want to expand your printmaking into the digital realm and don’t have time to figure it out on your own through trial and error
● You’ve experimented with how to laser cut on wood and have come up against stumbling blocks
● You’re looking for an expert guide who is excited to share over a decade of laser cutting knowledge and experience with you
● Want to multiply your knowledge through experimentation and sharing, while learning from your peer’s experiments
I wanted to learn laser cutting and engraving so I could use them in my classes, but I didn't know where to start. Honestly, I was initially overwhelmed by the laser cutter and having to learn Adobe Illustrator, but Sarah provided excellent step-by-step instructions, as well as handouts. She was also willing to adapt her workshop on the fly to accommodate the needs of the participants. Sarah is VERY generous with her time and knowledge.
After working with Sarah, I felt empowered and much more at ease with the laser cutter. And I was eager to do more laser cutting!
~ Janet Ballweg
Course Format
● 3 self-paced modules on how to laser engrave woodblocks and create laser cutting
● 3 live hour-long feedback sessions with Sarah to make sure you’re confident with how to laser cut on wood materials in your own practice
Live sessions will be recorded for participants who can’t make it and for those who wish to review the conversation later. You can submit questions about how to laser cut on wood in advance if you can’t make it and I will answer them live.
Module 1: Getting Started
In this module, you’ll learn about materials and testing.
● What materials are optimal for laser engraving woodblocks and which to steer away from. Also, my list of top suppliers.
● How to figure out the optimal laser cutting settings for your machine and how engraving depth affects the image.
Module 2: Create Your Image
You’ll begin designing for success by learning:
● What types of imagery works best for laser engraving.
● How to create laser cutting vector files in Adobe Illustrator from raster files (JPEG) and hand drawn line art.
● How to prepare files for engraving woodblocks.
Module 3: Engraving & Printing
● Using the testing results and files you created in the first two modules, you’ll engrave and print your blocks.
● How to analyze results and adjust the image and block accordingly.
● Tips for printing laser engraved woodblocks.
● Common engraving challenges and solutions.
Technology and Material Requirements
● Laser cutter (your own or access to one at a makerspace or institution)
● Adobe CC: Illustrator and PhotoShop
● Zoom
● ¼” Baltic birch plywood
Hi, I’m Sarah, artist and laser cutting specialist.
When I started laser cutting, I knew nothing! I could barely make a file in Adobe Illustrator, and had no experience working with digital technology. Plus, the “how to” resources in 2012 for laser cutting were practically non-existent.
I was a printmaker learning laser cutting through trial and error, but you don’t have to suffer alone as I did.
In this course, I take a decade’s worth of knowledge and synthesize it into 3 digestible modules that teach you the essentials for creating laser cutting files without the inapplicable stuff you’d get in a general Illustrator tutorial.
You’ll learn how to find custom settings for specific materials and images so that you can problem solve and expand your creative endeavors beyond this course. I’ll give you insider information on how to solve common problems and how to think through troubleshooting.
I believe that the key to learning is not the ability to follow instructions but understanding the why and how, so you can problem solve and develop your own creative ideas as your work evolves.
I can’t wait to share my experience with you!
Sarah helped me learn best practices of using the laser cutter as part of our equipment [at the university where I work]. She had so much to share both in terms of how to’s, but also possibilities.
Karen Zimmermann