How to laser engrave Japanese paper

The first project in my Start Laser Cutting with Confidence course is inspired by Japanese paper - one of the first materials I engraved, oh so many years ago.

At the time I began experimenting with laser cutting I was a printmaker well-versed in experimentation and seeing how far I could push a medium before it talked back.

My approach to laser cutting is no different.

How is it possible to laser engrave something so thin and delicate?

The key to finding those edges is taking the time to create a step test (bottom, left). Step tests are a systematic way of testing material and one of the foundations of my teaching philosophy because they reveal more creative opportunities than can be found in pre-set settings.

Every paper is different, but when engraved papers like Masa become more transparent creating a watermark-like effect making them perfect for screens (top, right) and lanterns.

Would you like to learn how to engrave paper lanterns along with creating laser cutting files in Adobe Illustrator?

Join me in Start Laser Cutting with Confidence and make your own laser engraved paper lantern.