Want to personalize crystal awards or stunningly engrave glass trophies using your laser engraver like the Glowforge? Join this interactive online workshop designed for beginners! Over 2 sessions, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to transform ordinary glass into eye-catching keepsakes.

Class Description

Session 1: Overview of glass engraving, its applications, and the basic principles behind it. Dive into essential safety protocols for operating your Glowforge with glass, covering eye protection, ventilation, and handling techniques. Discussion - different types of glass trophies and their suitability for engraving. Display examples of well-engraved glass trophies to highlights best practice. Learn about different glass types suitable for engraving, their unique properties, and proper preparation (cleaning, masking). Detailed overview of a CO2 laser engraver like the Glowforge machine, including its components and functionalities. Introduction to laser engraver software interface. Explore the interface of your laser software, focusing on design creation, importing graphics, and optimizing settings for glass engraving. Introduction to graphic design software used for designing. Get hands-on with simple shapes and text engravings, experimenting with different power and speed settings to understand laser interaction with glass. Session 2: Exploration of advanced graphic design techniques for laser engraving. Learn design techniques for creating stunning trophy layouts, including text, logos, and custom artwork. Delve deeper into laser settings for fine details, achieving frosted effects, and exploring specialized techniques like raster engraving. Understand how to adjust power and speed settings of the laser engraver for different materials and in particular types of glass for trophies. Discover post-processing techniques for cleaning and finishing your engraved trophy, adding that professional touch.

Learning Goals

1) Understanding of Glass Engraving Principles: Participants should grasp the fundamental principles of glass engraving, including the suitable types of glass and the impact of design on engraving outcomes. 2) Proficiency in CO2 Laser Engraver Operation: Participants should be able to confidently operate a CO2 laser engraver, specifically the Glowforge, including setup, calibration, and execution of engraving tasks. 3) Design Skills and Software Proficiency: Participants should acquire basic and advanced design skills using software like Glowforge, enabling them to create personalized and intricate designs for glass trophies. 4) Safety Awareness and Troubleshooting Skills: Participants should understand and adhere to safety protocols associated with using CO2 laser engravers. Additionally, they should be able to identify and resolve common issues that may arise during the engraving process, ensuring smooth operations.

Other information that is useful for this class

A calendar link to confirm the schedule will be sent to you in your confirmation email.

Things you should know before this class

Ability to use a computer, connect to the internet and use software like Zoom. Some competency at using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, etc.

Stuff you need for the class

A Windows or Apple computer where you can install software that can connect to the Internet via the Chrome browser and can access Zoom software. Download and install the open source graphic design software from https://inkscape.org/