Are you looking for some easy and fun DIY projects to refresh your home in 2023? Do you want to unleash your creativity and make something unique and personalized for your living space? If so, you might want to consider getting a diy laser cutter and engraver.
A DIY or hobby laser cutter is a versatile tool that can cut and engrave various materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, paper and more, allowing you to make amazing DIY projects for any purposes such as home decor, storage, kitchen, outdoor and lighting efficiently and effectively.
In this article, we will show you 50 easy DIY projects and ideas that you can make with a diy laser cutter and engraver. We will also explain what a hobby laser cutter is, how it works, and why you should use it for your DIY projects.
In This Article
- DIY Home Decorating Projects and Ideas
- DIY Storage & Organization Projects and Ideas
- DIY Kitchen & Dining Projects and Ideas
- DIY Outdoor & Garden Projects and Ideas
- DIY Lighting Projects and Ideas
- A Versatile Tool for Home DIY Projects - Hobby Laser Cutter
DIY Home Decorating Projects and Ideas
Home decorating is one of the most popular categories for DIY projects. You can use a hobby laser cutter and engraver to make beautiful and unique items that will add personality and charm to your home. Here are some examples of DIY home decorating projects and ideas that you can make.
1. Wooden Floral Wall Clock
source: by antpgomes via Thingiverse
This elegant wall clock with a floral design is a beautiful addition to any room. The clock can be made with 1/8'' or 1/4'' plywood. The creator used a laser cutter to cut out the floral patterns on the plywood, and then colored it with black paint. For the clock mechanism, it uses a quartz movement mechanism and is hot glued to the back of the clock.
2. Wood River Wall Art
source: by Maker Design Lab via instructables
This lifelike wall art mimics the look of a river flowing through a landscape. At a quick glance, you might think it’s a painting, but a closer look reveals its depth and texture. The maker got the DIY idea from river tables.
This DIY project is made with plywood and acrylic, both of which are easily available and cheap. Especially for the river, acrylic is the perfect material because of its appealing look and no need for post-processing after cutting. Combined with the wooden landscape, this wall art adds a natural and rustic look to your home. You can also design the wall art in different shapes and sizes.
Buy Plywood3. Wooden Silhouette Test Tube Vases
source: by Maker Design Lab via instructables
These simple vases are among the easist DIY wood projects, yet lovely, artistic and rustic, bringing a natural ambiance to brighten up any indoor room or possibly even your office desk. This project uses plywood for the body and glass test tubes for the containers. This particular project is somewhat easy (a great project for beginners) but yields a beautiful result.
4. Wall Vent Cover
source: by valhallas_end via instructables
If you want to add some flair to your wall vents, this DIY project is for you. This project is a simple and geometric desgin which can be easily and quickly cut. You can make your own custom wall vent cover with plywood using a laser cutter. The project is not very difficult and you can choose from two different designs: a geometric pattern or a floral motif. This is a great way to upgrade your wall vents without breaking the bank.
5. Comic Callout Door Sign
source: by dmilesson via instructables
This fun, colorful and personalized door sign is a really awesome diy project to make any room in the house or perhaps even your office more lively. This project uses 4mm MDF for the body and water based acrylic paint for the decoration.
If you love comics and want to make your own door sign, this project is for you. The project is not very difficult and you can customize it with your own name and message.
6. Hatching Egg Coat Hook
source: by mikeasaurus via instructables
This is a DIY wood project that shows a coat hook that looks like an egg hatching a baby bird. The coat hook is made with craft plywood and a laser cutter. The egg opens and closes when a coat is hung or removed. The project also requires some skills in wood gluing, sanding and painting. The result is a fun and creative coat hook that can be customized with different colors and shapes.
7. Wooden Table Lamp
source: by NirL via instructables
This wooden table lamp is yet another easy diy home decor project that has a cylindrical shape with a narrow top and a wide bottom. The lamp is made of dozens of pieces of plywood that are cut with a laser cutter. The pieces are arranged around a central axis to create a geometric pattern.
To make this lamp, you will need plywood, a laser cutter, sandpaper, and a light bulb socket. You will also need to follow the instructions on how to assemble the pieces and attach the socket. The result is an elegant lamp that will illuminate your room with style.
8. Wooden Picture Frame
source: by West3DP via thingiverse
This beautiful forest frame with a deer silhouette is a perfect diy project to add some natural charm to your home decor. It can be used as a picture frame or a wall art. This project is fairly easy and suitable for beginners. You can customize the size, color, and design of the frame according to your preference.
9. 3D Topographical Maps
source by makendo via instructables
This easy 3D topographical map is a great way to visualize and learn about the terrain of any place in the world. You can use it as a wall art, a teaching tool, or a gift for someone who loves geography. This project uses cardboard or foam board for the layers and a laser cutter to cut them out. This project is relatively simple and suitable for anyone who has access to a laser cutter. You can customize the size, shape, and color of your map according to your preference.
10. Angry Guard Cat
source: by Lyl3 via thingiverse
This funny and cute angry guard cat is a fun diy home decorating idea to scare away unwanted visitors or just make you smile. The design is very simple so this project is very easy and suitable for beginners. You can customize the size and expression of your cat according to your preference.
DIY Storage & Organization Projects and Ideas
Storage and organization are essential for any home. You can use a hobby laser cutter and engraver to diy some practical and stylish items that will help you keep your home neat and tidy. Here are some examples of diy storage and organization projects and ideas for your inspiration.
1. Molecule Key Holder
source: by Centas via instructables
This molecule key holder is a cool project that aesthetically and functionally organize your keys. You can choose any molecule that has a meaning for you, such as oxytocin, caffeine, or serotonin. There are also ready-made designs available for download. You can use different plywood for the atoms and bonds. This project is simple and fun to make. You can customize the size, color, and layout of your molecule according to your preference.
2. Wooden Tetris Bookshelf
source: by amandaghassaei via instructables
This is a playful and modular bookshelf that lets you create your own Tetris-inspired shapes. You can arrange and rearrange the pieces as you like, and store your books, games, or other items in them. This project is challenging and fun to make. You can customize the size, color, and layout of your Tetris pieces according to your preference.
3. Tissue Box
source: by fungus amungus via instructables
Do you love Portal, the award-winning puzzle-platform game by Valve? If so, you will enjoy making this DIY tissue box cover inspired by the game’s iconic portals. All you need are some acrylic sheets, spray paint, a laser cutter, glue and magnets. This project is easy and fun to do. You can fit it over any standard tissue box and pretend you are pulling tissues out of the portals.
4. Wooden Basket
source: by AdrienR via instructables
If you are looking for a creative and practical way to store your fruits, breads, or other items, you might want to try making this wooden basket project. It has a hexagonal shape that adds some geometric flair to your home. All you need are some plywood sheets and a laser cutter to cut them into the right pieces. Then you just glue them together with wood glue and voila! You have a beautiful and functional basket. This project is easy and fast to do. You can also customize the size and shape of your basket by modifying the design file.
5. Pivoting Box
source: by Da3da1u5 via instructables
If you are into sewing, you will appreciate this diy sewing box that can store your needles, threads, scissors, and other accessories. The box has a simple design with a sliding lid and a handle. You will need some plywood sheets and a laser cutter to cut them. You will also need some glue and clamps to assemble the box. This project is simple and satisfying to make. You can make different sizes and shapes of boxes by changing the design file.
6. Plywood Heart Shaped Box
source: by JustAddSharks via instructables
If you are looking for a romantic diy project you might want to try this Heart Shaped Box. This project is made out of plywood. The box has a clever design that uses two flexible strips of plywood to create the curved edges of the box and lid. To assemble the box, you will need some wood glue and two large heart rings that will help you align the parts.
7. Geometric Pencil Holder
source: by FSLASER via instructables
This diy project is a stylish and functional plywood pencil holder. The pencil holder has a geometric design that can hold different types of pens and pencils. You can cut the parts on a laser cutter using the provided files and assemble them with glue. This pencil holder is a great way to organize your desk and add some flair to your home office.
8. Cat Dish Bowl
source: by jkmoule via instructables
This diy project is a customized food/water dish for your cat or small dog. The dish holder has a engraving of your pet’s name and two holes for inserting bowls. This dish holder is a great way to prevent your pet from knocking over the bowls and spilling food or water on the floor. It also adds a personal touch to your pet’s feeding area.
9. The Paint Caddy
source: by NEIN via instructables
This diy project is a neat and attractive caddy to store and display your paints. The caddy has two tiers that can hold different sizes of paint bottles and a drawer at the bottom for brushes and tools. This paint caddy is a great way to organize your painting supplies and show off your hobby. You can use the provided files to cut the parts out of plywood on a laser cutter and assemble them with glue, rivets and hardware.
10. Hexagon LEGO Display
source: by dmilesson via instructables
If you have a lot of LEGO figures and you want to show them off, you can make this hexagon display With a laser cutter and some wood. The shelves have a hexagonal shape that can fit different sizes of LEGO figures. You can hang the display on your wall with some screws. This display is a fun and creative way to showcase your LEGO hobby.
DIY Kitchen & Dining Projects and Ideas
Kitchen and dining are another popular category for diy projects. You can use a hobby laser cutter and engraver to make some functional and decorative items that will enhance your cooking and eating experience.
1. DIY Nespresso Capsule Holder
Source: by SilkeC2 via instructables
If you love coffee and Greek mythology, this project is for you! You can make your own Poseidon coffee capsule holder using a laser cutter and some MDF and acrylic plates. This holder will store up to 50 Nespresso OriginalLine capsules in vertical paths that resemble waves behind Poseidon’s figure. You can customize the design by choosing different colors and shapes for the waves and Poseidon. This holder will not only organize your capsules, but also add some artistic flair to your kitchen.
Buy Acrylic2. Wood Serving Tray
Source: By Fisherck via instructables
If you have access to a laser cutter and some 1/4 inch plywood, you can DIY this beautiful and functional serving tray with a food-themed engraving on the surface. The tray is about 16 inches long, 11 inches wide and 2 inches tall, with comfortable handles on both sides. The engraving adds a unique touch to the tray and can be customized to your preference. You will also need some wood stain, polycrylic finish and glue to complete this project.
3. Wooden Utensils
Source: By travderose via instructables
This DIY project is a personalized wedding gift that you can make for your family or friends. You will need a wooden board and some cooking utensils . The idea is to engrave the cutting board and cooking ustensils with their names and wedding date on it. You can choose to engrave other patterns or messages that they will cherish. This DIY project is a creative and thoughtful way to celebrate a special occasion for your friends or family members and it will surely impress them with your skills and sentimentality.
4. Wooden Coasters
Source: By fxiao via instructables
With this DIY project, you can turn some scrap wood a set of amazing wood coasters. You just need to engrave and cut out your design with a hobby laser cutter. You can choose any design you like, such as animals, plants, letters, or geometric shapes. The laser engraving will create a beautiful contrast between the engraved and natural wood areas. These coasters are perfect for keeping your table free of water marks and adding some flair to your home decor. They also make a great gift for your loved ones.
5. Engraved Glasses
Source: By julesf2323 via instructables
If you want to add some personal touch to your glassware, you can try engraving them with a hobby laser engraver. This is a fun and easy DIY project that only requires a few materials and some creativity. You can engrave any design you like on your glass items, such as letters, patterns, or images. Enjoy your personalized glassware or give them as gifts to your friends and family.
6. Wooden Wine Rack
Source: by mubadxfdownload via Etsy
If you love wine and want to display your bottles in style, this DIY project is for you. You can make your own tabletop wine rack using a hobby laser cutter and some plywood. This wine rack can hold up to six bottles of wine and has a sleek and modern design that will complement any decor. You can also customize it with your favorite color or pattern.
7. Spice Organizer
Source: by Vasily39 via Etsy
If you love cooking and want to organize your spices in a stylish way, this DIY spice organizer is for you! This project uses laser cut and engraved wood pieces that you can easily assemble and tight fit withou glue needed. You can customize the size, shape and the pattern of the organizer according to your kitchen space and preferences. You can also paint or stain the wood to match your decor. This spice organizer will help you keep your spices neat and handy, while adding some charm to your kitchen.
8. Embossing Rolling Pin
Source: by GOODYWOODYcompl via Etsy
Do you love baking cookies with a touch of rustic charm? Then you will love this Scandinavian cottage rolling pin project! This wooden rolling pin is laser engraved with a beautiful pattern of cottages, flowers and animal that will make your cookies look like they came from a cozy cabin in the woods. You can use this rolling pin to emboss your cookie dough, fondant or clay with ease and create stunning treats for your family and friends.
9. Kitchen Knife Block
Source: by ArtHouseUA via Etsy
If you are looking for a way to organize your kitchen knives and add some style to your countertop, this knife block is a great DIY project. You can use any material that is suitable for laser cutting, such as wood, acrylic, or metal. The design consists of four pieces that interlock together to form a sturdy and elegant stand for your knives. You can customize the size and shape of the slots to fit your knives perfectly. You can also add some engraving or painting to personalize your knife block.
10. Light-up Refrigerator Magnets
Source: By colleenjordan via instructables
Do you love droids? Do you want to show off your fandom with some cool pins? Then this DIY project is for you! You can make your own light-up droid pins using some simple materials and tools. You can choose from different droid designs, such as R2-D2, BB-8, C-3PO, and more. You can also add a magnet to its back to make it a refrigerator magnet.
DIY Outdoor & Garden Projects and Ideas
What about your outdoor and garden space? Do you want to make it more beautiful and inviting? You can use a hobby laser cutter and engraver to create some amazing diy projects and ideas for your backyard, patio, or balcony.
1. Wood Birdhouse
Source: by neobobkrause via thingiverse
If you love birds and want to attract them to your garden or balcony, you can make this birdhouse project. This birdhouse is made of plywood that is cut with a laser cutter and assembled with glue. You will also need a drill, some screws and a rope or chain to hang the birdhouse.
You can change the size, shape and number of panels of the birdhouse to suit your preferences and the needs of different birds. You can also decorate the birdhouse with paint or stickers to make it more attractive. This birdhouse is a fun and easy DIY project that will provide shelter and comfort for your feathered friends.
2. Outdoor Garden Fence Panel
Source: by LaserCutArtsInc via Etsy
This privacy screen panel project is made of aluminum and has a beautiful forest design that is laser-cut with precision. You can also choose the size and design that suits your space and style. You will have a stunning privacy screen that will impress your guests and neighbors. It will also protect you from the sun and wind and add some charm to your outdoor area.
3. Welcome Sign
Source: by SunnySproutDesign via Etsy
This DIY project is a round wooden sign that features a colorful floral design and the word “Welcome” in 3D letters. The sign can be hung on a fence, door, or wall to add some charm and cheer to your outdoor space. The sign is made from 1/4 inch birch wood .You can choose from different colors for the flowers and letters.
4. Wood Outdoor Lantern
Source: by evlimeca via thingiverse
Do you want to add some light to your outdoor space? Why not diy your own lantern? You can choose from different designs and patterns to create a unique and beautiful lantern that will brighten up your garden, patio or balcony.
5. Dino Planter
Source: By DarklyLabs via instructables
Bring some Jurassic joy to your home with this DIY laser cut dino planter. This project is easy and fun to make with a hobby laser cutter and some poplar plywood. You will cut out the dinosaur bones and join them with cable ties and glue. Then you will transform a soft drink bottle into a planter by cutting a hole and adding mesh, potting mix and plants. You can pick any plants you like, but succulents are ideal for this project. The final result is a whimsical and wonderful planter that looks like a dinosaur skeleton.
6. Funny Plant Markers
Source: by gemsandtimber via Etsy
One of the best diy projects for plant lovers is to make these funny plant markers. These plant stakes are laser cut and engraved with witty plant puns that will brighten up your day, such as “Aloe You Vera Much”, “Don’t Stop Beleafing”, and “I’m So Thorny”. These plant markers are made of wood and have natural variations in color. They are suitable for indoor or outdoor plants and make awesome gifts for plant enthusiasts.
7. 3D Butterfly Plant Garden Stakes
Source: by Winetopia via Etsy
Thess beautiful 3D butterfly plant stakes is one of the creative DIY ideas to add some whimsy and color to your garden. These stakes are laser cut from durable metal and painted with vibrant colors that will last for years. You can easily bend the wings to create a realistic 3D effect and insert the stakes into your pots or soil. They are perfect for decorating your garden, patio, balcony, or indoor plants.
8. Owl Yard Art
Source: by DArtDesignsByPS via Etsy
If you’re an owl lover, you’ll love this DIY great horned owl wall decor. It’s a unique and eye-catching way to decorate your fence or garden trees. The design captures the beauty and fierceness of the great horned owl, with its horn-like feather tufts, large sparkling eyes, powerful beak, and realistic feather pattern. It’s a stunning piece of art that you can make by laser cutting plywood.
9. Flower Fence Decor
Source: by TroyersShop via Etsy
If you love flowers and want to brighten up your fence, this diy project is for you. You can make your own wall flower fence with by cutting plywood into different flower shapes and paint the flower shapes with some extra colors or details. You can hang it on a fence, a wall, a pergola or any other structure that can hold it.
10. Garden Flag
Source: by MoonltStudio via Etsy
Add some charm and personality to your garden with this DIY garden flag. This DIY project is easy and fun to make, and you can customize it with your own design or message. All you need is a piece of plywood, a laser cutter, some paint and a stake.
DIY Lighting Projects and Ideas
Lighting can make a big difference in the mood and ambiance of your home. You can use a hobby laser cutter and engraver to create some stunning diy lighting ideas and projects that will brighten up your space.
1. Edge-Lit Perspex Sign
Source: By kitronik via instructables
Do you love deer and want to add some charm to your desk or nightstand? If so, you’ll love this DIY project of a stunning edge-lit deer sign. All you need is a 5V LED strip board, a micro USB cable, a switch, and some acrylic sheets of different colors and thicknesses. You’ll also need access to a laser cutter to cut out the base panels and the deer panel from the acrylic sheets.
The clear acrylic sheet with the deer engraving will be placed on top of the base panels and connected to the micro USB cable. Once you plug in your USB port, you can switch on your edge-lit deer sign and enjoy its mesmerizing effect.
This project is easy to make and customize with your own design. You can use any shape or image you like for your engraving and choose any color for your acrylic sheets. The result is a unique and eye-catching edge-lit sign that will brighten up your space and impress your friends.
2. Lit Display Board for Miniatures
Source: By greylightmay via instructables
This diy project is a lit display board for war-gaming miniatures. The board has a cobblestone courtyard base and a Gothic ruin backdrop, both made from engraved acrylic sheets that are illuminated by LED strips. The base also has magnets embedded in it to hold the miniatures in place.
You will need plywood, acrylic, LED strip, receiver and remote control, battery pack, paint, electrical tape, wood glue and rare earth magnets for this project. You will also need access to a laser cutter and Adobe Illustrator software.
3. Wooden Table Light
Source: By EstherL6 via instructables
This diy project is a hexagonal lamp made of plywood that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere with its geometric design and soft light. The lamp has a hexagonal box shape with an acrylic sheet on the lid that diffuses the light and creates a beautiful pattern of light and shadow on your walls. The lamp also has a clever closure system with a magnet and a piece of metal that allows you to open and close the lid easily.
You can make this lamp with some simple tools and materials such as a laser cutter, a poplar plywood sheet, white acrylic sheet, a light bulb socket and cord, and some hardware. This lamp will add a touch of elegance and charm to any room in your home.
4. Pendant Light
Source: By m8pilon via instructables
This Diy project is a unique and elegant lamp using wood strips and steel bolts. The lamp has a curved shape that is achieved by bending and tensioning the wood strips with bolts. You will need a laser cutter to cut out the wood strips and holes, as well as some basic tools like a drill, a file and sandpaper. The result is a beautiful pendant wood lamp that can illuminate any space with style.
5. Cardboard Ceiling Light
Source: By Hemulimania via instructables
This DIY project is a creative and modern lamp using cardboard circles and glue. The lamp has an elliptical shape that is achieved by stacking and merging the cardboard circles with glue. You will need a laser cutter to cut out the cardboard circles and holes, as well as some basic tools like a ruler, a pencil and scissors. The result is a stunning cardboard lamp that can brighten up any space with flair.
6. Papercut light
Source: By ecabeza via instructables
If you want to add some exotic flair to your home decor, you can try making this paper arabesque lantern by ecabeza1. This lantern is made with a sheet of cardboard, a sheet of butter paper and a glue stick. You will also need a laser cutter to cut out the intricate patterns on the cardboard. The lantern can be easily assembled or disassembled by folding and fitting the tabs. You can place a candle or a light system inside the lantern to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The lantern has two types of arabesque designs, one based on circles and the other on an octagon. You can choose your favorite one or make both for variety.
7. Romantic Light Box
Source: By miguelito9315 via instructables
If you are looking for a romantic and elegant gift for your loved one, you can make this lightbox. This lamp is made of 2.5 mm MDF that is cut with a laser cutter and painted. You will also need a power cord, a socket and bulb, and some translucent plastic to cover the internal cuttings of the lamp. The lamp has a simple and sleek design that creates a soft and warm light. You can customize the lamp with your own images or text.
8. Outdoor lanterns
Source: By mikeasaurus via instructables
If you have access to a laser cutter and want to make a simple and stylish lantern, you can try this outdoor lantern project. This lantern is made of six pieces of 4 mm thick MDF that are cut with a laser cutter and painted. You will also need some tracing paper to cover the internal cuttings of the lantern. The lantern has a diamond mesh pattern that creates a nice effect when lit up. You can use an LED candle or a light system inside the lantern. The best part is that you can customize the lantern with your own designs.
9. Neon sign
Source: By Mancave Effects via instructables
If you are a fan of Ghostbusters and want to show your love for this iconic movie, you can make this neon sign project. This sign is made of black acrylic that is cut with a laser cutter and fitted with LED neon strips. You will also need a power supply, some resistors, some wires and a soldering iron. The sign has the Ghostbusters logo and text that glow in different colors. You can customize the sign with your own designs, This sign is a great addition to any room where you want to display your fandom.
10. Hidden Backlit LED Sleeping Sign
Source: By pamelafox via instructables
If you want to let your roommates or family members know when you are sleeping and need some quiet time, you can make this hidden backlit LED sleeping sign project. This sign is made of a shadow box frame, a sheet of decorative fabric, a piece of plywood or acrylic that is cut with a laser cutter, and an LED strip. The sign has the text “Shh… Human Sleeping” that is only visible when the LED strip is turned on. You can cover the sign with fabric during the day to make it look like a pretty wall hanging.
A Versatile Tool for Home DIY Projects - Hobby Laser Cutter
Do you love creating your own projects with your hands? Do you wish you could cut and engrave various materials with ease and precision? If so, you might want to consider getting a hobby laser cutter.
A hobby laser cutter is a computer-controlled device that uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave various materials, such as wood, paper, plastic, metal and more. With a hobby laser cutter, you can:
- Transfer your digital designs to your desired material with high speed and accuracy.
- DIY countless projects by cutting out your desired shapes or engraving intricate designs.
- Make personalized gifts, home decor items and much more.
- Turn Your DIY hobby into a profitable small business.
Imagine being able to make your own wood signs, leather wallets, paper cards, metal jewelry and more with just a few clicks. You can unleash your creativity and impress your friends and family with your unique creations.
Choose a hobby laser cutter