Consistently, one of my favorite materials to laser engrave is wood. The endless variation of grain patterns makes every outcome unique. Each species reacts differently to the laser light; balsa engraves deep and cuts like butter, laser-cut Plyboo edges are turned a dark ebony, the varying grain density of Pine creates deep waves of grain. When Nemo Design asked me to engrave pine presentation boxes for them, I gladly agreed to the project. The designer took full advantage of the 3d nature of engraved wood with this letterpress motif -

Two passes were used, creating multiple levels of depth in the pieces to separate the blocks from the gutters. The art was bled over the edges of the boxes and tapered around the rounded edges perfectly. This close-up shows how the varying grain density of Pine accentuates the ridges -

Possibly the best aspect of engraving pine is the smell, which instantly reminded me of cold winter nights spent reading by the fireplace.

The 2009 Planners need to be ordered by April 27th, so head over to www.engraveyourbook.com to reserve a few. They sell out really quick because they are the best planners made. The red ones look great engraved too!