Unleash your creativity with these unique DIY laser cut project ideas, with options for both diode and CO2 laser machines.
Are you thinking about getting a laser cutter, but don't know what to make? There are so many possibilities!
I have in-depth reviews for the xTool M1 diode laser and the xTool P2 CO2 laser so you can compare the two types of machines. The projects listed below are separated into diode and CO2 laser categories so you can check out the different things you can make with each one.
If you've never used a recommended material in your laser before, I recommend running a test grid first. This will help dial in the settings and get a better end result!
Whether you're looking to start a small business or simply want to add a personal touch to your gifts or home, these projects will spark your creativity! Let's get started!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please visit my disclosures page for more information.
Don't have a laser yet? Use the code VINETA80 for $80 off your xTool purchase of $999 or more! Click here to check them out!
Diode Laser Project Ideas
Diode lasers like the xTool M1 can cut and engrave most materials, except for a few colors of acrylic. If you're on a budget and want to see if laser crafting is right for you, this machine might be just what you're looking for!
Here are some great laser engraver ideas to get you started!
Learn how to make a laser cut city map using Lightburn! These maps combine the water, land, streets and highways in layers for a 3D effect!
Make your own custom wooden name puzzles with a laser cutter! Add fun colors or patterns for a personalized name puzzle any kid will love!
Learn how to make your own LED neon signs using a laser cutter! This easy project doesn't require any soldering of wires or glass tubes!
These colorful hummingbird suncatchers are perfect for brightening up your windows on a dreary day! Depending on what materials you use, you can even make this on a diode laser!
Create an everlasting wood rose bouquet with a laser! This tutorial shows you how to laser cut a bouquet to impress your special someone!
Keep in mind that you can't cut mirrored acrylic or white acrylic with a diode laser, but you can try solid red acrylic and paint the white layer!
Grow new plants from cuttings with this simple DIY propagation station! It fits on narrow windowsills and holds five test tubes in a row! It's easy to make using the xTool M1 laser cutter.
Use the xTool M1 to make these simple DIY Dungeons and Dragons miniatures for your next campaign! My son and his friends love these! Plastic ones cost about $5 each, but you can make them using a laser cutter for pennies.
Remembering what you planted in your raised garden bed while you wait for it to grow isn't always the easiest thing. If you know, you know!
These raised garden bed labels make it easy to identify what you planted. You can make these with any laser cutting machine, but the xTool M1 made quick work of this project.
You may think you could never make this elaborate design, but a laser-cutting machine does everything for you. All you have to do is assemble it! Keep all your dice in one place, ready for the next family game night. It even makes a great gift!
If you have climbing houseplants, you need a trellis. Instead of buying one, you can make your own with the xTool M1 in no time! Brittany has 16 designs you can download and cut.
Save the hassle of using a wood burning tool and stencils when you have a laser cutting machine. It will make quick work of this fun coaster project that you can keep for yourself or give as a gift.
Check out these other DIY wood coaster ideas for more inspiration!
This fun project makes a great gift! Save one half for yourself and give the other to a loved one, so you know you're always in their heart. This would be easy to engrave on aluminum as well!
Your favorite woodworker will love this personalized tape measure. I think I'll make a few for myself just so I can easily identify my metric one at a glance!
No matter what interior designers say, word signs are still popular and aren't going away anytime soon. You can make yours with any words or saying you want!
Did you know that you can also engrave on round objects? Engraved tumblers are all the rage right now, and it's easy to make your own personalized designs with the rotary attachment on the xTool M1!
Growing up with a name like Vineta, I never found any of those personalized magnets or pencils for sale anywhere. If your child has a unique name, you can make your own custom pencils with a laser engraving machine!
Yes, you can engrave slate with your laser engraving machine. I've seen some with detailed photos that come out amazing! This takes personalized coasters to a whole new level!
You can cut faux leather either with the blade on the M1 or the laser itself (if it's rated as laser-safe). These earrings were cut with the blade feature, and they came out perfect!
CO2 Laser Project Ideas
A CO2 laser like the xTool P2 is a huge step up in speed, power, size (and price)! But there's so much more you can make with a machine like this, especially when you add attachments like the rotary or conveyor system.
One of the biggest advantages of a CO2 laser is the ability to cut clear, white and blue acrylic. As you can see from the projects below, it opens up a world of possibilities that you can't get with a diode laser.
Add festive sparkle to your yard with these DIY outdoor snowflake decorations made with iridescent acrylic that will make your trees shine! I've had mine hanging outside for over a month through rain, sleet and snow and they still look amazing!
Display your collection of foreign currency, challenge coins or pressed pennies with this DIY coin holder that mounts on the wall!
The blue background was stained before engraving, so the lines were crisp and clean. A clear acrylic sheet was cut to fit on top so you can see all your coins at a glance!
Learn how to make this adorable Easter candy holder with your laser! Download the SVG file and get started on this fun project today!
Laser cut Christmas ornaments are a great gift or product you can make with your laser. I made three versions from different materials: iridescent acrylic, glitter filled with a clear acrylic front, and a layered wood design with a spinning counter!
Go with a simple design or make a bird hotel using the xTool P2. The larger bed size makes it easy to cut out all the pieces at once. Check Brittany's 9 birdhouse designs that you can make yourself!
Every cat needs a place to take an afternoon nap. I love this project, and your cat will too! It takes advantage of the much larger working area of the P2, so even a chonky cat can lounge in style!
Cutting acrylic and making your own neon sign is fun and easy with a CO2 laser. Personalize them with names or places for fun decor.
Custom paper clips, rulers, and more are easy to make from acrylic with your P2. If you can't find the color of acrylic you want, you can make it yourself with this easy tutorial.
These name puzzles make excellent baby showers, first birthdays, or Christmas gifts. I love how this one layers patterned paper inside so you can see it through the clear acrylic letters!
Jewelry is another great idea you can make using your laser cutting machine, especially if you have a lot of acrylic scraps! I have lots of little pieces left over from my snowflake designs that would make great earrings.
Make your own cute magnets using colored acrylic! Black acrylic can also be cut on a diode laser, but a CO2 laser will cut much faster with less chance of melting the edges.
These acrylic lights are so cool! Just engrave your design onto clear acrylic, then stick it in the base and watch it glow.
You can buy a kit with the acrylic already cut out and engrave it on a diode laser like the M1, or cut your own custom shape with the P2!
Which of these laser cut project ideas is your favorite? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
Check out these laser cutter reviews!
