Celtic Knotwork Journal

Celtic Snowflake Journals (4 Colors)

These journal covers are engraved with my Snowflake Celtic knotwork design (and a new corner piece I designed specifically for these).  These are laser-cut and engraved, then saddle stitched by hand (using the stitching pony I made recently).  These are made from a synthetic/vegan leather that looks and feel impressively like real leather.  I personalized a few of them.  These slip onto the Baron Fig Vanguard notebooks, which can be easily swapped as notebooks are filled.

I also made some packaging for them.  The Ice Gold cover stock laser engraves in a nice metallic gold for the design and ambigram logo.

Update: These are now available in the shop!

Small Inlaid Celtic Key Pattern Box

Small Inlaid Celtic Key Pattern Box

I did another small maple and cherry box inlaid with the same Celtic key pattern as the long box I posted recently. For this one, I designed the box body parametrically, entirely in Fusion 360. I can put in the material thickness or, even, alter the dimensions of the box and, everything will adjust automatically. The lid on this one is just friction-fit (no magnets) and, I did not flock the interior. 12-sided die (D12) for scale.

Celtic Key Pattern Inlaid Long Box

Long Inlaid Celtic Key Pattern Box / Dice Vault

Celtic key pattern long box of hard maple inlaid with walnut and flocked interior. I think my second foray into laser-cut wood inlay went pretty well. This is probably not an optimal dice vault but, it looks good with these turquoise gemstone dice. I’ll likely do a proper dice vault in the future. the build video is more of a “what I did” than a “how to.” The beauty shots were a great opportunity to play with the new motion control robot.

180° Degree Spirals Pop Up Card

180° Degree Spirals Pop Up Card

In keeping with tradition, I present my 2019 holiday card: a 180° degree opening Celtic spirals abstract origamic architecture / kirigami-style pop up.

Celtic Key Patterns

Celtic Key Square

Celtic key (or maze) patterns figure prominently in a few past and a bunch of upcoming projects. So, I made a quick video with some basics on how I assemble those as vector art images.  I used Inkscape for these but, the principles are the same for any vector art program.

Quest Battery Pouch

Quest Battery Pouch

Something I noticed pretty quickly with my new Oculus Quest VR headset is that it slips forward very easily, especially during the sort of very active games I got it to play.  It is pretty front-heavy.  So, some ballast on the back strap helps quite a bit.

I taped a battery pack I had on-hand to the back strap with gaffer tape to confirm that it helped with the issue.  I decided I really wanted something a little more elegant, though.  So, I designed and made this battery ballast pouch.

If you want to make one of these, the files are all linked below, along with instructions and a build video.

Instructions / Fabrication Notes

There are two pattern files: one for cutting the pouch from the faux leather and, one for the rigidity insert.

The purple square is where you would put any graphic you wanted on the flap.  You could actually use all of the horizontal space to the edges of the flap, if you wanted.  Anything farther towards the body (down) will bend over the top of the battery, though.

For engraving the JPP Saddle Collection faux leather on the Glowforge, I used 1000 speed, 30 power and 225 LPI.  You are on your own for figuring out settings for other equipment.

Everything else in the pattern is cut using 245 speed and 60 power.

I cut the 1/8″ acrylic for the rigidity insert with the usual Proofgrade settings on the Glowforge.

Design Files

These files are for personal, non-commercial use only. If you want to produce these to sell or for other business use, please contact me to arrange for licensing terms.  Also note that, by referencing these, you are agreeing to release any variations you create under identical terms.

Attribution-Creative Commons NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Quest Battery Pouch Pattern SVG

Quest Battery Pouch Rigidity Insert Pattern SVG

Resources

I know not everyone has a laser cutter but, many communities have maker spaces where you can get access to tools like laser cutters and, assistance learning to use them for free or, for a small fee or donation. Support your local communities, learn new skills and make new friends!

Find a maker space near you.

As I mention in the video, the Saddle Collection faux leather cuts great with a craft knife, screw punch, etc.  So, you could absolutely do this without any fancy equipment.

Of course, if you really want your own laser, feel free to use my Glowforge referral code to purchase your own. Glowforge will give you a discount off their posted price and, I will get a credit kickback to help defray the cost of materials for future projects. Your support is always appreciated.

Amazon referral links for some parts and incidentals defray IT and hosting costs for a local arts organization (Arizona Aikido):

Anker PowerCore Slim 1000PD Power Bank (rechargeable battery)

Magnetic Charging Cable

Screw Punch

“Saddle Collection” Faux / Vegan Leather

Industrial adhesive-backed Velcro

Industrial Velcro in Larger Rolls

Large Blunt Needles for saddle stitching

Waxed Cotton Cord for stitching

Spiraling Pop Up Card

Spiraling (2018 Holiday OA/Kirigami Pop Up Card)

I sent this w-fold kirigami/origamic architecture pop up card out for the 2018-2019 holiday season.  I was inspired by the interplay of layers popping in alternate directions in some of Ingrid Siliakus’ designs.