Laser cutting may have started out as a manufacturing technology, but it has endless applications in the maker world. After all, you can cut all sorts of materials (wood, paper, acrylic, metal, etc.) with super fine precision, which gives the artist much greater control over the design. And a lot of those amazing makers (who we’re devoting today’s #MakerCrushMonday to) are making some seriously cool stuff. Start shopping these design studios for awesome intricate homewares, jewelry and art.
1. Alexis Mattox Design: Recognize this cake topper? We swooned over it in the BHLDN gift shop and did a little digging to discover that the designer makes tons of beautiful laser cut party supplies.
2. Pigment + Pine: Ditch those basic felt coasters for these bad boys. Not so into the home decor? Pigment + Pine also has a whole bunch of gorgeous, minimal jewelry.
3. Cirkus Charm: If it’s teeny tiny, handmade and geometric, we MUST have it. Each pair of laser cut earrings in this Etsy shop are under $8 (including these Geometric Triangles), so excuse us while we go collect all of the dozens of candy-colored designs.
4. Ania Pauser Design Studio: All together now: SWOON. Ania Pauser’s laser cut lamps are like modern day disco balls, but about 1000 times chicer. Check out her paper art installations as well for more laser inspiration.
5. Bendita Indomina: Looking for a bit of animal influence? Check out this maker from Argentina who’s offering up not only this deer pendant ($16), but also an origami-inspired bird necklace.
6. Molly M Designs : This shop is chock-full of super cute housewares and jewelry, like these cool earrings ($45). And what makes her designs so rad? They are inspired by her favorite architecture and textiles.
7. Havok Designs: Wooden bow ties and cufflinks, cork wallets and keychains and bacon-shaped pet tags?! We need to bring back Bro + Co, stat. (Psst, there is also lots of edgy jewelry and clutches for the ladies ;)
8. Below the Boat: These layered bathymetric charts (aka underwater topographic maps) make brilliant gifts for sailors and travelers alike. From the Hawaiian Islands to Cape Cod, and lots of lakes in between, these maps are sure to have a few of your fave shorelines.
9. Mad Rabbit Kicking Tiger: Want to dress your tech out in this 21st-century style? Check out Mad Rabbit Kicking Tiger’s various iPad sleeves and card holders.
10. Cutture: Bespoke wedding features are a must for a love story as unique as yours. Cutture, one of their featured artists, will tailor your invitations, place cards and menus to the very last detail. These pop-up invites in particular have us mesmerized.
11. Henderson Dry Goods: If you’re looking to take your jewelry collection to the next level, check out Henderson Dry Goods’ Longport Necklace ($150). It’s definitely a little early for Christmas preparations, but if you just can’t wait, check out their awesome ornaments.
12. Eric Standley: No, that’s not a close-up of a baroque cathedral window — that is paper. This artist creates painstakingly detailed works of art out of layers of laser cut paper. We’re obsessing over his talent as well as his creative process.
13. Host and Toast: Let’s forget about the home decor and fashion finds for a sec and focus on the party. For gorgeous laser cut cake toppers, check out Host and Toast. You can snag everything from a simple diamond motif to this hilarious option.
14. Jumbie Industries: These laser cut products are more than just decor: They’re a donation. Commission a project from Jumbie, or shop their handcrafted products, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward helping children in Maryland who are battling cancer. Once you’ve put in your order, go read about the Fear Isn’t Real campaign to learn how else you can help.
15. CutMaps: We firmly believe that everyone needs a city, state or country map somewhere in their house to remind them of home. And laser cutting is the perfect medium for getting into all of those small side streets.
16. B-Inspired: Laser cut greeting cards? You betcha. Next time a holiday rolls around, skip the trip to the Hallmark store and opt for one of these super memorable alternatives.
17. Sandra Fettingis: Take your curated home decor to the next level by upgrading from art prints to sculptures. This artist combines lasers with acrylic, styrene, wood paper and paint to make minimalist geometric wall hangings. Check them out in her Etsy shop, along with some lovely acrylic jewelry.
18. Gabriel Schama: One Kickstarter campaign launched this artist’s career from a hand-cutting paper artist to a laser cutting star. His commissioned work is now so in demand that his shop is temporarily closed, but it will be up in the SF MoMA Artists Gallery at some point, so keep an eye on this one.
19. Tatty Devine: We’re all about that laser cut jewelry, and this UK brand has LOTS to choose from. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the customizable name necklaces are definitely up there.
20. Martin Tomsky: If steampunk is more your style, check out this artist’s Etsy store and explore his macabre illustrations come to life through laser cut wood. He also makes some stunning storyboards and even some jewelry.
21. NoDá Design Studio: Got a prototype or custom engraving in mind? Commission work from this Brooklyn studio, or shop the art, stationery and home decor from the Laser Eye Shop. This wall clock ($125) is a must-have.
Have you used a laser cutter before? Tell us what you made in the comments!