Recently I learned of Women.Design.Build, a local organization that encourages women to get involved in their community through design and construction activities. One way that they do this is through workshops where you can try out a new skill. Last week I attended a glass etching workshop at the MAKEatx studio. You know how we etched our pint glasses? With a giant LASER! Right up my alley, reminding me of days spent in the basement of the UT physics building working with lasers. The MAKEatx laser is much more awesome than any laser I used in the past.
Laser etched / cut designs are located all around the studio
Yep, that’s a giant laser. CO2 apparently.
Prior to etching our glasses, we had to create a small black and white graphic to etch on the glass. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I decided to make a gift for my Dad. He’s got a thing for motorcycles so I incorporated that into my design.
Placing the pint glass in the machine required a bit of calibration.
Pint glass loaded and ready to go
After the pint glass was loaded, the file from the controlling computer was opened to send the design to the laser. We closed the lid and pressed the go button and the laser whipped out our designs in no time.
The laser in action. You can see one of the motorcycle wheels.
My finished glass
There were about 12 of us in the workshop and many had to create their designs on the computers there. We had plenty of time to browse around the workshop and drink some wine. Everyone was very friendly and it was an enjoyable evening. I look forward to attending more events in the future.
Seen around the workshop:
Another etched glass – a mason jar that says classy. For drinking wine of course.
Amazing groomsmen gifts – hatchets etched with initials.
So true.
Laura Makes 
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