I received the M1 machine from xTool to facilitate this post as well as the previous review post. However, as always the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own. (You can read my full disclosure here.)
Did you know you can make your own custom PU leather Bookmarks with the xTool M1 machine?
Recently I was sent the xTool M1 3in1 laser engraver, laser cutter, and blade cutting machine from xTool to try out and review here on The Quiet Grove. I have had so much fun with my husband putting this amazing machine through its paces by making fun DIY projects in a lot of different materials.
One of those projects was a set of beautiful PU leather bookmarks that I engraved with the M1 laser and then cut out using the M1 blade. It was a super easy project that I feel really shows the versatility of this hybrid Laser machine and so I thought I would share the DIY tutorial with all of you (as well as the cut files) so you can make these bookmarks yourself.
DIY PU Leather Laser Engraved Bookmark made with the xTool M!
Instructions
Download the Bookmarks XCS File -->HERE
Peel off the back protective sheet for the sticky mat and stick to the base plate of the M1, then peel off the top protective sheet.
Place PU leather on a sticky mat (at this time make sure the blade is NOT inserted into the M1)
Open xTools Creative Space and Click on the File & Open Project button on the top toolbar to open the bookmark Inside XCS file (which should be sized correctly but you can adjust if you desire) and make sure that the designs are set to engrave
(I used Cricut 1mm Pebbled Faux Leather so I set my engraving to 0.0393in for height, raised NO, Power 25, Speed 80) if you use a different PU leather you will have to adjust the power and speed and height)
Click the Process Button, Select Framing, Click Start, and then push the lit circle button on the M1 machine to start engraving.
After the designs are finished engraving insert the blade into the M1
Click on File & Open Project button on the top toolbar and upload the Bookmark XCS file for the bookmark outline. If needed line up the bookmark borders with the engraved designs. (if you didn't adjust the bookmark inside the designs the files should already line up. (I changed the option from laser flat to blade cut on the right--hand toolbar and then selected the PU leather material to cut out the bookmarks)
Click the Process Button, Select Framing, Click Start, and then push the lit circle button on the M1 machine to start engraving.
Once finished peel the bookmarks from the mat and tie on ribbon or string to the bookmarks with the hole on the top and enjoy!
Notes
* It is easier to line up the outline of the bookmark after engraving the inside design than the other way around.
** Do not place the blade into the M! until after you are done using the laser engraver and are ready to cut the PU leather. You don't want the blade to snag on the material you are engraving and shift it.
Recommended Products
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This project is the perfect beginner project for DIY crafters who have recently gotten the xTool M1. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below to make your own PU Leather bookmarks with the M1 right now. Or feel free to pin this post to your DIY board on Pinterest to make it later.
As I said, I simply love how these bookmarks turned out. I love how fine the details of the laser-engraved designs were and how they look against the pebbled PU Leather. You can also make these bookmarks using Heavy cardstock or even certain colors of acrylic with the M1 (though you would have to change the power and speed settings to fit the material.
If you liked this post then make sure to check out these: (Click on the photo to go to the post)
