Lasers & Laughs: My Not-So-Expert (But Totally Fun) Maker Journey
Lasers & Laughs: My Not-So-Expert (But Totally Fun) Maker Journey
So… I bought a laser. Not the kind for sci-fi battles or cat entertainment (of course we already have the cat kind.) Nope — I dove into the magical, slightly smoky world of laser crafting, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride full of “oops,” “OMFG,” “aha!” and “wait, is that burning?”
Before Pineapples and Palm Trees had a laser beam on the team, it was all about handmade cards, garden stakes, and fun-sized gifts that made people smile. Before that, I had my own in-home boutique and before that, MLM’s. I’ve done all the big brands. Tupperware, LuLaRoe, Thirty-One Gifts, Scentsy and even Mary Kay (ok, still do this one, I love their products and they work great for me and my overly sensitive skin!). I’ve always loved the idea of creating things that feel thoughtful, tropical, and just the right amount of snarky. But I’ve never felt crafty. Our family joke is I don’t have the “Better Crocker” gene. But when I started seeing what folks were making with laser machines—custom signs, intricate ornaments, personalized everything—I knew I had to try it.
From Curious to Caffeinated to Completely Hooked
This all started when my friend, Lindsey, asked me if I wanted to take a class at the local maker lab to learn how to work a laser and make some fun stuff. Um, YES! Since Covid wrecked my little boutique, I decided no more MLM’s, and went ‘hand-made.’ I was having fun making garden stakes, greeting cards and miscellaneous seasonal crafts, but I just wasn’t feeling it. A laser sounded way more fun... and it was!
When I first investigated laser cutters, I felt like I was reading a foreign language. CO2? Vector files? Air assist? I mean, I just wanted to make cute stuff that looked good and made the gift recipient happy, not launch a space shuttle! But, after lots of coffee-fueled research and a few why-do-I-do-this-to-myself moments, I finally picked a machine. I have yet to name her, so if you have any great ideas, I’m all ears!
Once my laser was up and humming, I jumped right in — and wow, was there a learning curve. I spent so much time researching the laser itself, I completely failed to investigate how difficult this might be… I mean, I took that one class, and spent a few days at the maker lab, how hard could it be? Silly girl... there are so many steps for each project! Aside from ruining a lot of wood, I've melted acrylic, forgotten to mask wood (hello, burn marks), and ruined tumblers. I haven't even attempted a mirror yet, I’m sure I’d blind myself with the reflection of the laser beam. Lasering is not for the weak!
But every hiccup came with a spark of learning—and a lot of laughs. That’s part of the charm of handmade, right? Imperfection, trial and error, and eventually…magic.
What I Love About Lasering (Even When It’s a Little Smoky… ok, A LOT Smoky)
Here’s what I’ve come to love most about working with a laser:
🌟 It’s Personal. I get to make gifts that are one-of-a-kind and packed with meaning—names, dates, inside jokes, you name it.
🌟 It’s Versatile. Wood, acrylic, leather, even cork—there’s no limit to what this thing can work with. It’s like a tropical buffet of materials!
🌟 It’s Magical. Watching the beam trace out a design like a fiery little pixie is honestly mesmerizing. Kinda like a tiny light show in my studio (yes, I have my safety glasses – very sexy I might add.)
Even though I’m still learning (and probably will be forever), I’ve already created some pieces I’m super proud of — custom ornaments, beach and camping signs, tumblers and even some Mother’s Day gifts! I love combining laser cuts with the handcrafted flair Pineapples and Palm Trees is known for—because when snark meets sparkle, you know you’re in the right place.
Where We’re Headed (And What’s Coming Next!)
If you’re here because you love handmade goodies that make people smile, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a beachy garden stake, a cheeky engraved magnet, or a sweet custom tag for a gift bag—this journey’s just getting started.
I’m learning as I go, but I promise: everything I make is packed with love, aloha vibes, and a splash of sass. And if you ever want to peek behind the curtain (more like under the smoking hood), I’m happy to share more about what goes into each piece!
You don’t have to be an expert to start something new. You just need a little courage, a lot of coffee, and maybe a backup fire extinguisher. 😉
Wanna See the Magic?
Check out the latest handmade and laser-loved treasures in the shop! You’ll find gifts that feel like a tropical hug—and if you don’t see what you’re dreaming of, just reach out. I’m always up for custom ideas or silly challenges.
Until next time, stay radiant, a little odd, and remember - perfection is boring, burnt edges build character!
p.s. I've been working so hard on 'making' many of my creations many aren't even posted to my website yet 😱. Join my VIP Facebook group to see what will be coming up next!
