From Sketch to Stunning: Turning a Hand-Drawn Mariners Cross into 3D Laser Art

Have you ever been handed a rough sketch and asked, “Can you turn this into a sign?” We get that request more often than you might think—and it’s always a mix of excitement and creative challenge. In this week's video, we tackled one of those very projects: a hand-drawn Mariners Cross that needed to become a beautifully layered 3D wall plaque.

🎥 Watch the full process here 👉 [Insert YouTube Link]

✏️ The Challenge: A Hand-Drawn Sketch

The project started with a sketch—literally. A client came to us with a hand-drawn idea featuring an anchor, a ship’s wheel, and a crucifix. It was heartfelt and meaningful, intended as an award-style gift, and they wanted it transformed into a finished piece of laser-cut art.

Our first reaction? “This… this sketch?”
Then curiosity kicked in. What if this was a thing—like a known symbol? That’s when we learned it was called a Mariners Cross. Game on. 💪

🔍 Step 1: Image Hunting & Research

We started by image hunting. This is a common step for custom work—especially when clients send us embroidered patch photos or phone pics of logos. Using Google Lens, we searched for a higher-quality version of the Mariners Cross and eventually found a better starting point.

🖼 Step 2: Upscaling with Photoshop

Once we had our image, it was time to upscale it for clean vector conversion. The original image was only 72 DPI—too low for laser engraving. So we opened it in Photoshop and upscaled it to 16 inches at 300 DPI using Preserve Details 2.0.

We also removed the background, cleaned up stray pixels, and adjusted the black and white levels for a better image trace later in Illustrator.

✒️ Step 3: Vectorizing with Adobe Illustrator

Now the magic starts. We imported our cleaned-up PNG into Illustrator and used Image Trace to convert it to vector paths. From there, we:

• Broke the image into 3 separate layers (each one engraved and cut separately)

• Manually refined areas with the Blob Brush Tool to restore lost details (like thorns and facial features)

• Used Pathfinder Tools to unite and subtract paths for precise cutouts

• Set up our files for laser cutting with red stroke lines for cuts and black fills for engraves

If you’re learning Illustrator for laser crafting, this step is gold.

🪵 Step 4: Cutting & Engraving with the AEON Nova 14

We sent the SVG over to our AEON Nova 14 laser, masked the 1/4" birch wood to prevent scorch marks, and got to work. We used:

• Engrave settings: 450 speed / 50 power @ 200 LPI

• Cut settings: 15 speed / 50 power

We chose quarter-inch birch for all three layers—it gave the finished piece just enough depth without being too bulky.

🎨 Step 5: Staining the Layers

To give each part of the design dimension and contrast, we stained each layer a different shade. We tested a few combinations on a scrap board first to make sure Jesus, the ship’s wheel, and the anchor all stood out individually.

🧷 Step 6: Assembly & Glue-Up

With the layers cut and stained, it was time to assemble. We used a mix of Starbond Thick CA glue (for quick tack) and wood glue (for lasting hold). Once everything was stacked and aligned, the piece came to life—and it looked awesome.

🏆 The Final Result

This project was a perfect blend of art, technology, and heart. We took a simple drawing and turned it into a meaningful piece of wall art—something the client can proudly hang and cherish for years to come.

Whether you’re a new laser owner learning the ropes or a seasoned maker looking for your next challenge, we hope this video inspires you to bring someone’s vision to life—even if it starts on a napkin. 😄

🔧 Tools & Materials We Used

• AEON Nova 14 CO₂ Laser

• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

• LightBurn Software

• 1/4" Birch Plywood

• Starbond CA Glue + Wood Glue

• Various Wood Stains

📣 Want to Learn More?

If you loved this project and want to get better at laser design, image tracing, or building your laser business—we’ve got tons of tutorials, live Q&As, and exclusive SVGs over on our Patreon. Join our awesome community of makers and crafters!

And don’t forget—we’re hosting our K&G Jamboree June 6–8 right here at our shop with live demos, laser testing stations, and fun make-and-take sessions. Come hang out with us!