Crafts

As a lifelong crafter and DIY’er, I’ve been amazed at the proliferation of craft technology products in recent years.

And to be honest, I’ve been slow to embrace such machines. I took a strange pride in using craft tech only when absolutely necessary.

However, I was given the chance to review the xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Cutter, and I couldn’t pass it up. It looked way too cool not to!

Thank you to xTool for giving me the products featured in this post. The projects and opinions expressed herein are all my own. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

This all-in-one machine is a PERFECT size and scope for crafters, hobbyists, and small business owners, and it has so many amazing features. I can’t wait to show you my favorites!

What is the xTool M1?

The xTool M1 is an enclosed hybrid laser and blade cutting machine that cuts, engraves, etches, and scores a multitude of materials. (And by multitude, I mean like over 300 materials!)

Think of it as a Cricut machine x100.

I’ve been testing and experimenting with the machine over the past several weeks, and I can’t say enough about its capabilities.

How User-Friendly is this Laser Cutter and Engraver?

To me, this laser cutter and engraver was simple to set up and is intuitive to use.

I’m not sure if I missed something, but I didn’t locate any type of comprehensive beginner guide on how to use all of the features though. That was surprising to me.

In order to learn best practices for cutting and engraving specific materials, I turned to YouTube and Google. Creators with project tutorials have been the best way of learning – for me at least!

Expect there to be trial and error. You will make mistakes. That is the best way of learning though!

What are the Benefits of the xTool M1?

There are so many benefits of the xTool M1, and I’m going to tell you about my favorites.

As I continue to work with the machine and make more difficult projects, I will update this review.

1. Setup is Easy

When the M1 arrived on my doorstep, I was a little intimidated. The box was huge!

The hardest part of setup was getting the machine out of the box. Let’s just say that xTool has the efficient packing down to a science.

Once I actually got to the product, within ten minutes I had the whole thing set up. All you have to do is attach the ventilation tube, plug in the outlet, and plug in the USB cable to the back of the M1.

2. The xTool M1 Works With Over 300 Materials

Okay, as I mentioned above, this laser machine is able to cut and engrave just about any material you could want or need!

I won’t list the 300+ items here, but instead, I’ll give you the highlights (you’re welcome):

• Wood (basswood and more): cut and engrave
• Metal: engrave (very thin stainless steel may be cut)
• Leather: cut and engrave
• Colored Acrylic (clear requires modifications): cut and engrave
• Vinyl: cut
• Paper: cut
• Rubber: cut and engrave
• Rock: engrave
• Cardboard: cut
• Fabric: cut

Because it works on so many materials, and because it can cut, engrave, and score, the M1 could replace any other craft technology you have or want. Let that sink in.

Plus, you can purchase materials and materials bundles right from xTool, which ensures they’ll work perfectly with the laser and blade cutter.

3. The List of Materials You Can’t Use with xTool M1 is Small

And, the list of materials you cannot laser cut with the xTool M1 is small. I don’t even know what half of these items are, so I don’t think it’s hard to avoid using them!

According to xTool, some of the materials you should not laser cut or laser engrave with the xTool M1 include:

• PVC
• Polycarbonate
• ABS
• Polystyrene and Polypropylene Foam
• HDPE
• Coated Carbon Fiber

Again, these aren’t your everyday craft store items, so these materials don’t limit your ability to use the laser cutter in any way of import. (NOTE: this list is for the laser cutter; not the blade cutting feature.)

4. The Project Possibilities are Endless with xTool M1

I can’t adequately express how there is no limit to what you can make with the M1 laser cutter and engraver. Seriously, and as cliche as this sounds, you’re only limited by the extent of your imagination!

For my first project, I engraved a slate coaster with the logo of my husband’s favorite team and his name. He doesn’t usually get excited about my projects, but he loved this!

After that, I upped the ante and moved on to cutting and engraving wood. I made an adorable wood gift card holder. I colored it in with paint markers and couldn’t believe how cute it was.

Then I used the blade cutting feature to cut a glossy red acrylic sheet and translucent acrylic sheet into hearts to make super cute Valentine’s Day Lights.

But there’s so much more that I want to make!

I’m especially excited to engrave photos onto objects (YES, you can do that!), and engrave my own handwriting (or loved ones’ handwriting) onto things. That is so cool!

I will continue to update this list as I make more projects with my hybrid laser cutter engraver.

5. The Rotary Attachment Lets You Engrave Curved Surfaces

One amazing feature of the xTool M1 is that you aren’t limited to cutting and engraving flat surfaces.

With the Rotary Attachment, RA2 Pro, you can also engrave curved surfaces like tumblers, coffee cups, wine glasses, and more!

I haven’t used the rotary engraver yet, but I will update this post when I do.

Learn more and shop all xTool products in their online store! Save 10% with code ABI10!

6. You Can Use the M1 Indoors or Outdoors

As with all laser cutters and engravers, you must properly vent the machine when using the laser feature (not the blade cut feature). Laser cutters give off fumes that need to be released outside – not trapped indoors!

The xTool M1 can be vented right out of a window, which means that it can be used indoors or outside.

When I use the machine, I open the window and point the attached ventilation tube to the outside. If it’s very cold (I live in Wisconsin, so it’s usually very cold!), I stuff a blanket around the tube to keep as much of the cold air out of my house as possible.

I also run my air purifier for extra odor and fume removal, but having an air purifier isn’t necessary.

I have seen more permanent solutions where people use plywood to fill in the window area around the ventilation tube. This is similar to when people put window unit air conditioners in their homes.

And, if this sounds like too much trouble, xTool has introduced the Smoke Purifier product, which lets you attach the M1 ventilation tube to the Smoke Purifier for proper ventilation! That means you don’t have to vent it out a window!

The fact that you aren’t limited to using the M1 outside is really wonderful. I know that I, for one, would not like working in my garage in the winter!

7. You Can Easily Store the xTool M1

My craft area is in a corner of my basement where I don’t have a window nearby.

Because of that, I purchased this rolling cart to hold my laser cutting machine. It’s amazing because the xTool M1 sits on the top of the cart, and then the laser cutting accessories (like the RA2 Pro rotary attachment, the triangular prisms used to elevate items being cut, and the XTool M1 Premium Materials Box), fit in the drawers beneath.

I keep the machine in my home office, and roll it out of the closet up to the window when I’m ready to use it.

It stays out of sight when I don’t need it, and is easily accessible when I do. That is absolutely wonderful for a hobby laser cutter you’re not using every day; you don’t need it to be out on display all the time.

8. The Included Laser Engraver Software, Creative Space, is Easy to Use

A wonderful thing about the xTool laser products is that they work with xTool’s free laser engraver software, Creative Space. You don’t have to purchase any additional software if you don’t want to!

If you’ve ever used a Cricut or Silhouette machine, you’ll find Creative Space similar to those vinyl cutter’s design software.

Also, I was surprised that Creative Space uses the same types of files for cutting and engraving as is used for cutting vinyl; namely .svg files. There are tons of options for free cut files online, and for more advanced project files on places like Etsy.

My favorite thing in working with the Creative Space software is that the M1’s built-in camera allows the exact material you’re working with to show up on screen. This makes it foolproof to line up your design exactly right on the object (especially if it’s scrap material!).

The one drawback I’ve identified so far is that the software’s estimated time for projects is totally off. It always takes much longer for the machine to complete a project than it says it will.

9. The M1 is a Wonderful Glowforge Alternative

Being in the craft and DIY space, I’ve heard a lot about Glowforge over the years. (Glowforge is a very popular laser cutter and engraving machine. They invest a lot in marketing.)

At one point I considered buying one, but the steep price was a barrier. At the time of writing this article, Glowforge machines range in price from $3,995 for the basic model to $6,995 for the pro model.

Since publication, Glowforge has introduced the Glowforge Aura, which is most comparable in price and function to the xTool M1. You can read my complete comparison of Glowforge Aura and xTool M1 for more information on these two machines.

Note that none of the Glowforge machines features a blade cutter like the xTool M1. That means that the Glowforge cannot cut as many materials as easily as the M1 can.

10. The xTool Maker Community is Incredible

And finally, one unexpected (for me, at least) reason to love the M1 is the maker community involved with it.

Facebook groups aren’t usually my thing, but the M1 Facebook group is so helpful! It is filled with machine owners who are excited to share their successes, and who turn to the group for help with their failures.

People share their knowledge of things like cut settings and the best materials to buy on Amazon, for example. And I’ve never seen one rude comment (which is crazy for Facebook)!

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In just a few short weeks of owning this amazing laser cutter, I have learned so much and gotten so many incredible project ideas. I am even wondering if I should sell items I make in my shop (the xTool M1 is great for small business owners)!

Please ask me any questions you have about this hybrid laser and blade cutting and engraving machine. I will do my best to answer or to steer you to where you will be able to find the answer!

And, stay tuned for more posts on projects I create with the xTool M1!

Did you ever think to use decorative window clings on things OTHER than windows?

With their cute artwork, they shouldn’t be limited to just one use (in my opinion)! So, I came up with three easy window cling crafts that even the most novice crafter than make.

(Actually I’m wondering if only one of these can be considered a craft??? They’re that easy!)

Anyway, I am using Dollar Tree Thanksgiving window clings in this post, but these projects are not limited to Thanksgiving. :-). Use window clings in any pattern or for any holiday to make these DIY projects fit the season you’re in!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

DIY Window Cling Place Cards

This is an example of an awesome Dollar Tree Thanksgiving craft. But again, swap out the window cling pattern to make this project for a different occasion or season.

Supplies Used

• Dollar Tree ceramic tabletop signs
• Dollar Tree window clings
• Vis-a-vis wet erase marker

How to Make Window Cling Place Cards

This project is pretty self-explanatory, but I will walk you through it anyway!

Start with clean ceramic standing tabletop signs. Press a window cling onto the surface. Try to choose a cling that fits on the front of the piece, but if it doesn’t, you can trim it to size with regular scissors.

Once the window cling is in place, write your guest’s name on it with a wet erase marker. Using a wet erase marker (as opposed to dry erase marker), will ensure that the name doesn’t wipe off or get smudged during the course of the meal!

Check out these adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Place Cards, too!

Once the event is over, wash off the guest’s name and place the window cling back onto the sheet on which it came – you can save it for next year!

DIY Window Cling Signs

Another great, but slightly more difficult, window cling craft is to make window cling signs!

You can make these in any size. Here I made one on a hanging wood round so that I could use this as a front door hanger/wreath.

Supplies Used

• Wood round
• Window clings
• Mod Podge (matte finish)
• Paint brush
• Ribbon
• Hot glue

How to Make Window Cling Signs

Start by figuring out the placement of the window clings on the sign base. Then, paint a very thin layer of Mod Podge onto the sign.

Press the window cling on top of it, and let it sit for about 20 minutes.

Then, paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the window cling, and all over the entire sign. You will paint the entire face of the sign so that the finish, once dry, looks the same all over!

Let the Mod Podge dry, and repeat this process at least one more time. Three times is best!

Add a decorative ribbon to the top of the sign by attaching it with hot glue.

It is that easy to make a decorative sign or door hanger with window clings!

You may also like this Dollar Tree Tin Tile Wall Art!

Dress Up a Centerpiece with Window Clings

Finally, add some interest to a table centerpiece or table decor with window clings!

Supplies Used

• Metal bucket
• Flowers

How to Use Window Clings on a Centerpiece

Basically, stick cute window clings on anything you’d use to hold flowers! I like the rustic look of the metal pail I used here, but glass or wood works well, too!

And, just like the place cards above, simply remove the cling to change up the look whenever you want.

So, be honest – did you ever think to use window clings this way? Give me other ideas for using these, too! I love to hear from you in the comments!

In my humble opinion, the best way to feel creatively inspired is to try new things.

Lemme tell ya – I definitely tried something new with this DIY centerpiece bowl project! Creative inspiration: check!

Thank you to Sorfeo for sponsoring this post. The project and all opinions expressed herein are my own. Also, this post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.

Using InstaMorph moldable plastic I created a marble-look centerpiece bowl. And the best part? I had so much fun figuring out how to bring this vision to life!

What is InstaMorph Moldable Plastic?

Before I jump into showing you HOW I made this centerpiece bowl, I need to tell you about InstaMorph.

Otherwise you’re going to be totally confused as I take you through the steps of the project, because it involves turning these small plastic balls into the bowl pictured above.

So, what is InstaMorph? Well, the “sciency” description is that it’s non-toxic thermoplastic that can be melted and molded by hand when warm (like clay), but hardens to a strong plastic when cooled.

Here’s my description: InstaMorph is magic. It’s small plastic beads that you melt in hot water and use to create all kinds of amazing things, from practical (think household repair solutions) to theatrical (think cosplay and costuming). There are all kinds of InstaMorph project ideas on their website.

DIY InstaMorph Bowl Supplies

Now that you have a better understanding of what we’re working with, here’s a list of the supplies used to create the project as shown in this post. Of course you can modify it to fit your own style!

• InstaMorph moldable plastic (12 oz. bag)
• InstaMorph Pigment Pack (The Pigment Pack comes with red, blue, yellow, and black pellets, but the InstaMorph website has a color mixing chart to show you how to create any color imaginable.)
• E6000 glue
• Ceramic bowl (to use as a mold)
• Wood bowl (to use as a pedestal base)
• Stove, pot, kitchen tongs, and water

How to Make a DIY Bowl with InstaMorph

For this project, my goal was to create a bowl that looked like a sculpture. InstaMorph was the perfect medium to achieve that goal!

Preparing the InstaMorph

To start, I boiled water on the stove and let the water cool down ever-so-slightly. I then poured InstaMorph into the pot, along with a few black InstaMorph Pigment pellets. (A little goes a long way with the pellets, so don’t overdo it. Start with one or two, and add more if needed.)

I watched in amazement as the white pellets turned clear within minutes of being added to the hot water.

After about two minutes, I used tongs to carefully remove a piece of InstaMorph from the water. I shook off the excess water into the pot, and then carefully kneaded the InstaMorph together to create a swirled marble effect.

Use extreme caution when removing InstaMorph from the hot water. You do not want to burn yourself.

Creating the Bowl

Once the InstaMorph was heated and moldable, it was time to start creating the bowl.

Working with a small chunk of InstaMorph at a time (I left the extra InstaMorph in the pot on the stove, on the lowest heat setting), I kneaded and flattened the InstaMorph. Then I pressed it onto the side of a ceramic bowl.

I pressed each piece together at the edge in order to connect them, and I repeated this process all the way around the bowl.

As the InstaMorph hardened on the bowl, the pieces got lighter as they turned from clear and black to white and black/gray, much like marble.

Once the ceramic bowl was covered with InstaMorph pieces, I set it aside for a couple of hours to fully harden. (**Full disclosure: I actually left it for hours to take my kids bowling, where I was destroyed and humiliated. Ha!)

Then I gently removed the InstaMorph “bowl” from the ceramic bowl, and was relieved it all came off in one piece!

Had it separated, I could have either glued the pieces together or melted them back together by dipping them into hot water.

To reinforce the seams or connections, I dipped part of the bowl into hot water for a few seconds, and rotated the bowl until every piece got a little extra “melting” time.

Attaching the Pedestal Base

To give this centerpiece bowl some warmth, and to contrast the marble look, I then flipped over a wooden bowl and glued the InstaMorph bowl to it.

This created a pedestal of sorts, making this DIY centerpiece bowl even more lovely. (Note: if you don’t want a pedestal stand, you can simply cover the base of the ceramic bowl with InstaMorph in the same way as you did the sides.)

The Finished InstaMorph Moldable Plastic Bowl

After the glue hardened, I displayed the bowl in my living room and was thrilled to see how pretty it looks against the wallpapered bookcase!

The swirled marble appearance is very cool, and I’m dreaming up all the ways I can use InstaMorph on other projects. Next up I’m thinking of trying InstaMorph in silicone molds to create furniture embellishments.

Let me know how you would use InstaMorph moldable plastic – the opportunities are endless!