is a website designed to introduce laser cutting to creative practitioners. The goal of this site is to encourage creative engagement with laser cutters by educating and inspiring users about the possibilities that this technology offers. The site contains 9 step-by-step “recipes” for making different fake foods using a variety of laser cutting techniques. Users can follow these recipes to learn the fundamentals of laser cutting, but are also encouraged to improvise, tweak, and make substitutions and they see fit.

This project grew out of my own experience looking to explore the potential for laser cutting in my own art practice. I had trouble finding resources and information that spoke to my interests & motivations as an artist; I wanted to be inspired, but all I found were tutorials on how to make basic utilitarian projects. With the Joy of Laser Cutting, I looked to fill this gap, by creating a resource for other creative users that not only teaches, but also inspires creative engagement with this exciting new medium.

The Joy of Laser Cutting includes a getting started guide, 9 project "recipes," a glossary and a gallery of project photos. The getting started guide introduces users to laser cutters, their capabilities and limitations. The recipes cover the basics of laser cutting techniques as well as the relevant software skills for preparing files. The glossary offers quick reference information, and the gallery offers a way to continue sharing relevant photos and additional inspiration.