20 Crafty Uses for a Laser Engraver and Cutter

At AP Lazer, we are particularly interested in one topic more than others. You guessed it – lasers. And even better: what unique and exciting things people are doing with them. We’ve compiled a list of 20 super creative and inspirational uses (in no particular order) for your laser cutting and engraving machine. Most of these were found on Pinterest, which is a great resource for inspiration. If you aren’t following us yet, you should; we are pinning more and more these days. Follow our boards. Without further adieu, here are 20 crafty uses for a laser engraver and cutter.

1. Wooden Keychain Holder

Oksis on Etsy has loads of different wall mounted key holders, but this is our favorite. With the clever little saying and the ultra-simplified see/hear/speak no evil monkeys, this is a simple, high-impact design that showcases both laser cutting and laser engraving wood capabilities. (And overall a great use of plywood.)

Wood cut monkey holder

2. Keychain Bottle Opener

While we’re on keys, let’s go to HangerDesignCenter on Etsy and look at these stainless steel, laser engraved metal bottle-opening groomsmen gifts. Once again, very simple design. While you’re at it, you could etch some corkscrews or wine glasses for the ladies.

Laser Engraved Bottle Opener For Groomsmen Gifts

3. Wine, Whiskey Barrels And Barrel Furniture

AP Lazer SN4836LR Engraving A Wine Barrel

Wine barrel engraving is a unique service that appeals to many businesses and consumers. Motor City Barrels specializes in making barrel furniture and engraving it.

For B2B clients, such as wineries, vineyards, and restaurants, custom-engraved wine barrels add a touch of elegance and brand distinction to their offerings. Engraved barrels can feature logos, unique event details, or personalized messages, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their establishments and creating memorable customer experiences. On the B2C side, individual customers seeking unique gifts or home décor items are drawn to the charm of personalized wine barrels. These engraved barrels make exceptional wedding gifts, anniversary presents, or centerpiece decorations for wine enthusiasts. By offering wine barrel engraving, your business can cater to a diverse clientele, providing high-quality, customized products that stand out in commercial and personal settings.

If you’re curious about how a wine barrel can be intricately laser engraved, we invite you to watch this fascinating demonstration on Motorhead Garage. Click the link to see the process in action and discover the precision and artistry involved: Motorhead Garage Video.

AP Lazer® Engraved Wine Barrel and Barrels Heads.

4. Wine Glasses and Wine Chiller

This exquisite wine chiller and glass set is a testament to the artistry and precision of Bolt Laser Works, an AP Lazer customer pushing the boundaries of laser engraving. The chiller, crafted from smooth, polished stone, features an intricately detailed vintage illustration paired with bold, sophisticated typography—”THE VINE” etched with impeccable clarity. Complementing this statement piece, the wine glasses boast delicate hummingbird engravings, adding a graceful, timeless charm. Every detail, from the crisp, deep engraving to the seamless integration of design and function, showcases a mastery of craftsmanship. This set is more than a wine accessory; it’s a statement of elegance, an invitation to savor the finer things in life, and a reflection of the limitless possibilities achievable with AP Lazer’s cutting-edge technology.

This technique can be done with a rotary device, which allows one to engrave cylindrical objects. It’s always more impressive when a design works with the form of the object on which it’s been placed.

A custom-engraved wine chiller with the text "THE VINE" and a vintage illustration, accompanied by two engraved wine glasses filled with red wine, set against a rustic brick wall with a floral arrangement.

5. Family Handwriten Recipe On Cutting Board

There’s something profoundly special about preserving a family recipe—not just in words, but in the very handwriting of a loved one. This intricately engraved cutting board, crafted by Inuky Glass Art (inukyglassart.ecwid.com), captures the warmth of tradition and the artistry of AP Lazer’s precision technology. Featuring a cherished grandmother’s handwritten recipe, this board transforms a simple kitchen essential into a treasured heirloom. 

The beauty of such an engraving is that once it’s created, it becomes a heartfelt keepsake—one that many family members will want to own as a reminder of home, heritage, and the love shared through generations of cooking. AP Lazer’s ability to etch fine details ensures that every stroke of handwriting is preserved with stunning clarity, making this an unforgettable way to celebrate family traditions

A beautifully engraved bamboo cutting board featuring a handwritten family recipe, preserving a cherished grandmother's cooking tradition with intricate laser engraving. Title: Engraved Handwritten Recipe Cutting Board – A Timeless Family Keepsake

6. Elegant Engraved Mirrors

Mirror engraving transforms ordinary reflective surfaces into captivating statement pieces, blending elegance with personalization. This stunning engraved mirror, created by Ellie Howard, owner of Dérive Home (derivehome.com), showcases the artistry of laser-engraved décor. With its timeless message, sophisticated script, and vintage-inspired gold frame, it adds warmth and charm to any space.

Whether for weddings, home interiors, or the hospitality market, engraved mirrors offer a unique way to enhance ambiance, commemorate special moments, or elevate brand aesthetics. AP Lazer’s precision technology makes it possible to customize mirrors with intricate designs, heartfelt messages, or branding elements, offering limitless creative potential for designers, homeowners, and business owners alike.

A beautifully engraved mirror with a gold frame displaying the message "Welcome, We Are So Happy You Are Here," styled in an elegant interior setting with vintage furniture and soft floral arrangements.

7. Custom-Engraved Table & Glassware

This custom engraved table and glass set from Here and Now Custom Laser Engraving is a great example of how laser engraving can turn everyday items into statement pieces. With the Harley-Davidson logo, both the glass top and glassware show precision and durability – perfect for backyard gatherings, man caves or brand conscious businesses. 

The possibilities for B2B markets for laser engraved branding are endless. From custom outdoor and indoor furniture to branded glassware, signs and decor, laser engraving gives businesses a way to reinforce their brand and add a high end personalized touch. Whether for restaurants, bars, corporate gifts or retail, businesses can leverage laser customization to enhance their brand presence and create products that their customers will love. 

With AP Lazer’s versatile engraving technology businesses can open up new revenue streams in a growing market where customization is key.

A custom-engraved glass-top table and matching drinkware set featuring the Harley-Davidson logo, created by Here and Now Custom Laser Engraving, displayed outdoors against a wooden fence.

8. Glass Spice Jars

Since we are in the kitchen, let’s take a look at these laser engraved glass spice jars, they are proof that anything in your everyday life can be laser etched or engraved or cut. If it needs a label, etch it. If it needs personalization, engrave it.

Laser Engraved Glass Jars

9. Park Benches

Laser-engraved park benches are rapidly becoming a popular market segment, offering both functionality and personalization that attract interest from public and private sectors alike. These benches are perfect for municipalities, parks, and community organizations seeking to enhance public spaces with unique, durable, and aesthetically pleasing seating options. Engraved with donor names, memorials, logos, or custom designs, they serve as lasting tributes, adding a personal touch to any environment. Businesses and private individuals can also use these benches for corporate branding, sponsorships, or personal dedications in gardens and outdoor areas. The versatility and customization options make laser-engraved park benches highly sought-after, providing a meaningful way to beautify and personalize outdoor spaces.

Black granite bench with “Jackson Nature Reserve” laser-engraved, featuring nature-themed artwork.
A stunning black granite bench laser-engraved with the name “Jackson Nature Reserve” and nature-inspired artwork, showcasing the precision and artistry of AP Lazer’s laser engraver technology.

10. Beer Cap Shadow Box

Or really a shadow box for any small item collection; beer caps, wine corks, coins all dated 1973, whatever you can think of. And you could etch in word art like this one, or a design, or whatever makes sense for the collection. This shadow box features laser engraved glass and was created by cheaphumidors on Etsy.

11. Wood Cut Puzzles

There are so many different ideas for wood puzzles. This one from rkslasercreationsUSA would be great for schools. Wood puzzles range from simple preschool shapes to incredibly complex. For a school with a laser machine, it would be incredibly easy to make 50 of these from wood of acrylic in just an afternoon.

laser engraving files

12. Acrylic Controller Ornaments

What do people put on trees, their rearview mirror, and nearly anything that needs a little personalization? Ornaments. People are crazy for things that show off their interests, so for some people these are the perfect gift. These fancy little laser cut acrylic ornaments are available from useyourdidgits on Etsy, and even if they aren’t your style, you have to admit they are a great example of laser cut and engraved acrylic ornaments.

Laser Cut Acrylic Ornaments

13. Guitar and Music Instruments

A black acoustic guitar engraved with a detailed portrait of country music star Garth Brooks, along with his name in elegant script, created using an AP Lazer® machine.

The market for laser engraving on guitars and musical instruments is a lucrative and growing niche that caters to musicians, collectors, brands, and fans seeking unique, personalized designs.

Custom engraving transforms standard instruments into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, whether for professional artists looking to showcase their brand, music lovers wanting a tribute piece, or businesses offering limited-edition designs. Music shops, luthiers, and online marketplaces can leverage laser engraving to upsell personalization services, creating high-value, emotionally-driven products.

Tribute guitars, engraved lyrics, artist autographs, and intricate designs add sentimental and artistic value, making instruments not just tools for music but cherished keepsakes. Additionally, corporate gifting, music industry promotions, and fan merchandise open new revenue streams for businesses investing in laser engraving technology. With a vast audience of musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, the potential for growth in this sector is substantial.

14. Doors & Floor Engraving

The market for laser-engraved doors and flooring is a game-changer for businesses looking to elevate their branding, decor, and customer experience.

High-end hotels, resorts, casinos, and luxury establishments seek custom-engraved architectural elements that enhance their ambiance and reflect their unique identity.

With AP Lazer’s open-architecture design, businesses can engrave large-scale doors, lobby floors, and decorative panels with detailed artwork, logos, or themed designs, offering an upscale and memorable aesthetic. Retail stores, entertainment venues, and hospitality brands can use laser engraving to create immersive environments, reinforcing brand identity while adding value to their spaces. Whether it’s personalized entryways, artistic flooring, or branded installations, laser engraving opens new revenue streams for interior designers, architects, and commercial contractors looking to offer exclusive customization options.

With rising demand for high-impact, experiential spaces, engraved architectural elements present a significant growth opportunity in the B2B market.

A wooden door intricately engraved with a detailed depiction of Las Vegas showgirls, created using AP Lazer’s precision laser engraving technology.

15. Furniture Engraving

AP Lazer® SN4836LR Engraves A Table.

Laser-engraved furniture is a game-changer for businesses in the hospitality, travel, and retail industries, offering a powerful way to reinforce branding and create emotional connections with customers.

Hotels, restaurants, and luxury lounges can personalize tables, chairs, and decor with engraved logos, artistic designs, or meaningful messages that enhance the guest experience.

In retail, brands can incorporate storytelling elements into their furniture, making displays more engaging and memorable. Airports, resorts, and event spaces can use engraved furniture to create a signature ambiance, strengthening brand recognition. Custom engraving not only adds an upscale touch but also increases brand visibility, turning functional furniture into conversation pieces that connect with customers on a deeper level. As businesses seek unique ways to differentiate themselves, laser-engraved furniture presents a significant market opportunity for those looking to offer high-value, emotionally resonant customization.

16. Sporting Goods

A set of custom laser-engraved wooden baseball bats featuring player names, school names, graduation years, and a detailed school logo, creating a personalized and memorable keepsake.

The market for laser-engraved sporting goods presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to tap into the booming personalization trend.

Schools, sports teams, and athletic organizations are increasingly seeking customized awards, trophies, and memorabilia to honor players, coaches, and achievements.

Personalized baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and even gym equipment add sentimental and branding value, making them ideal for both individual gifts and large-scale team orders.

Beyond team sports, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, and high-end sporting brands can enhance their offerings with engraved logos, names, and motivational messages. By leveraging laser engraving, businesses can create high-margin, premium products that resonate emotionally with athletes and sports fans alike, driving customer engagement and brand loyalty.

17. Pet Memorials

Image of two pet memorials. top left depicts a cat. bottom right depicts a dog.

The pet memorial market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the emotional connection people have with their pets and the increasing demand for meaningful remembrance products. Over the past decade, the pet industry has expanded by 300%, and with the average pet lifespan being around 10 years, a surge in pet memorialization needs is inevitable.

As more pet owners seek personalized ways to honor their beloved companions, the pet cremation and memorial market is booming. From engraved pet urns and memorial plaques to garden stones and keepsake jewelry, laser engraving offers a unique way to create deeply personal and lasting tributes.

This expanding industry presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses to provide high-quality, customizable memorial products that help pet owners cherish their memories for a lifetime.

18. Commercial & Home Decor Signs

AP Lazer Engraved 7' Business Monumental Signage.

The market potential for AP Lazer-engraved commercial and home décor signs is vast, catering to both businesses and individuals seeking high-quality, personalized signage.

For commercial applications, AP Lazer’s open-architecture design allows for engraving large monumental signs, cutting oversized acrylic and wood signage, and creating intricate small-scale room signs—perfect for businesses, hotels, restaurants, and retail branding.

In the home décor sector, AP Lazer enables the creation of custom signs for weddings, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other special occasions, offering a deeply personal touch to gift-giving and event decorations.

As demand for personalized and unique signage continues to rise, AP Lazer positions itself as the go-to solution for businesses and individuals looking to create lasting impressions through precision laser engraving. With its ability to handle both large and small projects, the market for engraved signage is a profitable and ever-expanding industry.

19. Christmas Ornaments

A beautifully laser-engraved and cut acrylic Christmas ornament featuring a detailed portrait of a dog named Willow, adorned with a crown and the inscription "Always Our Princess."

The market for laser-engraved photo Christmas ornaments is a rapidly growing niche, driven by the increasing demand for personalized keepsakes that capture life’s most cherished moments. Families love to commemorate their children’s yearly milestones, making custom photo ornaments a must-have tradition.

Pet owners seek heartfelt ways to celebrate their furry companions, while memorial ornaments honoring loved ones who have passed provide a touching way to keep their memory alive during the holiday season.

These ornaments also serve as sentimental gifts for grandparents, newlyweds, and first-time parents, making them a versatile and high-demand product. With the rise of customization in holiday décor, businesses offering laser-engraved ornaments can tap into a recurring annual market, creating a profitable and emotionally driven product line that customers return to year after year.

20. Mirror Engraving

Mirror engraving transforms ordinary reflective surfaces into captivating statement pieces, blending elegance with personalization. This stunning engraved mirror, created by Ellie Howard, owner of Dérive Home (derivehome.com), showcases the artistry of laser-engraved décor. With its timeless message, sophisticated script, and vintage-inspired gold frame, it adds warmth and charm to any space. Whether for weddings, home interiors, or the hospitality market, engraved mirrors offer a unique way to enhance ambiance, commemorate special moments, or elevate brand aesthetics. AP Lazer’s precision technology makes it possible to customize mirrors with intricate designs, heartfelt messages, or branding elements, offering limitless creative potential for designers, homeowners, and business owners alike.

A beautifully engraved mirror with a gold frame displaying the message "Welcome, We Are So Happy You Are Here," styled in an elegant interior setting with vintage furniture and soft floral arrangements.

This blog post highlights 20 imaginative ways a laser engraver and cutter can transform everyday items into eye-catching, personalized creations. From crafting unique home décor and custom gifts to launching profitable small business ventures, the article explores how laser technology fuels creativity and innovation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking new revenue streams or a hobbyist looking to make meaningful keepsakes, these ideas showcase the versatility and emotional impact that laser engraving and cutting can bring to any project.

While many small items in this blog can be engraved with a basic hobby or DIY laser machine, serious entrepreneurs looking to scale their business and maximize profits should consider AP Lazer’s patented open-architecture machines.

If you’re ready to move beyond small crafts and tap into the lucrative market of large, high-ticket products with less competition, AP Lazer has the perfect solution.

Our Starter Line is ideal for startups and small home businesses, offering affordability and versatility to get your business off the ground. For those ready to take on high-volume production and commercial markets, our Business Line provides the power and efficiency needed to engrave oversized products, signage, and commercial-grade materials. Whether you’re starting small or scaling big, AP Lazer opens doors to endless engraving possibilities.

8 Comments

  1. Hi Chris, Thanks for your interest! Please fill out the Information Request form on our website (you can find the link in the footer, “Request Information” and a representative will touch base with you regarding pricing and other information:) In the mean time, here is a link to our Business Starter Package: (OLD LINK REMOVED)

  2. There are so many applications for laser cutting and engraving. I really like the look of this vinyl record clock. Lasers are becoming more and more useful in fabrication. I think its cool that we have lasers that can be used on metal surfaces. What’s more, is they’re not just industrial grade.

  3. Thank you for providing these different ideas and uses for a laser cutter. It is good to know that this piece of equipment can be used with different materials. The wooden key chain holder sounds like a good idea to keep better track of your keys. Something to consider would be to practice all proper safety regulations to prevent accidents.

  4. I find that the laser cutting technology is very interesting. Thank you for sharing this information concerning this art. I especially like the key chain bottle opener project. It is interesting to me that the lasers can even cut through stainless steel. Something to consider would be to practice all proper safety regulations while carrying out these projects.

  5. Wow, I never knew there were so many things you could do with laser cutting! I particularly appreciate what you said about business cards being made by a durable material with laser-cut information. I’ve lost so many business cards because of how flimsy and damageable they are, it would be nice if they were more durable!

  6. laser cutting leather is not for the faint of heart. I helped a student with her shoe project and… it smelled really bad. i mean, it is burning skin…

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