Very long shot-Laser cutter?

[arch01]

I'm having a hard time getting people to respond to me on Etsy. I am trying to do a map of the US for DS' room-the actual map would be painted (watercolors) by DS, and the rest would be cork. Picture this:



but the brown is cork, and underneath is the watercolored map (spraymounted to the cork), and then ultimately framed. I want a place to put pictures and connect it with string back to the pin that has where we were. The overall product will be 24x36 max. 

So-is there anyone out there that can connect me with someone who can get this done for me? I just need the outline of the US done-I haven't gotten as far as making the file for it yet, but am going to attempt to do so this weekend. My AutoCad skills on this sort of thing are a bit rusty, but I know I can come up with something usable. Unfortunately my connections to the laser cutter at my college are gone, so I'm out of luck there

[Jersey]

Try a trophy/award shop, most do laser engraving now.

[dr.girlfriend]

Wouldn't it be pretty easy to cut it out with an Xacto knife?

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 10:49:53 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

Wouldn't it be pretty easy to cut it out with an Xacto knife?

It would be if I did a more artsy/less technical version...which is what I may end up doing. 

Jersey-I will check that out as an option. Thanks!!

[sometimesrunner]

So the map is paper? Are you ok with the paper not laying flat once there are water colors on the paper? I would think it would crinkle up.

[Marmee]

Hmm...not sure if DHs current office has a laser cutter. Do you have any old connections with Architectural firms? I could ask around on FB. Cute idea!

[dr.girlfriend]

I searched "custom" and laser-cut on Etsy and found a few things...some were expensive and others were fabric, etc. but you could always convo the seller.

www.etsy.com/listing/194846880/custom-framed-laser-cut-map-snow?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=laser+cut+custom&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

www.etsy.com/listing/190501308/custom-laser-cut-geometric-lace-art?ref=sr_gallery_41&ga_search_query=laser+cut+custom&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

www.etsy.com/listing/182194566/custom-monogram-wall-art-vintage-frames?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=laser+cut+custom&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 11:22:48 GMT -5 sometimesrunner said:

So the map is paper? Are you ok with the paper not laying flat once there are water colors on the paper? I would think it would crinkle up.

So here's my plan. Heh. I'm going to have DS paint on a piece of watercolor paper then scan it in. I want the border of the states to be in white, so I'll overlay that and have it printed. 

Ultimately the map is paper-higher quality though so it doesn't tear (probably mounted on foam core or cork) when pinned.

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 11:30:44 GMT -5 Marmee said:

Hmm...not sure if DHs current office has a laser cutter. Do you have any old connections with Architectural firms? I could ask around on FB. Cute idea!

I don't, unfortunately. I graduated in 06 and a majority of my connections have left the field permanently. I need to ask on FB as well, forgot to do that the other day.

[egeiger]

Could you do a vinyl cutout of the states outline in a thin line in white? I have a Silhouette and could do that maybe. It would act as a big white sticker, basically. My max height in one piece is 8.5", or I could print it in two sections that you would line up and sticker together.

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 12:11:33 GMT -5 egeiger said:

Could you do a vinyl cutout of the states outline in a thin line in white? I have a Silhouette and could do that maybe. It would act as a big white sticker, basically. My max height in one piece is 8.5", or I could print it in two sections that you would line up and sticker together.

hm now there's an idea. let me run it by DH and see if he has an opinion

[egeiger]

You could also use the vinyl as a stencil, have DS paint the whole thing, then peel off the vinyl and leave the white lines behind?

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 12:25:01 GMT -5 egeiger said:

You could also use the vinyl as a stencil, have DS paint the whole thing, then peel off the vinyl and leave the white lines behind?

genius!!

[sometimesrunner]

Sept 17, 2014 12:06:36 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Sept 17, 2014 11:22:48 GMT -5 sometimesrunner said:

So the map is paper? Are you ok with the paper not laying flat once there are water colors on the paper? I would think it would crinkle up.

So here's my plan. Heh. I'm going to have DS paint on a piece of watercolor paper then scan it in. I want the border of the states to be in white, so I'll overlay that and have it printed. 

Ultimately the map is paper-higher quality though so it doesn't tear (probably mounted on foam core or cork) when pinned.

That sounds awesome! I hope you find someone to help out because I want to see how it turns out!

[sometimesrunner]

Sept 17, 2014 12:26:04 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Sept 17, 2014 12:25:01 GMT -5 egeiger said:

You could also use the vinyl as a stencil, have DS paint the whole thing, then peel off the vinyl and leave the white lines behind?

genius!!

www.etsy.com/listing/186685573/outlined-united-states-map-with-optional?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=vinyl+decal+united+states&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Here's someone on Etsy that makes these. I'm sure you could get a smaller one.

[egeiger]

Sept 17, 2014 12:26:04 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Sept 17, 2014 12:25:01 GMT -5 egeiger said:

You could also use the vinyl as a stencil, have DS paint the whole thing, then peel off the vinyl and leave the white lines behind?

genius!!

PM me if you want me to do this for you.

[arch01]

Sept 17, 2014 12:45:54 GMT -5 egeiger said:

Sept 17, 2014 12:26:04 GMT -5 arch01 said:

genius!!

PM me if you want me to do this for you.

will do, thanks!! i'll talk to DH this weekend

[Marmee]

My H does have a laser cutter at work. If you are still wanting an outline if the US in cork I could see if I can make it happen. Like a roll of thin cork laid out & cut? You'd probably have to send us an AutoCAD file that you want of the USA.