The Beauty of Africa: My Recent African Art Laser-Engraved Coasters Commission and the Art of Hand Finishing

I recently took on a special commission that truly showcases Africa's beauty and captures the spirit of this incredible continent. The project involved designing laser-engraved square coasters inspired by African wildlife. This was a fantastic opportunity to present the majestic animals and breathtaking landscapes Africa offers.

To kick things off, I dedicated significant time to researching images of various African wildlife. With so many amazing animals to choose from, I aimed to select designs that would resonate with my customers while celebrating Africa's rich biodiversity. For example, I featured iconic animals such as the lion, elephant, and leopard, each symbolizing different aspects of the continent's wildlife heritage.

Crafting the Designs

Once I selected the images, the challenging part began—adapting them to fit the coasters' square shape and size. Each piece is needed to authentically represent the unique charm of African wildlife. This required several adjustments to ensure that the images remained visually appealing while fitting within the dimensions of the coasters.

Many people do not realize the complexity inherent in laser engraving. Each image had to be carefully vectorized, ensuring the outlines were precise for the laser to follow. This meticulous process retained the fine details of the animals, allowing their elegance and strength to shine through. For instance, the textured details of a zebra's mane or the intricate patterns on a leopard's skin were pivotal in bringing these designs to life. Even the hand-drawn birds in the sky give some depth and scale to the picture.

Hand Finishing African Art Coasters with Care

After finalizing the designs, I proceeded to prepare the coasters for engraving. A crucial step was selecting the right wood, which enhances the natural beauty of each engraving. The type of wood not only affects the look but also the texture and durability of the final product. I chose high-quality birch laser plywood, known for its fine grain, light colour and resilience, which ensured that the engravings would stand the test of time. Masking the wood sheet surface first with laser masking tape helps to avoid any smoke damage and preserves the beauty of the natural wood before engraving with the laser.

After this, each African art coaster underwent a careful hand-finishing process, polished with natural beeswax. This step enriched the wood's grain and added a protective layer against spills and stains. The warm glow of the beeswax finish illuminated the intricate designs, making each piece feel inviting and special. For me, hand-finishing is a personal connection with every coaster, adding an additional touch of love and care.

The Touch of Africa

To further evoke Africa's beauty and keep with the theme, I wrapped each set of coasters in rustic brown paper, tied with raffia sourced from Madagascar. This thoughtful packaging provides a tactile connection to the land where these materials originated. The rustic touch of raffia perfectly complements the coasters' handcrafted nature, creating an authentic and unique presentation.

Packaging goes beyond mere presentation—it's an essential part of the gifting experience. Thoughtfully wrapped coasters not only enhance the excitement for the recipient but also express appreciation for African culture. Every detail, from the rustic brown paper to the raffia, reflects the love and respect I have for the continent.

The Joy of Giving

As I completed the coasters and prepared them for delivery, I got a great sense of pride for the work I achieved. Completing a project filled with African spirit brings immense joy as do all the things we make. These coasters are not just practical items; they become conversation starters and a celebration of nature’s beauty.

Creating laser-engraved crafts reminds me of the rich history and stories each piece represents. Through art, we can bridge cultural differences and foster a greater appreciation for the stunning world around us. Interestingly, about 75% of consumers engage more deeply with a product when they understand the story behind it, making art and craftsmanship all the more valuable.

Engaging with the theme of Africa grounded me in its diverse history, allowing me to convey a narrative through my art.

Embracing African Heritage Through Craft

Every piece I create aims to honour the vibrant heritage of Africa. This commission of laser-engraved coasters embodies more than just their designs; each piece tells a story and connects to the land and its wildlife.

By blending technology with traditional craftsmanship, artists can offer unique products that resonate deeply with enthusiasts of African culture and nature. With every order, I hope to inspire others to cherish these beautiful elements of African heritage. I encourage everyone to seek out unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect their love for the natural world and the rich stories they unveil.

As I send these coasters into the world, I feel a great sense of pride for the opportunity to create and celebrate the remarkable beauty of Africa, it is truly unique.

One More Thing

If you would like a personal commission please get in touch and I would be happy to discuss your idea with you, our contact details can be found at the bottom of this page. Thanks for dropping by.