DIY Black Cat Magnets (xTool Craft Idea)

Today I’m sharing a cute little project: DIY black cat magnets, made by cutting sheets of black acrylic with my new xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter.  I was sent the M1 Laser Engraver and Cutter (along with the xTool smoke purifier and xTool M1 air assist) for review from xTool.  To experiment and learn how the machine works, I started by just cutting out simple acrylic shapes.  Never one to waste a craft supply, I turned those shapes into adorable DIY acrylic magnets!  If you don’t have a machine to cut acrylic like this, you can find black acrylic cat shapes online and turn them into magnets with a simple dab of glue.  But if you have been interested in these machines, stay tuned because I will be sharing more xTool craft ideas.

My DIY Magnetic Inspiration Board:

I’m using my new DIY black cat magnets – along with the black glitter resin “gem” magnets I made a few years ago – on this little inspiration board in my office.  Hubby and I got a sheet of galvanized steel from the hardware store and just screwed it to the back of my office door.  It was a quick and easy way for me to have a spot to keep all of those inspiration images I tear from any magazine that crosses my path (not that I don’t also have binders and journals full of tear sheets too!)  I love using fun magnets to keep my mess of ideas somewhat orderly – and these cats are a welcome addition.

What is the xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter?

I was recently sent the xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter, along with the xTool Smoke Purifier (to vent the air) and the xTool M1 Air Assist (to cut cleaner lines) by xTool, and I am so excited to make crafts with it.  The xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser cutter is a hybrid diode laser and blade cutting machine that can cut or engrave 300+ materials – including vinyl, wood, felt, acrylic, etc.  Basically it’s a multi-functional craft machine for creating all kinds of creative projects.

I have already purchased a lot of supplies, including a lot of acrylic sheets, but I have only just begun experimenting with it.  When xTool first reached out, I was immediately excited about cutting walnut plywood and sheets of acrylic.  Because of the type of laser, only certain colors of acrylic can be cut though (so no aqua or clear – devastatingly!) but there is a gorgeous green that I can’t wait to make some 3D tabletop Christmas trees with.  And this black has proven to be a lot of fun – especially for Halloween crafting.  Once I have completed more projects with my xTool M1 Laser Engraver/Cutter, I will share an in depth review and tutorial for this new-to-me machine.

My First xTool Project:

Using my new xTool M1 was relatively simple – and everything came with very clear instructions.

1. I set up my xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter,  xTool smoke purifier and xTool M1 air assist
2. I placed my sheet of acrylic inside, on risers, and closed the lid
3. I downloaded the xTool Creative Space software and choose a few simple shapes
4. I sized the shapes and dragged them in the software to where I wanted them cut on the acrylic
5. I selected my material, chose cut (instead of engrave), and the settings were chosen for me (I can also choose my own)
6. Then I turned on the machine with a single button and let the machine do the work!
7. Once my shapes were cut, I simply hot glued a 19mm magnet to the back

I also cut out a bat shape, but my magnet was a bit too large…

Cutting acrylic with the xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter:

Cutting acrylic sheets with the xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter was really easy.  I just placed my sheet inside the machine and the camera showed me a live image in the software.  I just dragged and dropped the shapes I wanted cut out in the software and then it was as easy as clicking print on a printer!  The shapes were cut out very cleanly, with no sharp edges – ready for crafting!  It’s important to use the correct type and color of acrylic sheet for the cutting machine – this is what I bought.

First Impressions of the xTool M1 Laser Cutter and Laser Engraver:

Using the  xTool M1 Laser Engraver and Laser Cutter was very easy.  At first I was intimidated because it’s a large machine – and a laser! – and it was all new to me.  That’s why I wanted to start with a very easy and simple project.  My next goal will be how to design my own projects with this machine – and try some 3D projects.  But you can also purchase cutting files.  I am OBSESSED with this beach inspired purse, specifically, and have been thinking of trying this next summer!  There is a whole world of people crafting with laser cutting machines, so there are a lot of fun project ideas out there to be inspired by.  After experimenting with my DIY black cat magnets, next I’d like to make some 3D tabletop trees using the green acrylic I purchased.

Let me know what you would make – or want to see made – with this machine!

P.S. Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!