How to Laser Engrave Journals DIY with xTool S1

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How to Laser Engrave Journals DIY with xTool S1!

Learn how easy it is to make a laser engraved journal or notebook with xTool laser cutting machine.

Every time I do a laser cutting project it becomes my absolute favorite--and this is no exception, I totally love these faux leather engraved journals!

Engraving on journals is so fast, just minutes, and makes a gorgeous handmade gift, branded business merchandise or custom swag.

What kind of Faux Leather can be Engraved?

Laser engraving works awesome on real leather, leather items and leather products.

But can I engrave on vegan or different types of leather? Yes!

Engraving on PU leather is safe and great for laser machine leather engraving.

DO NOT ENGRAVE on PVC or vinyl, it releases toxic fumes when lasered.

So, get real leather journals, like these from Galen Leather...or pick up great PU Vegan Leather Journals from OtterBlotter. (these are what I am using and featuring in this post)

What kind of Faux Leather can be Engraved? Laser engraving works awesome on real leather, leather items and leather products. But can I engrave on vegan or different types of leather? Yes! Engraving on PU leather is safe and great for laser machine leather engraving. DO NOT ENGRAVE on PVC or vinyl, it releases toxic fumes when lasered. So, get real leather journals, like these from Galen Leather...or pick up great PU Vegan Leather Journals from OtterBlotter. (these are what I am using and featuring in this post)

Supplies Needed for Laser Engrave Journals:

affiliate links:

OtterBlotter Hardcover Lined Journal Notebook
xTool S1 diode laser (or other laser engraving machine)
xTool Creative Space
Image to engrave

Images for engraving can be as simple (see the cherry blossom) to complex, like a photograph.

Open up XCS and import the image you want to use, the engraving option will help you sharpen the photo and get it ready for engraving.

Importing an SVG, JPEG, PNG or DXF file is super easy for engraving too.

Or, select an image from XCS library (like this cherry blossom) and engrave it, no adobe illustrator needed!

Supplies Needed for Laser Engrave Journals: affiliate links: OtterBlotter Hardcover Lined Journal Notebook xTool S1 diode laser (or other laser engraving machine) xTool Creative Space Image to engrave

Step 1: HONEYCOMB RISER

Because the height of the notebook was too high while resting on the honeycomb riser, I removed it from my xTool S1.

Remove the honeycomb riser and place the journal notebook directly on the laser machine bed.

The notebook is heavy enough to sit still during the laser engraving, so no need to use a jig or secure it down.

NOTE: If you are mass producing your project, a jig is a great idea. Clamp a jig in place with a cutout, line it up and place a notebook in the cutout. Engrave, remove the book gently so the jig is undisturbed, and insert another book.

Step 1: HONEYCOMB RISER Because the height of the notebook was too high while resting on the honeycomb riser, I removed it from my xTool S1. Remove the honeycomb riser and place the journal notebook directly on the laser machine bed. The notebook is heavy enough to sit still during the laser engraving, so no need to use a jig or secure it down. NOTE: If you are mass producing your project, a jig is a great idea. Clamp a jig in place with a cutout, line it up and place a notebook in the cutout. Engrave, remove the book gently so the jig is undisturbed, and insert another book.

Step 2: WORKABLE AREA

Select the workable area of the journal in XCS and the red dot pointer cross hairs on the machine.

This will vary from laser cutting machine to machine.

The xTool S1 has no camera, but is much more precise in selecting usable workspace than my previous M1.

Once the surface is selected, the engrave image can be placed in the area.

Step 2: WORKABLE AREA Select the workable area of the journal in XCS and the red dot pointer cross hairs on the machine. This will vary from laser cutting machine to machine. The xTool S1 has no camera, but is much more precise in selecting usable workspace than my previous M1. Once the surface is selected, the engrave image can be placed in the area.

Step 3: xTOOL SETTINGS

To be absolutely sure of how much POWER/SPEED/PASSES to do on your leather/faux leather jounal, a text grid is the best option for your material settings.

With that said, I've never run a test grid. I just select the material and send it to the machine...and so far, they've all worked out perfectly!

I set this to the "leatherette" setting, close the laser lid and hit go.

Step 3: xTOOL SETTINGS To be absolutely sure of how much POWER/SPEED/PASSES to do on your leather/faux leather jounal, a text grid is the best option for your material settings. With that said, I've never run a test grid. I just select the material and send it to the machine...and so far, they've all worked out perfectly! I set this to the "leatherette" setting, close the laser lid and hit go.

The laser engraving machine gets to work, passing back and forth over the journal, etching out one little spot at a time.

It's magic!

I loved watching this full cover engraving come to life!

PU leather journals engrave gorgeously with a laser engraver!

The intricate designs on this floral spray is my favorite.

The best results to clean off the notebook is to wipe the ash and smoke residue (which is minimal) from the flexible cover or leather surface with a damp cloth or baby wipe.

Where to get Laser Cutter files?

Here's my favorite places to get laser cut files and even some free download files: (aff links)

Here's some of the files I love:

I love my xTool S1 as a leather laser engraving machine, it gives me so many options of engraving on leather and PU leathers.

Anything that fits in the laser cutter...a piece of leather, leather wallets, leather bags, phone cases, and more.

Engraved journals make a great gift--and I'm starting now so I will be ready well in advance of the holidays and I can just sip hot cocoa and chill.

I love my xTool S1 as a leather laser engraving machine, it gives me so many options of engraving on leather and PU leathers. Anything that fits in the laser cutter...a piece of leather, leather wallets, leather bags, phone cases, and more. Engraved journals make a great gift--and I'm starting now so I will be ready well in advance of the holidays and I can just sip hot cocoa and chill.

What do you think?

Do you like the pink notebook with the full floral spray and love engraved on it...or are you more simplistic and like the simple cherry blossom flower front and center?

These would be awesome for any artist to display their own artwork on a journal!

I love all the options--these are perfect to sell at a Farmer's Market or vendor booth!

What do you think? Do you like the pink notebook with the full floral spray and love engraved on it...or are you more simplistic and like the simple cherry blossom flower front and center? These would be awesome for any artist to display their own artwork on a journal! I love all the options--these are perfect to sell at a Farmer's Market or vendor booth!

That's it!

It's easy to laser engrave a vegan leather journal or notebook with the xTool S1 diode laser cutting machine.

Now you can make handmade gifts, branded business merchandise, custom themed SWAG or just to mark your journal as yours.

I love the versatility of my xTool S1 laser cutting machine!

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It's easy to laser engrave a vegan leather journal or notebook with the xTool S1 diode laser cutting machine. Now you can make handmade gifts, branded business merchandise, custom themed SWAG or just to mark your journal as yours. I love the versatility of my xTool S1 laser cutting machine!

Here's Many More Laser Cut Craft Projects Ideas--for any skill level!

Happiness Calligraphy Sign

Hand written laser cut outs are my favorite thing!

Nothing is quite as awesome as seeing your own artwork, hand lettering, family name or your artistic touch come to life.

Using an iPad is an easy way of saving off artwork in a useable file, like svg files, and sliding it directly into xTool Creative Space (XCS).

How to Laser Cut Calligraphy Wood Sign with xTool M1 Make the perfect wood sign or holiday decor with your own calligraphy or hand lettering! Watch how easy it is to transform your own lettering into a wood cutout using the xTool M1 laser cutter.

Make a layered Snow Globe Scene

Layered laser cut wood is the trending laser cut craft of choice.

Adding multiple layers of delicately lasered basswood makes all those precise designs stand out.

You can take the time to paint the layers or put kits together for a great product for consumers to paint and assemble!

How to Make a Layered Scene with xTool Learn how to make a layered scene using a laser cutting machine. I am having so much fun using my new xTool laser cutter. It's easy to set up and can cut all sorts of materials. Today I'm sharing these cute little snowglobe/window/layered scenes and how simple they are to create.

Laser Cut Comic Cake Topper!

A custom cake topper made from wood that fits the theme of the party is a great addition for special occasions.

This simple cake topper with its colorful designs was the crowing piece for this cartoon cake.

Give your wedding cake a special and unique look by making the topper yourself using xTool and basswood!

With the xTool's ultra-fast laser engraving speed, you'll quickly be in mass production status with these best sellers!

Make a Yipee Cake Topper for a Cartoon Cake! Cartoon cakes are totally on trend and this comic book style cake topper is the perfect way to say Yipee! Learn how simple it is to laser cut wood using the xTool M1. It's the perfect household laser cutter for crafters.

Laser Cut Heart Earrings

Earrings, earrings and more earrings!

Earrings are the BEST laser cut craft and fashion accessories to use up all those scraps of basswood from other projects.

They are the perfect size, but they boast delicate and intricate laser cut designs--so lightweight and gorgeous to wear!

Make dangles, studs, everyday wear and holiday specials!

If you are running a laser business, earrings are a great item--one of the BEST sale items!

Step 5: Jewelry Hardware Finish off the earrings with some jewelry pliers and earring hardware. Paint or other finish on the wood is totally optional, but I am so natural when it comes to wood. I love it!

Laser Engraved Bookmarks

Laser engraved bookmarks are an awesome project to start with to learn engraving and outlining.

Laser engravers are a big component of a laser machine, it's awesome to engrave images, detailed images like photographs and more.

The 3mm basswood might be a little heavy duty for a bookmark, but they are beautiful display pieces for a bookshelf, gift tag or just laser cutting practice.

Make an Engraved Bookmark with xTool! Learn how easy it is to make an engraved wood bookmark with the xTool M1 laser cutting machine. This fun engraved bookmark would make a great handmade gift, decoration piece or used as a gift tag!

Miniature Acoustic Guitar Studio!

This miniature guitar is arguably one of my favorite laser cut crafts made with my laser cutter--look at its compact size--it's so cute.

The 3 layers of basswood make it look to scale sitting on a stand by these little clay plants in pots--like a little tiny living space!

I absolutely love it!

The guitar and stand laser cutter projects starts as the engraving machine does all the engraving, then it switches to the cutting beam for the perfect print.

How to Make a Miniature Acoustic Guitar Studio! This miniature guitar studio is one of my most favorite projects to date. I love how this tiny little acoustic guitar turned out. I love that mini hairpin leg stool. I mostly love these little clay potted plants! 😉 😂

Personalized Wood Tags

These wood tags are easy to make and are a great project for beginners.

These laser cut and engraved wood tags can be used for Stocking tags, luggage tags, Easter Basket name tags, keychains and much more!

Custom projects and special orders are a big ticket item--just make sure your customers know that custom/personalization are non-returnable items!

Personalized Wood Tags Made with xTool Laser Cutter! These little personalize wood tags made with xTool laser cutter are perfect for Easter baskets, handmade gifts, luggage, backpacks and more! I love my new laser cutting machine! It's the perfect tool for a crafter and can cut all kinds of materials. So far, I'm in love with cutting and engraving wood.

Guitar Pick Holder

This miniature guitar is a little larger than the one above, but it's a little box.

This cute guitar has 3 layers, revealing a place to store 3 guitar picks inside!

This guitar pick holder is a great gift idea for Father's day, birthdays or holiday gifts.

How to Make a Guitar Pick Holder with xTool Make an acoustic guitar pick holder in under an hour with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine. I love my xTool and use it regularly. It's super versatile, easy to set up and use, and I'm always thrilled and amazed by what I create. This guitar guitar pick holder is a great handmade gift for Father's Day!

Hello Spring Sign

Welcome Spring with the perfect sign!

This darling sign is mostly sourced from amazing products bought at the dollar store with a little laser cut hello on the front.

This could be adapted to any word, or even a phrase like "hello Spring" or "welcome baby".

How to Make a Hello Spring Hanging Sign! Let me show you how easy and inexpensive it is to make this cute Spring Hello sign! This fun craft was put together using 3 items from the dollar store. I love budget friendly crafts that are bright and cheerful--and fast--under 30 minutes for this hanging sign! This cute sign cost me less than $5 to make!

Laser Cut Ornate Frame

This laser cut ornate frame is 6 layers of gorgeous intricate cuts!

This frame was actually cut without air assist--back before I had it.

I love how it turned out--I got this file in a super cheap bundle, and I'm so happy about it. It came with about 10 other designs and I need to make them all.

It even has a display stand that notches in to the back of the layered frame!

I am such a lover of natural wood finish, so no paint is necessary for me.

What do you think? Would you paint it? It would look stunning in gold!

How to Make a Laser Cut Ornate Frame! I just want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares! Learn how easy it is to make a beautiful ornate frame with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine. I have been loving my xTool M1 laser cutting machine that was gifted to me. It's opened up a whole new world of crafting to me. I love it! Read more about it here: xTool M1 10W Deluxe RA2 Pro

Acrylic Monstera Leaf Earrings

Cut acrylic with a diode laser and make earrings!

Diode lasers can cut cast acrylic in specific colors...not clear, white or blues.

Black acrylic cuts best--so smooth and dreamy!

How to Make Acrylic Earrings with xTool! Learn how to cut cast acrylic sheets with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine. I love the versatility of the xTool M1, perfect for a craft, hobbyist and even a small business! I had to test my xTool with acrylic with a small pair of monstera leaf earrings--earrings are ALWAYS the first craft I make with a new machine! Check out these wood earrings.

Disco Ball Plant Pick

This is the perfect little laser cut "I will survive" disco ball plant stake! (my husband thought it was the death star...lol)

I need to make more plant adornments for all my other plants now too!

It's easy to engrave and cut with the xTool.

The software is smart, it does all the outlining, then engraving and finishes off with the cutting, so the print turns out perfectly every time!

This specific item ends up soaking up the moisture in the planter and does not last forever.

This is a monstera deliciosa that I got from Verdant Lyfe. Get 10% off with code: DOODLECRAFT It just got its first split leaf and transplanted to a bigger pot--it's doing so well! They ship from Florida. My plants arrived in beautiful condition and were really pretty. I was worried they would be picked over or have obvious flaws...but they didn't. Every plant I got from Verdant Lyfe looks amazing. When I was little we had a giant monstera plant...for some reason I think it was my dads. I saw the split leaves and was just sure my mom cut them herself, because she was a crafter! 🤣 🤣 🤣 I am super new to houseplants. I decided now that my baby is 14 and does not need me interfering in his life all the time, I needed to start a new hobby, or ten. In the last few months I've started several new things. Plant motherhood Feeding stray cats, mostly a little kitten that found his way here in a thunderstorm and hasn't left since. Stained Glass Sun Catchers Miniatures Polymer Clay These plants really bring an element of life into my home though. I love them! I feel happier just seeing them. If you are in need of a new hobby, that brings joy, maybe a plant is right for you!?

Wood Burned Engraved Florals:

First, let's talk about the FolkArt Watercolor Gelz.

They are awesome acrylic paints in more of a gel consistency than other acrylic craft paint--works almost like a wood stain--I love being able to see the wood grains under the colors.

You don't have to water them down, but I like to add water and paint just like watercolors.

They come in a huge array of beautiful and vivid colors--I'm using 14 different colors in the one engraved wood plaque.

They are perfect to use in connection with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

This image was a single file I bought on etsy and then repeated over and over to make a stunning bouquet of flowers to be engraved in the plywood.

First, let's talk about the FolkArt Watercolor Gelz. They are awesome. They are acrylic paints in more of a gel consistency than other acrylic craft paint. You don't have to water them down, but I like to add water and paint just like watercolors. They come in a huge array of beautiful and vivid colors--I'm using 14 different colors in the one engraved wood plaque. They are perfect to use in connection with the xTool M1 Laser Cutting Machine.

Sunset Mountain Mandala

This mountain sunset mandala art is the perfect Summer craft!

It's got all the late night/camping/sunset in the mountains vibes--it's layered on a piece of pallet signage and then the delicately laser cut mandala is glued on top. I love the vibrant colors peeking through!

I'm a beach girl in my mind, but my budget and location make me a mountain girl.

Learn How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala Wood Pallet!

How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala This mountain sunset mandala art is the perfect Summer craft! It's got all the late night/camping/sunset in the mountains vibes. I'm a beach girl in my mind, but my budget and location make me a mountain girl. Let's make this gorgeous wall art piece in just a few minutes! Learn How to Make a Mountain Sunset Mandala Wood Pallet!

Hand Lettered Cake Topper

Another fabulous laser cut cake topper made with xTool--customization is going to be your number one best seller!

This cake topper is to celebrate Diwali, but it could be made to celebrate anything!

A little paint and a little glitter make this cake topper the perfect bling for the cake!

3D Butterfly Place Settings

Make 3D butterfly place settings with basswood and xTool.

This cut easily and beautifully--the file is a freebie on Designbundles.net and is made for 3mm wood or acrylic, so it just fits together perfectly after its cut.

Test them out of cardboard first and you will instantly fall in love and want to cut them out of every material--I've done cardboard, basswood and acrylic!