# Making a memorial ornament with the Memorial Ornament Generator

> a remembrance keepsake with a loved one's name, a message, and a meaningful symbol

A personalized ornament built around a circle or other ornament shape. Type a **Name** and a **Message** (press Enter for each new line), each with its own font, then pick a **Symbol** to sit above the text. Choose your **Ornament Shape**, set the **Border**, and pick **Single Layer**, **Two Layer**, or **Three Layer** - everything inside scales to stay within the shape.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** 3 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood) for an engraved keepsake, or contrasting [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) for a layered build
- **Assembly:** [3M 467 tape](https://yxecreations.com/collections/3m-tape) or CA glue for layered designs
- **3D printing:** any FDM printer, with a color swap for the front layer
- **Finishing:** twine or ribbon for hanging

## Step 1 - Shape and text



Pick the **Ornament Shape** (a circle or other ornament shape), then enter the **Name** (e.g. "Margaret") and a **Message** (e.g. "In loving memory"). Each line of the message is centered, and the name and message can use different fonts.

## Step 2 - Symbol and frame



- Choose a **Symbol** - a tree, dove, butterfly, or other remembrance symbol - to sit above the text, or clear it to let the text fill the shape.
- Use **Border Size** to set the frame; the symbol and text shrink automatically so nothing crosses the edge.
- Nudge **Text Size** and **Move X/Y** to fine-tune the layout.

## Step 3 - Layers and export



**Single Layer** engraves the text and cuts the shape from one piece. **Two Layer** raises the front (symbol + text) on a solid backplate; **Three Layer** adds a separate text layer. Download the **SVG** for laser cutting, or set **Extrusion Depth** and export **STL/3MF** for printing.

## Laser Cutting

### Laser cutting



1. Single-layer plywood is the quickest: blue paths engrave the text and symbol, red paths cut the shape.
2. For a layered keepsake, cut the backplate and the front from contrasting acrylic and bond with 3M tape.
3. Keep the ornament around 80-100 mm so the message stays readable.
4. Thread twine through the hanger hole to hang it.

## 3D Printing

### 3D printing



1. Export the 3MF and print flat - the backplate is one solid piece that holds the design.
2. For a two-layer print, swap filament at the front layer so the symbol and lettering pop.
3. Light infill is plenty - it only ever hangs from twine.

## Make it yours

- Add the years (e.g. 1945 - 2024) on a message line.
- Pick a tree or dove symbol for a peaceful, natural feel.
- Use a soft script for the name and a simple serif for the message.
- Make matching ornaments for each family member.

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Open the Memorial Ornament Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/memorial-ornament
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/memorial-ornament