# Making crossword keepsakes with the Crossword Puzzle Generator

> interlocking word grids from your own word list, as plaques and ornaments

Feed it the words that matter - family names, places, inside jokes - and it computes a real interlocking crossword from them. The grid renders inside a **Shape** (rounded square or circle) with engraved letters in your chosen **Letter Font**, a **Border thickness** control for the frame, **Crossword size** for the finished dimensions, and a **Hole size** if you want to hang it. It is half word game, half family portrait.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** 3 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood), or two-tone [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) for engraved letters that pop in a second color
- **Finishing:** finishing oil for wood, cord or a stand depending on how it will display

## Step 1 - Choose words that interlock



Enter 5-12 words. Names sharing letters interlock best - EMMA, MASON, and SAM weave tightly, while words with rare letters end up orphaned. Reorder or swap words and regenerate until the grid looks dense and balanced.

## Step 2 - Style the plaque



- Pick the rounded square or circle **Shape** and set **Crossword size** - 150-200 mm makes a wall piece, 80 mm an ornament.
- Choose a clean **Letter Font**; crossword cells are small, so legibility wins over flourish.
- Set **Border thickness** for the frame and **Hole size** if it will hang.
- Check the material suggestions section in the tool for combos that have worked.

## Step 3 - Export the SVG



Download the **SVG**: letters and cell lines engrave, the outline and hole cut.

## Laser Cutting & Engraving

### Laser engraving



1. Engrave the grid and letters first - on plywood go for a rich dark burn so the letters read across a room.
2. Score the cell lines lighter than the letters for visual hierarchy.
3. Cut the outer shape and hanger hole last.
4. On two-tone acrylic the engraved letters reveal the core color - black over white is the newsprint-crossword look.
5. Oil wooden plaques to deepen contrast before gifting.

## Make it yours

- Family crossword with every member's name plus the dog - the grid becomes a portrait.
- Wedding version: both names, the venue, the date spelled out, the song.
- Retirement gift built from career inside jokes and project names.
- Circle shape at 80 mm with a hanger hole makes a crossword Christmas ornament of the year's highlights.
- Teacher gift from the class word list they drilled all year.
- Leave a few cells unengraved and paint-fill letters by hand for an interactive reveal gift.
- Pair words with the Word Cloud-style gallery wall: crossword plaque beside framed photos.

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Open the Crossword Puzzle Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/crossword-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/crossword-generator