National Parks Map

Once I had decided on laser engraving, I looked for the best option of a canvas to engrave into. Being a project revolving around nature, I quickly settled on a live-edge slab of wood. I purchased an eight-foot slab from a local shop and cut it to my needs.

This project began when I spontaneously decided to sketch icons representing the ~100 national parks within the United States and Canada, unsure exactly what I’d use them for.

After four two-hour sessions at the engraver, the map was complete. Finishing steps included rinsing and drying the surface, light sanding, touching up the map with dark stain, and applying a protective coat of varnish.

The map engraving took around two weeks due to machine availability.

The most tedious part of this process was converting my sketches into digital icons. Through scanning and a lot of trial and error with thickness and placement, I was able to achieve a nice arrangement.