Laser Cutting - Basswood Lantern

Introduction

Lanterns are a staple of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday. They’re used to create a festive atmosphere and convey good wishes. The artistic decoration of lanterns often draws a lot of attention, and you can customize them with different materials, patterns, and text to create unique designs.

For this project, we’ve crafted a lantern out of wood, featuring the image of Chang’e, the moon goddess from Chinese mythology. After laser-cutting the wood pieces, we painted them to add color and depth to the design. Then, we carefully assembled the parts to create a beautiful, meaningful lantern.

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30w

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

A basswood board
A tube of glue
Paint and pens

Settings

Engraving Speed:80mm/s
Engraving Power:15%
Cutting Speed:15mm/s
Cutting Power:45%
DPI: 500

Step 1

Import the file into LightBurn, adjust the size, position, and settings. Check out to ensure everything is in order.

Step 2

Once everything is set, click ‘Print’ to initiate your laser machine’s operation.

Step 3

Apply glue and spread it evenly with a brush.

Step 4

Stick on the lantern paper, then assemble the pieces, and the lantern will be complete.

Come and Try!

The result is a visually striking lantern that’s both decorative and symbolic. The wooden structure gives it a warm, natural feel, while the laser-cut details of Chang’e add an element of traditional Chinese culture. When lit from within, the lantern casts intricate shadows, creating a magical ambiance.

This handcrafted lantern is more than just a light source – it’s a piece of art that carries the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s perfect for decorating your home during the holiday, or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. The combination of traditional imagery and modern crafting techniques makes this lantern a unique way to celebrate and share cultural heritage.