Using Image Trace to Create Personalized Keepsakes for Parents

One of the most unique aspects of running a laser-based business is the chance to create personalized products that delight customers. Because of how hands-on you have to be when running the laser, you can provide a service that most other traditional retailers cannot, and truly tailor the end-product to your buyer's specifications. This level of customization is the heart of many of our businesses; buyers want personalized items, and we can make it happen with the push of a button!

This Christmas season, we suggest tapping into a specific niche market: personalized keepsake footprint ornaments for parents.

I know this next sentence is going to be controversial, but don't forget pet parents in that market as well. We all know that increasing numbers of couples are choosing not to have children (whether for financial or other personal reasons), and millennials especially treat their pets like their own babies. Our pets are part of the family, and I know we're not the only couple that feels that way!

Despite how you feel about that statement, one thing is for sure: parents love personalized keepsakes, and that applies for kids AND pets alike. 👣🐾

As for the product: we're suggesting creating ornaments featuring those precious footprints of their little ones. From tiny toes to paw prints, you can use the image trace feature to transform their prints into heartwarming laser-engraved ornaments that customers will cherish for years to come.

Here's why these are such a great option:

• Sentimental Value: These ornaments are more than just decorations; they're time capsules that capture precious moments. They are never going to go out of style, and they're always going to have a special place upon the tree.

• Unique and Personalized: Every paw print and footprint is one-of-a-kind, making each ornament a truly irreplaceable keepsake. As a parent, adding a new ornament to the tree each year with the latest print could become a priceless tradition.

• Year-Round Appeal: While the holiday season is a prime time, these ornaments can be customized to give all year round! Think birthdays, adopt-a-versaries, and milestone events. They can even be extra special gifts as memorials after saying goodbye to a loved pet.

• Wide Audience: think about pet owners, parents, godparents, grandparents, special aunts and uncles, and any other special grown-ups. These can be marketed as gifts for any and all of the above, and can even make gift giving a BREEZE for new parents of a little one who might not have a lot of time to figure out what to get Grandma while they're in the trenches of newborn sleep-deprivation.

It's easy, too. Just have them upload or email you a picture of the foot or paw print (inkless pads or washable paint on computer paper are the easiest ways to capture them!), do an image trace, and add it to your design. All you have to do is add your footprint, figure out your text, and you're ready to go.

How to Get Started:

1. Gather Your Materials:

   • Laser cutter

   • Your choice of material, mainly wood or acrylic

   • Ribbon or twine for hanging

   • Inkscape (or your preferred program) and a photograph of the print

2. Capture the Prints:

   • Advise your clients to use non-toxic paint or ink to create a clear print on white paper. Then, they can snap a photograph with their cell phone and text or email it to you.

3. Design Your Ornaments:

   • Keep it simple: A clean, minimalist design with the footprint or paw print as the focal point is always classic.

   • Get creative: consider adding festive elements like snowflakes, Christmas lights, or stars to the background.

   • Personalize: Include names, dates, or special messages. This is where you can really shine and offer what large retailers can't!

   • Get fancy: consider layering a 3D rendition of the footprint or paw print on top of a backer layer. You might not be able to capture as much detail as with engraving, but it gives a whole different style of ornament for you to be able to offer!

4. Laser Cut and Engrave:

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Apply a protective coating if desired. If using unfinished wood, I do recommend using at least a clear coat to make the wood POP. If you are using pre-finished wood, skip this step.

   • Attach a ribbon or twine for hanging.

   • Package your ornaments beautifully to enhance their gift-giving appeal.

AND THAT'S IT - you're done. Easy breezy!

Not sure how to prepare your image for laser use? No problem! I've got you. I like Inkscape because I feel it gets the best quality image trace. Here's what you need to do:

1. Import your photo (file > import > select pic or CTRL/CMD + I keyboard shortcut)

2. Click on photo so it is selected

3. Either do Path > Trace Bitmap or right click and select Trace Bitmap

4. I usually keep default settings, but here's what to adjust and why if you want to have more control

Just place it on your project, and go ahead and print. It's that easy!

Here are some Marketing Tips:

• Social Media: Share heartwarming images and videos of the ornament-making process on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. If marketing to pet owners, consider including your furry friend in the photographs!

• Local Markets: Set up a booth at holiday markets and craft fairs. Have plenty of samples, plus paint or ink pads on site to take orders! Have a QR code or NFC tap linked to a digital order form, collect payment up front, and let them know you'll ship the finished piece within a certain time period!

• Online Sales: Sell your ornaments through your own website or popular marketplaces like Etsy. Use bright, well-lit photographs with clear images and optimized SEO.

• Word-of-Mouth: Encourage satisfied customers to share their ornaments on social media and with friends and family, and to pass along your link!