Layered laser-cut designs offer a unique opportunity to combine natural wood textures with the luminous glow of edge-lit acrylic. These downloadable designs are easy to find on the internet. Etsy.com has a huge selection of multi-layered files available, which you can download for $3-$5. Import the files into your laser cutter software and you can quickly create beautiful layered art pieces that invoke nature and the spirit with intricate mandalas, animals, or sacred geometry. 

Naturally, adding lights makes all crafting projects better. The Tree of Life design I used has six layers, each with slight variations in shape that create a lovely depth to the finished artwork. I cut four of the layers from 1/8" plywood using the laser cutter at my local makerspace, and then made the remaining two layers from 1/8" acrylic, which I laser-etched with the design instead of cutting, giving me the opportunity for two different glowing edge-lit areas within the design.

Add some NeoPixels LED lights and an Adafruit Sparkle Motion board and the result is absolutely stunning: I can create glowing animations on the trunk and the leaf layer independently, setting off a gorgeous animated light box that feels like it reaches to infinity.

Parts

For attaching the LEDs to the Mini Sparkle Motion, you'll need some good wire. This is my favorite type -- it can be flexed a lot of times without breaking.  Using three different colors will help you keep everything straight and tidy.

Also get some clear heat shrink for sealing up the ends of your strip.

Tools Needed

• A laser cutter (check your local makerspace or 3D print/laser shop)
• Soldering iron & accessories

Materials Needed

• A layered svg file -- Etsy.com has hundreds to choose from, or create your own
• 1/8" wood: Plywood or MDF work great
• 1/8" acrylic: cast acrylic is better than extruded, but either will work
• Clear packing tape
• CA glue (super glue)