Ok, so you're thinking, "I have never heard of picture engraving". Well, that is exactly why it will make a great gift! Actually, lets not limit it to just a great gift. You could also have one of your favorite photos engraved for yourself. Not to mention how cool it would be to have your personal artwork or designs laser engraved into glass, wood, or marble. Talk about a conversation piece!
How Do You Engrave a Picture?
The engraving process consists of uploading a photograph (either digital or a print that has been scanned) into a special computer program. The program turns the photo into a high contrast black and white picture. The picture is then sent to the laser engraver. The process is very similar to an ink jet printer. However, instead of shooting out ink, the laser shoots out a beam that evaporates a tiny spot of the engraving surface. And like a printer, the laser can be set to a variety of resolutions depending on the quality of the initial picture. Of course, the better the picture, the better the engraving.
What Can You Engrave a Picture On?
We are asked that question quite a bit....and the answer is "a whole bunch of stuff"! I could probably take up two pages on all the materials that could be engraved, but how about I stick to the ones that look good and make great gifts. As a little side note, we cannot engrave a tattoo on your arm. Yes, we have actually been asked. Here are some of the Items we can do:
Cantebury Plaque:
- The Cantebury Plaque is an elegant way to engrave you photos. Your picture will be engraved on the beveled edge glass that floats above the highly polished plaque by pins at each corner.
- Turn your pictures into artwork!!! Your pictures will engrave with beautiful contrast on the mirrored glass. Choose from regular mirror or black mirror. Frame choices include metal (black, gold, silver) or wood (oak or black).
- Beveled edge glass plaques are a marvelous way to engrave your cherished photos with striking detail. Add descriptions of your photos, from simple names and ages to poems or words of endearment.
- Choose your favorite pictures and text and turn it into a luminous piece of art.
- Marble Tiles are perfect for your precious memories. Your photo and text engrave to a frosty white color for excellent contrast.
- Using a mirrored back to engrave your picture, the image appears to float between the text giving your custom shadow box a multi layer effect.
- Choose from Marble or Glass Coasters. Come as a set of four.
First choose a picture you would like to have engraved. Make sure it has a decent amount of contrast. For instance, a picture of someone wearing a light shirt against a light background probably would not be the best choice.
Along with choosing your photo, also consider any text you would like engraved (IE. 'The Price Family" or 'Grandma's Cuties"). Keep in mind we do not charge per character or per line, so be as creative as you like. If you need any ideas on what to write visit our Expressing Your Sentiments page. You should also choose the font that you would like to use. You can pick from our Font Samples, but if you have one that you like better, just let us know and we will use it. If you are having your photo engraved on the framed glass or the shadow box you will also have to choose a frame. You can find our selection on our Frame Sample page.
Congratulations! The hardest part is over. The next thing to do is click the link to the engraved photo gift of your choice and choose the size you would like. Enter your order information including any special instructions you may have.
Once your order is placed you will receive a confirmation. To upload your picture simply reply to the confirmation (which will include your information and order number) and attach your photo. Don't have your photo on your computer? No problem! You can mail the original (or high quality copy to be returned with your order) photo to us and we will do the rest.
The last step is to sit back and relax and in about a week you'll be enjoying your personalized engraved photo gift!