One of the standout features of the xTool M2 is its print-and-cut capability, which opens up so many creative possibilities beyond traditional laser cutting. In this tutorial, I'll show you how I recreated Taylor Swift's iconic koi fish guitar as an ornament using the combination of inkjet printing and laser cutting.
I've always thought I wanted to make a miniature koi fish guitar accessory for my Taylor Swift amigurumi doll, but the idea of hand-painting the details felt a little outside my comfort zone. While I have so much admiration for artists who can paint tiny, detailed designs, I knew I needed a different approach for this project. That's where the xTool M2 came in, allowing me to add those colorful koi details through printing before precisely cutting out the guitar shape.
Inspiration Behind the Project
When I make my Taylor Swift amigurumi dolls, I love adding little details that make them feel more complete. For example, when I made my I Need to Calm Down amigurumi doll, I added small rhinestones on the sunglasses. So when I made my Wonderstruck amigurumi doll, I knew I wanted to recreate Taylor Swift's iconic koi fish guitar.
The koi fish guitar first appeared during the Speak Now World Tour and quickly became one of Taylor's most recognizable instruments. Years later, fans were thrilled to see it return during the Eras Tour for performances of Long Live (Taylor's Version).
As someone who loves combining pop culture and crochet, recreating this little piece of Taylor Swift history in miniature form felt like such a fun challenge. The mini guitar ornament is only about 10 cm long, which doesn't leave much room for error when it comes to hand-painting intricate artwork.
With my previous laser cutter, I could cut out the guitar shape, but I would still need to figure out how to add all of the colorful koi fish details myself. When I got the xTool M2, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to test out its print-and-cut capabilities and finally bring this miniature guitar idea to life.
Printing on Wood: Challenges and Solutions
After researching inkjet printing on unfinished wood, I learned that it can come with a few challenges. Because wood is a porous material, ink can absorb into the wood fibers, which may cause colours to bleed, appear less vibrant, or fade over time.
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| Credit: YouTube |
There are different products and techniques that can help improve print quality on wood, including specialty coatings and fixative sprays. xTool also provides recommendations for different materials and surfaces that can be used with their printer module.
However, for this project, I wanted to find a simple and affordable solution using materials I already had available. So instead of printing directly onto the basswood, I applied a printable sticker sheet first. This allowed the colours and details to stay crisp while still letting me use the xTool M2’s print-and-cut workflow to cut it out precisely.
What You Need / Materials
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- xTool M2 laser cutter
- xTool Studio software
- 3mm Basswood (middle shaker frame)
- Printable Sticker Sheets
- E6000 Adhesive (or wood glue)
- Clamps (optional, but recommended if your wood isn't perfectly flat)
- Scissors
- Koi Guitar xTool Studio file
Making the Mini Koi Fish Guitar Ornament
Step 1: Open the xTool Studio File
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| The artwork and cutlines are already sized and aligned. You can customize or resize the design before printing and cutting. |
💡 Tip: If you are resizing, make sure all the pieces are resized together to maintain the correct proportions.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
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| Wipe away any dust from the basswood. Apply the printable sticker sheet to the surface. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles to create an even printing surface. |
Step 3: Print the Guitar Design
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| Install the printer module onto the xTool M2. Start the print job and allow the ink to dry before moving on to cutting. |
💡 Tip: Once your design has been printed, avoid moving your material before cutting. The xTool M2 relies on the original placement to keep the printed artwork aligned with the laser cut lines.
Step 4: Cut the Guitar Shape
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| Switch the printer module to the 10W laser module. Start the cutting process. |
Step 5: Remove and Finish the Pieces
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| Remove the guitar pieces from the machine and basswood. |
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| Clean up any rough edges or leftover debris from cutting. |
Step 6: Assemble the Guitar
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| Glue the front and back pieces of the guitar together. Make sure edges are properly aligned. Allow glue to fully dry. |
Tips & Tricks
1. Adjust your print settings for richer colors
I tested this project using 80% and 90% ink concentration, and while the colors turned out nicely, I think printing at 100% on sticker paper would create even richer and more vibrant colors. If your design has a lot of bright colors and fine details, increasing the ink concentration might help it stand out more.
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| Left: Printed at 80% concentration; Right: Printed at 90% concentration |
2. Keep your material secure during printing and cutting
During my first attempt, the printer module bumped into one of the magnetic pins, which shifted the alignment of the wood. Since the cutting process relies on the same alignment, the laser cut was also off. Make sure your material is positioned securely and that nothing is in the path of the print head before starting.
3. Test your settings before cutting
Because this project involved cutting through both sticker sheet and basswood, the recommended settings for wood alone may or may not give you the same results. Test the built-in reference settings on a scrap piece first and adjust the power or speed as needed to ensure the material cuts through completely.
4. The sticker sheet workaround is worth it for small, detailed projects
While printing onto a sticker sheet instead of directly on the wood may feel like cheating, it made a huge difference for this miniature project. The smooth surface helped achieve crisp colors, and the xTool M2's print-and-cut alignment ensured that the laser cut exactly matched the printed design.
Creative Uses and Ideas
- Christmas Ornament: Hang it on your Christmas tree for a Swiftie-inspired holiday decoration
- Amigurumi Accessory: Pair it with your Taylor Swift amigurumi dolls for a finishing touch
- Shadow Box: Add it to a Taylor Swift-themed memory or concert display
- Keychain: Turn it into a unique everyday accessory with a keyring
- Car Charm: Hang it from your rearview mirror as a decorative charm (where permitted)
- Greeting Card: Add it to the front of a handmade card for a unique 3D embellishment
- Bookmark: Make it using 1.5 mm basswood for a bookmark that easily slips between the pages of your favorite book.
More to Love...
- DIY xTool Triangle Prism Spacers: Improve airflow and reduce scorching wtih these simple DIY prism spacers for your xTool laser cutter.
- DIY Taylor Swift "22" Shirt: Create your own Taylor Swift-inspired "22" shirt that's perfect for concerts and parties.
- Laser Cut Minnie Mouse Rings: Learn how to make adorable laser-cut rings that are perfect for party favors, class gifts, or your next Disney vacation!
Share Your Creation with Me!
Did you make this project? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.
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This is an original craft tutorial created by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this craft project or its digital files as your own. If you would like to share this project, please link to this blog post rather than reposting the tutorial on your own website. This tutorial and its digital files are for personal use only. Selling, redistributing, or sharing the digital files is strictly prohibited.
Disclaimer: This craft project is an unofficial fan-created design and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the respective copyright and trademark holders. All character names, images, and related intellectual property belong to their respective owners. This craft tutorial does not grant permission to reproduce, sell, or distribute copyrighted characters or related designs.
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