Make something of your own with ideas and practical notes from the Sanctum Hex workshop. This space is taking shape around finished digital files, materials I use and the guides that help turn a drawing into a finished piece.

Choose a design

First project: Ink Addict

A layered, tattoo-inspired graphic built from five colour shapes. Its digital pack includes separate layer files and a complete artwork reference in SVG, EPS, PDF and PNG formats. The digital pack is priced at £3.49 and remains in draft for review.

Every digital file sold through Make It Yourself includes a commercial licence to make and sell finished physical items. Each design will be checked at its actual cutting size and paired with notes on materials, assembly and finishing before release.

In the meantime, see how I prepare artwork in From Sketch to Laser-Ready SVG.

Choose your materials

Plywood for layered work

I use 3 mm plywood for pieces that need a warm, natural finish. Robotime plywood is one of the materials I enjoy working with. I prefer brushing on paint, stain or varnish for an even coat, and cutting on a honeycomb bed where possible to help reduce scorch marks. Material purchase options are being explored for this page.

Read my guide to working with 3 mm plywood

Acrylic and coloured inserts

The right material depends on the piece: plywood for warmth and texture, acrylic for clean colour and light. The guides explain how I choose between them and how I fit coloured inserts into layered artwork.

Acrylic vs plywood · Choosing and fitting coloured acrylic inserts

Learn before you cut

Start with the Maker Guides for practical workshop stories, or use the free checklists, logs and pricing estimator in Maker Resources. If you are planning a batch, the layered wall hanging workflow is a useful place to begin.