I used the software from Cartocuts and downloaded this map of my local area, Bellingham, WA. This particular version is only 5"x7.5", so much of the fine detail is lost. I wanted to try this out on draftboard first to see if I’d have the patience for a scaled-up version. (This one took 30 minutes…that’s a lot of Solitaire on the iPad.)
Anyway, I like the small version enough that I’ll make time for a larger engrave. And yes, we really do call ourselves “Bellinghamsters.”
Turned out great! I like the edging on the map!
Thank you! I didn’t realize the map file would generate that wiggly line when I used the offset tool. Turned out to be a nice effect.
Beautiful contribution from a fellow Bellinghamster!
Wow, even the prototype is worth displaying. Nice work! Please share when you finish the final product.
Haha, Bellinghamsters, love it! And the map of course.
I misread the title as “bird’s eye view of us being hamsters” and expected to see you rolling around in giant balls. I’ve gotta admit I’m a little disappointed, even though the map IS nice and all…
I want a cool name like Bellinghamsters.
Coloradans annoys me! lol
Coloradonuts? LOL omg
I have an old Navy buddy who lives (lived?) there.
Be happy with Coloradan…you could be a Hoosier.
I’ve got a friend who has a Bellinghamster t-shirt. Made & sold by a local establishment.
So much better than what folk from Tampa are called
Hmmm, I don’t dare guess. What are they called?
Nice work! I suggest we all use the location suffix ‘wegian’.
I just finished an updated version of the map. I used an unprimed wood panel as the base; 9" x 12". Since it was 7/8" thick, I took out the crumb tray for this one.
Here are both versions, with a banana for scale.
the next one I do, I’ll wax first, to see if the fume marks come off better.
These turned out beautifully!
It just keeps getting better! This was a dress rehearsal for the “real map”, which will be a gift to a friend. Even though I had cleaned the surface with 91% alcohol, it had a muddy look to it; probably fumes that had nestled into the pores & fibers of the wood. So, I sanded it, vigorously.
I started with 180grit, always going with the grain. Then I wiped & cleaned w/alcohol. Next was 220 grit, followed by cleaning. Then I wiped all over with a rag impregnated with beeswax and mineral oil.
I’m amazed at the level of detail captured here. It didn’t so much lighten up, as become clear and legible.
I can still scale this up without losing detail. Some fine elements, like the “5” in the interstate symbol, would be easily readable.
Yep, Hoosiers live right below the Michiganders. Then there’s that state to the east of Indiana that we just don’t talk about.
I don’t know if i want to know the answer to that question 
I’m just using my imagination, think about the suffix used for Colorado.
Now apply that to Tampa.
I don’t really wanna know based on what I imagine it is.
