For some time now I have been playing with pierced patterns such as this…
As holes or just engraved vectors like this…
or even inlaid like this…
never quite finding the way I wanted to use the pattern even as I was coming up with ever more patterns that now number in the thousands. All basically connected “lines” around empty places as “holes” that are holes in the original concept.
So this week I went from vector designs back to variable depth engraving that entails more work on the pattern (making more patterns 
) some with the “holes” high and the “lines” low …
and the reverse with the “lines” high.
I am not sure which way is better or perhaps it depends on the individual case, but thinking as the pattern on small boxes, though alternatives to boxes or more coasters also need investigating. I have been thinking small clocks but again making the pattern fit the 3-inch dia premade clock (with enough width to allow it) becomes the challenge there.
