Some projects stand out not because of their size or complexity, but because of the story behind them. One of my recent engraving projects was a perfect example of how craftsmanship, creativity, and personalization can come together to create something truly meaningful.

A client brought me a handmade hickory cutting board they had created themselves. The board featured a beautiful epoxy fill and was already a work of art on its own. Their goal was to turn it into a heartfelt gift for their parents by adding a custom engraving that included their parents’ last name and the date they were married.

The result was a timeless keepsake that celebrates family, craftsmanship, and a lasting marriage.

When the Gift Starts with Craftsmanship

There’s something special about a gift that begins with the maker’s own hands. In this case, the client had already invested time and care into building the cutting board. Hickory is a durable, striking wood with strong grain character, and the epoxy fill added a modern, eye-catching contrast.

Rather than purchasing a pre-made item, the client wanted to elevate their handmade board with engraving that would permanently mark the occasion it was meant to celebrate. Laser engraving was the perfect finishing touch.

By engraving directly into the wood, the design becomes part of the board itself, not something applied on top or added later.

Using Laser Engraving to Preserve Meaning

The client provided a design they created themselves, which included:

• Their parents’ last name

• The date their parents were married

Because the design already had personal significance, my role was to ensure it was engraved cleanly, accurately, and with the right balance of depth and detail. Laser engraving allows for extremely precise control, making it ideal for projects where text clarity and layout matter.

I carefully positioned the design to complement both the wood grain and the epoxy fill, ensuring the engraving felt intentional and well-balanced within the overall piece. The finished engraving added elegance without overpowering the craftsmanship of the board itself.

You can see examples of similar personalized projects in my engraving portfolio here:

Laser Engraving Portfolio

Why Cutting Boards Make Exceptional Keepsake Gifts

Cutting boards are often associated with everyday kitchen use, but when customized, they become much more than functional items. Engraved cutting boards make excellent gifts for:

• Wedding anniversaries

• Parents or grandparents

• Housewarming gifts

• Family milestones

• Heirloom keepsakes

When names and meaningful dates are engraved, a cutting board becomes something that can be displayed, used on special occasions, or passed down through generations. In this project, the engraved marriage date turned the board into a tribute to decades of shared life and commitment.

Working with Epoxy and Natural Wood

Engraving projects that include epoxy fills require careful planning. Wood and epoxy respond differently to laser engraving, and achieving a clean result means dialing in the correct settings and placement.

In this case, the engraving was positioned to highlight the natural hickory grain while complementing the epoxy fill rather than competing with it. The contrast between engraved wood, rich grain patterns, and smooth epoxy created a striking final result that looked cohesive and refined.

Laser engraving is especially effective for projects like this because it offers:

• Precise depth control

• Clean edges on text and designs

• Consistent results on hardwoods like hickory

The Finished Piece

The completed cutting board turned out beautifully. The engraved last name and wedding date felt timeless, and the board now tells a story that goes beyond its materials. It represents family, marriage, and the care that went into creating a gift meant to last.

The featured image for this blog post showcases the finished board, highlighting the engraved design alongside the natural character of the hickory and epoxy fill. It’s a perfect example of how laser engraving can enhance an already meaningful piece.

Adding the Final Touch to Your Handmade Projects

If you’ve created something special and want to take it one step further, laser engraving can be the perfect finishing detail. Whether it’s a handmade cutting board, a keepsake gift, or a custom project with personal meaning, engraving adds permanence and intention.

I love working with clients who bring their own creations and ideas. My goal is always to respect the craftsmanship while enhancing it with clean, professional engraving.

👉 Have a project in mind?

Visit my engraving portfolio and request a quote today.