Some projects are memorable because of the craftsmanship involved. Others stand out because of the story behind them. Every once in a while, a project combines both, and that’s exactly what happened with a recent engraving project for Union Adventist University.

A customer brought me a handcrafted wooden tray that was unlike anything I had engraved before. The tray wasn’t purchased from a store or ordered from a catalog. It had been made from a tree that had fallen during a storm on the university’s campus. Rather than allowing the wood to go to waste, members of the university transformed it into meaningful keepsakes that would continue telling the story of the campus for years to come.

This particular tray was destined to become a retirement gift, making the project even more meaningful.

A Gift Rooted in History

The tray itself already carried tremendous significance before any engraving began.

Knowing it originated from a tree that had stood on campus for many years added another layer of meaning. It represented the university’s history, resilience, and community. Turning that wood into retirement gifts was a thoughtful way to preserve a small piece of the campus while honoring individuals who helped shape its future.

The engraving needed to reflect that same level of significance.

The client requested three primary design elements:

• A detailed line drawing of Union Adventist University
• The university logo
• The phrase:

“Your Leadership Shaped Us”

Together, these elements created a design that celebrated both the institution and the individual receiving the gift.

You can view more examples of personalized engraving projects here.

Every Custom Project Brings New Challenges

While the design itself required careful attention, the tray presented several unique technical challenges.

Unlike a flat cutting board or plaque, this tray featured an irregular natural shape with a deep surrounding lip. That meant I couldn’t simply place it in the laser and press start.

The first challenge was accurately aligning the tray so the artwork would appear perfectly centered and square despite the uneven edges.

The second challenge came from the tray’s deep walls.

Because the engraving area sat well below the top edge, I needed to raise the tray significantly inside the laser. My laser’s Z-axis includes a safety feature designed to prevent the laser head from colliding with objects. Under normal circumstances, this is an excellent safeguard.

However, for this particular project, that safety system prevented the tray from being positioned high enough for the laser to focus inside the recessed area.

After carefully evaluating the setup, I temporarily disconnected the Z-axis safety wire so I could achieve the necessary height for engraving. Once the engraving was complete, the safety feature was restored before returning the machine to normal operation.

Projects like this remind me that custom engraving isn’t just about operating a laser. It’s about understanding materials, equipment, and finding safe, creative solutions to unusual situations.

Learning Through Every Project

One of the things I enjoy most about custom engraving is that no two projects are exactly alike.

Every unique piece teaches something new.

This tray reinforced the importance of thoughtful fixturing, creative workholding, and understanding the capabilities and limitations of specialized equipment. Those lessons carry forward into future projects, allowing me to continue improving both efficiency and quality.

It’s one of the reasons I enjoy taking on projects that others might consider too unusual or challenging.

A Retirement Gift with Lasting Meaning

The finished engraving transformed an already meaningful tray into something truly unforgettable.

The line drawing of the university, combined with the university logo and the heartfelt phrase, created a retirement gift that tells multiple stories at once:

• The story of a tree that served the campus for years.
• The story of people who preserved its legacy.
• The story of a leader whose service helped shape the university.

The featured image for this blog post shows the completed tray, while an additional image displays it after installation and presentation. Seeing the finished piece in its intended setting is always one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Let’s Bring Your Story to Life

Some of the best engraving projects begin with an item that already has meaning. Whether it’s reclaimed wood, a family heirloom, a handcrafted piece, or something with historical significance, laser engraving can help preserve its story for future generations.

If you have a unique project or an idea that requires a little creativity and problem-solving, I’d love to work with you to bring it to life.

👉 Ready to create something one of a kind?

Visit my engraving portfolio and request a quote today!