Make a Fun Cookies for Krampus Tray with xTool M1!

Hey there, crafty pals! Today, I’m thrilled to share a quirky holiday project that involves one of my favorite tools, the xTool M1 Laser Engraver. We’re diving into holiday folklore to create a “Cookies for Krampus” tray that’s as fun to make as it is to showcase. So, grab your creative spirit, and let’s get into the festive spirit with a touch of mischief!

Watch the Video Tutorial

If video tutorials are more your thing, check out this one on how to make this Cookies For Krampus Tray!

The xTool M1: A Laser-Cut Dream

Let’s talk tools. The xTool M1 Laser Engraver isn’t just a laser engraver; it’s the magic wand behind this project. Imagine being able to delicately carve out intricate designs on a simple Dollar Tree bamboo cutting board – that’s what the xTool M1 brings to the table.

What’s remarkable is that the Dollar Tree bamboo cutting board fits right into the xTool M1, making it a perfect match for our festive DIY adventure. The xTool M1 doesn’t just make crafting easier; it turns a regular cutting board into a holiday masterpiece.

Working with the xTool M1 Laser Engraver feels like having a crafty sidekick! It’s like doing a merry jig of creativity and precision, making it the ultimate pal for anyone jumping into holiday DIY fun.

Why Krampus, You Ask?

Well, who doesn’t love a bit of Krampus lore in the shadow of Santa Claus? We’re big fans of this horned, mischievous creature from Alpine folklore (think Grimms’ Fairy Tales!), and we thought, “Why not add a bit of Krampus charm to the Christmas season?” Hence, a “Cookies for Krampus” tray was born – a playful twist on the classic Cookies for Santa tray.

Are you unfamiliar with the Krampus legend? Originating from holiday lore in Europe, Krampus is the yin to Santa’s yang, part goat and part demon in fur and a bright red suit, the mischief-maker with horns, and a penchant for disciplining naughty kids during the festive season. He’s like the edgier cousin of Saint Nicholas (minus the red-nosed reindeer), and we can’t help but love the drama this dark helper brings to holiday tales.

Designs for Every Taste

Now, let’s talk about designs. We’ve got two for you to choose from – a gothic, ornate version that’s all drama and a cute, kid-friendly one for a lighter vibe. Both designs boast spaces for cookies, drinks, and a particular spot for sticks.

Why sticks, you ask? According to Krampus tales, those were his tools for disciplining the naughty ones. It’s a sweet reminder that even the jolliest of holidays can have a hint of mischief. Whether you have visions of sugar plums or mischievous elves, we’ve got you covered!

How to Make Cookies for Krampus Tray

Making the “Cookies for Krampus” tray is a fun and creative DIY project that combines crafting with a touch of holiday mischief. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own festive tray using the xTool M1 laser engraver:

Materials Needed:

• Bamboo Cutting Board: We found this affordable and readily available 12″ x 16″ cutting board at Dollar Tree!
• xTool M1 Laser Engraver: The star of the show, this tool will help you bring your Krampus-inspired designs to life.
• Design Template (see below): Download the SVG file in the blog post or create your Krampus-themed design using graphic design software.
• Food Grade Wax: Not essential, but it will help prolong the life of your board.

Steps:

1. Design Selection: Choose between the ornate, gothic design or the cute, kid-friendly version based on your preferences.
2. Prepare the xTool M1: Set up your xTool M1 according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it’s clean and ready for engraving.
3. Load the Design: If you use the provided SVG file, load it into the xTool M1 software, Creative Space. If you’ve created your design, ensure it’s compatible with the laser engraver.
4. Secure the Cutting Board: Place the Dollar Tree bamboo cutting board securely in the xTool M1. My Dollar Tree board is larger than the surface area of the M1, but the actual cutting area fits perfectly within the board. Just make sure it’s centered precisely.
5. Start Engraving: Choose the correct setting (I used the setting for bamboo coasters) and start engraving. The xTool M1 will use its laser to etch the chosen Krampus design onto the cutting board. Enjoy watching your creation come to life!
6. Inspect and Refine: After engraving, carefully inspect the tray for inconsistencies. After finishing mine, I realized that I was missing the top arch in the “drink” circle. Luckily, I hadn’t removed the board yet, so I didn’t have to worry about alignment and could add it back in quickly.
7. Protective Finish (Optional): If desired, apply a food-safe finish to the cutting board to protect the engraved design and make it suitable for serving cookies. I used Howard Wax-It-All Food Grade Wax.
8. Arrange the “Cookies for Krampus”: Once the tray is ready, arrange your favorite holiday cookies. Don’t forget a drink and those symbolic sticks!
9. Share Your Creation: Snap pictures of your “Cookies for Krampus” tray and share them on social media while tagging me. Spread the holiday cheer and the joy of creative DIY projects!

Your unique “Cookies for Krampus” tray is ready to be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations, adding a touch of mischief and creativity to the festivities.

Sharing the Crafting Love: Free SVG File!

And because we’re all about spreading the crafting joy, we’re including this free SVG file. Please refrain from using for commercial purposes unless you’ve bought an extended license. You can download this SVG file in the Tried & True Library with the password you received while signing up. You can also find the password at the bottom of all my newsletters. Let the holiday crafting party begin!

With the xTool M1 as our crafting sidekick, we’ve journeyed into the enchanting world of old-world ancestors’ folklore to create a “Cookies for Krampus” tray. Whether you lean towards the gothic drama or the kid-friendly cuteness, this project is about infusing your holidays with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of mischief. So, grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and let the spirit of Krampus guide you to holiday crafting joy!