Having become a massive D&D nerd in the last year or so, I started to make some dice boxes as gifts for each of the people in our group. Unfortunately, we stopped playing that game and those characters so it seemed pointless continuing the project. After a while though, I figured it might be fun to try selling personalisable versions on Etsy.
The Process
Initially, I mocked up a box in Carbide Create and tried cutting the two halves out of 18mm thick softwood using a hobby ‘3018’ cnc machine I found on Amazon. I didn’t like the results – I found it to be loud, messy and unreliable. So after some further research, I ended up purchasing a diode laser engraving machine that once dialled in, did the job perfectly.
I experimented with various wood dyes, stains and sealers to prepare the stock, various inks, paints and other materials to fill the engravings and then finishes to complete the boxes. It actually took a lot of experimentation to come up with a process and final look that I liked – as an example, one experiment was to fill the engraving with crushed opal and resin. Kind of a cool look but perhaps not the most cost effective option. By the end of this process I had enough test engravings, off-cuts and prototype boxes to fill our 30 litre kitchen bin.
Finishing Up
After eventually settling on a look I liked, I finished four of the eight boxes I had initially designed, and then proceeded to spend longer than I would like to admit setting up scenes with lights and props, so I could get some product photos and videos for the listing.
A little Photoshop, After Effects, keyword research and description writing later, and the listing is complete.
I’m pretty happy with how everything turned out.
Currently £25 with free delivery if you’re interested in having one made. The listing can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1312583237/ (UK only for now)