Laser Cut Pokemon Gym Badges

A couple weeks ago, I came across some Pokemon Gym badges for sale and thought they looked cool.  I wanted to make them myself, but wasn't sure how.  Then I learned how to use the laser cutter :)

I made this at Techshop in SF!


Indigo League Badges: (They are in order on my shirt)

• Boulder Badge
• Cascade Badge
• Thunder Badge
• Rainbow Badge
• Soul Badge
• Marsh Badge
• Volcano Badge
• Earth Badge
• Source

What you need:

• Wood or Acrylic for your badges (I originally planned to do clear acrylic, but then I remembered I was going to glue something to the back so decided against it.)
• 8 Jewelry Pins
• Contact Cement

When I first set out to make these, it was really hard and it took a bit for me to realize that these badges are mostly made out of simple shapes.  Once I figured that out, it was a lot easier to create them.  I had a really hard time with the flower one and I am still not happy with the outcome, but it will do for now.

I've provided screen shots for creating one of them.  If you have any questions about any of them, let me know and I'll help all I can.

So you are ready to cut :)

You need to cover your board with tape to prevent burn marks.

I believe I used hairline for the cutting and 1 pt. for the etching.

Before assembling, I used my Polycrylic and put 2 coats on the front, one on the back, and one along the edge.  Make sure the badges have had plenty of time to dry before putting the glue on.

Once the badges are dry it is time to put the pins on them.

I used contact cement because Scoochmaroo said it would work great and it did.  To use, you put a bit of glue on both surfaces you want to stick together, then let that sit for about 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, just stick the pieces together and voila! They stick :)

I think they turned out awesome!  I plan on giving them to my younger brother, though, because he is a bigger fan of Pokemon.  Hope he likes them!