DIY Highland Cow Ornament and SVG

You can make this adorable Christmas cow ornament with faux fur using my highland cow ornament SVG. He’s wearing a Santa hat and has so much dimension with the fur!

This beginner laser project idea is perfect for those learning to use the xTool M1 or Glowforge Aura. Gather up some basswood plywood, paint, and a scrap of fur to get started.

RELATED READING: Highland Cow Door Sign DIY

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DIY Highland Cow Ornament with Faux Fur

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been creating SVG files for Cricut, Silhouette, and hand crafters for years. Today, I created the cutest little fuzzy cow in a Santa hat and had to make something with him using my xTool M1 laser and blade cutting machine.

And if you don’t have a laser (or the really cool laser and blade combo), don’t worry! You can use this highland cow SVG with a Cricut, Silhouette, Brother, or any other cutting machine. You can also use the PNG version of this design and cut it out from paper or thin balsa wood by hand.

If you are loving this fuzzy cow ornament but can’t get started on it right now, please save it to a DIY Christmas ornament pin board or share it on Facebook. Either way will make it easy to find when you’re ready to begin.

Laser Cut Highland Cow Ornament

For those new to lasers, hi – I’m new to lasers, too. As a designer, I’ve had my files used for lasers for years but I’ve only started laser cutting this year. If you’re new, know that you can absolutely make this!

If you have any xTool laser (I’ll be using the xTool M1 for this project), you can import the XCS file included in the download below. If you have a Glowforge, Thunder, or any other type of laser, use the SVG and follow the steps in the video tutorial to get only the layers you need.

RELATED READING: Is the xTool M1 Laser the Best for Crafters?

What Laser Should You Get?

I own two types of lasers right now: CO2 and diode. Below are summaries of each and suggestions on materials. If you have questions, please ask! Not all lasers are right for those looking to start a business or side hustle. If that’s you, choose the P2 or the S1.

• xTool P2 – A fully-enclosed CO2 laser, perfect for cutting acrylic and wood. This is an unrestricted laser when it comes to acrylic, wood, slate, etc.
• xTool S1 – The option I have is a 40 watt diode laser which cuts some acrylic, wood and does amazing engravings. This laser has some acrylic restrictions (no clear, mirror, translucent; primarily opaque) but powers through wood.
• xTool M1 – A 10 watt diode laser with amazing engraving capabilities and a blade cutting machine. This is a great starter machine and is best for engraving vs cutting.

How to Make This Laser Cut Ornament Idea

Below are the written step by step instructions with images to guide you. If you prefer to follow the directions without images, scroll down and print off the written tutorial.

How to Use an SVG in XCS Software

First, create a new canvas, select import, and upload the highland cow in a Santa hat SVG file. Make sure everything is selected and size the piece to 4.5 inches.

Remove excess pieces (as shown in the video tutorial – horns, hair, and face only). Select cut items and set the nostrils and smile to engrave.

Create a circle at .4 inches and another at .25. Select both circles, center the circles both horizontally and vertically and select Combine > Subtract.

Position the ornament hanger you created from the circles just right of the center of the silhouette piece (the horn and head piece) and select Combine > Unite.

Turn on the xTool M1 laser and blade cutter and position the basswood in so the laser dot is on the material. Pin down and close the lid to get a picture of the workspace. Move the pieces onto the basswood play.

Select the mode (open plane if using the honeycomb; prisms if using the base) and then select 3mm basswood from the materials drop down.

Auto-measure and set cut pieces and engrave pieces to Output. Make sure they are positioned onto the wood. Frame the selection.

Process the job (mine took about 4.5 minutes) and wipe down the outside of all pieces with a dry microfiber cloth. Sand anything with charring and wipe clean.

How to Assemble the Highland Cow Ornaments with Faux Fur

Use the paintbrush to paint the hat pieces red and white. Set aside to dry or use a heat gun to set.

Use the X-Acto knife to cut the fur backing only into a piece of faux fur 1.5 inches wide by .5 inches tall. Set aside.

Go outside and spray the on all the pieces following the directions.

Use super glue to adhere the front of the faux fur piece to the back of the painted hat silhouette. Put wood glue and super glue on the hat piece with the fur and press in place onto the horn / head silhouette piece. Clamp, if desired.

Alternate wood glue and super glue with all wood pieces. Do not overlap the glue.

Add a piece of twine for a hanger and the highland cow ornament is done!

More Laser Crafts You Might Like

• Highland Cow Door Sign – Use this easy xTool M1 tutorial and highland cow cut file set to make the cutest little farmhouse ready cutie.
• Christmas Bookmarks – If you need a quick M1 laser project, these holiday bookmarks are just the thing to use some scrap wood.
• Christmas Laser Crafts to Make and Sell – Want to earn some money with your laser? Turn to this list and free printable for ideas.
• DIY Wine Charms – This is the perfect beginner laser project and any theme or SVGs can be used to customize them!

Please Save or Share This Fun Christmas Ornament Idea

Your shares are how this site grows and I am sincerely grateful. Please save this to a DIY Christmas ornament pin board or share it with a crafty group on Facebook.