In a world dominated by paper greeting cards, Edward Ilemba, a skilled designer from Lilongwe, has carved out a niche for himself by creating personalized wooden laser-cut Christmas cards.
With a background in graphic and motion design, Edward’s journey into crafting wooden products began with his fascination for combining design with technology.
“I started as a graphic designer, working on posters and websites, over time, I became intrigued by laser engraving and Computer Numerical Code (CNC) machining, which allowed me to merge my love for design with precision craftsmanship,” he said.
Edward’s choice of wood as a primary material stems from its timeless and eco-friendly qualities.
“Wood offers a natural elegance and durability that paper cards can’t match. Plus, they’re keepsakes, doubling as festive décor,” he explains.
He primarily uses Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) and plywood, materials that are both affordable and ideal for intricate laser designs.
The process of creating his wooden Christmas cards begins with conceptualizing a design on the computer.
Once finalized, it’s sent to a laser engraver that precisely cuts and engraves the wood.
“After engraving, I add finishing touches like sanding, painting, or varnishing to give the cards a polished look,” Edward said.
Beyond Christmas cards, Edward’s portfolio includes personalized wooden welcome signs, Wi-Fi signs, and 3D wooden signage. His products are marketed primarily on Facebook Marketplace, where he leverages visually appealing posts and client recommendations to attract buyers.
Using advanced tools like laser engravers and CNC machines, Edward achieves high precision in his designs while adding a personal touch through hand-finishing techniques.
For him, the joy lies in offering unique, meaningful creations that blend artistry and innovation.
As the festive season unfolds, Edward Ilemba’s work reminds us that sometimes, the simplest materials can create the most lasting impressions.
