Give your eyeglasses a scenic home with this laser-engraved bear mountain wood tray. Featuring a serene wilderness scene—tall pines, a majestic bear, and distant peaks—this tray catches your glasses when you take them off, turning a simple habit into a moment of calm.
Why You'll Love This Project
Peaceful design – A bear and mountain scene brings nature to your nightstand
Protects your glasses – A dedicated spot prevents scratches
Beautiful display – Looks good even when empty
Perfect for gifts – Great for nature lovers, glasses wearers, or anyone who appreciates thoughtful design
Beginner-friendly – Simple tray with stunning engraving
Materials & Tools
Wood Suggestions:
Walnut (rich, dark, contrasts beautifully with engraving)
Maple (light, clean, shows detail clearly)
Cherry (warm, traditional, ages nicely)
Birch plywood (affordable, smooth surface)
Oak (strong, prominent grain)
Basic Supplies:
¾" thick wood (tray body)
¼" wood (for bottom, if hollow)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)
Felt pads (for bottom)
Felt lining (optional, for inside)
Tools You Might Need:
Laser engraver (for bear mountain design)
Router or jigsaw (for the recess)
Sander
Clamps
Design Inspiration
Let the engraving guide the tray's size and feel.
Think about these elements:
| Feature | Inspiration |
|---|---|
| Tray shape | Rectangle (classic) or oval (softer) |
| Engraving style | Bear + mountain + trees (rustic) / Bear only (minimal) / Mountain range (dramatic) |
| Tray size | Wide enough for glasses (6–8 inches) |
| Finish | Natural wood (warm) or dark stain (dramatic) |
Scene ideas:
Bear standing on a rocky outcrop
Bear with pine trees
Mountain silhouette with bear
Bear face (close-up, detailed)
Bear paw print with mountains
Step-by-Step Inspiration
1. Picture Your Tray
Imagine it on your nightstand or entryway table. Will it hold reading glasses? Sunglasses? Both? Let the glasses guide the size.
2. Shape the Tray
Simple tray:
A flat rectangle or oval
Glasses sit directly on the surface
Light sanding to prevent scratches
Recessed tray (recommended):
Router a shallow hollow in the center
Glasses sit in the recess
Stays put, won't slide off
Hollow tray:
Build a box with raised edges
Glasses sit inside
More secure, feels more finished
3. Prepare the Wood
Sand the surface smooth. A smooth surface makes a cleaner engraving.
Sanding progression:
120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)
The smoother the wood, the crisper the engraving.
4. Create the Laser Engraving
Design elements:
A bear silhouette (simple or detailed)
Mountain range in the background
Pine trees (small, grouped)
Moon or sun (optional)
Laser settings:
Follow your laser's recommended settings
Test on scrap wood first
Adjust power and speed for your wood type
If you don't have a laser:
Wood-burn the scene by hand
Or paint the design (stencil helps)
Or carve it with small gouges
5. Sand After Engraving
Lightly sand to remove any residue. Avoid sanding over the engraving itself—just the flat surfaces.
6. Add Felt Lining (Optional)
For extra protection, line the recess or tray surface with felt:
Cut felt to fit the tray
Attach with spray adhesive
Smooth out wrinkles
Felt prevents scratches and adds a premium feel.
7. Apply Finish
Choose a finish that enhances the wood:
| Finish | Effect |
|---|---|
| Danish oil | Warm, matte, brings out grain |
| Beeswax | Soft glow, natural feel |
| Matte polyurethane | Durable, protective |
| Tung oil | Rich, warm, water-resistant |
Apply to all surfaces, including the bottom.
8. Add Felt Pads
Attach felt pads to the bottom corners. This:
Protects surfaces
Prevents sliding
Lifts the tray slightly (looks more deliberate)
9. Place Your Glasses
Set your glasses in the tray. The bear and mountain scene frames them like a landscape.
Creative Variations
| Variation | Idea |
|---|---|
| Matching set | Glasses tray + coaster + pen holder |
| Couple's set | Two trays (his and hers) |
| Nightstand set | Tray + small lamp + book |
| Seasonal engraving | Winter scene (snow) or autumn (colored leaves) |
| Personalized | Add a name, date, or location |
| Travel tray | Smaller version for a suitcase |
Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind
Smooth is essential – Any roughness will scratch glasses
Test with glasses – Make sure they fit comfortably
Tray depth – Shallow is fine; deep isn't necessary
Engraving placement – Centered or slightly off-center
Finish inside – If hollow, seal the interior too
A Few Thoughts Before You Start
A tray is a simple thing. But when it holds a bear and mountain scene, it becomes a window—a tiny reminder of wilderness, quiet, and the things that matter. And when you place your glasses on it at the end of the day, you're not just putting them down. You're saying: this is where the world settles, just for a moment.
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