George School, Media

GS Students Turn CAD Skills into Christmas Ornaments

Throughout the past two weeks, members of the George School CAD (Computer-Aided Design) team combined creativity and technical skills to design and produce their own Christmas ornaments. The activity allowed team members to explore the full design process, from digital modeling to the actual production, while creating meaningful holiday gifts.

Under the guidance of faculty sponsor Chris Odom, students used OnShape (a CAD system) to design personalized ornaments before bringing them to life with the laser cutter in the Robotics Room. Chris taught students advanced modeling techniques, including how to create intricate snowflake designs using functions such as circular patterns. These tools allowed students to experiment with symmetry, repetition, and fine detail, eventually turning their ideas into stunning physical pieces of holiday ornaments.

Chris Odom demonstrates his process of making an ornament in front of the students.  (Photo credit: Fiona Wu ’26)
Students discussing how to design their ornaments.  (Photo credit: Fiona Wu ’26)
Lucy Li 27’ designing her snowflake ornaments.  (Photo credit: Fiona Wu ’26)

After completing their digital designs, students moved to the laser-cutting stage. Using the laser cutter in the Robotics Room, they cut their designs from thin wood sheets. Watching their designs emerge from the thin wood impressed students deeply.

Chris Odom helps a student to laser cut her design.  (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)
Laser cutting process. (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)

For some students, the project was a chance to create something personal for loved ones. Tiffany Wang ’27, a returning CAD team member, crafted a thoughtful snowflake ornament for her sister. “It’s a cute Christmas gift for my sister,” Tiffany said enthusiastically, “I’m sure that she would be so proud of me when she receives this.”

Tiffany Wang ’27 displays her completed ornament, a thoughtful holiday gift for her sister. (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)

Msabillah Jaksch Kilima ’29, a new member this year, also designed a thoughtful ornament for her mother. The flower patterns he designed illustrated his love and gratitude.

Msabillah Jaksch Kilima ’29 shows his floral-themed ornament, created as a heartfelt gift for his mother. (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)

The ornament-making activity highlighted how CAD skills can extend beyond the classroom, turning technical knowledge into creative, tangible, and festive projects. Students were able to combine engineering, art, and problem-solving in a fun, hands-on way. 

Msabillah Jaksch Kilima ’29’s ornament and flowers that were cut out by the machine. (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)
Lucy Li ’27’s snowflake ornament, a holiday gift for herself. (Photo credit: Lucy Li ’27)

With this project, the GS CAD team demonstrated that learning CAD can also be a joyful and creative experience that spreads holiday cheer. Finally, as Tiffany said, “Join the CAD team if you want to make something like this too.”

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