If you’re stumped on how to surprise the women in your life this Mother’s Day, DILS Laser Designs has the perfect gifts for those special moms, wives, grans and sisters.
A perfusionist in the medical field by day—a technician responsible for the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Pump used in open-heart surgeries—DILS owner and Loveland local Hetal Zurlinden’s passion for crafting on the side finally turned into a full-fledged business last March.
“It all kind of fell together,” Hetal explains. “I’ve always been into crafting, and I had a Cricut, but that wasn’t really doing it for me.”
Feeling the creative bug growing, Hetal was inspired to turn her passion into personalized presents.
“I saw people getting these laser machines—and I just loved the concept, so I ordered one and it took off from there,” Hetal remembers. “It was a huge learning process, starting with small wooden pieces—now I’ve honed the technique and can create a variety of items.”
DILS Laser Designs is named after Hetal’s father, Dilip, who passed away six years ago.
“I really wanted to integrate him into it,” Hetal smiles. “We had a chalkboard wall at our old house that my dad had signed, ‘Always with you, love dad.’ So when we moved, we cut that piece of wall out to bring with us. I ended up tracing that handwritten note from him and turning it into a framed piece. ‘Dil’ is actually ‘heart’ in Hindi, so it’s a two-fold meaning—my dad was always the heart of our family. If he were here, I know he’d be my biggest supporter.”
Hetal’s laser machine can burn and engrave just like a laser beam would, a mini beast that’s roughly 2x3 feet.
“My husband had to make a stand for it,” Hetal laughs. “Sometimes he comes up with ideas or he’ll have feedback, but he’s just been really supportive no matter what I try or create. Small businesses are tough, so it’s been slow to start—but it’s growing.”
The first items Hetal produced were engraved wood items, such as Easter tokens in the shape of a bunny that were good for “A Day Date with Mom” or “Pizza Night.” She also created s’mores sticks with personalized handles.
“As Mother’s Day approached, I made flower holders with engraved stands … so when kids picked flowers in the backyard, they could put them right in there,” Hetal says.
Over time, Hetal taught herself how to trace handwriting, as well as work with leather and acrylic products.
“I do everything except metal—so things like leather picture frames, hat patches, coated tumblers, wooden items … especially any wood product like cutting boards, boxes and frames. Wood has a little more versatility. I also do acrylic, including keychains and table signs.”
DILS also offers crafts, kitchen items, gifts for men and women, teacher and baby gifts, wedding items, holiday-themed items, unique pieces for the office or school, and a whole lot more.
Hetal’s top picks for Mother’s Day?
“We have cute wrapped tumblers, valet trays to hold jewelry, jewelry boxes—those can be engraved or personalized in any way,” Hetal says. “With summer coming up, I think the flower holders and baseball hats would be perfect.”
But her best-selling item? Those personalized recipe boards.
“Of course it depends on what season or holiday is coming up, but people really love our handwritten recipe boards,” Hetal shares—an option that transforms something written by a loved one into a one-of-a-kind memento. “You just take a picture of a recipe or note, send it to me, and I engrave the entire thing on a cutting board. It’s great for keepsakes or displaying a grandma’s or mother’s recipe. It’s a wonderful showpiece.” And perfect for housewarming presents, birthday celebrations, unique holiday gifts and more.
Best of all, the turnaround time for most DILS creations is typically only 3–5 days, with ordering available via Shopify, and updates on new products via social—Hetal welcomes customers who reach out with original ideas or questions. “I’m very customer-oriented,” she smiles.
DILS-laser-designs.myshopify.com | @dilslaserdesigns
I just really enjoy making something I know someone is going to love.
When you reach out to the business, you get me ... I run the whole thing.
Every time I want to try something new, I research it and learn it … I really enjoy that.
