A method and system for forming an article having an optical effect is
provided. An original texture is obtained which is digitized using a
scanner. The scanner causes a shadow effect on the texture based on the
scanning direction. The digitized texture is then edited to define a
selected shape. The texture within the selected shape is offset such that
its direction is changed. The digitized texture is then engraved by a
laser onto the surface of an article. The selected shape is then visually
distinct from the other areas of the texture at certain viewing angles
caused by the difference in their texture direction. With the present
invention, lines or seams between areas of the texture are eliminated.