From the Maker
Thoughts on making, tools, and the community behind it all
QR codes on wood, acrylic and leather: settings, sizing, and what actually scans
Laser-engraved QR codes look great until a customer tries to scan one and nothing happens. Here is what controls whether they work: error correction, minimum size by material, dot shape, and quiet zone. Plus settings that hold up on wood, acrylic and leather.
How to price handmade items on Etsy without undercharging
Most Etsy sellers price by feel or by copying competitors. Both methods leave money on the table and sometimes lose it entirely. Here is how to build a price that actually holds up.
Etsy fees explained: the real cost per sale and how to account for them
Etsy's fee structure is layered and the total percentage is higher than most sellers realize. Here is a clear breakdown of every fee and how to factor them into your pricing from the start.
Do you actually know what you make on every sale?
I kept thinking my Etsy sales were profitable. Then I sat down and worked out the real numbers. Materials, labor, fees, shipping, overhead. The math was not what I expected. So I built a tool to do it properly.
Four new free laser tools: family crossword, birth stat sign, sound wave, and map art
Four generators that turn an input you already have — family names, birth details, an audio clip, or an address — into a laser-ready SVG bundle. Free, instant, and built to actually cut.
How to pick the right monogram font for laser cutting and vinyl
The font you pick changes how clean a cut looks, whether engraving holds detail, and whether the finished piece looks handmade or professional. Here's what actually works for each project type.
I built an app to track true profit and I need Etsy sellers to try it
I kept losing money on Etsy sales I thought were profitable. So I built an Android app to track real costs: materials, labor, fees, and ad spend. Looking for craft sellers to test it.
Laser Cut Cardstock Settings — Speed, Power & Passes
Exact laser settings for cutting cardstock on CO2 and diode lasers. 80gsm copy paper to 300gsm card — speed, power, and pass numbers. Why fast and light beats slow and powerful every time.
How to laser engrave a tumbler: stop wasting blanks with the right wrap template
Tumbler engraving looks simple until you ruin your third blank. Learn the exact wrap template dimensions for 20oz, 30oz and 40oz Stanley tumblers — and get the placement right first time.
What is a split monogram SVG and how do you make one?
Split monograms are everywhere on Etsy and Pinterest. Here's what they actually are, how they're made, and why most makers don't build them from scratch.
SVG vs JPG for laser cutting: what is the difference
SVG files cut cleanly on laser cutters and Cricut machines. JPG and PNG files create blurry, jagged edges. Here is why the format matters and what to use when.
Why I make tools for makers
I started out chasing an art degree, ended up in tech, and somehow found my way back to making. Just not the way I expected.
Laser settings for wood: speed, power, and passes for every type
The right laser settings for wood depend on the species, thickness, and your machine wattage. Here are tested starting points for basswood, birch, MDF, walnut, and oak on both diode and CO₂ lasers.
How to laser engrave leather: settings, types, and what actually works
Genuine leather engraves beautifully on both diode and CO₂ lasers. Faux leather is different. Here's how to set up your machine, what power and speed actually work, and how to avoid common mistakes.
xTool S1 vs Glowforge Pro: which enclosed laser is worth it?
The xTool S1 and Glowforge Pro are the two most popular enclosed lasers for home and small studio use. Here's how they actually compare on price, materials, software, and what each is best for.
Laser engraving slate: settings, tips, and what makes it sell
Slate is one of the easiest and most profitable laser engraving materials. Here's how to get the settings right on diode and CO₂ lasers and why slate coasters and cheese boards consistently sell.
Best laser engraver for Etsy sellers in 2026: which machine fits your products
The right laser engraver for an Etsy seller depends on your product mix, budget, and workspace. Here's an honest breakdown of the best options for wood, leather, acrylic, and metal personalisation.
How to laser engrave and cut acrylic: settings for CO₂ and diode
Acrylic responds completely differently to CO₂ and diode lasers. Here's what you need to know about cast vs extruded, clear vs coloured, cutting vs engraving, and settings that actually work.
Laser settings for 3mm basswood plywood: cut and engrave guide
3mm basswood plywood is the most popular laser cutting material for a reason. This guide covers cut and engrave settings for diode and CO₂ machines, plus tips for clean results every time.
Sculpfun SF-A9 laser settings guide: cut and engrave for common materials
The Sculpfun SF-A9 is a 22W diode laser with a compact enclosed design. This guide covers cut and engrave settings for the materials most commonly used with it.
xTool D1 Pro laser settings guide: cut and engrave reference for 20W
A practical settings reference for the xTool D1 Pro 20W. Covers basswood, MDF, acrylic, leather, and more, with tips for getting clean results from xTool Creative Space and LightBurn.
How to engrave slate with a diode laser: settings and technique guide
Slate engraves beautifully with a diode laser — no coating needed. This guide covers settings for popular machines, surface preparation, and how to get sharp white contrast.
Laser settings for genuine leather: cut and engrave guide
Genuine leather cuts and engraves beautifully with a laser. This guide covers settings for veg-tan and chrome-tan leather, safety notes, and how to get clean results on common machines.
OMTech 40W CO2 laser settings guide: cut and engrave reference
The OMTech 40W CO2 is one of the most popular entry-level CO2 lasers. This guide covers settings for wood, acrylic, leather, and more, with tips for getting the most out of RDWorks and LightBurn.
"Used it with a Glowforge — engraved beautifully with no changes. I will be purchasing more digital downloads from this shop."
— Anna
"I was struggling with lining up my NFC business cards. I was able to not only line them up much better but also do multiple cards at once — making that job so much easier."
— Camp
"Excellent quality and design. Cut clean and neat!"
— LYNN
"Great jigs. Appreciate the time saved not having to build this from scratch!"
— Bruce
"Excellent quality. Item as described. Expectations exceeded."
— Michael
"This template made my slate coasters so much easier. 4×4 coasters from Michaels drop in easily and are easy to remove. Def worth it."
— chris