RESOURCES
Below you'll find the key software, hardware and tools I use to run my Glowforge Business. Many of the links/images are affiliate links, so I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you choose to use my link. I greatly appreciate your support as it helps me afford to keep creating content! Please reach out if you have specific questions about any of the resources mentioned below at katie@thingskatiemakes.com
Glowforge
My Glowforge is the star of my business. I have the PLUS model, but it is older, so it has the 45W Laser that is now only in the PRO model. You can save up to $500 on your purchase using my link here:
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
Adobe Illustrator is my number one recommended tool for designing or editing designs for Glowforge. It is powerful and there are MANY different tutorials and courses available to learn how to use it. While Illustrator is the primary tool I use within the suite, I also use Adobe Rush and Adobe Lightroom on a regular basis for editing photos and videos for social media and my websites. You can sign up for the Adobe suite HERE
File Makers Academy
Want to learn how to make your own files? Jacquelyn Kyle has an amazing course that will get you up and running quickly in Adobe Illustrator design for Glowforge. She offers a pay in full and a payment plan - you can find more information here: File Makers Academy
CMB Acrylic
Need amazing acrylic and blanks for your projects? CMB Acrylic makes some of my very favorite prints and patterns, and they have the BEST monthly mystery subscription box! Melody (owner) is VERY helpful if you ever need anything as well. You can shop them with 10% off HERE
My Amazon Store
Don't want to have to ask every time you need something for a specific project? Head over to my Amazon Storefront, where I maintain groups of products by type (cleaning supplies, Acrylic needs, Adhesives, etc.). HERE
Design Cuts
If you are a font hoarder like me, or want to use beautiful seamless patterns, illustrations, mockups, etc. Design Cuts is an AMAZING resource. I love the bundles they put together - especially any font bundle they create, they are always incredibly versatile. You can get 20+ free files HERE
Auntie Tay Membership
Want files done for you already? Want access to fonts, SVG files and design elements? The Auntie Tay membership is a great place to start! New files are released weekly and the Glowforge content is growing quickly. For $13/month you can get all the files + commercial access to sell what you make with those files. You can learn more and sign up HERE
Craft Closet Supply
Need supplies ready to go for your Glowforge bed? Craft Closet has some great and unique options. While they have standard acrylic and wood options, they also have unique products like the glow in the dark boards you see here! I especially like their variety packs to help inspire creativity! You can shop with Craft Closet HERE
Canva Pro
I use Canva almost daily for a variety of reasons. I've created earring cards, business cards, thank you sheets for my packages, Instagram posts and stories, as well as templates for my digital files. And, in the pro version, you can export SVGs - so a quick Glowforge design can be made here as well. You can get more information and sign up for a free trial HERE
ShipStation
One of the things that took me a while to understand was how to get the best rates on shipping! I knew I wanted the options to ship with the Postal Service or with UPS, but it seemed so expensive. Especially for my sales that weren't on Etsy, but on my own site. Enter ShipStation! ShipStation has negotiated rates with both UPS and USPS that will save you money on all your shipments AND they seamlessly integrate with both WIX and ETSY which I'm using for my business. You can get a 60 day free trial of ShipStation for your business HERE
Shop AuntieTay
Looking for my favorite Masking Tape or my favorite easy to use chalk paint? I get a bunch of my favorite supplies for making my projects amazing at shopauntietay.com. I really love the masking tape you're seeing here - not too tacky, so it doesn't make a mess on my materials. I also love pixie dust to add to UV resin and seal my keychains. Head HERE and use the code thingskatiemakes for 10% off!
Creative Fabrica
IFonts with fun letter alternatives (Glyphs) are one of my favorite things to find. They give you so many possibilities for design that will stand out. Creative Fabrica has so many great fonts, and they are one of the more affordable places to get fonts, vector icons, graphics and more. You can link directly to the awesome Bilderberg font HERE