The Shop
Your next “I made that” moment starts here. Explore original laser files designed to turn beautiful wood into something you’re proud to call your own.
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Meet the Designer
From corporate life to dream job.
Hi all!! My name is Robin and I am the designer behind Welcome Home Custom. I took a leap into the maker world a little later in life. Not finding satisfaction in what I called my "big girl" job, I left my corporate life in 2014 and never looked back.
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- 2020First file listed
- 200,000+Cut files sold
- 40,000+Etsy sales
- 370+Students taught
Before the laser
A passion for art, reborn.
I've played in many mediums, from jewelry design to copper etching to pen and ink illustration.
I loved art growing up and even minored in dance in college. My degree, though, was in management (of all things), and after graduation I lost sight of that creative side. About 10 years later, while I was working my corporate job as a category manager, I signed up for a few continuing education jewelry classes. That's where my passion for art was reborn.
One of those classes introduced me to copper etching, and it grew into a whole new world. I started showing my work at fine art festivals and became recognized for my copper pieces. In 2015, I won Best of Show in 3-D at the SunFest Art Show.
Then a move across the country, from Florida to Washington state, made me rethink the copper work. I was already drawing the local wildlife, so shifting to just pen and ink was a seamless transition. I tell you what... I am very lucky to have such a supportive husband. He never questioned my switching mediums.
Summer 2019
You never know where the rabbit hole will lead.
In the summer of 2019, I bought my first laser cutter, thinking it would be an extension of my pen and ink offerings. Little did I know it would lead to something entirely different.
Around that same time, we were on the move again. It was our third move since 2013, and this time, we were headed back to Ohio.
My pen and ink illustrations had really resonated with my clientele in Washington State, but I wasn’t sure they’d find the same audience in Ohio. It felt like time for a change. I just didn’t know what that change would look like.
My thought process went something like this: “I have this super cool laser cutter. What can I do with it?”
Maybe something for realtors? After three major moves, I’d worked with A TON of them, so they were top of mind. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: that idea is where the name Welcome Home Custom came from.
By December 2019, I had the laser hooked up and running again, just in time to make Christmas gifts. One of those gifts was a Chinese Checkers board for my mom.
My grandmother had loved playing Chinese Checkers before she passed. We could always tell how well Grandma was doing by how she played, so the game held a special place in our family.
When I shared the board in a laser Facebook group, it caught a few people’s attention. Then came a question I hadn’t expected: “Would you sell the file?”
On January 7, 2020, I listed my very first file on Etsy.
What started as a way to expand my pen and ink work had taken me somewhere I never saw coming, all because of a Christmas gift for my mom.
P.S. I totally ditched that realtor idea.
Welcome Home Custom
Complex laser designs, made simple-ish.
I now create laser files that help other laser owners make something they’re proud of, whether it’s to sell or hang on their own wall. I love adding those extra details that make a piece feel special, pairing designs that make a big impact with easy to follow instructions.
Everything I design starts as art, and you won’t find clip art in my shop. I mix woods the way a painter mixes paint, use grain direction to create movement, and build intarsia-inspired designs where every piece has a purpose.
And I love going big: large art, designed to cut in smaller lasers.
Featured
I gained recognition in the laser community fairly quickly. The entire experience has truly been a whirlwind. My designs have been featured by laser manufacturers as well as laser publications.
After one full year in business, I had sold over 25,000 files to people all over the world. Today I've sold hundreds of thousands of cut files to makers around the world. I truly love what I do. Not only getting to design, but also seeing the excitement and success my files can create for others.
Today and beyond
From a third floor studio to a warehouse.
For years I designed and cut everything from my third floor studio. YES. Third floor. Now I'm in a warehouse with a small staff of humans.
I trained every one of them myself, and together we build, cut, assemble, and test every design before it reaches you. The lasers doing the work are two Aeon Nova 14s and an Aeon Mira 5 Redline, better known as Dusty, Lucky, and Ned.
I test every file that I create to make sure I experience what you experience. I am always here to help and I love to teach others what I have learned.
I still live in Ohio with my husband, son, and two dogs... Teddy and Tess.
Where to find me now
Make something you're proud of.
The Laser Art Society
Keep your creativity moving with something worth making every month. My art membership brings fresh inspiration to your laser through original designs that invite you to think bigger.
See the Society
Designing for Lasers
There’s something special about making a design that started in your own imagination. Learn to bring your ideas to life in Adobe Illustrator and discover what you and your laser can create.
See the course
Thank you
Follow the rabbit hole.
I am humbled, ecstatic, thankful, and truly blessed to be able to create and design for a living. I never in 1,000 years would think this opportunity would be possible. To anyone struggling to find your path, follow the rabbit hole. Trust your gut and trust your heart. Life can take you on some pretty amazing adventures if you let it.
Thank you for the continued support and for allowing me to do what I love.
