Rebekah here, filling in this month with some summer musings 
Other than having a summer birthday (Go Leos!), my favorite thing about summer is how it brings out people’s adventurous spirits. Maybe it’s that extra daylight energizing us, or memories of summer breaks spent exploring. Whatever it is, that spirit of expansion and exploration is exactly what I’ve been seeing in our community lately.
I was reminded of this while watching Apple’s WWDC keynote (yes, I’m an Apple fangirl). There was a long-time Glowforge owner, iJustine, on stage with Craig Federighi, showing off something she’d tried for the first time - an Apple badge she’d made with her Glowforge for her Labubu doll. You can see it here! It was an awesome example of taking creativity into her next big step forward.
Dreaming Bigger
Speaking of taking next steps, I often see new Craft laser owners starting with simple projects, catching on, and quickly dreaming bigger. So our Customer Success team had an idea: what if we could keep helping them along that journey? Last year, we quietly offered 50 of our most active Aura owners a chance to upgrade to our Performance Series, with a full trade-in credit for their Craft laser. The response was incredible - many even turned their hobby into businesses!
So we decided to try carefully expanding this program again. Keep an eye on your inbox, as you might be selected to receive an email about this opportunity. (And yes, you really do get credit for the full value of your Craft laser - no depreciation, no fine print.)
New Ways to Create
It’s with those summer vibes in mind that we have a fun new way for our Premium members to express themselves with Magic Canvas. We’ve just added a beautiful new Botanical Engraves style. I’ve been experimenting with it for summer garden markers, and the results have me looking at every plant in my yard as potential inspiration. I can’t wait to see what new directions you take it in. Try it out and tag glowforge in any new creations you share!
Summer Memories, Made by Hand
Speaking of trying new things together - wow, what an incredible Cozy Crafternoon we had this month with Kim from Sweet Red Poppy! Almost two thousand makers joined us live to create beautiful custom photo frames, and the projects I’ve seen shared already are so cute! Kim showed us how to turn summer moments into lasting memories with her collection of 22 different frame designs (with clever seasonal toppers and kickstands).
If you missed it, you can get these designs and catch the replay - visit glowforge.com/cozycrafternoon to get the complete set of laser-ready files, step-by-step instructions, and a bonus seasonal activity guide. Pro tip from your summer birthday friend: they make amazing gifts with a favorite photo in them 
What will you try next?
I hope you all have a creative and adventurous summer (or whatever vibe you’re needing right now). I’d love to hear what new things you’re planning to create - share your ideas or recent projects in the discussion thread!
Cheers,
Rebekah