SparkMark Studio

11/03/2026

Just in case anyone wants to buy me a gift...

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10/21/2026

Hey all.

It’s been a couple of weeks since the fire, and things are moving slowly—but they are moving.

We hired a restoration company, and they’ve been working hard since the week of the fire. The garage is nearly cleaned out, and the insulation in the attic above it has all been removed. Soon they’ll take down the sheetrock and finish the cleaning, including pressure washing and cleaning the floor. Then the garage will be a blank slate.

I’ve been on the fence about whether to reopen. I’ve gone back and forth, from “I absolutely want to get back up and running” to “this nearly cost my family our entire house. I am not doing it again.”

I’m still not fully decided. I’m waiting on insurance and trying to take in as much information as I can. So much is still up in the air that it doesn’t make sense to make a final decision yet.

I believe in paying attention to the signs that appear before you. Initially, this looked like a pretty big STOP sign. Lately, though, I’ve seen some things that suggest there might be a way forward.

I have reflecting to do and, most importantly, conversations to have with the people I love and hold closest. Their thoughts, wishes, and support matter more than anything, whichever way this goes.

Right now, we’re mapping out what a return could look like. If we can’t find a way to make it work safely and sustainably, then that’ll be that. But for now, I’m exploring it as though I’ll be back.

Some things would absolutely have to change. Safety and how the shop operates. How I use my time. How I manage the finances and structure the business. The equipment and methods I use.

I know I can’t go back to doing everything the way I had been. Maybe that’s what I need to take from the STOP sign: before moving forward, take a hard look at what needs to be different.

This business has brought me frustration, as most worthwhile endeavors do. But more than that, it has brought me joy. I’m not one to show that very outwardly, but making something that means something to someone—a gift, a piece of art, something personal—does that for me.

So, in a perfect world—which this ain’t—I’d love to get back to that. I just need to figure out whether there’s a way to do it that makes sense for me and my family.

Thanks for sticking with me while I figure it out.

10/04/2026

Well, this is not the message I was hoping to post today. Or ever....

Early this morning while working on some acrylic, a fire started in my OneLaser XRF CO2 laser. I believe that the masking on the underside of the acrylic ignited but just smoldered and went unnoticed for about an hour and a half. I was not in the shop at the time, but came out to check on things about 2 1/2 hours after I had last been in there, and when I opened the door, the entire shop was filled with thick, acrid smoke. I was able to get the doors open and start ventilating, but it was far, far too late.

Both my OneLaser XRF and my new xTool F2 Ultra were destroyed. The fire in the bed of the OneLaser climbed up to the ceiling, and the heat melted the backside of the F2 Ultra. Oddly enough, my laptop was on a hydraulic mount right next to the F2 Ultra, and was running with the screen on, and appears undamaged.

The damage at this point appears to be mostly contained to the two lasers, and some inventory I had stored on shelves next to and above the XRF. There was also a Shopsmith dust collector right next to the OneLaser that had the top bag was still smoldering when I came out, and I'm not sure if it's salvageable or not yet. The new LED workshop lights I recently installed on the ceiling were completely melted away. Otherwise, everything is covered in soot. All the walls and ceiling, most of my inventory, most of my hand and power tools, our cars, our gym equipment, our bikes, our garage fridge and deep freezer...it's absolutely coated.

If there's any good news, is that it is likely that because the shop is fairly well sealed, and the stuff that ignited was plastics, acrylic, wiring, circuitry, and a bunch of other stuff that burns dirty, it reduced the oxygen available to the fire, and within a couple of minutes, put itself out. It then continued to smolder and smoke for the next hour and a half or so, producing more acrid, toxic smoke, but not allowing further fire.

This is probably what kept it from spreading to the house and taking everything. It's also probably fortunate that I didn't go to the garage any earlier than I did, as I realized after the fact that opening the door the house when the fire was still going but looking for oxygen could have caused a backdraft and been very hazardous to me entering and to everyone who was in the house. I'm just glad that it went this way, and that my family was not hurt.

I'm not sure what's next, everyone. Our homeowner's insurance will cover the damage to the structure, but I am learning there may be limitations (that we had been told weren't limitations by our agent's representative) to covering the business equipment. If it is mainly just the two lasers, and if they cover it the way I believe they should cover it (still with a limitation), I should be able to replace both lasers...barely. If not, they'll cover next to nothing, and I'm not sure that finances and current circumstances will allow me to carry on.

So, more to come.

For those of you who have pending orders or order regularly, I'll be reaching out to you directly to let you know where things are at and what options there may be.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Jason

08/07/2026

Mistakes happen. They just do. Being rushed. Not thinking things through. Complacency.

Sometimes a mistake could yield a better result.

A year or so ago at a show, I was asked to engrave this Cobratec knife that a customer purchased from SureShot Tactical and Against the Grain Armory.

He wanted a simple engrave: the phrase "SITUATIONAL AWARENESS" on one side of the blade. He chose the font, and then I went to scale it down to size since the font was difficult to read when choosing it.

I didn't pay close enough attention, and dragged the resize box too far. This resulted in the text being mirrored both horizontally and vertically. Tough to see on my screen with the glare, but obvious once the engrave was done.

I had to buy another knife for the customer, and this one became mine. I paid my stupid tax.

Today I got that knife out to use it to test some settings and it occurred to me...the messed up engraving is actually perfect.

It's easy to maintain situational awareness when everything is in good order...when things get backwards and upside down...like the knife in the mirror here...THAT'S when the need for situational awareness is clear.
..if I'd have only thought of that at the time, I might not have had to buy this knife 🤣🤣🤣

08/07/2026

Lots of orders the past couple weeks, but a couple of personal projects took priority.

About a week and a half ago, Dharma, a 2 1/2 year old black shepherd therapy dog at Minnesota Mental Health Services in Mankato, died very unexpectedly. Her loss impacted a lot of people - including me - as I was the last person to play with her (aside from her family) the day she died.

I felt compelled to do something in Dharma's memory, which I knew would be helpful to me. I decided on designing and engraving a slate memorial plaque, and presented it earlier this week. My hope is that it helps someone...owner, client, whoever - but it definitely helped me.

On a brighter note, a mentor of mine, and an absolute legend in Minnesota law enforcement (just ask him) retired this week. I wanted to present him with a memorable gift. I opted to go with a 4 glass decenter set in a wooden box, personalized with his badge from the agency he is retiring from, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

I chose this gift, not necessarily because he (or I) are big drinkers, but one of my fondest recent memories was of he and I and another member of the criminal justice system getting together at his home one weekend afternoon, to enjoy time with each other and give space to "celebrate" the end of a very long, very difficult investigation and successful prosecution of a suspect who sexually assaulted and murdered a 2 year old boy.

I presented it to him tonight at his retirement gathering. It was incredible to see so many of the people he has worked with over the years, from agencies all over the state, come together to celebrate a truly good and decent public servant. I've been out of that role for almost three years now, but saw so many people I admire from my own career; some retired, some still working. People that were amazing investigators in their own right, chiefs of police, sheriffs, attorneys...all having dedicated themselves to protecting their communities, but gathered to show their immense respect and gratitude for Mike, and to wish him the best in a well deserved retirement.

So, I send my thanks and good wishes to both Mike and Dharma, for they help they've given me during the time that I have known them. It's good to celebrate endings, whether happy or sad. But it also is a great reminder to celebrate the now in our lives...who is here now, helping us on the journey? So I also thank those people who are here now helping me on my journey...my wife, my family, my friends and colleagues.

Because life is more about the journey than the destination.

08/05/2026

We took the night off to enjoy a beautiful Minnesota summer night, and listen to some awesome oldies.....er....music from the 1900s...er...just music! 😆

07/28/2026

Let's Talk Tumblers.

One question I get fairly often is: "Do you sell Yetis?"

The short answer is... no.

It's not because I think Yeti makes a bad product. They don't. They've built an outstanding brand and they make a quality tumbler.

The reason I don't stock Yetis is because I'd rather offer my customers more choices...and Yetis just flat out cost too much.

There are only a relatively small number of manufacturers producing high-quality stainless steel tumblers in the world. In fact, it's not uncommon for different brands—including some well-known brands and some unbranded products—to be manufactured in the same factories or by the same manufacturing groups.

That doesn't mean every tumbler is identical. Different companies specify different powder coatings, lids, quality-control standards, warranties, and finishing requirements.

But it does mean that a tumbler doesn't have to have a famous logo to be a quality product.

By focusing on quality unbranded tumblers, I can offer something Yeti can't:

More colors
More finishes
More sizes
More styles
And a MUCH better price.

Now, if you have your heart is set on a Yeti, I'll happily engrave one you bring me. But if you're open to options, I think you'll be surprised by what's available today...you may end up with a much more unique tumbler, at half the cost.

Lately I've been seeing some really interesting new options hit the market:
• Ceramic-lined interiors for people who don't like the metallic taste stainless steel can sometimes have.
• Metallic and mirror finishes in copper, black, gold, and iridescent that engrave beautifully.
• Ombre powder-coated tumblers with smooth color transitions.

For me, the fun part isn't putting a logo on the same tumbler everyone else has.
It's finding something a little different that fits the customer and engraves beautifully.

07/26/2026

Let's Talk Tumblers.

One question I get fairly often is: "Do you sell Yetis?"

The short answer is... no.

It's not because I think Yeti makes a bad product. They don't. They've built an outstanding brand and they make a quality tumbler.

The reason I don't stock Yetis is because I'd rather offer my customers more choices...and Yetis just flat out cost too much.

There are only a relatively small number of manufacturers producing high-quality stainless steel tumblers in the world. In fact, it's not uncommon for different brands—including some well-known brands and some unbranded products—to be manufactured in the same factories or by the same manufacturing groups.

That doesn't mean every tumbler is identical. Different companies specify different powder coatings, lids, quality-control standards, warranties, and finishing requirements.

But it does mean that a tumbler doesn't have to have a famous logo to be a quality product.

By focusing on quality unbranded tumblers, I can offer something Yeti can't:

More colors
More finishes
More sizes
More styles
And a MUCH better price.

Now, if you have your heart is set on a Yeti, I'll happily engrave one you bring me. But if you're open to options, I think you'll be surprised by what's available today...you may end up with a much more unique tumbler, at half the cost.

Lately I've been seeing some really interesting new options hit the market:
• Ceramic-lined interiors for people who don't like the metallic taste stainless steel can sometimes have.
• Metallic and mirror finishes in copper, black, gold, and iridescent that engrave beautifully.
• Ombre powder-coated tumblers with smooth color transitions.

For me, the fun part isn't putting a logo on the same tumbler everyone else has.
It's finding something a little different that fits the customer and engraves beautifully.

07/26/2026

Today's post is entitled, "I didn't know you could do that."

One of the things I hear from time to time is: "I didn't know you could do that."

When I started SparkMark Studio, it was just me and a laser.
Then came a 3D printer.
Then another 3D printer.
Then another laser.
Then a replacement for the first laser...🤣
And somehow the equipment just keeps multiplying...much to the chagrin of my family.

So it's completely understandable that most people think all I do is laser engraving and 3D printing.

The reality is a little different.

I've always enjoyed graphic design and spend a lot of time working in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. While I use those programs to create artwork for engraving projects, they're also the same professional tools used to design brochures, signs, business cards, magazines, and countless other printed products.

That opened the door to another side of the business.

I have developed partnerships with several carefully selected commercial wholesale print partners—the same companies many local print shops use behind the scenes. They manufacture printed products for businesses like mine rather than selling directly to the public. That gives me access to a wide variety of products and print processes - often at prices that are surprisingly competitive - without having to own hundreds of thousands of dollars in printing equipment.

Some recent projects include:
Campaign signs for Chad Honetschlager for Sheriff
Recipe magnets and notepads for Thom Wilkins: RE/MAX Dynamic Agents
Rack cards for Pathfinder Partners

Most people have heard of companies like Vistaprint or UPrinting, and they absolutely have their place. But they're designed for the general public. Wholesale printers operate differently.

A recent customer had previously ordered rack cards from one of those online companies. When it came time to reorder, they asked if I could help. After comparing several of my wholesale suppliers, I was able to get them thicker, higher-quality rack cards for less money—and they received twice as many.

Will I always beat the online companies? No. Sometimes they're the better option, and I'll tell you if that's the case. My goal isn't to sell you something you don't need—it's to help you get the best value for your project.

The other thing that I offer is that this business is built around a bespoke approach—every project starts with your needs, and I determine the best production method rather than trying to fit every job into the same process, or only offering "customization" limited to what I choose to make available to you on a website drop-down. It's more work, but it's far more personalized, and for me, that's worth the extra work.

Whether you already have finished artwork or just an idea scribbled on a napkin, I can help with the design (whether I do it myself or consult with a professional, like Blue Sun Designs), coordinate the printing, and make sure the finished product is something you're proud to hand out.

So before placing your next print order online, send me a message. You might be surprised by what SparkMark Studio can do.

07/20/2026

Hey everyone...it's me.

Been very busy with family and work and business, but things are settling down...a little. So I wanted to see how all my faves are doing! 😎

I got a case of these decanter sets in, and did they disappear FAST!!!

I have another case of the four glass set and a case of two glass set coming in. A little late for Father's Day...but never too early to think about Christmas!! 🎅🎄🎁

I was also honored to be approached by The Brothers In Law to see if I'd be willing to make a donation to their upcoming golf tournament. I couldn't say "yes of course" fast enough! What an incredible organization to focus on the wellbeing of police officers - in tangible ways. Too often the good people who protect our communities ignore their own pain, because they think they have to be strong...and showing pain is a weakness - believe me, it's very common - but not true. And that kind of stuff can manifest itself in terrible ways. Overcoming the stigma, letting our protectors know that it's OK to not be OK, but that there is help and there is support and there is community - no one is alone. Anyway, they say those things far better than I ever could, but what an incredible organization.

So, when I tried to decide what to donate, I wanted something premium, that I hope will draw a large donation on the silent auction. I'll be donating one of these blank four glass sets, and will personalize the whole set for the winner for free! I'm also going to try to get my creative juices flowing and see if I can come up with a unique one-of-a-kind piece as well. I hope you will please consider donating to The Brothers in Law as well.

Can't wait to show you all what the winner goes with!