Hello, fellow creators and crafters! My name is Crista Pineau, and I am the heart and soul behind Plan 457. The name of my shop has a unique meaning to me. After dedicating over 25 years as a Lotus Notes administrator, I find myself at a crossroads with my contract job coming to an end in a few months due to a software change. Too young to retire and eager to embark on a new journey, my husband and I thought "Plan 457" was a fitting name for this new chapter. The 457 Plan is a savings plan, and while I’m not a local, state, or federal employee, the name felt right for this venture.

Crafting has been a passion of mine for over 20 years. It all started with the original Cricut and a Silhouette Cameo, which made creating so much easier. Today, I’m proud to own a Glowforge Aura and Xtool M1 laser machines, which allow me to bring my digital designs to life. I create digital files in Adobe Illustrator specifically for laser engraving, and I’m thrilled to share these creations with you.

Like many of you, I often find myself easily distracted, so I’ve learned to create a schedule to stay on track—though distractions still sneak in! I’m always open to new project ideas, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them with me.

At Plan 457, my goal is to help other creators and crafters enhance their hobbies or shops. Whether you’re looking to modify files you’ve received or create your own from scratch, I’m here to provide helpful tips and guidance. Some of my favorite supplies come from trusted sources like Smokey Hill Designs, Houston Acrylic, Custom Made Better, Xtool, and Amazon.

Thank you for visiting Plan 457. I hope my designs inspire you and help you on your creative journey. Let’s make something amazing together!

Warm regards,

Crista