This is my go-to list of tools, materials, and resources I’ve relied on while building my handmade business from the ground up.
I’ll keep adding to this guide as I find new favorites, so feel free to check back anytime if you're looking for something to help bring your own ideas to life.
If you're interested in what I use for Potion Making, check out my article: Potion Making Essentials-Tools & Materials
Sticker Manufacturers
- Sticky Brand: My favorite for die-cut matte stickers. They often run deals (like 100 3" vinyl for $35). They have MOQs
- Sticker Blitz: Ideal for testing designs before committing to a big order. You can get 10 2x2" stickers for $9.80. This is a nice alternative to Sticker Mule's sample deal (10 stickers for $9).
Packaging
Most of my packaging is from Amazon including my scale and mailers. Check out my Amazon Storefront for more items I use.
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Business Cards + Thank You Cards
- VistaPrint: I use them for business cards and thank-you postcards. They have a large selection of paper types and finishes + they run frequent sales!
- GotPrint: Another affordable option but has 100 MOQ. They have fewer paper options but are cheaper overall (and the quality is really good).
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Custom Water Activated Tape
- VistaPrint: A good option, but be careful with bleed lines—mine had unwanted white edges.
- Sticker Mule: Has better quality water-activated tape, but I've moved away from them because of their controversies.
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Thermal Printer
- Rollo Wireless Printer: Having a thermal printer is a game changer. I choose the Rollo brand, however, printing non-standard labels is tricky—it struggles with switching sizes.
- Avery Half Sheet Printable Shipping Labels: You don't need a thermal printer to start! I used Avery half-sheet shipping labels with a regular printer for a long time. Much easier than printing and taping.
*Tip: I recycle a lot of my filler packaging (bubble wrap, kraft paper). To know how check out my Substack article: “Small Biz Packaging Hacks”
Content Creation
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Filming
- Google Pixel 8a: I simply use my phone to film all my content and then clean it up using one of the apps below.
- Hollyland Lark M1 Wireless Lavalier: Crisp audio, noise canceling, and 8-hour battery. Comes with windshields and multiple connectors (iOS, Android, camera).
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Tripods: Every tripod does something a little different. I recommend beginning with a simple option, then upgrading as you get deeper into content creation.
- Jolican Tripod: Heavy duty, 70" tall, adjustable—perfect for versatile shots.
- Sensyne Phone Tripod: Affordable, lightweight, and great for getting started.
- Overhead Camera Mount w/Ring Light: I use this for my top-down crafting shots. My only issue is that height adjustment is limited.
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Magic Arm: Ideal for capturing unique angles that traditional tripods or phone stands can't maneuver.
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Editing
- Capcut: My go-to for short and long-form content, which I prefer to edit on my desktop.
- Lightroom Mobile: Great free resource for editing photos. I use presets I’ve found online to get the vintage effect you see on some of my photos.
- Inshot: I used this app briefly & it has great features. CON: you do have to watch ads to unlock features on the free plan.
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Music
- Epidemic Sound: The best place to find music for vlogs and long form content. Use my link to get 30 days free: https://share.epidemicsound.com/mgpq1j
- YouTube Audio Library: YouTube studio has its own audio library that is filled with royalty-free music (some songs require attribution).
Software
- Notion {Free}: Notion is the command center for my business. I use it to track daily to-dos, product launches, content calendars, and more.
- Canva {Pro}: Used for everything from potion labels to packaging design to social media. The Pro version is definitely worth it for all the features you get.
- Carrd {Pro Standard}: Link In Bio. I use it to link to my Etsy, newsletter, blog, and I even built an "About Me" page. The free version is generous (branding isn't intrusive). Paid plan = only $18/year!
- Milanote {Free}: Great for organizing ideas visually. I use it for project boards, shop launch plans, and inspiration boards
- Metricool {Free}: Use to track analytics across platforms. Favorite feature is linking my Instagram to Pinterest—so my Instagram content automatically appears on my Pinterest.
If you're interested in what I use for Potion Making, check out my article: Potion Making Essentials-Tools & Materials
