Small Business Must-Haves: My Go-To Tools for Running HorseFeathers Gifts

Everything I Actually Use to Run My Handmade Business 

Let’s be real, running a handmade business is beautiful, messy, and full of trial and error. I’ve wasted money on fake gemstones, bought apps that overpromised, and gone through more than a few label printers that couldn’t hang.

After 15 years of figuring it out the hard way, I finally pulled together the tools, apps, packaging, and studio supplies that I actually use every single day. This is the behind-the-scenes look so many of you have asked for. Whether you're a maker yourself, a creative business owner, or just nosy (I see you), here’s the list.

Metal Stamping & Bracelet Supplies

I started with a hammer and a few blanks at the kitchen table and now stamping is still one of my favorite ways to personalize a piece. I personally love using aluminum: it’s easy to work with, takes a clean impression, and doesn’t break the bank.

These are the tried-and-true supplies I use almost every day:

• Steel stamping block
• Starter kit for stamping metal
• Stamping blanks (discs, bars, hearts)
• Stamp set (I would start with this set of upper, lower and numbers)
• Hammer (this one is my most used)
• Cuff bending tool (so handy)
• Hole punch
• Patina markers (we use these and wipe off excess with alcohol wipes)

Jewelry Making Supplies

Whether you're just starting out or you've made thousands of pieces like I have, having the right supplies on hand makes the process smoother (and way more fun). These are the tools I reach for daily when creating our signature stretch bracelets, custom stacks, and gemstone pieces.

Here’s what I keep in arm’s reach:

• Beading tray (long)
• Stretch cord (swear by this brand)
• Crimp covers
• Spacer beads
• Bead stoppers
• Polishing pads
• Wood bead board
• Scissors for stretch cord
• Glue for knots
• Crimp pliers
• Nylon bending pliers
• Bead needles (use with stretch cord)
• Dapping/ doming block
• Wire for wrapping

Trusted Jewelry Suppliers

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of shops, and these are the ones I keep coming back to. Whether you’re just getting started or restocking your studio, these suppliers have earned my trust through high-quality materials, fast shipping, and top-notch service.

• Bead World Seattle – A wide variety of unique beads including Czech glass and African trade beads.
• UncommonBeads – One of my favorite sources for Czech glass and vintage beads. Their selection is always fresh and full of treasures.
• Stones Direct – A longtime go-to for high quality gemstone strands. Their gemstones are stunning and consistent.
• DayBeads – Another top pick for gemstone beads. Their color quality and sizing are great for bracelet designs.
• Finding Box – We’ve been using this shop for 10+ years for our custom logo beads and engraved logo tags. Truly a staple.
• Brass Kicker – My absolute favorite for fun and unique brass findings. A must if you love that raw, artisan look.
• Paper Dog Supply Co – The cutest enamel charms for adding personality to your pieces.
• Design In Your Heart – An amazing one-stop shop for chains, charms, and findings. Their inventory is massive!

Packaging + Studio Supplies

Your packaging should feel like part of the product, it sets the tone the moment your customer opens the mail. We keep ours intentional, simple, and totally on brand.

Here’s what we use to create a thoughtful unboxing experience:

• Kraft jewelry boxes
• Custom jewelry boxes
• Drawstring bags (plain)
• Custom drawstring bags
• Custom tissue paper
• Logo stickers or thank-you stickers
• Custom shipping tape
• Custom shipping boxes
• Bubble mailers
• Logo tags ( engraved )
• Raw hem ribbon
• Postcards (design & print here)
• Label printer ( THE BEST)
• Desktop printer
• Custom brand design
• Tripod for content
• Ring light
• DSLR camera (have had this style for 15+ years)
• Tool organizer
• Glass jars (for storing beads)
• Aztec studio rug
• White shelving units
• White desk
• Turquoise chairs
• Similar artwork
• Logo banner
• Logo sign

Apps, Tools & Systems We Actually Use

Here’s a peek at the digital backbone of my biz. These tools save us time, streamline our launches, and make it easy to stay in touch with our people.

• Shopify – Our website and storefront. Everything runs through Shopify—from new product launches to checkout and customer experience.
• Impulse Theme – This is the theme we use on our Shopify site. It’s flexible, beautifully designed, and easy to customize.
• Studio Aure – For custom Shopify design and tech help, Studio Aure has been an incredible partner. They helped us create a site that truly reflects our brand. For Shopify design help, I can’t recommend Studio Aure enough.
• Flodesk – The email platform we use to stay in touch with our community. It’s easy, beautiful, and makes sending newsletters something I actually enjoy.
• Canva – For graphics, stories, launch images, gift guides—you name it. Canva is hands-down one of my most-used apps.
• Later – Our go-to for scheduling Instagram posts and reels. Makes batching content way easier.
• Lightroom Mobile – I use this to quickly edit product photos and make sure everything looks clean, bright, and on-brand.
• Printful – For adding on-brand merch like mugs, tees, and totes to your shop. It’s print-on-demand, which means no inventory or upfront costs.
• Shuttle – Sync with Etsy – This app makes it easy to push your Shopify products to Etsy and keep everything synced, saving time and minimizing double work.
• Ur Jewelry Girl – A monthly membership for jewelry tutorials, fresh ideas, and solid support. Great for staying inspired and learning new techniques.
• Faire Wholesale – The wholesale platform we use to connect with amazing retailers and boutiques.
• Etsy – Where it all started back in 2009. Etsy helped us reach our first customers and it’s still a wonderful platform for handmade sellers.
• Ubersuggest – A great free tool for keyword research, content planning, and SEO strategy.
• Shopify Apps We Use & Recommend:
• Appstle – You can use this for your subscription box or any recurring orders on your website. It works just like a "subscribe and save" model and can be applied to individual products.
• Smile.io – This is the loyalty program we’ve loved for years. It incentivizes customers to leave reviews, shop with us again, and even share on social—all in exchange for points that can be redeemed as shop credit.
• Cowlendar – A great option if you offer permanent jewelry, host private events, or run by-appointment services. It lets customers book their spot, either free or paid.
• VO Product Options – If you offer custom sizing or need personalization details at checkout, this is your go-to. We use it for our hand-stamped jewelry and size-inclusive bracelets.
• Shopify Collabs – A free way to run an affiliate program from inside your Shopify store. Easy to set up and even includes a customizable landing page.
• Fontify – If you know me, you know I’m a branding snob. I love consistency from emails to packaging, and this app lets us use our custom fonts on our Shopify.

I love a good branding kit. Having the right colors, fonts, and visuals makes everything feel more aligned and professional—and honestly, it just makes running your business easier.

I worked with The Wonder Brand to create a brand identity that truly feels like me. From there, Studio Aure brought that vision to life through a custom Shopify site, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

If you’re feeling stuck or underwhelmed by your vibe, investing in a brand refresh might be the game-changer you need. Just make sure you’re clear on your style and direction first—it’ll make the whole process smoother and more meaningful.