If you’ve ever wondered what I actually use in my studio – not just what’s trending or newly released -this post is for you. I’ve been crafting for years now. I’ve tested machines, tried the “must-haves,” bought the hype, and learned what truly matters.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
My Craft Studio Favorites: The Tools I Actually Use (And Reach for Daily)
Some tools look exciting online but end up collecting dust. Others quietly become part of your everyday workflow. These are the tools I consistently reach for, if I’m crafting for fun, filming a tutorial, or creating something I plan to sell. This isn’t about owning everything. It’s about having the right foundations.
Cricut Explore 3 and 4 – The Cutting Machine I Know Inside and Out
The machines I use most in my studio right now are the Cricut Explore 3 and 4. The main difference between the two is that the Explore 4 is newer and faster.
And honestly? It’s not because it’s flashy. It’s because I understand it. That matters more than people realize.
This machine handles:
- Vinyl projects
- Iron-on
- Cardstock
- Printable sticker paper
- Print Then Cut
- Magnetic bookmark inserts
- Party decor
It’s fast, it’s reliable, and once you calibrate it properly, it’s incredibly accurate. Most frustrations I see with Cricut aren’t actually about the machine.
They’re about:
- Wrong material settings
- Not calibrating
- Printing at the wrong scale
- Using lower-quality materials
Once you learn how your machine works, everything becomes smoother. If you’re crafting for joy, this is more than enough machine. If you’re selling? It absolutely keeps up.
HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 – Because Consistency Matters
When it comes to heat pressing, consistency is everything. I use the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 regularly in my studio, especially for sublimation and HTV.
What I love about it is simple: It removes guesswork.
- Even pressure
- Accurate temperature
- Hands-free pressing
- Reliable results
If you’ve ever peeled back a transfer and wondered, “Why didn’t that stick?” – you know how frustrating inconsistency can be. This press makes results repeatable. And whether you’re making a gift for your family or pressing products for customers, repeatable results protect your time.
TeckWrap Vinyl – Materials Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Here’s something I say often: Sometimes it’s not your machine. It’s your materials. I consistently use vinyl from TeckWrap Craft because it cuts cleanly and weeds easily. That alone saves time.
I’ve used vinyl that:
- Tears while weeding
- Lifts during transfer
- Shrinks after application
- Bubbles days later
And it’s frustrating, especially when you’ve already invested the time. When I’m making decals, tumblers, tags, or layered projects, I want vinyl that behaves predictably. For hobbyists, that means less wasted material. For sellers, that means fewer returns. Quality materials are one of the biggest upgrades you can make, even before upgrading machines.
A Reliable Laminator – My Secret for Durable Stickers & Bookmarks
If you make stickers, magnetic bookmarks, printable vinyl labels, or anything paper-based that needs durability… a laminator is a game changer.
I use a standard thermal laminator to:
- Protect sticker sheets
- Add durability to printable vinyl
- Strengthen bookmarks
- Create glossy or holographic finishes
It instantly makes projects look more polished. And for magnetic bookmarks especially, lamination adds structure and longevity. You don’t need anything industrial. Just something reliable that heats evenly and doesn’t wrinkle your sheets. This is one of those quiet tools that makes a big difference and it has both cold and hot settings.
What I Don’t Believe You Need
You don’t need:
- Every new machine release
- Every trending tool
- A massive studio to start
- Expensive upgrades right away
I’ve built my studio slowly and intentionally.
Creativity grows when you:
- Learn your machine well
- Use good materials
- Keep your setup simple
- Focus on making things consistently
Whether you’re crafting for pure joy or slowly building toward selling, strong foundations matter more than flashy additions.
Crafting for Joy or Building Something Bigger
Some of you are here because you love creating. Some of you are experimenting with selling. Some of you are somewhere in between. These tools support all of those paths. You don’t have to monetize your creativity. But if you choose to? Having dependable tools makes it easier.
If you want to see these tools in action, I share tutorials weekly – from Cricut Print Then Cut projects to sublimation, bookmarks, vinyl crafts, and more.
You can start here:
How to Fix Cricut Print Then Cut Registration Marks for Flawless Cuts
How to Make Magnetic Bookmarks with Cricut
10 Things You Actually Need to Get Started with Sublimation
Creating should feel empowering. The right tools just make it smoother!
Happy Crafting!
- Unlocking Sublimation: A Guide to Sublimation
- Sublimation Oven or Cricut Mug Press – Which is Best?
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Product Review
- Cricut Maker VS Cricut Maker 3 – Which Cricut Machine is Right for you?
- Cricut Glue Gun Product Review
- How to Sublimate Frosted Glass Can Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate on Wood With or Without a Sublimation Printer