🧰 Penny’s Picks: Chapter One - The What's and Why's

🧰 Penny’s Picks: Chapter One - The What's and Why's

What I Review (and Why)

Welcome to Penny’s Picks, where I review the tools, platforms, and materials I actually use in my studio—no affiliate fluff, no mass-production hype, and definitely no pretending I’ve got a warehouse full of gear. I work out of a rural corner of Virginia with full internet access, a whole lot of creative grit, and a workflow that’s equal parts handmade and digital. If something touches my process, it’s fair game.

🖨️ Hardware & Tech That Behaves (or Doesn’t)

• Inkjet printers: I don’t use laser printers, and I’m not chasing fancy setups. I review what I’ve got—how it handles sticker paper, postcard stock, and whether it survives a humid Appalachian summer without curling or smudging.
• Cutting machines: I use the Silhouette Cameo 5, and only the Cameo 5. I don’t batch cut, I don’t use Cricut, and I don’t pretend to. I mostly cut cardstock, not vinyl—except for the occasional sticker. I use printable sticker paper, not vinyl sheets or transfer tape. If you're looking for vinyl tips or decal tutorials, this isn’t the blog for that. I stick to what I know, and I know paper.
• Desktop quirks: I run Windows and Chrome, and I’ve seen my fair share of tech hijinks. If something overrides my workflow or throws a tantrum, I’ll call it out.

🧠 Software & Platforms That Claim to Help

• Canva: I use it for clipart, blog graphics, and product visuals. I’ll tell you if the subscription’s worth it, especially for folks who mix handmade charm with digital polish.
• Silhouette Studio Business Edition: I prep files, export designs, and wrestle with its quirks. If it helps me launch a collection, I’ll say so. If it glitches mid-cut, I’ll say that too.
• Shopify, Pinterest, Facebook tools: I track traffic, test campaigns, and read the dashboards like a hawk. I’ll tell you what’s useful, what’s noise, and what’s worth ignoring.
• AI assistants (like Copilot): I use them when they help me write, troubleshoot, or brainstorm. If they fumble, I fix it. If they shine, I take the credit. You’re reading this because I wrangled the words myself—with a little help.

✂️ Materials That Make or Break a Launch

• Sticker paper: I test matte, glossy, weatherproof—whatever I can run through my printer without drama. I’ll tell you what peels, what sticks, and what survives a mailbox.
• Postcard stock: Texture, weight, print quality, and how it feels in hand. If it warps or fades, I don’t use it.
• Glues and adhesives: I’ve tried enough to know what warps a label and what holds through humidity.
• Packaging supplies: I care about how things arrive. Envelopes, inserts, boxes, if it adds joy or feels intentional, I’ll mention it.
• Cutting mats: I’ve tested a few brands and styles, and I’ve got opinions. Stickiness, durability, feed alignment—if it affects my cut, it’s getting reviewed. I’ll save the specifics for the blog post.

📦 Systems & Tools That Keep Me Sane

• Inventory trackers: I’ve packed collections without perfect tracking, and I’ve built systems to fix it. If a tool helps me reconcile the mess, it gets a review.
• Photo editing tools: I take photos with my phone and use a cheap light box from Amazon. I’m not reviewing gear I don’t rely on, but I’ll talk about editing tools that help me get the look I want.
• Blog platforms and email tools: I write with sass and clarity. If the platform lets me do that without hijacking my tone, it’s a keeper.
• Analytics dashboards: I read between the lines. If a dashboard helps me spot real traction, I’ll say so. If it’s just vanity metrics, I move on.

🐢 Environmental & Emotional Factors

• Studio rhythm tools: I pay attention to light, seasons, and the quiet rhythm of my space. If something helps me stay grounded, I’ll share it.
• Energy-saving hacks: I batch what’s worth batching, automate what’s worth automating, and let go of what drains me.
• Moments of compassion: Whether it’s a turtle in the driveway or a quiet win in the shop, I reflect on what matters. If it shapes my process, it belongs here.

🌀 One More Thing...

This list isn’t exhaustive, and it’s not a promise. If something shows up in my studio and surprises me—good or bad—it might get reviewed. If a tool earns its keep or throws a tantrum, I’ll talk about it. I’m not hemmed in by categories. I write about what matters, when it matters, and I trust my gut to know the difference.

📝 A Quick Disclaimer

Everything I review here is based on my own experience—in my studio, with my tools, and in my rhythm. What works for me might not work for you, and what flops in my hands might shine in someone else’s. That’s the nature of creative work: we all have our own routines, preferences, and quirks.

I’m not here to be the authority, I’m here to be honest. If you’ve got a different take, good. That means you’re paying attention. Take what’s useful, leave what’s not, and feel free to disagree. That’s part of the fun.

Drop it in the comments. Whether you’ve had a different experience, found a better workaround, or just want to add your two cents—go for it. I read every word.

P.S. If you like stories with sass, fog, and the occasional sticker surprise—join the email list. It’s where the good stuff lands first