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UNIQUE WAYS TO USE STICKERYOU FOR YOUR SMALL CREATIVE BUSINESS

Welcome to The Club . . .

Three Things About Me…

What is Camp DHL

What is Camp Dear Handmade Life?

What is Camp DHL

Lots of Love: Our February Playlist

Community Over Competition: A Bonus Playlist

Rainy Day Drives in January: Our January Playlist

Make All the Things: A Craft-Kit Roundup and GIVEAWAY!

DIY Fabric Face Masks

Dear You: Permission Slips, Pandemics and What’s Next

10 Items to Spark Organizational Joy in Your Home Office

10 Items to Spark Organizational Joy in Your Home Office

Craftcation Conference comfortable being uncomfortable

Dear You: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

How to combat overwhelm and recharge your inspiration and creativity from Dear Handmade LIfe

Dear You: Taking it “Bird by Bird”

These Dear Things Six Things I Can't Live Without This Summer from Dear Handmade Life

These Dear Things: Six Things I Can’t Live Without This Summer

Dear Handmade Life Summer Solstice Intentions

Dear You: Summer Smoke Signals

How I’m keeping up with my daily sketchbook practice

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Tell me—which number(s) are you in the comments?

Tell me—which number(s) are you in the comments? 👇

💡 Here’s a quick tip for each struggle:
✨ For project overload: Pick ONE small step to complete today—momentum starts with action.
✨ For overthinking: Set a timer for 10 minutes and make a decision before it dings.
✨ For busy-but-stuck mode: Identify your biggest priority and say NO to one thing distracting you.

If you’re nodding along, you’re so not alone. These struggles are exactly why I created CAMP—an online mindful goal-getting bootcamp designed for creatives like us.

💡 Here’s what you get inside CAMP:
✨ All my goal-getting secrets—the exact strategies I use to stay on track.
✨ Templates & planning sheets to actually put your goals into action.
✨ A deep dive into YOU—so you can create a system that works with your unique creative brain (not against it).
✨ Built-in accountability through virtual “cabins”—your crew to keep you motivated.
AND MUCH MORE!

Want a system that works with your creative brain? Drop GOAL in the comments, and I’ll send you the link to learn more & join the waiting list.

#makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #craftcation #smallbusinessowner #craftbusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativelifehappylife

I once went through a phase—high anxiety, OCD in

I once went through a phase—high anxiety, OCD in full force—where I’d sneak off to the bathroom in social situations and cut my hair. I remember being at one of my best friend’s bachelorette parties, standing in the hotel bathroom, scissors (or, let’s be real, whatever I could find) in hand, hacking away at my bangs. It was a compulsion, and at the time, it felt like the only thing that would make me feel okay.

Years (and therapy, meds, 1.2 million self-help books, and a whole lot of creative outlets) later, that compulsion mostly faded.

But tonight, as I sat down to write my newsletter, I suddenly had to cut my hair. Not in that urgent, compulsive way—but in a fun way. A spontaneous, creative, “who cares, it’s just hair” kind of way. And as I swiped my razor through my ends, that Meryl Streep quote popped into my head:

“What makes you different or weird—that’s your strength.”

So, to my fellow creative weirdos: The ones who sit down to pay bills and somehow end up making an elaborate vision board. The ones who go to bed at 10 but suddenly need to rearrange their entire studio at 10:07. The ones who feel everything deeply, get obsessed with ideas, and never seem to fit neatly into a single box.

Welcome. You belong here.

And if you’ve been craving a place where your weirdness isn’t just accepted but celebrated, Craftcation is waiting for you. 💛

#craftcation #smallbusinessowner #makersgonnamake #craftersofinstagram #craftingcommunity #creativeminds #creativeentrepreneur

#ad #contest 🚨 Want to win a FREE ticket to Cra

#ad You know I only share about brands I use and l

#ad You know I only share about brands I use and love! @getpopstore is my new obsession.

If your link-in-bio is just sitting there instead of actually working for you—it’s time for an upgrade. With @getpopstore, you can make it easy for your community to find what they need and add new revenue streams. Plus, their basic account is free!

Here’s how you can monetize with @getpopstore :

💰 Sell digital downloads & products – No need for a full shop setup!
📆 Book coaching, office hours, or 1:1 sessions – Set your own rate and availability.
🎥 Offer mini-workshops, tutorials & exclusive content – Get paid for your knowledge.
🔗 Earn affiliate income – Share products you love and get commissions.
🔒 Create subscription-based content – Offer exclusive content, how-tos, or behind-the-scenes access.

Want to get started? Drop POPSTORE in the comments, and I’ll DM you a custom link! 🚀
#GetPopstore #GRichWM

I know you’re probably thinking... NICOLE - you

I know you’re probably thinking... NICOLE - you couldn’t dance in a room with a half a dozen people but you’re posting this on Instagram? WTF?

Also, where is the AFTER?

Here’s the thing. I recorded myself dancing so I could play the routine back and practice on my own.

Then while I was watching it, I felt 1.2 million emotions - 99% hypercritical. BUT, I also felt this tinge of pride that I finally “did the thing” even though it was super uncomfortable.

I knew that I had to share this just in case someone else needed a little push to do something that they didn’t know how to do and were scared and awkward doing.

I know I have a long way to go before I can post an “after” but... I promise I’ll post an after at some point (it may take YEARS but I will get to the after!).

That’s the thing about our goals, TO-DO’s, dreams, bucket lists, resolutions or whatever you want to call them.

Unless you evolve and grow out of them, they don’t go away.

The other thing is that once you start, it’s easier to keep going. Movement leads to motivation.

If there’s something you want to do, this is your sign to start!

Need help? Comment ROADMAP and I’ll send you my FREE Goal-Getting Roadmap to help you take that first step.

#goals #goalgetter #goalgettingroadmap #mentor #creativelife #creativelifehappylife #creativementor #smallbusinesssupport

HOLY S&T!* I just did the math, and this year mark

HOLY S&T!* I just did the math, and this year marks 18 YEARS of @thepatchworkshow! 🎉🎉🎉

Back when we started, we were the only modern craft fair in Orange County. Now, you can find a market (or a few) happening almost every weekend. And while the landscape has changed, our mission hasn’t: shop small, shop creative, and always choose community over competition.

Patchwork Show has never been just a place to shop—it’s a place where creative dreams take root, where friendships are forged over handmade goods, and where small businesses find their people. Every market, every vendor, every customer adds to this community, and we couldn’t have made it to year 18 without you.

✨ Spring applications are OPEN – if you’re a maker, this is your sign to join us!
🛍️ Now more than ever, shop local, shop small, shop creative. Your support doesn’t just buy a product—it keeps artists creating, families thriving, and communities growing.

Tag your favorite Patchwork Show vendor below! ⬇️

Spring 2025 Patchwork Show Locations:
🏖 Long Beach 5.18 @marinestadium
🏙Tustin 5.25 @oldtowntustin
🏞Chino Hills 5.31 @theshoppesatchinohills
🌉Oakland 6.14 @jacklondonsq
☀️Ventura 6.22 @downtownventura

#Craftshow #openairmarket #popupmarket #popupshops #artfair #shopsmall #shoplocal #socalevents #norcalevents

© DEAR HANDMADE LIFE 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS SITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS. WE DISCLOSE ALL SPONSORED POSTS BY NAMING THE SPONSOR IN THE POST.

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