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DIY Reversible Sewing Machine Cover
DIY Projects

DIY Reversible Sewing Machine Cover

ByNicole Stevenson May 23, 2018May 20, 2018

My mom is pretty awesome, my first DIY hero. So many kid memories of sitting on the floor with some crazy construction paper creation—that required yards and yards of tape—while she whirred away on her sewing machine. She also taught me…

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Exploring Craftcation on film
Adventures

Exploring Craftcation on film

ByNicole Stevenson May 11, 2018May 31, 2018

I first fell in love with instant cameras in high school. Back then, I took photos on an old DSLR camera that my dad passed down to me. I’d shoot a roll of film then drop it off at the…

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The Hands of a Maker Video
Adventures

The Hands of a Maker Video

ByNicole Stevenson September 21, 2017January 30, 2018

We’re heading into one of our favorite times of year… Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference 2018 is around the corner! If you’re ready to join us for four life-changing days of making, meeting and learning at the beach in California,…

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How to Sew a Wrap Skirt
DIY Projects

How to Sew a Wrap Skirt

ByNicole Stevenson September 20, 2017

Every spring I head to Ventura, California for our annual Craftcation: Business + Maker’s Conference. Ventura is one of my favorite California beach towns because the temperature is pretty much in the mid 70s year round, it has a great downtown…

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Six tips for self-care success
Business Tips

Six tips for self-care success

ByNicole Stevenson September 6, 2017

When I hear the word self-care, I’m immediately transported back to my childhood bedroom in the early 80s. In that room with a full wall of collaged magazine images of River Phoenix, I spent countless hours teasing my bangs and…

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How to sew a one-hour A-line skirt
DIY Projects

How to sew a one-hour A-line skirt

ByNicole Stevenson August 25, 2017August 25, 2017

When I was in grad school in San Francisco, my friend Paige and I had regular painting nights in her studio apartment in the Tenderloin. Paige’s apartment was so tiny that in order to have space to do anything, we…

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My 20% rule for accomplishing goals
Business Tips

My 20% rule for accomplishing goals

ByNicole Stevenson August 19, 2017August 20, 2017

Editor’s Note: Every month we send out a newsletter with info on upcoming events, giveaways and links to stuff we love. Late last year, I started writing a more personal note in the newsletter that ended up being a pep talk of…

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What to do when your creative business is slow
Business Tips

What to do when your creative business is slow

ByNicole Stevenson July 26, 2017July 26, 2017

I grew up in a house with the only swimming pool on our block. This meant that my childhood summers at our house were busy. Backyard BBQ’s, Bocce ball tournaments on the lawn, swimming until our fingers resembled old prunes…

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15 Must-Listen Creative Business Podcasts
Business Tips

15 Must-Listen Creative Business Podcasts

ByNicole Stevenson July 12, 2017July 12, 2017

Editor’s Note: Looking for more inspiring podcasts? Check out our post on 16 must-listen podcasts for creatives. Two years ago, I was driving alone for 10-hour stretches several times a year and I took a deep dive into the world of…

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Why worry doesn’t make risk less risky
Business Tips

Why worry doesn’t make risk less risky

ByNicole Stevenson July 11, 2017August 20, 2017

Editor’s Note: Every month we send out a newsletter with info on upcoming events, giveaways and links to stuff we love. Late last year, I started writing a more personal note in the newsletter that ended up being a pep talk of…

Read More Why worry doesn’t make risk less riskyContinue

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A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane witho A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without spiraling into anxiety.

I’d find any excuse not to go anywhere that required flying—“Oh no, I already have plans that weekend” (I didn’t) or “I’m not really interested in going there” (I was).

Seriously, what kind of bananas person turns down a trip to Hawaii? Me. I was that person.

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear making my travel plans for me. So I did the work—therapy, breathing exercises, distraction crafts that fit on a tray table, overpacking snacks, and yes, a little Xanax. Baby steps. All the things.

Last month, I flew solo to Columbus, Ohio, to meet my mastermind group (@natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio) for our first in-person hangout after meeting virtually since February.

We balanced our time between deep business talks—what’s working, what’s not, what we’re dreaming up next—and exploring the best spots in Columbus.

Natalie—our host and unofficial Columbus spokesperson—planned the most thoughtful trip, and I fell completely in love with the city.

It felt so good to be in person with these brilliant women who constantly inspire and challenge me in the best ways. I’m grateful I stopped letting fear decide where I get to go—because this trip reminded me what’s waiting on the other side of it.

#smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #anxiousmind #mastermind #creativesupport
A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane witho A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without spiraling into anxiety.

I’d find any excuse not to go anywhere that required flying—“Oh no, I already have plans that weekend” (I didn’t) or “I’m not really interested in going there” (I was).

Seriously, what kind of bananas person turns down a trip to Hawaii? Me. I was that person.

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear making my travel plans for me. So I did the work—therapy, breathing exercises, distraction crafts that fit on a tray table, overpacking snacks, and yes, a little Xanax. Baby steps. All the things.

Last month, I flew solo to Columbus, Ohio, to meet my mastermind group (@natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio) for our first in-person hangout after meeting virtually since February.

We balanced our time between deep business talks—what’s working, what’s not, what we’re dreaming up next—and exploring the best spots in Columbus.

Natalie—our host and unofficial Columbus spokesperson—planned the most thoughtful trip, and I fell completely in love with the city.

It felt so good to be in person with these brilliant women who constantly inspire and challenge me in the best ways. I’m grateful I stopped letting fear decide where I get to go—because this trip reminded me what’s waiting on the other side of it.

#smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #anxiousmind #mastermind #creativesupport
If you found this, you’re probably one of my peo If you found this, you’re probably one of my people.

I send monthly letters to folks like you — about creativity, self-trust, and what it really looks like to live a creative life that feels like yours.

To join the list comment: NICOLESNEWS
If you found this, you’re probably one of my peo If you found this, you’re probably one of my people.

I send monthly letters to folks like you — about creativity, self-trust, and what it really looks like to live a creative life that feels like yours.

To join the list comment: NICOLESNEWS
I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftsc I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftschool in Columbus, Ohio and had the best time.

Kara, the co-owner and instructor, was incredible—patient, clear, and so much fun to learn from. (Huge thanks to @natterdoodles for magically making this connection happen!)

I loved it so much that I immediately invited Kara to come teach at @craftcationconference —and she said yes! 🙌 This year we’ll have four stained glass workshops, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Want to make stained glass with us—and spend five days by the beach filled with 200+ craft and business workshops, inspiration, and community? Join me at Craftcation! Early bird registration is open now.

BTW: This stained glass workshop was part of a mastermind trip with @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio, and it was exactly the creative adventure I didn’t know I needed. Natalie planned the entire trip—every stop, every meal, every detail—perfection.

I completely fell in love with Columbus: the people, the food, the creativity everywhere you look. I’ll be sharing a full recap soon, but let’s just say this trip filled my cup in all the best ways.

P.S. Thanks to @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio for capturing some of the video clips!
I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftsc I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftschool in Columbus, Ohio and had the best time.

Kara, the co-owner and instructor, was incredible—patient, clear, and so much fun to learn from. (Huge thanks to @natterdoodles for magically making this connection happen!)

I loved it so much that I immediately invited Kara to come teach at @craftcationconference —and she said yes! 🙌 This year we’ll have four stained glass workshops, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Want to make stained glass with us—and spend five days by the beach filled with 200+ craft and business workshops, inspiration, and community? Join me at Craftcation! Early bird registration is open now.

BTW: This stained glass workshop was part of a mastermind trip with @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio, and it was exactly the creative adventure I didn’t know I needed. Natalie planned the entire trip—every stop, every meal, every detail—perfection.

I completely fell in love with Columbus: the people, the food, the creativity everywhere you look. I’ll be sharing a full recap soon, but let’s just say this trip filled my cup in all the best ways.

P.S. Thanks to @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio for capturing some of the video clips!

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