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CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt
Adventures

CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt

ByNicole Spaulding March 5, 2025March 6, 2025

Messe Frankfurt, the massive trade show venue in Frankfurt, Germany, has once again reminded me why working in a creative field is so unique and inspiring. Every year, their trade show CreativeWorld brings together the best of the craft, art,…

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Craftcation 2024: Event Recap and Photos
Adventures

Craftcation 2024: Event Recap and Photos

ByNicole Stevenson April 30, 2024May 2, 2024

We creatives don’t need fancy offices or studios flooded with natural light to make art or run a business – (although, let’s be real, those things are pretty damn awesome). We’re scrappy, carving out space and time for our dreams from…

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Field Trip: Creativeworld at Messe Frankfurt
Adventures

Field Trip: Creativeworld at Messe Frankfurt

ByNicole Spaulding March 6, 2024

It has been a couple of years since I’ve been to our favorite international craft, art, and hobby trade fair, CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt and let me tell you it was so exciting to be back! Firstly, a fun fact!…

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Craftcation 2023: Event Recap and Photos
Adventures

Craftcation 2023: Event Recap and Photos

ByNicole Stevenson May 31, 2023May 31, 2023

I did something at this past Craftcation Conference that I’ve never done in the 12 years since Craftcation began. This thing would not have been possible if it wasn’t for our incredible team who spent the better part of a…

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Craftcation 2022: Event Recap and Photos
Adventures | Uncategorized

Craftcation 2022: Event Recap and Photos

ByNicole Stevenson May 4, 2022May 4, 2022

My favorite moment of Craftcation 2022 . . . . . . wasn’t even officially during Craftcation. It happened two days before when our staff got together for a pre-Craftcation dinner.  You would think that after three years without seeing…

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STAYCATION TOUR: THE GOOD HOUSE
Adventures

STAYCATION TOUR: THE GOOD HOUSE

ByNicole Stevenson March 23, 2022March 23, 2022

My favorite thing about winter in Southern California when I was a kid… . . . was my mom and I going to the desert to visit her best friend “Aunt” Grace and her two daughters. I’d spend most of…

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Staycation: Olea Hotel
Adventures

Staycation: Olea Hotel

ByNicole Stevenson December 14, 2021December 16, 2021

“I can’t believe this is where we live…” …I said to my husband as we pulled into Glen Ellen, the speck of a town 20 minutes from where we live. “Yeah, Sonoma County is pretty magical,” my husband replied. He’s…

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STAYCATION VISIT: HOTEL ERWIN
Adventures

STAYCATION VISIT: HOTEL ERWIN

ByNicole Stevenson August 19, 2021August 23, 2021

Editor’s Note: Welcome to the first in our new blog series Staycation Tour! I’m hitting the road and taking you with me on a tour of my favorite, unique California weekend getaway spots that are perfect for creative business bosses….

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Field Trip: Creativeworld at Messe Frankfurt
Adventures

Field Trip: Creativeworld at Messe Frankfurt

ByNicole Spaulding February 21, 2020February 21, 2020

Once again Dear Handmade Life has graciously been invited by Messe Frankfurt to participate in the international DIY trade fair, CreativeWorld! While attending the journalist dinner, I met folks from all over the world and had some interesting discussions about…

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Our trip to CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt
Adventures

Our trip to CreativeWorld at Messe Frankfurt

ByNicole Spaulding February 19, 2019February 19, 2019

Hello, Spaulding here (aka the Dear Handmade Life Operations Director)! I recently did an Instagram story takeover for Dear Handmade Life while I was traveling abroad to Frankfurt, Germany. We were invited by the marketing folks at Messe Frankfurt to…

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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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