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When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without You
Business Tips

When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without You

ByNicole Stevenson May 29, 2025May 30, 2025

 Last month, I got on a plane by myself and flew to Seattle. That might not sound like a big deal—but for me, it was huge. For decades, flying meant months of therapy, a tightly clutched Xanax, and white-knuckling every…

Read More When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without YouContinue

Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)
Business Tips

Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)

ByNicole Stevenson March 4, 2025March 4, 2025

 Let’s put the cards on the table: This year has been a doozy, and we’re only two months into it. I know I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed. I know I’m not the only one who wants to spend the…

Read More Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)Continue

How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative business
Business Tips

How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative business

ByNicole Stevenson February 2, 2025February 3, 2025

you’ve built something amazing… ….a creative business fueled by your passion and talent. But have you ever wondered how your creativity could inspire the next generation? Or how sharing it with kids could unlock new opportunities for your business and…

Read More How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative businessContinue

FEAR TO FORWARD MOTION: WHY I’M REDEFINING DEAR HANDMADE LIFE
Business Tips

FEAR TO FORWARD MOTION: WHY I’M REDEFINING DEAR HANDMADE LIFE

ByNicole Stevenson November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

I have some pretty big news to share with you . . . but before I jump in, I’d like to explain the why behind it.   I’m writing this blog at the kitchen table in the house where my…

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HOW TO HAVE & DO IT ALL! (JUST KIDDING, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE)
Business Tips

HOW TO HAVE & DO IT ALL! (JUST KIDDING, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE)

ByNicole Stevenson October 1, 2024October 2, 2024

i’ve moved almost 20 times… You’d think I’d be an expert by now, but most of those moves happened before I turned 32. I’ve lived in the same place for 13 years—longer than I’ve ever called anywhere home. Tonight, I’m…

Read More HOW TO HAVE & DO IT ALL! (JUST KIDDING, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE)Continue

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE MESSY MIDDLE
Business Tips

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE MESSY MIDDLE

ByNicole Stevenson August 21, 2024August 21, 2024

“Show your scars, not your wounds”. . . … a business coach told me as she explained how to share your transformation to inspire your community. Smart, I thought. Let everyone see how turbulent things were. Give them a path…

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HOW SITTING STILL AT THE BEACH CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER ARTIST
Business Tips

HOW SITTING STILL AT THE BEACH CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER ARTIST

ByNicole Stevenson July 8, 2024July 11, 2024

i’ve never been great at sitting still . . . As a kid, I didn’t just watch TV but created choreographed dance numbers to theme songs like Three’s Company. While others played in the schoolyard, I crafted tissue box houses…

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DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ART
Business Tips

DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ART

ByNicole Stevenson June 12, 2024June 12, 2024

over the years of being a creative, i’ve built up a thick skin… …OK, maybe just a little thicker than when I was getting started. But I did this as a way of protecting my self-worth – and the value…

Read More DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ARTContinue

my #1 tip for creatives just starting out
Business Tips

my #1 tip for creatives just starting out

ByNicole Stevenson May 20, 2024May 20, 2024

I was interviewed for a podcast today and the host asked…. “What advice do you have for someone who’s just starting out working towards their creative dream?”   I said, “Do it scared. Don’t wait until you’re ready or until…

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how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024
Business Tips

how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024

ByNicole Stevenson February 20, 2024

I have a confession to make… For the first time in maybe ever, I didn’t set specific goals for the new year in January. I KNOW! I preach so much about setting clear actionable goals and here I am, it’s…

Read More how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024Continue

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When @textile_collections_ invited us to peruse th When @textile_collections_ invited us to peruse their downtown LA warehouse and choose fabric for the @craftcationconference sewing workshops, I hopped on the train and spent the afternoon oohing, ahhing, and treasure-hunting with @leannicorn. The best part? Watching our attendees transform those 100% cotton quilting fabric gems—straight from top designers and manufacturers—into clothing, accessories, and so much more. Thank you @textile_collections_ for inspiring and supporting our community! 

#Crafter #fabrichaul #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport
If you were at @craftcationconference, chances are If you were at @craftcationconference, chances are you made a charm bracelet at the @getpopstore booth. #ad

But Pop.Store isn’t just about charm links—it’s about turning your link in bio into a one-stop hub for everything you do: products, downloads, courses, subscriptions, and more.

That’s why I’m hosting a FREE six-week hands-on workshop series to help you make the most of your Pop link. Each week, we’ll focus on setting up a different feature—think of it like building your own mini website, one piece at a time.

🗓️ Mondays at 12pm PT, starting June 2
📍 Join one, some, or all. Replays available.
✨ Perfect if you want to sell more, grow your list, or finally feel confident saying “link in bio.”

💬 Comment LINKWORKSHOP and I’ll DM you the signup to save your spot!

#smallbusinessowner #linkinbio #automation #ecommerce
There was a time when staying home on a Saturday n There was a time when staying home on a Saturday night felt like missing out. I used to love going out, being around people, and wild adventures.

Somewhere along the way, that shifted. These days, my favorite place to be is at home—with my people, good snacks, something creative to work on, and space to just be.

If that sounds like your kind of night too, you’d probably feel right at home at Craftcation—my creative conference for makers, artists, and small business owners. It’s a space full of inspiration, connection, and support—without the overwhelm.

Honestly, it’s one of the only places (besides home and the beach) that I long to be.

✨ Want to learn more? Comment CRAFTY and I’ll DM you the details.
Not everything you make has to have a purpose. Som Not everything you make has to have a purpose. Sometimes the magic is in the mess, the play, the part where you forget the rules and just let your hands do their thing.

Here’s your gentle nudge to create something just because.

And if you’re craving more space for that kind of creative freedom—mark your calendar.
🗓 April 8–12, 2026
📍 Ventura, CA

Craftcation is where the joy of making meets community, growth, and a whole lot of creative magic. ✨

#creativeprocess #creative #makeamark
Patchwork Show is back for spring—and vendor app Patchwork Show is back for spring—and vendor applications are officially open! 🎉

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, Patchwork Show is the perfect place to share your work, connect with fellow creatives, and grow your business in a supportive, community-first environment.

Not a vendor? Come hang as a guest! Shop small, get inspired, and spend the day soaking up creative magic with us. 🧺🎨

✨ Apps are rolling, so you’ll hear back fast (usually within a week!). Spots fill as they come in—so the sooner you apply, the better your chances.

👇 Drop a comment to get the goods:
APPLY – for the vendor application
MARKET – to join the mailing list with all the dates + details

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

We’d love to see you there—whether you’re behind a booth or just soaking it all in. 💛

#dopaminedressing #dopaminehit #smallbusinesssupport #craftbusinessowner #crafts #makers
Craftcation is a labor of love—built on creativi Craftcation is a labor of love—built on creativity, community, and the belief that amazing things happen when people get the space to just be themselves.

None of it would be possible without our small but mighty team who pours their hearts into every detail so that when you walk through those doors, it feels like coming home. I love you all. 💛

Yes, it takes months and months of behind-the-scenes work—but every moment is worth it when I see the joy on our attendees’ faces. The creativity. The growth. The connection. It’s real, and it’s magic. ✨

There are very few places where people smile as much as they do at Craftcation. 😊

🗓 Save the date: April 8–12, 2026
📍Ventura, California

Want in? Drop a “CRAFTY” in the comments and I’ll send you the details! 💌#craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #craftcation #smallbusinesssupport

© 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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