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Non Toxic Dyed Wooden Cutting Boards with Walnut Hollow
DIY Projects

Non Toxic Dyed Wooden Cutting Boards with Walnut Hollow

ByNik Vandeventer December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Charcuterie boards have become SO popular. Especially among my Generation (Millennial), I blame it on growing up on Lunchables. Everytime I host a get-together the charcuterie board is the center of attention. As much as we are all there for the…

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BFF Charm Bracelets with Tierracast
DIY Projects

BFF Charm Bracelets with Tierracast

ByNik Vandeventer August 24, 2023August 24, 2023

Remember those BFF necklaces you would get at the mall or even out of a machine when we were younger? I wanted to come up with something that was reminiscent of those but that would also be more suitable for…

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Product Photography Made Easy with Replica Surfaces
DIY Projects

Product Photography Made Easy with Replica Surfaces

ByNik Vandeventer June 12, 2023June 14, 2023

I started my small business, Wasting Thyme in February 2014. After being a lifelong crafter and wearing so many things I made, getting compliments and suggestions to sell what I made. Like most small businesses, I think,  I jumped in…

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How to Create Custom Cocktail Napkins with your Artwork on Spoonflower.com
DIY Projects

How to Create Custom Cocktail Napkins with your Artwork on Spoonflower.com

ByGuest Contributor October 6, 2022October 6, 2022

Jeanetta Gonzales here with a big reveal! Remember the cocktail umbrella pattern I made and uploaded to Spoonflower in this blog post? Here is a great application for it! Cocktail napkins!  I went on Spoonflower.com and ordered the pattern in…

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Designing a Seamless Pattern in Procreate for Spoonflower.com
DIY Projects

Designing a Seamless Pattern in Procreate for Spoonflower.com

ByGuest Contributor September 29, 2022September 29, 2022

When I think of summer I think of outdoor parties and events, grilling and fruity drinks. It’s all about getting outside and enjoying life! In the spirit of summer, I created this pattern that screams “fruity cocktails” and can be…

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DIY Craft Show Display
DIY Projects

DIY Craft Show Display

ByNik Vandeventer August 31, 2022August 31, 2022

I’ve been working craft shows for around 7 years now and I’m always looking for ways to up my display game. I know adorable wooden stands have become really popular for show displays in the last few years so I…

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Multi-Surface Wood Burning with Walnut Hollow
DIY Projects

Multi-Surface Wood Burning with Walnut Hollow

ByNik Vandeventer August 24, 2022August 24, 2022

In case you missed it…. last week Walnut Hollow hosted a free online workshop with us to show you how fun their Creative Versa Tool is! I only ever thought burning was for wood but was so amazed to see…

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Boho Halfmoon Wall Hanging
DIY Projects

Boho Halfmoon Wall Hanging

ByNik Vandeventer August 17, 2022August 18, 2022

We were so excited to have Handprint debut at Craftcation this year! They are a great company who manufactures tons of different wood items that are perfect for the everyday crafter/maker. I love that they have so many versatile options…

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Creative Kits from Bramble Berry
DIY Projects

Creative Kits from Bramble Berry

ByNik Vandeventer August 10, 2022August 10, 2022

Do you ever feel like you want to do something creative but you’re just not sure where to begin? As someone who is basically creative for a living, I still have these struggles from time to time! When this happens,…

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FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS WITH CLOVER BRACELET MAKER
DIY Projects

FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS WITH CLOVER BRACELET MAKER

ByNik Vandeventer July 20, 2022August 3, 2022

Remember going to summer camp when you were a kid? No? Ok well me neither haha. BUT! I do remember going to a day camp activity with my school when I was younger & that’s where I learned how to…

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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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