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backyard chickens, authenticity online and our new course… Instagram Branding Brilliance
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backyard chickens, authenticity online and our new course… Instagram Branding Brilliance

ByNicole Stevenson October 17, 2023October 19, 2023

did I ever tell you about the time I got chickens? If you’ve been in the Dear Handmade Life community for a while, you might even remember when I built a coop in my suburban backyard, sprinkled straw on the…

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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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How to take the first step towards your next big leap
Business Tips | Uncategorized

How to take the first step towards your next big leap

ByNicole Stevenson December 17, 2021December 17, 2021

What’s something that you would do if fear wasn’t standing in your way? What would you do if you stopped caring about what other people thought or let go of the expectations the world has for you or embraced your…

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the secret to making really great artistic work
Business Tips | Uncategorized

the secret to making really great artistic work

ByNicole Stevenson November 17, 2021November 17, 2021

When I sit down to write these monthly letters to you, I usually have a starting point… . . . but tonight it’s different. There’s no outline in my head. I’m starting from nowhere.  Usually I start from somewhere… it…

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THE THREE SECRETS TO GOAL-GETTING
Business Tips | Uncategorized

THE THREE SECRETS TO GOAL-GETTING

ByNicole Stevenson May 4, 2021May 4, 2021

ever SINCE I was in elementary school, I’VE HAD A DAY PLANNER…. I remember using my Pentel marker set to embellish my TO-DO list which I rewrote half a dozen times until it was “perfect”. I know not every other…

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DIY embroidery hoop enamel pin catcher
DIY Projects | Uncategorized

DIY embroidery hoop enamel pin catcher

ByGuest Contributor June 16, 2017June 16, 2017

Hello all, Joan here from Break + Remake. I’m here at Dear Handmade Life to show you how to make a pin catcher. It’s the perfect DIY to keep all those pins in one place (especially if your pin game…

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DIY Succulent Pumpkin Décor
DIY Projects | Uncategorized

DIY Succulent Pumpkin Décor

ByLisa Rios October 21, 2015October 1, 2015

When my best friend told me she was pregnant, I had three urgent questions for her. How are you feeling? When’s the due date? Can I start planning your baby shower now? You see, she’s not just pregnant; she’s pregnant…

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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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