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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…

Read More backyard chickens, authenticity online and our new course… Instagram Branding BrillianceContinue

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…

Read More DIY Succulent Pumpkin DécorContinue

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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

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