Goat Cheese, Sriracha + Artichoke Dip Recipe
The first time I ate artichoke dip was at my aunts house (not Delilah but one of my other aunts). The backyard was bustling. Kids
How to Make an Instagram Photo Pillow
I’ve carried a camera with me just about everywhere for most of my life. At first was one of those long 1990s 110 cameras that
25 Ways to recharge creativity + motivation + combat feeling overwhelmed
“How do you do all of that stuff?” This is a question I get asked often by people who know me, as well as by
How to Make a Keychain Ear Bud Pouch
One of my kitchen cupboards does not stay closed. I spent a year closing the cabinet, leaving the kitchen and sitting down in the dining
how to make to a painted geometric wood necklace
A few days ago someone asked me, “what’s the thing you do that when you do it you loose track of time and your mind
are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade business
“Where’s the rest of your line?” The woman asked as she pulled my shirts out of a Trader Joe’s paper sack. “My line?” I had
16 must-listen podcasts for creatives
In the spring and fall I spend 70+ hours alone in a car driving back and forth between southern and northern california for our events.
how to build a wooden raised bed planter box
The first time I ever tasted something that didn’t end up in my mouth via the grocery store, I was seven. My mom and I
how to make an embroidered wood circle necklace
Wood is one of my all-time favorite materials to use in my diy craft projects. My love affair with wood started with the little side
how to make soy candles
Remember the whole story about my heartbreak and how it led to me leaving my house in Los Angeles and moving in with Delilah in
how to sew a vinyl applique luggage tag
At one point in my life I went nearly five years with getting on an airplane. This may not seem like a huge deal to some
13 Business tools that help keep me from going berserk
You all know Delilah and I are busy gals. We each run our own businesses as well as three businesses together – Craftcation Conference, Patchwork
diy washi tape and image transfer candles
Just so you know: Dear Handmade Life received products from Scotch that we mentioned in this post. However, we only write about and recommend products
protect your business: tips on intellectual property, trademark + copyright
*Editor’s note from Nicole: When I started my first ‘real’ (not the refrigerator box stationary shop on my front lawn when I was six) business
why i attend conferences
This week Delilah and I were interviewed on Work Life Branding, a web series hosted by Steph Calvert (Hearts and Laserbeams) and Nicole Longstreath (The Wardrobe
how to submit a successful craft show application
“Thank you for your application but we regret that we can’t offer you a space at our upcoming craft show.” The first time
camp mighty, slumber parties and frozen underwear
In the morning I pulled my underwear out of the freezer. They were covered in toothpaste and water and they were frozen solid. I had
how to be better at accepting criticism of your artistic work
the return to modern domesticity and girly graphic design a few months ago i posted about how the first patchwork show never would have happened
ten questions every entrepreneur should ask themselves
ten questions every entrepreneur should ask themselves Generally, when I have a problem I can figure out steps to move towards a solution. If I
Taking risks in business, life and creativity
I fear snakes. I fear airplanes and being buried alive. And yes, even in my late thirties I have an intense fear of being kidnapped.
the benefits of taking a break
the benefits of taking a break a few weeks ago my husband, seth told me a secret. we took the afternoon off and drove to
eight product packaging tips + all my ex’s
8 things your product packaging should be: if all my ex’s were in room together and a stranger walked in and was asked, “what do
marketing on a budget and growing your business
When I first started my clothing line, Random Nicole over a decade ago the internet was hardly a marketing tool for entrepreneurs the way it
how to build a chicken coop + raise backyard chickens
how to raise and care for backyard chickens Last week I found a mouse in my purse. I like to claim that I’m a little