DIY easy to sew tissue holder
It’s been downright dreary around here with the weather. Dark, cold and damp. Emphasis on damp – I was up at 4 am last Saturday
DIY Sewing Machine Pin Cushion
I needed a Valentine’s Day gift for my mom who is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for. Buy the lady a lovely handmade scarf or piece of
DIY rice-filled hand warmers
One of my friends has the coldest hands ever. Grabbing her hand is like grabbing a frosty block of ice. She’s also a nurse –
DIY Reusable washable lunch bag
Despite the fact that she worked full-time and was a single mom in my early elementary school days, my mom was good at school lunches
How to make a Recycled thread flower pin
Anyone who sews regularly knows that when you finish a project you always have a pile of thread ends (little pieces of thread you snip
DIY Painted Clay Tassel Necklace
Summer is our slow time of year here at Dear Handmade Life. It’s the time we finally get to take a break from back-to-back events
DIY Modern Gold Clay Salt Cellar and Spoon
Last time at this year I was wrist deep in clay and just past the stage of struggling to get my piece of clay (which
How to Make a mini ironing board cover
Every Sunday afternoon (almost without fail) my aunt pours herself a glass of wine, cues up a movie and sets up her ironing board in
DIY Ceramic Abstract-painted Necklace
Last summer I completed one of my long-time goals of taking a pottery class. I wrote about the top three lessons I learned during the
Craftcation Business and Makers Conference Registration is Open
If you’re a regular here at Dear Handmade Life then likely you already know about our once a year event: Craftcation Business and Makers Conference.
The reality of running your own creative business
There’s a lot of talk about “making it happen”. It seems so easy when you see the words in a brushstroke font on Pinterest or
Craftcation Ambassador Program
We’re super excited to announce a new addition to Craftcation for 2017, The Craftcation Ambassador Program. We’ve noticed that many of our previous attendees (and
How to price your handmade products
When I started my first business I had no idea how to calculate the cost of my products. I wasn’t even keeping track of
How to make your online shop stand out + getting to know aftcra
Editor’s Note: We’re so excited to share this interview we did with aftcra founder Erica Riegelman. aftcra is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell American handmade
DIY 10-minute shoe bags
My mother has a whole slew of germaphobic-based suggestions including: -Never touch the comforter in a hotel room (hotels rarely wash them between guests). -Wash
DIY potted plush succulents
During the first two years that I lived in my house I don’t think I stepped foot in my backyard more than a handful of
How to keep your cool at craft shows
Editor’s note: Our friends at Academy of Handmade asked me to share some of my tips for keeping your cool at craft shows on their blog.
Four tips for perfect product packaging
Each of my husband’s days off start with the same phrase, “I’m hungry.” He wakes up ravenous and immediately thinking of breakfast. The majority of
How to increase sales in your online shop
I’ll never forget my first online shop. My barber father introduced me to a guy whose hair he cut who made websites. This was 2004!
How I’m keeping up with my daily sketchbook practice
I’ve been keeping a sketchbook off and on for over 20 years. In that time my sketchbook has been home to working through ideas for
How to Keep Energy & Momentum in Your Creative Business
By: Meighan O’Toole Every time I leave a conference, I feel exhilarated! Once home, I start to apply everything I’ve learned, and try and harness that
Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference 2016
A note from Nicole: Five years ago Delilah and I got an email from a man named Eric who was the Creative Economy Specialist for
How to network at a creative conference
Welcome to the fifth post in our series as we prepare for Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference on making the most out of attending a creative
How to prepare for a creative conference
Welcome to the fourth post in our series as we prepare for Craftcation 2016 on making the most out of attending a creative conference. If
