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How to attend a conference on a budget

In preparation for Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference we’re doing a series of posts on attending conferences. Maybe you’ve read our posts on 7 reasons

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6 ways to choose the right conference to attend from Dear Handmade Life

How to choose the right conference to attend

In preparation for Craftcation: Business and Makers Conference we’re doing a series of posts about attending conferences. In our first post 7 reasons why attending

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Craftcation Business + Makers Conference Dance Party Theme Giveaway

Craftcation dance party theme giveaway

Last we shared a post on 7 reasons why attending a conference will revolutionize your business and creativity. Maybe you’ve already decided that you’re ready

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7 reasons why attending a conference is the best thing you can do for your creative business from Dear Handmade Life

7 reasons why attending a conference will revolutionize your business and creativity

When Delilah I took the leap and started planning the first ever Craftcation Conference nearly six years ago (that’s right! 2017 will be our 6th anniversary!)

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DIY Steel Pipe Towel Holder

Last year I had an accident, which left me laid up on the couch unable to use my left arm for several weeks. Aside from

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Three must-have photos to increase sales in your online shop

Editor’s Note: Hope you find our tips below helpful. If you’re inspired to learn more… Check out our Photo Styling 101 online workshop with Rachel Smith of The

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Seven questions to ask yourself before doing a craft fair

The morning of the first craft show where I sold my handmade goods I was SOOOO nervous but also really excited! During the slow times

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Four tips for taking awesome online shop and blog photos

Editor’s Note: Hope you find our four tips for taking awesome online shop and blog photos helpful. If you’re inspired to learn more… Check out

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DIY-Jewelry-Organizer-from-Dear-Handmade-Life

DIY Jewelry + Accessories Organizer

I’ve never been a big fan of jewelry. Bling, fancy crystals and precious stones just don’t do it for me. However occasionally at our Patchwork

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20 Tips That Grew My Pinterest Audience by 1,600+ Followers Per Month- Part 2 from Dear Handmade Life

20 Pinterest Tips That Grew My Audience by 1,600+ Followers Per Month: Part 2

Note: Last week I shared part 1 of my social media story of 20 Pinterest Tips That Grew My Pinterest Audience by 1,600+ Followers Per

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Three lessons I learned from completing a long-time creative goal from Dear Handmade Life

Three lessons I learned from completing a long-time creative goal, fig spread + pottery

They say the third time is the charm and as far as pottery and I am concerned, it couldn’t be more true. I can’t remember

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20 Tips That Grew My Pinterest Audience by 1,600+ Followers Per Month- Part 1 from Dear Handmade Life

20 Pinterest Tips That Grew My Audience by 1,600+ Followers Per Month: Part 1

Summer is often one of the slowest times of the year for creative businesses and Dear Handmade Life is no exception. That doesn’t mean we

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DIY Geometric Vinyl Necklace Tutorial

Before we get into our DIY project today… a quick reminder that Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference registration starts TODAY! The first 50 people to

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Why Creative Business Owners Need to Create Personal Goals and a Life List

Last year as I was cleaning out my closet I came across an old sketchbook. Although none of the pages were dated I knew right

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DIY Painted Pot + Macramé Hanging Plant Holder Tutorial from Dear Handmade Life

DIY Painted Pot + Macramé Hanging Plant Holder

One of my favorite shows when I was young was Three’s Company. I was so obsessed with the show that I actually made up a

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DIY Dog Bed Cover

Last year I was finally able to cross a big thing that had been on my life list for years and years. I build a

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15 tips for DIY + business workshop instructors

When I signed on to do my first CreativeLive class Craft Show Secrets: Get in, Make sales and Grow Your Business I had no idea

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How to Upcycle Clothing with Appliques

When I was a kid I loved Sundays. It wasn’t just that I didn’t have to go to school. It was because that was the

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Upcoming Online Workshops

Even after teaching for nearly 20 years I still get that same awe-inspired excitement when I see one of my students have an ah-ha moment

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How to Make a Yarn Chandelier

Every year at Craftcation our décor team headed up by my partner Delilah and Lisa Rios of The Makery conceptualizes, designs and creates all the

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10 Must-Read Posts to Grow Your Creative Business with Instagram

At Craftcation 2015 this past March I was lucky enough to sit on a panel with Abby Glassenberg, Blair Stocker, Rachel Mae Smith, and Tiffany

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How to make a DIY paper fortune teller

If you’ve met me in person, you probably think of me as an extrovert. I’ll happily get on a stage and tell an embarrassing story

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How to Sew a Modern Fanny Pack

I was not a fan of fanny packs the first time they came around in the 1980s. Back then fanny packs were generally a telltale

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How to Make DIY Image Transfer and Washi Tape Magnets

I’ve moved over 18 times. My love for relocation has had an effect on the way I decorate my house. For the most part I

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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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