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25 Ways to recharge creativity & de-stress
Business Tips

25 Ways to recharge creativity & de-stress

ByNicole Stevenson December 1, 2020December 26, 2020

You know that feeling when your TO-DO list seems better suited to being written on an extra long roll of paper towels than on a Post-it? It seems like for every thing you cross off, a new thing (or two…

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Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Lauren Venell
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Lauren Venell

ByNicole Stevenson February 17, 2015February 16, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

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Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Natalie Cuen
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Natalie Cuen

ByNicole Stevenson February 10, 2015January 25, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Natalie CuenContinue

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Maddie Spoto
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Maddie Spoto

ByNicole Stevenson February 3, 2015February 4, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Maddie SpotoContinue

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Kelly Affleck
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Kelly Affleck

ByNicole Stevenson January 27, 2015January 25, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

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Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with T&A Leather
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with T&A Leather

ByNicole Stevenson January 20, 2015January 22, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

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Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Keri Cleverly
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Keri Cleverly

ByNicole Stevenson January 13, 2015January 22, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we’re sharing tips and advice from Craftcation attendees for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Keri CleverlyContinue

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Vennice James
Business Tips

Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Vennice James

ByNicole Stevenson January 6, 2015January 22, 2015

Welcome to our interview series about attending creative conferences! Since our Craftcation Conference is just around the corner (March 26-29, 2015) we wanted to share some tips and advice for making the most of your experience at Craftcation or other…

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25 Ways to recharge creativity + motivation + combat feeling overwhelmed
Business Tips

25 Ways to recharge creativity + motivation + combat feeling overwhelmed

ByNicole Stevenson August 1, 2014August 1, 2014

“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 people I meet who find out I’m juggling two businesses, a blog, writing a book,…

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how to make image transfer gift tags + sizzix giveaway
DIY Projects

how to make image transfer gift tags + sizzix giveaway

ByLisa Rios June 25, 2014July 13, 2014

Just so you know: Dear Handmade Life received products from Sizzix that we mentioned in this post. However, we only write about and recommend products that we use personally and believe are awesome!   You know how there are certain…

Read More how to make image transfer gift tags + sizzix giveawayContinue

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Want a FREE booth at @thepatchworkshow ? You could Want a FREE booth at @thepatchworkshow ? You could win one—just for signing up for @pirateship (our go-to shipping platform)

Yup. It’s that easy.
Comment PIRATE, and I’ll send you a link to sign up for a FREE Pirate Ship account, and you could win a @thepatchworkshow booth.

📆 Deadline to enter: 10.1.25
🎉 Winner notified via email on 10.10.25

Now... why are we so obsessed with Pirate Ship?
💸 Lowest USPS & UPS rates
📦 No monthly fees
📍 Print labels from home

Now we actually smile (okay, smirk) while packing.
And if you run a creative biz, you need tools that make your life easier, not more overwhelming.

So…
🏴‍☠️ Sign up today. Enter the giveaway. Save some cash. Rule your shipping.

—

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram.
Must be 18+ and based in the U.S. to enter. One entry per person. Patchwork Show booth must be used during the 2025 season. Full rules at bit.ly/shippirate. 

#shipping #packagingsolutions #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport
You don’t need another planner to stop the overw You don’t need another planner to stop the overwhelm in your mind. You need this...

If you’re a creative juggling all the things, feeling stuck, or just craving a little accountability, clarity, and real community—The Club is where you belong.

We’re currently closed, but the waitlist is open—and people on the list get early access. 

Comment MENTOR to join the waiting list or CLUB to see what it’s all about. 

#makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #overthinkersclub #theclub
This idea started as a light moment during a works This idea started as a light moment during a workshop I was teaching. I was giving examples of reels someone could create and offhandedly mentioned curating a list of products to make summer a little easier for us fat girls. It got a laugh—and then @onegoodthing_daily said, “You should actually make that list.”⁠
⁠
So I did.⁠
⁠
Yes, it’s a list of practical things—comfort-forward, joy-centered, fat-girl-approved summer essentials. But it’s also more than that. It’s about reclaiming ease, about not waiting for our bodies to change to deserve care or celebration.⁠
⁠
One of the first times I felt that kind of radical acceptance—and was inspired by it—was at @CraftcationConference. It was the first place I heard women openly swap tips about chub rub and share the little things they do to feel good in their bodies. No shame. Just honest sharing. That energy stuck with me. It helped me feel less alone in my body and more at home in myself.⁠
⁠
You can find the list at the link in my bio. I hope it helps you feel good this summer—and reminds you that your body is not a barrier to joy, creativity, or belonging.⁠ Thanks to @tomboyx @nooworks and @megababe.
This idea started as a light moment during a works This idea started as a light moment during a workshop I was teaching. I was giving examples of reels someone could create and offhandedly mentioned curating a list of products to make summer a little easier for us fat girls. It got a laugh—and then @onegoodthing_daily said, “You should actually make that list.”⁠
⁠
So I did.⁠
⁠
Yes, it’s a list of practical things—comfort-forward, joy-centered, fat-girl-approved summer essentials. But it’s also more than that. It’s about reclaiming ease, about not waiting for our bodies to change to deserve care or celebration.⁠
⁠
One of the first times I felt that kind of radical acceptance—and was inspired by it—was at @CraftcationConference. It was the first place I heard women openly swap tips about chub rub and share the little things they do to feel good in their bodies. No shame. Just honest sharing. That energy stuck with me. It helped me feel less alone in my body and more at home in myself.⁠
⁠
You can find the list at the link in my bio. I hope it helps you feel good this summer—and reminds you that your body is not a barrier to joy, creativity, or belonging.⁠

#makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #selflove❤️ #belonging #fatgirlapproved
Hey, I’m Nicole—mentor for creative misfits, m Hey, I’m Nicole—mentor for creative misfits, midlife multi-passionates, and anyone building a business that actually feels like theirs.

I share real talk about creativity, mindset, and making progress without selling your soul to hustle culture.

I also run @thepatchworkshow + @craftcationconference, and offer mentorship, workshops, and resources to help you figure out your next step—on your terms.

Ways we can work together:
✨ Craftcation – 5-day beachside conference with 500+ creatives, hands-on workshops, biz classes, and real community.
🛍️ Patchwork Show – A California makers festival supporting small creative businesses.
🔥 CAMP – A 6-week online bootcamp for creatives who want clarity, momentum, and accountability—minus the burnout.
🌙 The Club – Monthly mentorship with goal setting, live classes, and support from folks who get it.

Not sure where to start?

Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear your story.

#creativemisfits #creatives #makermentors #creativeentrepreneur #goalgetter #mentor #smallbusinesssupportingsmallbusiness
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

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