Skip to content
Camera Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope
Search
  • HOME
  • ABOUT NICOLE
  • CLUB
  • CAMP
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • BLOG
  • HOME
  • ABOUT NICOLE
  • CLUB
  • CAMP
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • BLOG
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…

Read More 25 Ways to recharge creativity & de-stressContinue

Attending Craftcation on a Budget
Business Tips

Attending Craftcation on a Budget

ByKatie MacAvoy August 24, 2018February 14, 2023

The word budget used to make me cringe! I thought being on a budget meant limiting my ability to have fun. And who wants that? But what I’ve learned as the CEO of my household of four humans, one dog…

Read More Attending Craftcation on a BudgetContinue

How to prepare for a creative conference
Business Tips

How to prepare for a creative conference

ByNicole Stevenson February 2, 2016January 14, 2017

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 you missed the first three posts you can check them out here: 1. 7 reasons…

Read More How to prepare for a creative conferenceContinue

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

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

ByNicole Stevenson January 14, 2016January 14, 2017

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!) I had not only never planned an event of that size, but had never even…

Read More 7 reasons why attending a conference will revolutionize your business and creativityContinue

Upcoming Online Workshops
Business Tips | DIY Projects

Upcoming Online Workshops

ByNicole Stevenson May 20, 2015August 1, 2015

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 when they learn a new skill. I love watching people’s faces light up when they…

Read More Upcoming Online WorkshopsContinue

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…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Lauren VenellContinue

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 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…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Kelly AffleckContinue

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…

Read More Why Attend a Creative Conference? An interview with Vennice JamesContinue

Printing the perfect business card + an Oubly giveaway
Business Tips

Printing the perfect business card + an Oubly giveaway

ByNicole Stevenson September 5, 2014September 11, 2014

I remember my mother sitting at the kitchen table clipping coupons for hours when I was a kid. I’d be in the living room half-watching one of my favorite shows like Three’s Company or Punky Brewster while I agonized over…

Read More Printing the perfect business card + an Oubly giveawayContinue

Page navigation

1 2 3 4 Next PageNext
Camera Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope

get started

  • MEET NICOLE
  • Podcast
  • MEDIA
  • CAMP
  • CLUB
  • IN-PERSON EVENTS
  • BLOG

instagram

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!

© DEAR HANDMADE LIFE 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS SITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS. WE DISCLOSE ALL SPONSORED POSTS BY NAMING THE SPONSOR IN THE POST.

Scroll to top

from our studio... to yours

Get our mostly monthly emails featuring event updates, secret deals, pep talks and inspiration to make every day awesome.