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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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How to throw a backyard karaoke party
DIY Projects

How to throw a backyard karaoke party

ByNicole Stevenson September 10, 2014July 4, 2017

My favorite karaoke bar in my town closed down last year. Although I love karaoke, I’m not a diehard karaoke junkie but a few times a year I get this itch that can only be scratched by a night spent…

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Goat Cheese, Sriracha + Artichoke Dip Recipe
Recipes

Goat Cheese, Sriracha + Artichoke Dip Recipe

ByNicole Stevenson September 3, 2014September 2, 2014

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 hitting baseballs in the batting cage off in the distant way back of the yard….

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How to Make an Instagram Photo Pillow
DIY Projects

How to Make an Instagram Photo Pillow

ByNicole Stevenson August 22, 2014August 22, 2014

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 sort of looked like hand held tape recorders. Then my dad gave me his 35mm…

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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 a Keychain Ear Bud Pouch
DIY Projects

How to Make a Keychain Ear Bud Pouch

ByNicole Stevenson July 30, 2014July 30, 2014

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 room only to hear it squeak open before I finally did something about it and…

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Three Tips to Get Creatives Inspired This Summer
Business Tips

Three Tips to Get Creatives Inspired This Summer

ByEleanor Whitney July 11, 2014July 26, 2014

As a North Easterner I’m attuned to the changing seasons. I think of winter as the time for hunkering down and honing a skill and summer as a stretch of languid days full of drinking lemonade and going to the…

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how to make to a painted geometric wood necklace
DIY Projects

how to make to a painted geometric wood necklace

ByNicole Stevenson July 9, 2014July 26, 2014

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 feels relaxed but focused?” I know this question pretty well since I’ve read my fair…

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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…

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are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade business
Business Tips

are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade business

ByNicole Stevenson June 13, 2014July 13, 2014

“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 no idea what a line was and at that point I didn’t know enough to…

Read More are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade businessContinue

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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
If you were at @craftcationconference, chances are If you were at @craftcationconference, chances are you made a charm bracelet at the @getpopstore booth. #ad

But Pop.Store isn’t just about charm links—it’s about turning your link in bio into a one-stop hub for everything you do: products, downloads, courses, subscriptions, and more.

That’s why I’m hosting a FREE six-week hands-on workshop series to help you make the most of your Pop link. Each week, we’ll focus on setting up a different feature—think of it like building your own mini website, one piece at a time.

🗓️ Mondays at 12pm PT, starting June 2
📍 Join one, some, or all. Replays available.
✨ Perfect if you want to sell more, grow your list, or finally feel confident saying “link in bio.”

💬 Comment LINKWORKSHOP and I’ll DM you the signup to save your spot!

#smallbusinessowner #linkinbio #automation #ecommerce
There was a time when staying home on a Saturday n There was a time when staying home on a Saturday night felt like missing out. I used to love going out, being around people, and wild adventures.

Somewhere along the way, that shifted. These days, my favorite place to be is at home—with my people, good snacks, something creative to work on, and space to just be.

If that sounds like your kind of night too, you’d probably feel right at home at Craftcation—my creative conference for makers, artists, and small business owners. It’s a space full of inspiration, connection, and support—without the overwhelm.

Honestly, it’s one of the only places (besides home and the beach) that I long to be.

✨ Want to learn more? Comment CRAFTY and I’ll DM you the details.
Not everything you make has to have a purpose. Som Not everything you make has to have a purpose. Sometimes the magic is in the mess, the play, the part where you forget the rules and just let your hands do their thing.

Here’s your gentle nudge to create something just because.

And if you’re craving more space for that kind of creative freedom—mark your calendar.
🗓 April 8–12, 2026
📍 Ventura, CA

Craftcation is where the joy of making meets community, growth, and a whole lot of creative magic. ✨

#creativeprocess #creative #makeamark
Patchwork Show is back for spring—and vendor app Patchwork Show is back for spring—and vendor applications are officially open! 🎉

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, Patchwork Show is the perfect place to share your work, connect with fellow creatives, and grow your business in a supportive, community-first environment.

Not a vendor? Come hang as a guest! Shop small, get inspired, and spend the day soaking up creative magic with us. 🧺🎨

✨ Apps are rolling, so you’ll hear back fast (usually within a week!). Spots fill as they come in—so the sooner you apply, the better your chances.

👇 Drop a comment to get the goods:
APPLY – for the vendor application
MARKET – to join the mailing list with all the dates + details

Spring 2025 Patchwork Show Dates:
🏖 Long Beach – 5.18 @marinestadium
🏙 Tustin – 5.25 @oldtowntustin
🏞 Chino Hills – 5.31 @theshoppesatchinohills
🌉 Oakland – 6.14 @jacklondonsq
☀️ Ventura – 6.22 @downtownventura

We’d love to see you there—whether you’re behind a booth or just soaking it all in. 💛

#dopaminedressing #dopaminehit #smallbusinesssupport #craftbusinessowner #crafts #makers
Craftcation is a labor of love—built on creativi Craftcation is a labor of love—built on creativity, community, and the belief that amazing things happen when people get the space to just be themselves.

None of it would be possible without our small but mighty team who pours their hearts into every detail so that when you walk through those doors, it feels like coming home. I love you all. 💛

Yes, it takes months and months of behind-the-scenes work—but every moment is worth it when I see the joy on our attendees’ faces. The creativity. The growth. The connection. It’s real, and it’s magic. ✨

There are very few places where people smile as much as they do at Craftcation. 😊

🗓 Save the date: April 8–12, 2026
📍Ventura, California

Want in? Drop a “CRAFTY” in the comments and I’ll send you the details! 💌#craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #craftcation #smallbusinesssupport

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

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