How to Make an Instagram Photo Pillow
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…
25 Ways to recharge creativity + motivation + combat feeling overwhelmed
“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,…
How to Make a Keychain Ear Bud Pouch
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…
Three Tips to Get Creatives Inspired This Summer
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…
how to make to a painted geometric wood necklace
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…
how to make image transfer gift tags + sizzix giveaway
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…
are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade business
“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…
16 must-listen podcasts for creatives
In the spring and fall I spend 70+ hours alone in a car driving back and forth between southern and northern california for our events. I’m used to alone time. I grew up as an only child and have been…
how to build a wooden raised bed planter box
The first time I ever tasted something that didn’t end up in my mouth via the grocery store, I was seven. My mom and I lived in a small condo in an area of Orange County that was still in…
how to make an embroidered wood circle necklace
Wood is one of my all-time favorite materials to use in my diy craft projects. My love affair with wood started with the little side table my dad made in wood shop when he was in high school. This obsession…
