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11 Tips for Hiring and Managing Interns in Your Creative Business
Business Tips

11 Tips for Hiring and Managing Interns in Your Creative Business

ByDelilah Snell September 11, 2015September 10, 2015

  For the eight years that I had my retail shop, I had a number of interns, many of which I eventually hired and I’m still good friends/work with several of them. All of these experiences have helped me come…

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DIY Painted Pot + Macramé Hanging Plant Holder
DIY Projects

DIY Painted Pot + Macramé Hanging Plant Holder

ByNicole Stevenson September 9, 2015September 9, 2015

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 dance routine that I choreographed to the theme song then ended with a handstand against…

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DIY Dog Bed Cover
DIY Projects

DIY Dog Bed Cover

ByNicole Stevenson September 1, 2015September 10, 2015

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 backyard studio. Well… technically some guy who worked for the shed company showed up and…

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15 tips for DIY + business workshop instructors
Business Tips

15 tips for DIY + business workshop instructors

ByNicole Stevenson August 28, 2015September 3, 2015

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 what I was getting myself into. I’d been teaching craft workshops for over a decade,…

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DIY Sunprint Silhouettes
DIY Projects

DIY Sunprint Silhouettes

ByRebecca Pitts August 19, 2015February 5, 2021

Today’s DIY tutorial uses this throwback from childhood to create a fresh-take on the classic silhouette portrait. (I chose to capture my daughter Sophie, but you could easily make a pair for the couple of the house or a furry…

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How to take your business to the next level with a mastermind group
Business Tips

How to take your business to the next level with a mastermind group

ByRebecca Pitts June 12, 2015August 1, 2015

Editor’s Note: We are so excited to welcome our newest Dear Handmade Life contributor Rebecca Pitts the founder and owner of Hudson + Daughter. Her first topic, taking your business to the next level with a mastermind group is right…

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How to Upcycle Clothing with Appliques
DIY Projects

How to Upcycle Clothing with Appliques

ByNicole Stevenson June 9, 2015April 2, 2017

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 day that my mom and I would scour the neighborhood for garage sales. Normally I…

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10 Ways to Boost Craft Show Sales
Business Tips

10 Ways to Boost Craft Show Sales

ByRachel Potucek May 29, 2015June 9, 2017

Editor’s Note: We were so excited when Patchwork Show vendor Rachel Potucek of The People’s Soap Company asked if she could share some of the insights she’s learned about vending at craft shows with our Dear Handmade Life readers. Rachel’s…

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How to handle social media copycats
Business Tips

How to handle social media copycats

ByCaitlin Bacher May 22, 2015August 1, 2015

We have all been there before. You may be scrolling through your Instagram feed and suddenly notice that your photo has been used without your permission. Or maybe you notice that one of your followers is now advertising a product…

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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…

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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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