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DIY Painted Clay Tassel Necklace
DIY Projects

DIY Painted Clay Tassel Necklace

ByNicole Stevenson December 7, 2016November 25, 2016

Summer is our slow time of year here at Dear Handmade Life. It’s the time we finally get to take a break from back-to-back events and do some reflection as well as get back into our self-care routines. One of…

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DIY headband with wire
DIY Projects

DIY headband with wire

ByAshley Nickels October 19, 2016February 5, 2021

I have mixed feelings about hair accessories. In high school, I once had the most extravagant up-do “done” to my head for a dance, that I spent the entire post-dance slumber party ripping something like 50 bobby pins from my…

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DIY Seashell Necklaces
DIY Projects

DIY Seashell Necklaces

ByRebecca Pitts August 31, 2016November 25, 2016

Earlier this spring, I met a fellow mom who was born and raised in sunny California, and recently moved her family to our New York City suburb. Like most conversations go here in the Northeast, we discussed real estate, property…

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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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How to make a DIY paper fortune teller
DIY Projects

How to make a DIY paper fortune teller

ByNicole Stevenson April 15, 2015August 1, 2015

If you’ve met me in person, you probably think of me as an extrovert. I’ll happily get on a stage and tell an embarrassing story without thinking twice. BUT I’m actually introverted in many ways. I was listening to Elise…

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How to Make DIY Circle Confetti Coasters with Sizzix
DIY Projects

How to Make DIY Circle Confetti Coasters with Sizzix

ByNicole Stevenson January 21, 2015January 8, 2017

During my twenties and early thirties at-home entertaining was pretty much one of my favorite things to plan for a Sunday afternoon or weekday evening. Sure, if we all met up at a bar or restaurant no one had to…

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How to Make DIY Fancy Glitter Holiday Shoes
DIY Projects

How to Make DIY Fancy Glitter Holiday Shoes

ByNicole Stevenson December 10, 2014December 10, 2014

The night I got introduced the wonderfulness that a little glitter could add to a pair of shoes was also the night I found out about the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I was seven years old and my mom and…

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How to Make DIY washi tape wooden gift tags
DIY Projects

How to Make DIY washi tape wooden gift tags

ByLisa Rios November 26, 2014December 1, 2016

I never considered myself much of a paper crafter until recently. I have made exactly one scrapbook… over 10 years ago. All of that changed when washi tape hit the scene several years ago. If you aren’t familiar with washi…

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How to Make a DIY Felted Pumpkin
DIY Projects

How to Make a DIY Felted Pumpkin

ByLisa Rios September 24, 2014September 24, 2014

I literally had to force myself to wait until after Labor Day weekend to start sharing fall crafts with you. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but I want to bury myself in all things…

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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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