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
How to build your support system for your creative business
Business Tips

How to build your support system for your creative business

ByErin Duncan May 8, 2015August 1, 2015

The other day I was having lunch with a friend, (she also owns a handmade business), and we got on the topic of how we choose to spend our time with people who appreciate the work that goes into owning…

Read More How to build your support system for your creative businessContinue

How to Make a Yarn Chandelier
DIY Projects

How to Make a Yarn Chandelier

ByNicole Stevenson May 6, 2015August 1, 2015

Every year at Craftcation our décor team headed up by my partner Delilah and Lisa Rios of The Makery conceptualizes, designs and creates all the décor for the conference. I’m always blown away by the clever and budget-friendly ideas they…

Read More How to Make a Yarn ChandelierContinue

Craftcation Conference 2015
Adventures

Craftcation Conference 2015

ByDelilah Snell + Nicole Stevenson May 5, 2015August 1, 2015

We’re so excited to share our thoughts and the photographs from our Craftcation Conference 2015 with all of you. A note from Delilah about Craftcation 2015: It may be hard to believe, but Nicole and I start working on the…

Read More Craftcation Conference 2015Continue

10 Must-Read Posts to Grow Your Creative Business with Instagram
Business Tips

10 Must-Read Posts to Grow Your Creative Business with Instagram

ByNicole Stevenson May 1, 2015August 1, 2015

At Craftcation 2015 this past March I was lucky enough to sit on a panel with Abby Glassenberg, Blair Stocker, Rachel Mae Smith, and Tiffany Han. The topic was “How do you run your business?” and the moderator Kari Chapin…

Read More 10 Must-Read Posts to Grow Your Creative Business with InstagramContinue

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…

Read More How to make a DIY paper fortune tellerContinue

How to Make DIY Image Transfer and Washi Tape Magnets
DIY Projects

How to Make DIY Image Transfer and Washi Tape Magnets

ByNicole Stevenson February 18, 2015January 8, 2017

I’ve moved over 18 times. My love for relocation has had an effect on the way I decorate my house. For the most part I have small lightweight furniture that can be arranged to fit various room shapes. Plus with…

Read More How to Make DIY Image Transfer and Washi Tape MagnetsContinue

The importance of off-line networking, Creativelive tour + eight business classes you need to take right now
Business Tips

The importance of off-line networking, Creativelive tour + eight business classes you need to take right now

ByNicole Stevenson February 6, 2015June 9, 2017

Days when I’m knee deep in spreadsheets and I never think I’m going to make a dent in my overflowing inbox, I look up at the print I have hanging in my studio that says, “Love what you do. Do…

Read More The importance of off-line networking, Creativelive tour + eight business classes you need to take right nowContinue

Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Three
Business Tips

Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Three

ByCaitlin Bacher January 22, 2015January 23, 2015

Editor’s Note: We’re super happy to welcome Caitlin Bacher of Little Farm Media to Dear Handmade Life for her three-part series on how creative entrepreneurs can use Instagram to grow their businesses. Caitlin is breaking it down into three categories:…

Read More Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part ThreeContinue

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…

Read More How to Make DIY Circle Confetti Coasters with SizzixContinue

5 tips to analyze your work routine for maximum productivity
Business Tips

5 tips to analyze your work routine for maximum productivity

ByErin Duncan January 16, 2015January 23, 2015

*Editor’s Note: One of my favorite things about a new year is sitting down and assessing my accomplishments from the previous year and dreaming up goals for the year to come. Our Dear Handmade Life contributor Erin has some great…

Read More 5 tips to analyze your work routine for maximum productivityContinue

Page navigation

Previous PagePrevious 1 2 3 4 5 … 9 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.