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 I accidentally launched a freelance career (and what you need to do to start yours) from Dear Handmade Life
    Business Tips

    How to stretch yourself creatively and launch a new revenue stream (or even a new career)

    ByRebecca Pitts November 25, 2016November 25, 2016

    by Rebecca Pitts It was right around the time that my first child started sleeping through the night when I laid the groundwork for starting my handmade business. I brainstormed ideas, I launched, and amazingly, landed national press mentions and…

    Read More How to stretch yourself creatively and launch a new revenue stream (or even a new career)Continue

  • DIY Finger Painted Gift Wrap from Dear Handmade Life
    DIY Projects

    DIY Finger Painted Gift Wrap

    ByRebecca Pitts November 9, 2016November 25, 2016

    By: Rebecca Pitts We go to a ton of birthday parties. A ton. But as an eco-friendly, minimalist type, I loathe purchasing reams of wrapping paper at the drugstore, knowing full well that the paper will end up in the trash…

    Read More DIY Finger Painted Gift WrapContinue

  • how-to-simplify-and-organize-your-writing-process-to-unearth-your-best-ideas-from-dear-handmade-life
    Business Tips

    How to Simplify and Organize your Writing Process to Unearth your Best Ideas

    ByRebecca Pitts September 28, 2016November 25, 2016

    by Rebecca Pitts Whether you’re writing for your blog or social media accounts, web-copy for your store listings, crafting pitches to the press, or jotting down ideas for new projects or products while out in the world, you inevitably spend…

    Read More How to Simplify and Organize your Writing Process to Unearth your Best IdeasContinue

  • DIY Seashell Necklaces from Dear Handmade LIfe
    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…

    Read More DIY Seashell NecklacesContinue

  • Honoring your commitment to your creative work
    Business Tips

    Honoring your commitment to your creative work

    ByRebecca Pitts August 19, 2016August 18, 2016

    By: Rebecca Pitts My New Yorker friend, an artist with a day job, was talking the other day about a new relationship. After recently relocating to Manhattan for work, she made a commitment to court one of her all-time loves, the…

    Read More Honoring your commitment to your creative workContinue

  • DIY Goodie bags for a Pollock-inspired kid's art party from Dear Handmade Life
    DIY Projects

    DIY goodie bags for a Pollock-inspired kid’s art party

    ByRebecca Pitts July 14, 2016July 14, 2016

    By: Rebecca Pitts The goody bag is a staple of any child’s birthday party. We’ve all had our kiddos return home, post-party, with a baggy of plastic trinkets that break upon first use. And then there’s the candy. Every parent has…

    Read More DIY goodie bags for a Pollock-inspired kid’s art partyContinue

  • How to Create Genuine Partnerships with Editors and the Press
    Business Tips

    How to Create Genuine Partnerships with Editors and the Press

    ByRebecca Pitts June 22, 2016June 22, 2016

    By: Rebecca Pitts of Hudson + Daughter Whether you’re pitching your products to be featured in media outlets, or submitting original craft projects to trade magazines, connecting with editors can sometimes feel a bit mysterious, or worse, futile—like you’re sending your work…

    Read More How to Create Genuine Partnerships with Editors and the PressContinue

  • DIY Vintage Postcards that Pop With Color from Dear Handmade Life
    DIY Projects

    DIY Vintage Postcards that Pop With Color

    ByRebecca Pitts May 18, 2016April 29, 2016

    My favorite DIYs are those that cost little to throw together and just happen to land in your lap, like a gift. Which is why I was thrilled to stumble on a pack of black and white vintage French postcards…

    Read More DIY Vintage Postcards that Pop With ColorContinue

  • 9 lessons I learned from my social media detox from Dear Handmade Life
    Business Tips

    Why You Need to Take a Social Media Break, Part II

    ByRebecca Pitts March 11, 2016March 3, 2016

    A few months ago, I talked about my plans for a social media and blogging sabbatical during the holiday weeks. Now I’m writing now from the other side, and I’m happy to report that I made it! (Well, mostly.) Overall,…

    Read More Why You Need to Take a Social Media Break, Part IIContinue

  • 4  simple DIY ways to hang kids’ artwork
    DIY Projects

    4 simple DIY ways to hang kids’ artwork

    ByRebecca Pitts February 10, 2016June 18, 2016

    Choosing a frame and mat for a work of art can be a creative feat in and of itself. Finish, mat color, integration with the rest of your decor, and cost are all factors to consider. There’s a lot to…

    Read More 4 simple DIY ways to hang kids’ artworkContinue

Page navigation

1 2 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 without 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 peopl 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!
Full offense, but I built my creative business fro Full offense, but I built my creative business from the ground up — through craft fairs, workshops, launches, and late nights.

That’s why The Club isn’t about quick fixes or “six-figure secrets.” It’s about steady progress, creative growth, and support from people who actually get what it’s like to build something real.

Inside The Club you’ll get:
 ✨ 100+ on-demand workshops & mentorship replays
 ✨ 4 live monthly Zoom sessions (business class, mentorship, crafty hour, co-working)
 ✨ Goal-planning tools & accountability
 ✨ A supportive creative community that actually gets you

💬 Comment CLUB to take a tour or MENTOR to get on the waitlist so you’re first in line when doors open tomorrow.

#makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #craftbusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur
Ventura isn’t just the home of @craftcationconfere Ventura isn’t just the home of @craftcationconference 🌊✨ — it’s also home to one of my all-time favorite fabric + craft shops: @superbuzzy.

Kelly, the owner, was an early supporter of Craftcation and has built a magical spot full of thoughtfully curated fabrics, tools, and supplies. Every time I walk in, I leave inspired (and usually with a bag full of goodies).

If you’re coming to Craftcation, add Superbuzzy to your must-visit list—you’ll be amazed. 

My list is growing fast, but I’m always up for an adventure. What hidden gem should I put on my map next? Tag your favorite fabric store so I can add it to my route!

#fabricstore #craftsupplies #venturacounty #shoplocal
🚨 Last call! 🚨 Today’s your final chance to join T 🚨 Last call! 🚨
Today’s your final chance to join The Club before doors close at midnight (9.15.25). After today, enrollment won’t open again until 2026.

Inside The Club, you’ll get:
 ✨ Mentorship from someone who’s been in your shoes
 ✨ A supportive creative business community
 ✨ Accountability to follow through on your goals
 ✨ Expert-led workshops & resources you can actually use

If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll do it later,” this is it—there is no later.

Comment CLUB and I’ll send you a link to tour and join. 

You don’t have to do this creative business thing alone. 🧡

#mentorshipcommunity #theclub #creativesmallbusiness #creativeentrepreneur #craftbusiness #crafterofinstagram #maker #makersofinstagram

© 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.