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Melissa Quaal

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This is one of those posts that the algorithm prob

This is one of those posts that the algorithm probably won’t be kind to, but that’s OK because I didn’t make it for it, I made it for YOU.

You, my fellow creative who needs to see the raw stuff from me to know that you’re not alone. Who needs to see that parts of my life are messy but that I’m still able to get stuff done. Who needs to see that despite working on my mental health and issues basically my whole life, there’s still A LOT left to work through.

Wherever you are and whatever is on your plate, it will pass. Sadly the good stuff doesn’t last forever but thankfully neither does the bad.

I work hard daily to hold onto the big joys and dig deep for shreds of joy during the rough moments.

Us creatives feel ALL of it deep. It inspires us to make stuff and live lives of intention and meaning but it can also keep us at home in our comfort (or not so comfortable) zones.

Whether you’re out there today pushing back your inner critic and getting stuff done or curled up at home under your weighted blanket, it’s ok! You’re ok.

If you needed to hear this today, let me know in the comments. You don’t have to write the next great novel, an emoji will do the trick.

I’ll be here in my sleep bra and PJs, waiting to feel less alone too.

P.S. My favorite unstructured bras (like the one I’m wearing under my PJs) are from @heymavensxo

Hey San Pedro! 🌟 Ready to immerse yourself in c

Hey San Pedro! 🌟 Ready to immerse yourself in creativity and local vibes? Join us at Patchwork Show @craftedattheportla, where over 50 makers will showcase their handmade goods! 🎨🛍

Located at the historic @craftedportla, you can grab delicious drinks from @brouwerijwest and tasty bites from food trucks while you explore all the local creative vendors. Plus, enjoy free craft activities for all ages! 🍻🍔🌮🎨

This event is FREE to attend, and we welcome families and furry friends alike! 🐕❤️🐩

Save the date: April 28th, 11-5pm at Crafted at the Port LA. For more info, visit @thepatchworkshow.

And guess what? Our vendor waitlist is still open! Check out the link in our bio for more details.

Here’s a sneak peek of our upcoming spring season shows and dates:
🛳 San Pedro @craftedportla - April 28th
🌲 Redwood City @cityofredwoodcity - May 4th
🏢 Sacramento @oldsac - May 12th
🎨 Sebastopol @sebastopolarts - May 18th
🏖 Long Beach @marinestadium - May 26th
☀️ Ventura @downtownventura - June 1st
🌉 Oakland @jacklondonsq - June 8th
🌆 Tustin @oldtowntustin - June 15th
🌳 Chino Hills @theshoppesatchinohills - June 23rd

@reneesaulney
@bandcampbuddies
@ancestryofanimage
@cbjbylorena
@chingonahoops
@houseofmasson
@soapsandbutters
@craftbykels
@tittycitydesigns
@brewtiquela
@amandaklockrow
@kraftkrusader
@thundertextile
@sallycrochets
@staymagicalcreations
@Bloomcrushing2
@craftsbykels2
@ubannest.nook
@bellaluxeloftla
@aromachaura_ssm

Who remembers wishing you could meet people like y

Who remembers wishing you could meet people like you? People who get the struggle of being a creative, of not wanting to work a crappy job or have a passionless career to pay the rent, of wanting to be accepted just as you are and not have to worry about how cool you look or if you snorted when you laughed or told a dumb joke or were a big dork in school (or still are).

These are the people who prefer big talk over small talk any day. They’ll tell you the truth even when it’s hard.

Ready to meet your cohort of creatives besties?

They’re waiting for you at Craftcation. Join us next spring in Ventura, California. Discounted early bird registration opens June 1, 2024.

DM me BESTIE and I’ll make sure you’re on the list to be the first to know.

#craftconference #craftvacation #craftbusiness #crafter #mentorship #maker #makerbusinesses #smallbusiness #smallbiz

Here’s the thing you may not know... 🛍️💡

Here’s the thing you may not know... 🛍️💡

If you buy even ONE small thing like a card or pin from a vendor at a makers market, you’re making a difference. It all adds up! 💪

If you don’t have the funds, don’t sweat it! There are still ways you can help a creative small business owner’s dreams come true. ✨

📱Follow them & engage on social media
This is a quick and easy way to show creatives some love. Follow your favorite makers on social media and like and comment on their posts in a genuine way. ❤️

✉️Join their email list
If you love what a maker does, subscribe to their email list. Most makers use their email lists to announce sales, shows and other exclusives that you may miss on social media. 💌

📣Share about them
Most of the awesome stuff I know about is from word of mouth! Sharing about a maker on social media or IRL is a great way to not only help the maker find a new audience but also help your friend find an awesome creative business. 👥

We’ll see you at our @thepatchworkshow markets this spring! For the full list of shows and dates check our website or DM me DATES and I’ll send you the list.

#craft #shopsmall #shoplocal #giftideas #giftmarket #giftmaking #shopping #maker

Let’s meet next weekend at @ThePatchworkShow at

Let’s meet next weekend at @ThePatchworkShow at @Craftedportla in San Pedro and shop local from creative small businesses while grabbing delicious snacks from food trucks and local brews from @brouwerijwest.

See you on 4/28, 11am - 5pm at Crafted at the Port of LA in San Pedro!

AND HERE’S THE BEST PART!
Admission is free for everyone! So gather your loved ones, including the furry friends, for a day of fun, creativity and community.

For more event details follow @thepatchworkshow and sign up for our emails.

@reneesaulney @bandcampbuddies @ancestryofanimage @cbjbylorena @chingonahoops @houseofmasson @soapsandbutters.la @bellaluxeloftla @aromachaura_ssm
@backwoodsbycandlelight @kymyart @lilindieshop @mizushoppe @ecoje @homemaydenbyshayden @jimenezsistersranch @christies_creations @melt.slather
@sageandcocojewelry @indyjannajones @seventeen18designs @thetwistedtide @solsearchjewelry
@bloomcrushing @tittycitydesign @brewtiquela @amandaklockrow @kraftkrusader @thundertextile @sally_crochets @staymagicalcreations

It’s impossible to put the feelings I have about

It’s impossible to put the feelings I have about Craftcation and our planning and event team who pulled it all off in words. I remember hearing someone try to explain the depth of their feelings once and they just said, “my cup runneth over.” Same friend, same.

Seeing our team work together to create this magical week for other creative weirdos is the highlight of my year.

If I repeated the words “thank you” over and over until the end of time, it wouldn’t be enough, so I’ll simply say, “my cup runneth over with gratitude and love for you all.”

🥂🥳🏖️🎨 Until next year!

@iamthekatiemac @wastingthyme @therealmooncactus @laurenmakesitwork @kmn_design_and_illustration
@vanishingartscollective @i_am_the_knitpunk @mabs5151 @hawscaroline @maxduckworth @setherkins & the two Lily’s

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