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Blog
Podcast
Craftcation Conference
- Craftcation 2024
- Get Involved
The Club
- Member Login
Shop
Patchwork Show
- Upcoming Shows
- Application + Vendor Info
COURSES
- Instagram Branding Brilliance

Photo styling 101 online workshop with Rachel Smith of The Crafted Life on Dear Handmade Life

Photo styling 101 online workshop with Rachel Smith of The Crafted Life on Dear Handmade Life

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Belonging. It’s what we’re all secretly (or no

Belonging. It’s what we’re all secretly (or not-so-secretly) looking for, right? But if you’re a little different—a creative misfit, a crafty weirdo, someone who doesn’t quite color inside the lines—it can feel like the world forgot to make a place for you.

Here’s the thing: at Craftcation, you don’t have to explain yourself, shrink yourself, or try to fit in. You already belong. 💖

It’s not just about the beach, the workshops, or the activities (yoga on the sand, craft competitions, a themed dance party, and more). It’s about finding your people—the ones who get you and celebrate your wonderfully weird self just as you are. 🌟

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to join us, here it is. (Also, consider this your friendly reminder that Early Bird registration is closing soon. Don’t be that person crying into your coffee (or margarita) because you missed out. 😉)

🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link.

Your creative, quirky community is already here, waiting for you.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward y

If you’re ready to take that first step toward your goals and embrace the rejections that might just change your trajectory in ways you never expected (like mine did!)...

Then this is your moment. CAMP: The six-week online mindful GOAL-GETTING bootcamp FOR CREATIVES is all about setting goals that align with who you are, ditching the hustle culture guilt, and taking manageable steps toward the creative business (and life) you actually want.

Comment GOAL and I’ll send you the link to join the waiting list. Let’s make those scary dreams less scary and way more real. 💪🎨

Hello Tustin join us next weekend 12/8 and shop ha

Hello Tustin join us next weekend 12/8 and shop handmade and local goods from 100+ makers at @thepatchworkshow in @oldtowntustin where you can enjoy the small-town charm and historic buildings housing local shops and 🍔🌮🍕great eats from local restaurants 🧵🎨 Free craft activities at select booths!

FREE to attend, family-friendly, and pet friendly! 🐕❤️🐩

BTW: We post more show info at @thepatchworkshow so be sure to follow us there if that’s what you’re looking for.

Comment SHOWS to get all the details.

P.S. Rolling applications are OPEN!

Fall 2024 Patchwork Show Locations:
🏞Chino Hills 12.1 @theshoppesatchinohills
🌳Redwood City 11.10 @cityofredwoodcity
🌉Oakland 11.16 @jacklondonsq
🏖 Long Beach 11.24 @marinestadium
🏙Tustin 12.8 @oldtowntustin
🏛Sacramento 12.15 @oldsac

@bungalow360 @clairemariejewelry @myhauscollection @arachelistudio @kiyopottery @laruffadesigns @mizujewels @elisamamaofficial @cb.artspot @chocolateandsteel @thedragoncodexbk @ohanasunshine_official @juliawalck @kraftkrusader

That feels uncomfortable to share-but I’m doing

That feels uncomfortable to share-but I’m doing it anyway. Because my discomfort isn’t as important as the possibility that me being real with you could make you feel less alone. That maybe you’d feel like it’s OK not to have it all figured out. So, here goes.

👉 i’ve made things I didn’t love just to pay the bills. There were times I compromised my creativity because rent was due, and it made me feel like a sellout. But I’ve learned that survival isn’t failure-it’s resilience.

👉 I sometimes feel guilty about taking breaks.
Even when I know I need them, I feel like I should always be working. But I’m learning that rest isn’t lazy-It’s necessary.

👉 I didn’t want to take meds for my OCD.
I thought it made me weak. But after becoming a mom, I realized I couldn’t show up for my family without taking care of myself first. Starting meds was hard, but it gave me back the space to live fully.

👉 I’ve launched products and workshops that flopped.
One time, no one signed up for a workshop I spent weeks planning. Another time a line of clothing I designed flopped at a tradeshow. Both times, it stung. Now I see those moments as part of the process-not proof I should’ve quit.

👉 I have psoriasis. Most of the time, I don’t even think about it – until someone’s side-eyes my skin like it’s contagious. Over the years, I’ve learned to own it. It’s part of me, but it doesn’t define me.

👉 I’ve cried in my car after selling nothing at a craft show.
I’ve packed up my booth after zero sales and thought, “Why am I even doing this?” But I keep going, and eventually, I had shows where I sold nearly 5 figures. It’s all part of the journey.

Here’s the thing: being a creative isn’t all wins and inspiration. It’s messy, frustrating, and full of lessons you only learned the hard way.

And that’s why we created CAMP-a safe space for creatives to figure out who they are, where they want to be, and how to get there.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, know this: you’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re building something bigger than the doubts, the rejections, and the hard days.
Comment GOAL to join the waiting list.

Scared to start? Overwhelmed by ALL the things? Fe

Scared to start? Overwhelmed by ALL the things? Feeling stuck because you don’t have it all figured out?

Welcome to Camp—a six-week online mindful goal-getting bootcamp for creatives ready to get out of their own way and start making real progress.

Here’s what you’ll get:
✨ Clarity to set actionable, realistic goals
✨ Accountability with weekly check-ins to keep you on track
✨ Support from a cohort of like-minded creatives who just get it
✨ Guidance to build momentum without the overwhelm

You don’t need a perfect plan or a degree to chase your dreams. You just need the courage to take the first step—and Camp is here to help you do it. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward?

Let’s do it, together. 🏕️

Comment GOAL to join the waiting list for life-changing experience.

Welp! I pretty much said it all in the story... bu

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