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The reality of being a creative business owner from Dear Handmade Life

The reality of being a creative business owner from Dear Handmade Life

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Every Halloween, I get swept into the tradition of

Every Halloween, I get swept into the tradition of making Luca’s costume. And every year, I tell myself I’ll document the whole thing and post it. But, as usual, Halloween flies by, life takes over, and by November 1st, I’m like, “Who’s even looking for a DIY costume tutorial now?”

But this year? I finally pulled it off—just under the wire! Luca decided he wanted to be a cheeseburger, so I whipped up a costume featuring a dollar store container dressed up as a “fry box” (thank you, washi tape and cardboard fries) and a headband with a decoupaged to-go cup for his hat. And, of course, I had to jump in with my own carhop get-up, thanks to a yard of white fabric, some lace, and a dress from my “maybe I’ll fit into it someday” pile.

Here’s the takeaway: we all have those projects we swear we’ll get to, but life has other plans. The good news? There’s no “perfect” time for any of it. Whenever you finally pull it off, that’s the right time. So keep those projects on your radar, cut yourself some slack, and remember—it all comes together eventually.

#diy #diycostume #diykidcostume #makittogether #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram

Today is the day! It’s our FIRST show of the spr

Today is the day! It’s our FIRST show of the spring @thepatchworkshow season!

🛍☀️Shop handmade and local goods from nearly 50 makers and get crafty with free DIY activities 🎨 at Patchwork Show 🌳 Chino Hills @theshoppesatchinohills 10.27 TODAY from 11am-5pm.

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

For details: @thepatchworkshow

#giftshopping #shopsmall #shoplocal #chinohills #chino

I’m counting down the days until we reunite with

I’m counting down the days until we reunite with our Craftcation family—those of us who can’t resist collecting art and craft supplies like blank notebooks, pens, fabric, magazines, and yarn. Cheers to all the kindred spirits who see possibilities in every stitch, page, and sketch!

🌊🏖️ Join us for Craftcation 2025 (April 23-27) in beautiful Ventura, CA!

🎟️ Key info: • Early bird registration is live—limited tickets! • We’ve sold out 12 years in a row. 🏅 • Payment plans available to make it easier to say YES! 💸🗓️

Spend 5 inspiring days with us, diving into 200+ craft workshops, business sessions, and wellness activities—all with the beach as your backdrop. Secure your spot via the link in our bio 🔗.

🤗 I can’t wait to welcome you home to Craftcation! Have questions? Slide into my DMs!

#craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #explorepage #craftcation #craftretreat

Fellow “failures,” let’s band together! Shar

Fellow “failures,” let’s band together! Share a failure below and what you learned from it.

Still figuring it out? I’ll help you see it differently.

Need help navigating the rough patches? That’s why I’m here!

Get support in The Club:
✨ Our members-only community for creative small business owners offers practical skills, goal-setting, mindset shifts, and accountability. Enrollment opens a few times a year—join the waitlist via the link in bio.

Find community & creativity at Craftcation:
🌴 A life-changing conference at the beach (April 23-27 in Ventura, CA) with 200+ craft and business classes. 🎟️ Early bird tickets available—limited spots!

#smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #makersgonnamake #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #smallbizowner #dhltheclub

Join us in 🌳 Chino Hills @theshoppesatchinohill

Join us in 🌳 Chino Hills @theshoppesatchinohills for THE FIRST @thepatchworkshow of the season on October 27th & shop local from nearly 50 talented makers! 🛍️ Great eats from local restaurants 🍔🍕🌮 and 🧵🎨 free craft activities.

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

P.S. Rolling applications are OPEN!

#shoplocal #shopsmall #shopping #openairfestival #craftshow #makersmarket #chinohills #inlandempire #events #supportlocalartists #craftingcommunity #supporthandmade #giftideas

I spent over a decade as a craft fair vendor, and

I spent over a decade as a craft fair vendor, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. I’ve had shows where I sold nothing, and others where I almost hit five figures. Some shows made me feel seen, while others treated vendors like space fillers.

But despite the lows (and the occasional breakdown under the table), craft fairs are where some of my biggest business moments happened. There’s something powerful about a bunch of creatives, each at different stages, sharing their work with the world, hoping it finds the right home.

That magic moment when someone picks up your art and says, “I get it”—that’s why I’ll always love craft fairs.

Huge shoutout to every @thepatchworkshow vendor—we see the heart and hustle you bring.

Want to join us? Applications are open!

🌳 Chino Hills 10.27 & 12.1
☀️ Ventura 11.3
🌲 Redwood City 11.10
🌉 Oakland 11.16
🏖 Long Beach 11.24
🌆 Tustin 12.8
🏢 Sacramento 12.15

Apply early, spots fill fast!

##westcoastmakers #westcoastcrafty #creativeprenuer #craftbusinessowner #calledtobecreative

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