“How do you do all of that stuff?” This is a question I get asked often by people who know me, as well as by people I meet who find out I’m juggling two businesses, a blog, writing a book, freelancing and a home life. My standard response has always been, “I don’t know, I […]
how to make image transfer gift tags + sizzix giveaway
Just so you know: Dear Handmade Life received products from Sizzix that we mentioned in this post. However, we only write about and recommend products that we use personally and believe are awesome! You know how there are certain events that mark the start of summer every year—regardless of what the calendar says? For […]
are you ready to hire a rep for your creative handmade business
“Where’s the rest of your line?” The woman asked as she pulled my shirts out of a Trader Joe’s paper sack. “My line?” I had no idea what a line was and at that point I didn’t know enough to pretend that I did. That woman was interviewing me to see if she wanted to […]
diy washi tape and image transfer candles
Just so you know: Dear Handmade Life received products from Scotch that we mentioned in this post. However, we only write about and recommend products that we use personally and believe are awesome! When I was 24 I lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Hollywood with five other girls. My friend Paige and I took […]
how to make a quotable applique tote
If your 2014 New Year’s resolution is to craft more and tote around a super cute tote bag, you’re in luck! While I personally don’t make firm resolutions (I can never seem to keep them any longer than the time it takes for someone to offer me a slice of cake), I can totally get […]
how to make a needle felted mushroom terrarium
The holidays are definitely in full swing at The Makery. Between teaching a series of handmade gift workshops, making and installing studio decor and creating and assembling a new line of studio craft kits, I have been putting in some seriously long hours at work. But as much as I have on my plate, I […]
diy craft tutorial: how to make an recycled stuffed animal from a sweater
*Editor’s note: Can we just tell you how much we love Lisa Rios… She is a beacon of crafty and entrepreneurial inspiration and she emanates positivity and authenticity. You may know her from her last Dear Handmade Life tutorial on how to make DIY Halloween bat garland, her line of handmade flasks for awesome people […]
How to make diy halloween bat garland
My first apartment was a typical first apartment. The parking situation was impossible and cars were broken into or towed away on an almost daily basis, not to mention horrible storage and little critters that popped up in cupboards and in the laundry room. But when a holiday came around- it didn’t matter which one- […]
how to make paper flowers with courtney cerruti
you know that fine balance between your personal life and your business? the past two weeks mine has been completely off. a few days ago i woke up at 4am and my brain was going a million miles a minute. my old therapist called that state of anxious unrestful thinking monkey mind. thoughts were skipping […]