When my best friend told me she was pregnant, I had three urgent questions for her. How are you feeling? When’s the due date? Can I start planning your baby shower now? You see, she’s not just pregnant; she’s pregnant with my nephew. And everyone knows I love a good party. When she found out […]
DIY Watercolor Journals
I’m always on the lookout for a good quick and dirty DIY, and this project is all that plus it’s pretty to look at and useful. So whether you make this now or pin it to your “holiday gifts to make” Pinterest board, you’ll love the process and your finished project – promise! -Lisa Rios […]
How to make a Cat Coaster
When I was a kid, my family was very much a dog family. We’ve had several dogs throughout the years and I have developed a profound affection for their playful, super friendly and loyal nature. Once, when I was in high school, a friend found a kitten inside of a dumpster and brought him over […]
How to Make DIY washi tape wooden gift tags
I never considered myself much of a paper crafter until recently. I have made exactly one scrapbook… over 10 years ago. All of that changed when washi tape hit the scene several years ago. If you aren’t familiar with washi tape, it is a decorative paper tape with low tack adhesive that is easy to […]
How to Make DIY Fall Paper Flower Pumpkin Decor
As self-employed makers, my husband and I rarely get a chance to slow down and really enjoy the holidays. Starting in about the second week of November our online orders start rolling in and before we know it, it’s the evening before Christmas eve and we’re both driving around to finally start our holiday shopping […]
How to Make a DIY Felted Pumpkin
I literally had to force myself to wait until after Labor Day weekend to start sharing fall crafts with you. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but I want to bury myself in all things wool and cozy and pumpkin. Even when it’s 90 degrees outside. I hope that this […]
How to Make a DIY Air Plant Terrarium
I’m going to be honest here. Sometimes I just need simple and fast DIY gratification. There’s something therapeutic about starting and actually completing a project in one short sitting. And it really doesn’t get simpler (or faster) than this project. Seriously guys, it’s only three simple steps and can be completed in just a couple […]
25 Ways to recharge creativity + motivation + combat feeling overwhelmed
“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 […]