How I Can Help

Whether you’re brand new to bookkeeping or already knee-deep in the mess, you’ll find practical help here. Start with the step that fits where you are now — and build from there one doable step at a time.

I'm New To This

Start with the basics of bookkeeping for a handmade business so you can stop guessing what to track, where things go, and what you actually need to pay attention to.

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I Need Practical Help

Got a bookkeeping question or something that just isn’t making sense? Find plain-English help with expenses, inventory, cost of goods sold, pricing, reports, and the other money stuff that comes with running a handmade business.

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I Want Tools That Make This Easier

Sometimes you don’t need another explanation — you need something that helps you actually do the thing. Find calculators, worksheets, spreadsheets, and other practical tools to help you track your numbers and understand what they’re telling you.

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You’re in the right place

Hi, I'm Nancy Smyth, The YarnyBookkeeper

I’m Nancy — a career bookkeeper, small business owner, and maker. I know the accounting rules, but I also know that running a handmade business doesn’t happen inside an accounting textbook.

That’s why I focus on what you actually need to know to handle the situation in front of you. No giant accounting lecture. I’ll explain what to do, why it matters, and how it fits into the way your handmade business really works.

Because bookkeeping isn’t just about keeping records or getting ready for taxes. It should help you understand what’s happening with your money so you can make better decisions about pricing, spending, inventory, and the business you’re trying to build.

MORE ABOUT ME

A Spreadsheet Bookkeeping System Built for Handmade Businesses

The 10-Minute Bookkeeper gives you a simple way to keep up with your bookkeeping without turning it into another giant job on your to-do list.

Track your income, expenses, inventory, and cost of goods sold in one system designed specifically for handmade businesses — then use the built-in reports to see what’s happening with your money and what your numbers are telling you.

No complicated accounting software. No accounting degree required. Just a practical bookkeeping system you can actually use and understand.

Explore the 10-Minute Bookkeeper

Selling more isn’t the same as keeping more.

Your bookkeeping helps you see the difference — and figure out what’s actually happening with the money you’re already making.

Latest Bookkeeping Help for Makers

Bookkeeping questions usually pop up when you’re trying to figure out something specific — where an expense goes, how inventory works, what your numbers mean, or whether you’re doing any of this right. Start with the latest practical, plain-English bookkeeping help for handmade business owners.

Or read this post Handmade Business Bookkeeping: A Plain-English Guide for Makers

Handmade business bookkeeping graphic with yarn, notebook, calculator, coffee, and checklist for tracking sales, expenses, materials, inventory, sales tax, and profit.
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Ready for more than random Google advice?

Generic bookkeeping advice isn’t always wrong — it just doesn’t always go far enough for a handmade business.

If you need a simple place to start, the free Bookkeeping Journal gives you a practical routine for what to do each day, week, month, quarter, and at year-end — so you’re not constantly wondering what you’re supposed to be doing.

Or, if you’re stuck on something specific, get practical, plain-English bookkeeping help that fits the way a handmade business actually works.

Get the Free Bookkeeping JournalGet Bookkeeping Help

What handmade business owners are saying

Real handmade business owners who wanted the money side of their businesses to make more sense — in their own words.

It’s all tailored towards a handmade business!Courtney Whitehead - Creations by Courtney

I love Nancy! She is so knowledgeable! And it’s all tailored towards a handmade business. If you have ever attempted to research bookkeeping, it’s more general or for other industries. The fiber and handmade business has a lot more small parts to account for, and Nancy is always offering relevant information. Because I keep up with her blog posts, I am actually tracking my crochet business expenses monthly, if not biweekly. I feel that I have a much better understanding of what’s coming and going, as well as an overview of the year so far.

AnonymousHandmade Business Owner

Before starting the Handmade Business Starter Series, I felt absolutely lost. I was worried about the trajectory of our business and that our finances weren't being recorded well enough. After finishing all 4 sessions, though, I feel MUCH more confident in my ability to tackle this and give us a fresh start. :)

My CPA complimented me on my knowledgeLiz Roeth

"This course has given me so much confidence! Not only do I have the bookkeeping for my handmade business under control!! We also bought another business and met with the new CPA, I asked her several questions about the small business stuff. She complimented me on my knowledge (my husband and mother-in-law both dropped their jaws) all things I learned from your webinar. GO NANCY!!!"

Beverly BlaylockHeirloom Fiber Arts Studio

I have a tiny space on my wall with post-it notes (for expense categories) because Nancy says it helps. It does! I never thought that post-it notes could build the foundation to success. News Flash!!! They absolutely do. Thank you, Nancy, for believing, seeing and understanding, for being transparent. I'm not afraid anymore.