If the words inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS) make your brain freeze ...→

Hi, I'm Nancy (a.k.a. The YarnyBookkeeper)

A CAREER BOOKKEEPER TURNED HANDMADE BUSINESS OWNER. NOW I HELP CREATIVE BUSINESS OWNERS STOP STRESSING OVER THEIR NUMBERS.

I started my own handmade business thinking, “I’ve got this in the bag–I’ve been a bookkeeper for 30+ years!”

But guess what? Inventory, pricing handmade goods, and navigating taxes as a maker felt wildly different than anything I’d done as a bookkeeper.

There was NO clear roadmap –and I realized if I was struggling, others had to be drowning.

💡Makers didn’t need just another coach or accountant — they needed someone who understood both the messy creative side and the numbers side.

Someone who truly got them.

So I combined my two worlds — and became a bookkeeping coach for handmade, creative, and craft biz owners.

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The Bookkeeping Starter Series – made for makers, crafters & creative biz owners

If this is the year that you’re finally ready to get your handmade business bookkeeping under control,  you’re in the right place.

This 4-part training is designed for makers, crafters, and creative business owners who want simple, step-by-step guidance — without the bookkeeping overwhelm.

Here’s what we’ll cover:
👉 Set up your bookkeeping the right way (even if you’re brand new)
👉 Understand money in & money out (without wanting to cry)
👉 Finally make sense of COGS (aka what it really costs to make your stuff)
💚 Stress-free tax prep (yes, it’s actually possible)

Show Me the Bookkeeping Starter Series Now—> 

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to make your eyes twitch — there’s an easier way.

No matter where you’re starting from, these simple steps will help you get clear about your money, understand what you truly need, and choose a bookkeeping system that actually supports your handmade business.

Start with the step that matches where you are today — and grow from there, one doable win at a time.

Step 1: Get Your Bearings

New here? Start with these beginner-friendly resources so you know know exactly where you stand and what your bookkeeping needs really are.

Step 2: Understand Your Money Flow

Learn the basics of how money moves in your handmade business — so you can make clear, confident decisions without second-guessing yourself.

Step 3: Choose Your Bookkeeping Path

Now that you understand the basics, explore the tools and training that can help you stay organized, confident, and in control of your handmade business finances.

Latest on the YarnyBookkeeper blog....

You love creating beautiful things — yarn, fiber, handmade goodness.
What you don’t love? The bookkeeping, the taxes, and the “wait… is this deductible?” moments.

This blog is your maker-friendly hub for bookkeeping, pricing, taxes, and all things handmade business money — explained in plain English, with a sprinkling of humor to keep things from feeling too… accountant-y.

Here, you’ll learn simple ways to understand your numbers, make confident decisions, and spend more time doing what you love (and a whole lot less time stressing over finances).

Bookkeeping for Makers (Without the Overwhelm) Pricing, COGS & Inventory

What is Inventory? (And Why It Matters) for Handmade Businesses

Inventory is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a handmade business — and it directly affects your expenses, pricing, and taxes. In this post, we’ll break down what inventory actually is, why you can’t deduct materials when you buy them, and which makers truly need to track it. No accounting jargon, no overwhelm — just clear explanations that finally make inventory make sense.
Originally written & published in 2020 – updated in 2026 for clarity.

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You’re not “bad at numbers”.

You’ve just never been taught bookkeeping in a way that actually makes sense for makers.

But nobody warned you about…
• the “is this deductible?” panic
• the 47 different places money flows in and out
• the COGS puzzle that somehow makes less sense the more you stare at it
• and why pricing suddenly feels like calculus

The Bookkeeping: The Secret Sauce eBook isn’t a fluffy 5-page freebie — it’s the real guidance you’ve been missing.
It will shift how you think about your handmade business, challenge a few myths, and finally give you the bookkeeping clarity most coaches never mention.

Give me the Secret SauceTell me more

Proof that you can get your bookkeeping under control — without losing your mind.

Real stories from real handmade business owners.

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!!!"

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.

Kathy FraserOwner and CEO of Two Dogs and a Kat Tales

I loved participating in the YarnyBookkeeper’s Handmade Business Bookkeeping 101 Challenge! It was so immensely helpful for me and showed me the pieces of my bookkeeping that I need to get a better handle on.

She is such a great teacher! Her willingness to familiarize herself with the Canadian tax form went above and beyond. I truly appreciate her doing that given that her expertise is American bookkeeping. I would highly recommend taking this challenge. I have for the past two years and have come away learning more each time.

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.

Mike MOwner

I was very happy to find your website recently. Finally found bookkeeping info that is tailored to my business instead of being overly vague.

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. :)