Kate Payne is a food and preservation educator, creative writing instructor, former grant writer, after-hours poet, occasional painter, big-time procrastinator, tea, toast, and jam obsessed Austinite; and former Brooklynite.The creator of the Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking website and two books, she is an expert on practical cooking and preserving, fermentation, thrift stores, flea markets, and Craigslist, and a frequent consultant for design, decorating, cooking, and crafting sites. Find out about booking Kate as a speaker.
What readers and fans are saying:

Kate’s classes make me brave. I’ve got the books but not growing up around canning or fermenting, I’m just unsure. Once I see it done, I’m ready to go!
— Cynthia from Austin, TX

More MacGyver than Martha, Kate makes frugality both rewarding and empowering. Living well with less is something to be proud of!
— Autumn from Brooklyn, NY

It’s totally Kate’s “fault” I got into this! I always thought canning was so daunting, plus I couldn’t imagine how much fruit / veggies I’d have to buy to make anything. As a full-time working mother of 2, my time and money are hard to come by, so small-batch canning is right up my alley! Thanks, Kate!
— Jannine from Bainbridge Island, WA

Kate’s book and blog have absolutely changed my home–and more importantly my attitude towards it. Her suggestions and ideas have inspired me to make my house into a home I love to be in.
— Jenn from Pasadena, CA