When is the next Craftcation?

Craftcation 2020 takes place in Ventura, Ca April 15-19, 2020.

How do I register for Craftcation?

If you’re interested in joining us for a life-changing experience of making, meeting and learning at the beach, click here. To stay in the loop: Join our mailing list or our Facebook event page. 

What is Craftcation?

Craftcation: Business & Maker’s Conference, our annual four day conference at the beach in Ventura, California features expert instructors leading attendees in business and craft workshops as well as social gatherings to connect with fellow attendees and activities and inspiration so you can reconnect with yourself. Previous events garnered extensive press in media including the Wall Street Journal, Sunset Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, the San Francisco Chronicle, Bust Magazine, Forbes, NBC and the OC Weekly. Get a glimpse at previous conferences here.

Is Craftcation the right event for me to attend?

Have you ever thought to yourself…

• I have a great idea for a business but I don’t know how to start.
• I want to turn my passion into my full-time job.
• I have a successful business and I’m ready to take it to the next level but I’m not sure how.
• I want to connect with people in my field but I don’t have the time or opportunity to make it happen.
• I’d love to learn something new and better myself/my business at the same time.
• I want new ideas to make my business more successful and inspire me.
• I love making and want to expand my skills in art and crafts.

If you want to start, maintain or grow your creative business or take a break from your routine and learn something new while networking with fellow makers…then Craftcation Conference is for you!

What if I don’t have a business but just want to hang out and make stuff?

Not everyone who comes to Craftcation has a business. We have lots of attendees who come solely for the DIY workshops and fun. You can fill all four days with hands-on workshops where you’ll bust out more amazing creations that you can imagine. From embroidery to block printing to sewing to painting to weaving + crochet + knitting to leather crafts to art journaling to all sorts of techniques… we’ve got you covered!

What if I don’t currently have a business but have some ideas?

Figuring out where to focus your time and energy is easy when someone who’s been there before is guiding you. Craftcation will help you hone in on your perfect idea and create an action plan for your dream business.

What if I already have a business?

If you’re like us and you’ve been running your creative business for a while you have a whole different set of needs than beginners. You need the next-level mentorship that Craftcation provides so you can play a bigger game, balance your life, battle burnout, create alternative sources of income, be more productive and hone in on exactly what you need to do to make your brand even bigger and more profitable.

What if I’m an introvert and nervous to attend alone?

We know that traveling to and attending an event solo can be sort of scary but it doesn’t have to be! Put your anxieties aside and take a chance by joining us. Lots of attendees come alone and leave having made new friends that become part of their creative community. Time and time again we hear Craftcation attendees tell us how the Craftcation community is unlike that from any other conference because it is so welcoming. There are no cliques at Craftcation. When you walk through the doors, you’re part of the Craftcation family. If you need help connecting, we have your back and will introduce you to your next best friends. We asked Craftcation Alumni about their experiences and advice for attendees (especially those who come alone). Check out their thoughts: one, two, three, four, five, six and seven.

Where does Craftcation take place?

Craftcation takes place in the beach town of Ventura, California (about an hour north of Los Angeles). Most workshops and events are at the Ventura Beach Marriott. Craftcation also utilizes Ventura’s historic downtown buildings and businesses as well as the beach for special events like networking meet & greets, cocktail socials, a pop-up shop, opening celebration, yoga and food and art tours.

What kinds of workshops are offered at Craftcation?

Click here to view past Craftcation workshops and schedules. What we offer varies from year to year but it’s always an awesome mix of hands-on craft and food workshops, creative business panels and lectures as well as community events like dinner, happy hour and our famous dance party!

How did Craftcation Start?

Nothing this great ever came from Los Angeles traffic…while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the 101 on a scouting trip for new Patchwork Show locations, co-founders Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson got talking, not just about Patchwork Show (the modern makers festival they co-produced), but about a need they saw in the independent business community.
“I’ve always wanted to take a little crafty vacation where I can get my craft on and share the things I’ve learned with others.” –Nicole Stevenson
And… Craftcation was born. In 2017 Delilah stepped back from Dear Handmade Life to focus on her deli and market Alta Baja Market in Santa Ana, California. Nicole continues to produce Craftcation Conference alongside an amazing crew of inspiring women.

Where should I stay?

Most workshops and events are at the Ventura Beach Marriott. Head to our registration page for the link to book your discounted room at the Marriott. The hotel offers a restaurant and lounge, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and easy access to the beach. Craftcation also utilizes Ventura’s historic downtown buildings and businesses as well as the beach for special events like networking meet & greets, cocktail socials, a pop-up shop, opening celebration, yoga and food and art tours.

Ventura Beach Marriott 2055 East Harbor Blvd. Ventura, Ca 93001

If the Marriott is sold out, here are some alternative places to stay:
Waypoint Ventura: Vintage trailers near the beach. We’ve never stayed there but it’s cute!
The Pierpont Inn: a two-minute drive from the Marriott. We’ve stayed there before and we liked it’s quaint atmosphere, cottages and manicured grounds. It recently changed ownership and we haven’t been there since but they have great ocean views and a historical vibe.
The Crowne Plaza: It’s a three-minute drive to the Marriott. This was the former home of Craftcation. It’s right on the beach and they have lots of patio seating overlooking the ocean. Walkable to downtown Ventura.
The Best Western: It’s a three-minute drive to the Marriott. This is a great old-school style motor inn that was renovated a few years ago to bring back the retro charm. Walkable to downtown Ventura.

Can I attend for one day only?

We don’t offer one-day tickets. Craftcation is not only about taking workshops but also about building your community and making lasting connections with your fellow makers, bloggers and entrepreneurs which is difficult to do in one day. We want attendees to take advantage of everything Craftcation has to offer.

Can my under 18 child attend Craftcation?

Topics, conversations, crafts and events at Craftcation are all geared towards adults. Having said that, we have had a few under 18 attendees in the past. Please email us to get approval before registering your under 18 child.

When can I register for hands-on workshops?

Most craft workshops have limited space and will require Craftcation attendees to pre-register for them. Craft workshop registration opens on 2.29.20 at 10:00am PT. Craftcation workshops fill up FAST. We highly encourage you to be ready to register for them at 10:00am PT on 2.29.20. Attendees will be emailed info about how to register for craft workshops.

What is included in my registration fee?

• Lunch on Friday
• Dinner on Thursday
• Three full days and two half days of all events and activities Wednesday through Sunday (including workshops, lectures, panels, special events and workshops – craft workshops require pre-registration as space is limited in hands-on workshops). Though the conference technically starts on Thursday, we have pre-conference workshops and gatherings starting in the afternoon on Wednesday.
• The supplies you’ll need for craft workshops are included. You are welcome to bring your own special supplies. Many attendees choose to bring their own fabric for sewing classes to ensure their project fits their style. Some of the hands-on workshops or special events like tours may have an additional supply fee. The business workshops, lectures and panels are walk-in for all Craftcation attendees.
• Access to our private online community for attendees and alums where peers share support and resources
• Entrance to special events like our opening celebration and keynote address, happy hour networking social and dance party
• Networking with fellow makers and craft industry professionals
• Welcome gift bag full of amazing goodies from our sponsors

When does registration close?

Craftcation sells out every year! We encourage you to register as soon as we open registration to make sure you don’t miss out. Click here to register for Craftcation. To stay in the loop: Join our mailing list or our Facebook event page.

How do I get to Ventura?

We highly recommend traveling by train. If you fly into LAX (the most cost-effective nearby airport) you can take the shuttle to Union Station (downtown LA) and then hop on an Amtrak train, which will drop you off five minutes from the hotel. You can also click here for travel directions.

The hotel address is: Ventura Beach Marriott 2055 East Harbor Blvd. Ventura, Ca 93001

By air: LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the most cost-effective nearby airport. It is about 70 miles south of Ventura, but there is no need to rent a car. You can take the flyaway shuttle for $7 from LAX to Union Station, and then hop on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train for about $20. This will drop you off five minutes from the hotel.

If you fly into LAX and don’t want to rent a car or deal with taking the shuttle and the train another option is to take the Roadrunner shuttle from LAX to Ventura.

Burbank “Bob Hope” Airport is a little more expensive to fly into and is slightly closer. There is also no need to take a shuttle from the airport to the train. Burbank Airport is a stop on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train route.

By train: We highly recommend traveling by train if you haven’t noticed! Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train runs from San Diego through Los Angeles, and continues north. The Amtrak stop in Ventura is only five minutes from the hotel. The trains also have wi-fi for internet access while you travel! Ditch your car and take the train for the green, hassle-free choice, and immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the ocean on your trip. (Most trains have bike racks too!)

By car: Ventura is right off the 101 freeway, follow it and exit on Seward Ave and take it to East Harbor.

How do I get around town in Ventura?

Downtown Ventura which features tons of restaurants, bars and shops is a three minute drive from the hotel. If you don’t have a car you can rent a bike at the hotel or take a taxi or Uber. We also encourage ride sharing among attendees.

What should I do during my free time?

Although we have a full schedule of events for all days of Craftcation, if you find yourself with some extra time don’t worry! Your event program will have a list of awesome places for you to check out. Did we mention the awesome thrift stores Ventura is famous for? Of course, there’s always the beach, just a few minutes from the hotel and the hotel pool. You can also hop on the Downtown Trolley! It provides FREE rides back and forth from downtown to the Harbor.

I’m on a budget. How should I plan my trip?

Don’t fret. We know how important it is to make your money last when you’re a maker or creative entrepreneur. We even did a post with tips for making the most of your money and another post on how to prepare for a conference! We encourage carpooling and room sharing. Once you register, you’ll be invited to our private attendee and alumni online community where you can connect with fellow Craftcation attendees about sharing rooms or rides.

What should I bring?

Anything you need for a weekend of business & craft workshops and fun. Be sure to check our post on how to prepare for a conference which has a packing list download! Here are some suggestions…

Clothing: Comfy clothes for hanging out, walking shoes, bathing suit & nighttime attire. Bring clothes that make you comfy and happy. We encourage attire for our Saturday night dance party that fits the theme, BUT costumes are not required! Relax and feel free to wear a muumuu or your pajamas if you want!

Business tools: Business cards, samples of what you make, your laptop, journal, notebook, camera, sketchbook or other creative supplies.

Do you accommodate disabled persons?

Yes, we make it a priority to ensure the comfort and access of all attendees. Please contact us if you have special needs for the event.

Oh no! I already registered, but found out I can’t make it to the conference. can I get a refund?

Craftcation does not accept cancellations or refunds. If you find out you can’t make it, try posting on our Facebook event page. Once you sell your ticket please email us at hello@dearhandmadelife.com with the name and email address of the person who bought it.

What do past attendees think of Craftcation?

“It was amazing and awesome and the BEST PLANNED event I have ever attended and I have been to quite a few. If they registration for next year now I would not eat the rest of the month so I could sign up. OK, maybe not to that extreme, but you get the picture.”

“We signed up for the conference with some uncertainty, not knowing if we should spend the money, if people would be friendly or social, what the quality of information would be like, but during the first lecture, we couldn’t help but laugh at ourselves for ever having had those thoughts. The efficiency with which everything was carried out, the amazing caliber of lecturers who conveyed their information so professionally, and were friendly and approachable, and the way that Delilah and Nicole made every attendee feel personally welcome and valuable … I have no words for. I eagerly await next year’s Craftcation. It bears repeating that it was PHENOMENAL!! Craftcation lost no momentum as the weekend progressed and I was inspired by the surroundings, people, and information … If you have the opportunity to attend Craftcation next year, don’t miss it!”

“Craftcation ignited a fire in many women who are eager to start or improve their crafty businesses. This event was impressively well organized and executed. It was incredible to be around like minded women. WOW! From the very first moment of being welcomed creativity flowed. Great business classes, sweet craft workshops, and simply meeting other like-minded people was refreshing and inspirational. There was much to be digested, absorbed, and celebrated.”

“I learned SOOOO much in just those few days. Honestly, there was so much to learn, so many amazing presenters, lots of like-minded people to share stories-lives-and passions with … It hardly seems possible that by some magic we all came together for four days.”

“Once again thank you, thank you, thank you for a fantastic conference. I’ve already applied much of what I have learned and cannot wait to see how far I go until it comes around next year!”

“Every single one of you creative folks reading this right now should seriously mark your calendar for next March. I know it sounds like a bossy order, but you can thank me in person at the event next year. Craftcation is honestly one of the most amazing gatherings I have ever attended.”