craftcation 2022 - attendee news
WE'RE BACK, BABY!!!!
Hi! Welcome Craftcation 2022 Attendees! Y’all I am beyond thrilled, stoked, out-of-my-mind excited to be back with you in April of 2022.
If we haven’t met before, allow myself to introduce myself. I’m Katie Mac – the Director of Marketing, Community and Online Operations here at Dear Handmade Life- and I’ll be your point person from now until (and through) the conference. I’m based in Atlanta (Go Braves!) and am generally working from 9am – 6pm (ET) Mon – Fri with limited access to emails on the weekends. I strive to respond to emails within 24 hours so I appreciate your patience in advance.
This is your Attendee News page – the information epi-center for all things Craftcation. Please bookmark it for easy access to information, updates and announcements. While the information on this page is scarce right now, never fear – I will be updating it as new details are made available. You’ll be the first to know! And of course, I’ll also be sending emails as well so that nothing gets forgotten. (You were automatically registered to receive those as part of the registration process.)
If I can answer any questions or be of help in any way, please feel free to email me directly – katiemac@dearhandmadelife.com.
EXCLUSIVE COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS FOR CRAFTCATION ATTENDEES
Click the logo to be directed to the company’s website.
Save $10 on your order of $75 or more with coupon code CRAFTCATION22. Offer valid April 1st, 2022 through May 31st, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST. 1 use per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must enter code in the coupon section at checkout to redeem. Cannot be applied to bulk, wholesale, or special orders.
Brigitta Dau is offering 25% off life coaching (in person or over Skype), when you mention Craftcation in your email to set up a session. Email her here to learn more.
Create Arts Online is offering 10% off your first course with code Create10
Creativebug is offering a FREE 60 day trial!
constant contact is offering 50% off Core and Plus plans with the promo code: 22NSCC50.
Visit ShirtSpace.com & get $5 off your order of $100 or more with code CRAFTY (You will need to create a Shirtspace account to use this coupon.) Offer valid: 4/5/2022 through 8/31/2022. One use per customer.
Spoonflower is a global marketplace offering custom, print-on-demand wallpaper, home decor and fabric. Craftcation attendees can enjoy 20% off sitewide with exclusive discount code 20SPOONFLOWER. Promotion of 20% off fabric, wallpaper and home decor is valid through 11:59 ET on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Promo is not valid on any other products or services, including PRO membership renewals. Promo offer can be combined with the 10% Everyday Designer Discount, but cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. Previous purchases are not eligible for adjustments. This offer is valid at Spoonflower.com only.
Victoria Ann Meyers is offering 15% off your first order with code: CRAFTCATION22.
The safety of our community is,
and will continue to be, our first and top priority.
We are working with a nurse who creates classroom protocols for the CA school system to create the safest COVID protocols for everyone possible. Due to the unpredictability of this pandemic, this protocol could change before Craftcation begins on April 6, 2022.
Ventura County has removed the mandatory mask mandate and we have adjusted our policy to reflect that as well as the updated Marriott policy. Please see below.
As of March 31, 2022, the Craftcation COVID protocol is as follows:
Attendees must provide ONE of the following upon arrival:
- Proof of up-to-date vaccination (digital or photocopy will be accepted)
TIP: California residents can use this link to access a digital version of your vaccination card that includes: DOB, all vaccination dates and a QR code - https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
- One of the following negative tests:
- A negative PCR test taken no more than four (4) days before you arrive at Craftcation
- OR two (2) negative antigen tests taken 24-36 hours apart with the second test taken no more than three days before you arrive at Craftcation. PLEASE NOTE: If you’ve recently had COVID (up to the past 3 months), it’s possible you could get a positive PCR test even though you are not infectious. If your PCR test is positive and you recently had COVID, please let us know so we can review your case. Alternatively you can use the antigen test option which should not be positive for your past COVID.
Even if you’re vaccinated, we encourage you to test before you come as even vaccinated people can transmit Covid with no symptoms. If you are vaccinated, you don’t need to show us your test. Please consider testing on the honor system.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Masks are required for all non-vaccinated individuals and optional for vaccinated people in all common areas of the hotel (this is NOT our policy, this is the Marriott policy and we can’t change this). This will be enforced on the honor system.
- Per the Ventura County Policy: all individuals (including vaccinated people) are strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors where social distancing is not possible. This means that while masks are not required for vaccinated individuals, we will strongly encourage everyone to wear masks while in classes where you are not able to be six feet away from the person next to you.
- Masks are optional in all outdoor events.
- N95s, two or more layers of cloth and surgical masks are preferred. Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth. Due to recommendations from health authorities, masks with openings at the bottom, bandanas, masks with valves, holes or mesh and neck gaiters will not be permitted.
- If you are a high-risk individual we strongly encourage you to wear an N-95 mask at all times as that (as well as vaccination) is your best protection against Covid. You can also choose to sit next to other masked people and distance yourself as much as possible.
- We will increase the ventilation by opening conference rooms doors whenever possible.
We also urge you to be extra cautious about your activities and interactions with others the week before you arrive at Craftcation. This is not required but we ask that you do whatever you can in good faith, keeping in mind that what could be mild symptoms for you could be life-threatening to others. Let’s take care of each other!
Each person in attendance is accepting the risk involved with traveling and gathering in large groups. Neither Dear Handmade Life nor Craftcation Conference will be held liable for any exposure to COVID-19 and its various strains. If you are uncomfortable with this protocol and wish to rollover your registration to 2023, please email katie mac to make this change.
If you have questions about this protocol, please email Nicole.
In the event you have an exposure and need to isolate, or you test positive within the days before you are due to arrive at Craftcation, please let us know. We are happy to rollover your registration to our 2023 conference.
NOTE: All Craftcation staff and crew are required to adhere to this protocol as well.
Have a question that we haven’t answered? Let us know! We are here to help!
We are also available in the exclusive Craftcation Alumni Facebook Group to answer any questions you have about the conference, safety protocols, workshops and more.
*Facebook group is for currently registered or former Craftcation attendees only.
These are some of our favorite places to visit in Ventura. Some are even offering discounts and specials for Craftcation attendees. Click a category in the list below for more info.
IN-N-OUT
2070 Harbor Blvd.
A favorite take out spot for Californians and right
across the street from the Marriott!
SOCIAL TAP
1105 S Seaward Ave
Upscale American grub-like burgers, chili &
wings, plus craft beer & happy hour in a vibrant space.
LUCKY THAI CUISINE
1141 S Seaward Ave
Dine-in, takeout, or delivery
DUKE’S GRIDDLE ‘N GRILL 1124 S Seaward Ave
Breakfast, burgers & seafood
supplied in a laid-back, surf-themed place with a full bar & a patio.
SPASSO CUCINA ITALIANA
1140 S Seaward Ave
Homey Italian eatery offering
classic pizzas & pasta dishes, plus a bar & patio seating
SURF N’ YOGURT
1038 S Seaward Ave
Adorable little neighborhood self-service yogurt shack.
JOLLY OYSTER
911 San Pedro Street
Wonderful little blue trailer serving the freshest
oysters in town. Next to the Marriott in the state park beach.
RUMFISH Y VINO
34 N. Palm Street
Buzzy gastropub featuring Central American plates and inventive cocktails.
FLUID STATE BEER GARDEN
692 E. Main Street
Craft beer bar and artisanal pizzeria. You will not be disappointed by the mushroom slices!
PALERMO COFFEE
321 E. Main Street
Urban gift/coffee shop with locally roasted brews, gelato, and other treats.
BEACH HOUSE TACOS/FISH
668 Harbor Blvd
Taco stand on the pier. Great breakfast tacos.
BARRELHOUSE 101
545 E. Thompson Blvd
Gastropub with lots of beers on tap and a lively atmosphere.
10% off in house by showing your badge
SPENCER MACKENZIES
806 E. Thompson Blvd
This super casual neighborhood seafood place is our personal favorite; we must eat here every time we are in Ventura!
RICE THAI CUISINE
387 E. Main Street
Soju cocktails, teas, and thai favorites.
CAFE NOUVEAU
1497 E Thompson Blvd
Our #1 FAVORITE breakfast spot in town! High-end restaurant for Californian cuisine offers a plant-filled patio.
VENTIKI
701 E. Main Street
Great tiki bar with small plates and strong drinks; get the zombie!
PARADISE PANTRY
222 E. Main Street
Thoughtful soups and sandwiches, cheese plates and more – all using artisan products + a wine and cheese shop next door.
TOPA TOPA BREWERY CO
104 E Thompson Blvd
16 rotating taps of hand-crafted beers
VENTURA COAST BREW CO
76 S Oak Street
Promoting hand-crafted beer culture by focusing on high quality approachable beer styles and experimental ingredients
LEASHLESS BREWING
585 E Thompson
Certified organic, artisanal independent craft brewery making the world a better place, one glass of organic beer at a time.
CALICO CAT BOOKSHOP
495 E. Main Street
Vintage and rare bookshop.
B ON MAIN
446 E. Main Street
Beachy, shabby-chic gift store.
GOLDIE’S ON MAIN
210 E. Main Street
Cute clothing boutique.
COPPERFIELDS GIFTS + RARITIES
242 E. Main Street
Great gift store, candles and unique paper goods.
SUPERBUZZY
1794 E. Main Street
Amazing fabric store specializing in textiles and craft products from Japan.
SPICE-TOPIA
576 E. Main Street
Spices, teas, chocolate, and sauces for every dish and drink you can dream up.
OLIVE VENTURA
294 E. Main Street
Premier California extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, gourmet foods, and small production wines.
15% off in store with badge
FINDINGS MARKET
27 S. Oak Street
A pop-up experience that supports and features local creatives.
10% off in store with code FMcraftcation
THE REFILL SHOPPE
363 E. Main Street
Eco-conscious refill shop for home and bodycare. Great if you need toiletries!
Use code CRAFTCATION for 15% off in store and online
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
100 E. Main Street
Learn about the history, art, and culture of Ventura County, including information on the Chumash people or “First People” in this area.
Free admission in 2022
MAKE VENTURA
420 E. Santa Clara Street
Shared tool and maker space.
SAN BUENAVENTURA MISSION
211 E. Main Street
Beautiful historic landmark.
FARMERS MARKETS:
Downtown: Corner of Santa Clara & Palm Streets – Saturdays – 8:30am-12noon
Midtown: Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot 3301 N. Main St. – Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm
TRAVELING TO VENTURA
Ventura Beach Marriott
2055 East Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
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 in 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.
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 about $10 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.
LOOKING TO STAY ON-SITE AT THE BEAUTIFUL VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT?
Ventura Beach Marriott — 2055 East Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001
The hotel offers a restaurant and lounge, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and easy access to the beach.
***NOTE: Discounted rooms at the Marriott are SOLD OUT. You can reserve a room at the regular hotel rate or explore some other locations in the area (see below).
ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS:
- Waypoint Ventura: Vintage trailers near the beach. We’ve never stayed there but it’s SO cute!
- The Pierpont Inn: a two-minute drive from the Marriott. We’ve stayed there before and we liked its 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: Also 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 a la Schitt’s Creek. Walkable to downtown Ventura!
The full conference schedule as a list of presenters, workshops, special events and wellness activities can be found on the Craftcation Event Details page.
It is CRUCIAL that you spend time BEFORE Workshop Registration getting familiar with the schedule, the workshops and even the presenters. You need to be ready to go when the clock strikes 10am PT on February 19, 2022. We are offering over 200+ workshops and activities, however, it is highly likely that you won’t be able to get a spot in EVERY single workshop you are interested in. Have some backup choices for each time block lined up just in case. Be open to new adventures and ideas.
And remember as you create your schedule to make space for downtime, meals, office hours, connecting with each other and enjoying the hotel pool, beach, etc.
Nicole, our CEO and Creative Director, has put together some schedule planning worksheets to help you get organized and prepare for workshop registration. Click the button below to download and get started planning your conference schedule!
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EVENTS
We have set the workshops up to go live at 10am PT on 2.19.22.
- On 2.19.22 at 10am PT, start at the Craftcation Schedule.
- Click Sign Up under the workshop/event for which you want to register. Once you get to Eventbrite page for the workshop, ENTER THE PASSWORD: cc22, and complete the registration process. This password is the same for ALL events and workshops.
- If a workshop/event is sold out, you will be prompted to join the Waiting List. Enter your name and email address. If a seat opens up for you, you will be notified via email. Once you receive the waiting list notification, you MUST CLAIM YOUR SPOT within 24 hours or it will be offered to the next name on the list.
- BREATHE. There’s no panicking at registration! Even if your most coveted workshops are sold out, you still have options. Use the online waiting list, sign up with the in-person waiting list in each classroom, or trade with another attendee.
Nicole and I will be monitoring emails, Facebook messages, texts, carrier pigeons, messenger owls and all other forms of communication throughout the day. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Please make sure your answer is not in this section WORKSHOP REGISTRATION SECTION before contacting us.
Hands-on craft workshops have limited seats and require pre-registration.
Workshop registration opens at 10am PT on February 19, 2022 and closes March 5, 2022. For your best chance at getting into classes you want, be at your computer and ready to register at 10am PT on February 19, 2022. You will register for classes on Eventbrite NOT on the Dear Handmade Life website.
Registration links are password-protected. The password to access these private links will be emailed to all registered attendees on the morning of February 19, 2022 at 10am PT. It will also be posted in our Alumni Facebook Group at that time
WORKSHOPS THAT REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION: HANDS-ON CRAFT WORKSHOPS (including DYEING and SEWING) & BUSINESS THINK TANKS
These events are marked with an asterisk (*) at the beginning of their title on the schedule and you will sign “SIGN UP” under the title. There are limited seats available and attendees must register BEFORE arriving at Craftcation. THESE FILL UP VERY QUICKLY.
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE TO ALL ATTENDEES ON A WALK-IN BASIS: CASUAL CRAFTS, BUSINESS LECTURES AND PANELS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
There WILL NOT be an asterisk (*) at the beginning fo their title on the schedule. This means that all Craftcation attendees can just walk-in and do NOT need to pre-sign up.
Workshops that say ‘Session 1 or Session 2’ in the title are workshops that we are offering more than once. You only need to sign up for/attend ONE session.
Workshops that say ‘Part 1’ or ‘Part 2’ in the title are workshops that have been split into two parts for extra instruction time. You will need to attend BOTH parts to complete the project.
Workshops that require pre-registration are hosted through Eventbrite using password-protected links. The password to access these links will be distributed the morning of February 19, 2022 at 10am PT via email to all registered attendees (using the email you used to register), in the Alumni Facebook Group (be sure to join before February 19, 2022) and on this page.
STEP ONE: Log in to your Eventbrite account. This is the same account you used when you purchased your Craftcation ticket, even if you purchased your registration from another attendee. If you don’t know your login info, you can contact KatieMac@dearhandmadelife.com with your name as it is on your ticket and she can see what email was used when you registered. Then you can reset your password with Eventbrite.
NOTE: This login is for Eventbrite, NOT the Dear Handmade Life website.
STEP TWO: In a separate tab or window, open the schedule page of our website.
STEP THREE: On the schedule, find the workshop you would like to register for and click SIGN UP under the Presenter Name.
STEP FOUR: After clicking SIGN UP, you will be directed to the Eventbrite link for that workshop. Each of these registration links are password protected! Enter the password (COMING FEBRUARY 19, 2022 at 10am PT) and then complete the check-out process. PRO TIP: Keep the password handy as you’ll register for each workshop one at a time – it is the same password for each workshop. This is also why it is important to be logged in to your Eventbrite account so that your information will auto-populate saving you LOADS of time. REPEAT THIS PROCESS FOR ALL WORKSHOPS.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
You can only register one person at a time per workshop.
You do not need to print your tickets as there will be a check in sheet at the workshop.
We know it can be frustrating to not be able to sign up for a workshop that you really wanted to take. Every year we get emails from disappointed attendees who didn’t register for craft workshops right at 10:00am when we open registration and they are upset because the workshop(s) they wanted are sold out. PLEASE BE READY TO REGISTER FOR HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS RIGHT WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS! Please email Katie Mac if you have any issues. Our team will be monitoring the registration process, all emails and the private Facebook group for as long as it takes that morning to help you as much as we can. We are usually flooded with questions and messages so please know that it may take a minute but we promise to get back to you as soon as we can. We’re here to help – please be kind.
We do EVERYTHING we can to accommodate all of you but we are not magicians. Classroom capacity is necessary in order to ensure we have enough supplies and support for every attendee. Plus, in this time of the COVID pandemic, it is more important than ever to limit the amount of people who are in a space together.
The good news is – there are waiting lists for all workshops requiring pre-registration!! Hooray!! Our waiting lists work and we are generally able to accommodate most people on those lists due to cancellations, location changes that allow for a bigger class size, etc. Keep the faith and know that we are working like crazy behind the scenes to do everything we can.
While the price for some supplies are included in your registration fee, some workshops will require an additional supply fee of $5 per workshop. Payment of this fee will be required at the time of workshop pre-registration. In addition to the supplies included with your fee, you’re welcome to bring your own special supplies if you have favorites! Many attendees choose to bring their own fabric for sewing classes to ensure their project fits their style. Additionally, some of the special events like off-campus tours may have an additional fee. However, business workshops, lectures and panels are walk-in events open to all Craftcation attendees and do not require pre-registration or an additional fee.
Are you so excited about Craftcation 2022 that you want to shout it from the rooftops? Well, how about shouting it online instead? We’ve created a ton of images for you to share on social media, in your newsletters, on your blog, on Facebook, wherever you’d like, that tell everyone you’re joining us for 4+ days of creativity, community and learning in Ventura, CA!
