craftcation 2023 - attendee news
Welcome Craftcation 2023 Attendees!
I’m Katie Mac – the COO + Director of Digital 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. This page will be updated regularly so check back often. 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CRAFTCATION 2023, USE THE BUTTONS BELOW!
EXCLUSIVE COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS FOR CRAFTCATION 2023 ATTENDEES
Click the logo to be directed to the company’s website.
Rebecca Inkrote is offering $50 off on her DIY Your Own Website Course at https://bexmarie.com/DIY.
Receive a FREE discovery call and 25% off one-on-one life coaching. To redeem, email brigittadau@yahoo.com and include CRAFTCATION in the subject line.
Save 30% off your first three months with Constant Contact when you join using this link.
Craft Emporium is offering 15% off your first purchase using promo code CRAFTCATION 2023. Offer expires 5.31.23.
Save 10% on your first course using promo code CREATE10 at createartsonline.com.
$10 off your order of $50 or more at Ganxxet.com.
Craftcation attendees and teachers receive 10% off online orders at monstermonster.shop. Use promo code CRAFTCATIONISFORLOVERS. Offer valid through March 1, 2024. Unfortunately this discount does not apply to gift cards, class tickets, original art or Foamy Wader jewelry.
Purchase the CREATE Software for the special price of $59.99 using code: CRAFTCATION at checkout. The CREATE software is an amazing tool to have even if you do not have the Solo Machine. You can create, make and export many file types including SVG’s for other cutting machines. Purchase the StarCraft Solo Machine with a special discount of $50 off. Use code: CCSOLO at checkout. (CREATE software included with machine purchase)
Save $5 off your order of $10 or more at Natterdoodle.com using promo code GIFTIE at checkout.
Save 15% when shopping at OneBigHappy.com with promo code CRAFTCATION23. Offer valid through 12/31/23.
Save 40% off ALL PRINTING!
1. Create a wholesale account on StationeryHQ.com
2. Reply to your confirmation email with Craftcation Attendee.
3. We upgrade your discount!
That’s it! Easy peasy! No hidden fees – discount applies site wide on all orders!
Craftcation attendees and teachers receive 10% off qualified purchases at uglybaby.shop with the promo code CRAFTCATIONISFORLOVERS. Offer valid through March 1, 2024. Unfortunately, discount does not apply to gift cards, custom Shower Art or Foamy Wader jewelry.
WANDERINGS APPLICATIONS:
February 1 – 10, 2023
Decision Emails: February 24, 2023
POP-UP SHOP VENDOR APPLICATIONS:
January 25 – February 10, 2023
Decision Emails: February 15, 2023
WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT:
February 18, 2023 – 10am PT
Closes March 4 at Midnight PT
If you are registered for Craftcation 2023 and not receiving attendee newsletters, please check your SPAM folder. If you still cannot find them, please email Nik so we can get that sorted out for you
Boxed lunch menu and order form is now available. Click here to submit your orders. Pickups will be available daily Wednesday – Saturday at the conference from 12pm – 2pm. Pre-orders must be submitted by Monday, April 3. Orders will not be accepted at the conference.
WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED! You are still able to cancel/request a refund in Eventbrite. Any additions to the waiting lists will need to be added manually when you arrive at Craftcation.
If you have any additional questions that were not answered throughout the entirety of this page, please email either Nik or Katie Mac and we’ll do our best to track down the answers. No social DMs to any of our team members please – it is very tough for us to keep up with important questions when they come from so many places – email is always the best way to contact us.
If you are registered for Craftcation 2023 and not receiving attendee newsletters, please check your SPAM folder. If you still cannot find them, please email Nik so we can get that sorted out for you.
YES! The conference schedule is LIVE! You can review it here on our website. Please keep in mind that it is subject to change. A printable version can be found here – updated 3/2/23. Schedule planning worksheets are now available here.
WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED! It will remain open until March 4, 2023.For more tips and instructions, check out this section below. There is a supply fee of $7 for craft workshops requiring enrollment. The password to access the workshop listings in Eventbrite is cc23.
Wanderings is back, baby! More information on how to host an experience room can be found here!
The open call for vendors is now closed! Notification emails will be sent by February 23.
The Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort has offered us rooms at their property and are willing to honor our $190/night rate. They are located at 1050 Schooner Drive – Ventura, CA 93001, approximately 2 miles and a 5 min drive from the Marriott. Please note: There is no shuttle service available between the properties. If you are interested in one of these rooms, fill out this form so that we can let the Four Points know how many rooms are still required to meet the needs of our community.
Pre-order your Craftcation T-Shirt & Enamel Pin – Pre-orders are back open for tees and enamel pin sets. You can still snag yours now even if you’ve already gotten your ticket to Craftcation! Just head over to Eventbrite here. Orders will be available for pick up when you arrive at the conference.
Boxed lunches WILL be available for purchase again this year. We will let you know when the order form and menu are live!
If you have any additional questions that were not answered throughout the entirety of this page, please email either Nik or Katie Mac and we’ll do our best to track down the answers. No social DMs to any of our team members please – it is very tough for us to keep up with important questions when they come from so many places – email is always the best way to contact us.
Upon registering to the event, you are added to the Attendee Newsletter mailing list. In case you missed them, here is a list of the newsletters that have been sent so far. If you aren’t receiving these email notifications, email us so we can get this issue sorted.
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.
ALL ROOMS AT THE MARRIOTT ARE sold out.
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!
BY AIR: LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the most cost-effective nearby airport. It is about 70 miles south of Ventura. Burbank “Bob Hope” Airport is a little more expensive to fly into but is slightly closer to the Ventura area.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll need to arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
– Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train from Union Station in Los Angeles (get there quick with the flyaway shuttle from LAX), or catch it directly from the Burbank airport.
– Roadrunner shuttle from LAX to Ventura.
BY TRAIN: If you are local to California, we highly recommend traveling by train! 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.
BY CAR: Take the 101 Freeway to Seward Avenue.
Full conference schedule is now available! Click here to browse our 2023 schedule!
For a list of workshops and presenters, head to our Craftcation 2023 Event Details Page.
A printable version of the schedule is available here!
You need to be ready to go when the clock strikes 10am PT on February 18, 2023. The best way to do that is to spend time BEFORE workshop enrollment opens getting familiar with the schedule, the workshops and the presenters. We are offering over 200+ workshops and activities, however, it is very likely that you won’t be able to get a spot in EVERY single workshop you are interested in. Use these worksheets to call out your preferred workshops and some backup choices for each time block. Be open to new adventures and opportunities!
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!
We have set the workshops up to go live at 10am PT on February 18, 2023.
The password to access these pages is cc23.
PLEASE NOTE: Workshops that require enrollment are hosted through Eventbrite. Be sure you are logged in to your Eventbrite account before registration opens at 10am PT on February 18. We also suggest you visit the account settings section to review any payment information previously used on your account. (Unfortunately, Eventbrite does not allow you to edit or add new payment information until you in the check-out process.)
- Begin by opening the Craftcation Schedule.
- Click Sign Up under the workshop/event for which you want to register. You will be redirected to enrollment page on Eventbrite for that workshop.
- Enter the password: cc23. 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.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE. There’s no panicking at Craftcation! 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.
If you need assistance, we will be monitoring emails all day. No social DMs to any of our team members please – it is very tough for us to keep up with important questions when they come from so many places – email is always the best way to contact us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if the answer to your question is not answered anywhere on this page.
Some of our workshops have limited availability and require enrollment prior to your arrival at Craftcation.
Please read through this section for more information!
No social DMs to any of our team members please! – it is very tough for us to keep up with important questions when they come from so many places – email is always the best way to contact us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if the answer to your question is not answered anywhere on this page.
Workshops that require enrollment are hosted through Eventbrite and require a password to enroll. The password to access these event pages is cc23.
Begin by opening the Craftcation Schedule. Workshops that require enrollment will be noted with an asterisk (*) in their title. (For more information about workshop types, see the section below.) Click Sign Up under the workshop/event for which you want to register. You will be redirected to the enrollment page on Eventbrite for that workshop.
Once you arrive at the event page on Eventbrite, enter the password: cc23. This password is the same for all events and workshops that require enrollment.
If a workshop/event is sold out, you will be prompted to join the Waiting List. Enter your name and email address. NOTE: Eventbrite does not send confirmation emails when you join a waitlist. However, 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.
In the event you would like to swap a workshop with another attendee, follow these instructions.
WORKSHOPS THAT REQUIRE ENROLLMENT:
HANDS-ON CRAFT WORKSHOPS (including DYEING and SEWING) & BUSINESS THINK TANKS
On the conference schedule, these workshops are marked with an asterisk (*) at the beginning of their title. Once the links to enroll are ready, we will also add “SIGN UP” under the workshop on the conference schedule.
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE TO ALL ATTENDEES ON A WALK-IN BASIS:
CASUAL CRAFT WORKSHOPS, BUSINESS LECTURES AND PANELS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
On the conference schedule, there WILL NOT be an asterisk (*) at the beginning of their workshop titles. This means that all registered attendees can just walk-in and do NOT need to enroll in advance.
Think of these like movie times at a theater: the same movie plays all day long and we just choose the one that works best for our schedule. Same here! 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.
While the price for some supplies is included in your registration, some workshops do require a small additional supply fee. Supply fees will be $7 per workshop. Payment of this fee will be required at the time of workshop enrollment (more information in the section above). Additionally, some of the special events like off-campus tours may have an additional fee. Casual crafts, business lectures and panels are walk-in events open to all Craftcation attendees and do not require enrollment or an additional fee.
WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EVENTS
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 enrollment 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 enrollment 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.
Are you so excited about Craftcation 2023 that you want to shout it from the rooftops? Well, how about shouting it online instead? We’ve created a ton of images, and even some videos for Instagram reels, for you to share on social media, in your newsletters, on your blog, on Facebook, wherever you’d like. Let everyone know you’re joining us for 4+ days of creativity, community and learning in Ventura, CA!
While planning your trip to Craftcation, we encourage you to schedule time to visit some of our favorite places in Ventura! Some even offer discounts and specials for Craftcation attendees (we’ll add that information as it becomes available). 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.
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.
FINDINGS MARKET
27 S. Oak Street
A pop-up experience that supports and features local creatives.
THE REFILL SHOPPE
363 E. Main Street
Eco-conscious refill shop for home and bodycare. Great if you need toiletries!
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.
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
