craftcation 2024 attendee news

Welcome Craftcation 2024 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.


This is the Attendee News page – your 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 you have a question that isn’t answered on this page, feel free to email me directly. I’m based in Atlanta (Go Braves and Dawgs!) and am generally online from 9am – 6pm (ET) Mon – Fri with limited access to emails on the weekends. I strive to respond to emails within 48 hours and appreciate your patience in advance.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON....

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SCHEDULE CHANGES

ADDITIONAL CHANGES:

Stephanie Shirley has had to cancel her attendance at Craftcation. Here are updates on her workshops:

  • Stained Glass Polyclay Tiles – Session 1 & 2 is now Bold Statements: Crafting a Polyclay Statement Necklace (Session 1 & 2) with Dari Litchman.
    • If you were enrolled in either of the Stained Glass Polyclay Tiles sessions, you were sent an update with your options via Eventbrite.
    • Please note that due to the proximity to the conference dates, no new enrollments will be accepted for this workshop online. If you are interested in the Polyclay Statement Necklace project, please visit the classroom on the day of the workshop to add your name to the sign-up or wait list.
  • Painted Pendants Sessions 1 & 2 will now be hosted by Joanna Gick
    • While the online enrollment deadline has passed, both Painted Pendants sessions have spaces available. Please visit the classroom on the day of the workshop to add your name to the sign-up or wait list.
IMPORTANT DATES

WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT:
February 17, 2024 – 10am PT
Closes March 23, 2024 at Midnight PT

Learn More…

WANDERINGS APPLICATIONS:
February 1 – 20, 2024
Decision Emails by February 24, 2024

Learn More…

BOXED LUNCHES:

Orders Open: February 29, 2024
Orders close: March 19, 2024

Click to Order

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LOOKING TO STAY ON-SITE AT THE BEAUTIFUL VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT?
Ventura Beach Marriott | 2055 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001

Rooms at the Marriott are currently sold out*.

*While there is no guarantee, we encourage you to keep trying the link at the button above as some attendees have had to cancel their attendance and have dropped their room reservation.

THE DEADLINE TO BOOK A ROOM HAS PASSED

We’ll see you soon!

WHAT DATES ARE INCLUDED IN THE ROOM BLOCK?
We have discounted nights available for registered attendees starting Tuesday, April 2 – Sunday, April 7.
 
WHAT TYPES OF ROOMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE ROOM BLOCK?
We have a variety of King rooms and (2) Queen Bed rooms available in our block.
 
WHAT IS THE DISCOUNTED RATE?
The discounted rate for rooms is $230/night. This applies to both King and Queen rooms.
 
WHAT IF THE ROOMS ARE SOLD OUT WHEN I TRY TO BOOK?
Other lodging options are available below. 
 

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY RESERVATION?

Any rooms that are reserved in our block can be canceled within 48 hours before arrival without a penalty. To cancel, simply contact the Ventura Beach Marriott front desk team by calling (805) 643-6000 or cancel within the Bonvoy app or at Marriott.com.

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!
TRAVELING TO 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.

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. 

 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:

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You need to be ready to go when the clock strikes 10am PT on February 17, 2024. 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: make space for downtime, meals, office hours, connecting with each other and enjoying the hotel pool, beach, etc.  

SCHEDULE PLANNING WORKSHEETS

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!

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Are you so excited about Craftcation 2024 that you want to shout it from the rooftops? Well, how about shouting it online instead? We will put together 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. Stay tuned!

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

FAQs

No problem at all! Plans change – we get that!  This page is our new and revised ticket policy. It will walk you through all of your options.

The short answer to this question is yes, but no. I’ll explain: most of our workshop do require enrollment before the conference. HOWEVER, we offer loads of walk-in classes, lectures and panels that do not. For more information about workshop enrollment, head to this page of our website.

Our conference takes place Wednesday through Sunday. We encourage you to be present for all five days to get the most of your experience. Wednesday is the day attendee check-in begins, the pop-up shop opens and of course….our first round of workshops and then our Welcome Ceremony followed by Crafty Hour! Thursday, Friday and Saturday are full days with after-hours special events. Sunday starts off with our Closing Ceremony that includes prizes, giveaways and a short keynote followed by our last round of workshops. 

 

TL:DR; Wednesday – Sunday. Some attendees choose to check-in on Tuesday and check-out on Monday.