Are you ready for a life-changing week?
FIVE DAYS, 200+ CRAFT & BUSINESS WORKSHOPS,
500+ INSPIRING CREATIVES AND THE BEACH...
Craftcation, held annually in the artsy, seaside town of Ventura in Southern California, features industry experts leading attendees in small business classes and craft workshops as well as social gatherings to connect, educate and foster community.
our next conference will be...
APRIL 23-27, 2025
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 1, 2024
SIGN UP BELOW TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION
SIGN UP BELOW TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION
"Craftcation has this effect… when you walk through the door it's almost like a magical transformation."
-holly m., multi-year alumni
Crafts. The beach. Business expertise. New besties. YES, please!
JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR UPDATES ABOUT CRAFTCATION 2025!
JOIN US FOR...
craft workshops
We believe in the magic of making. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or embarking on a quest to discover your inner artist. Craftcation is your pathway to endless possibilities, offering both expertise and encouragement to unleash your creativity in every form imaginable!
Our DIY philosophy? Make ALL the Things. At Craftcation, you’ll delve into a myriad of artistic realms through our hands-on workshops, where you’ll receive expert guidance and boundless inspiration to unlock your creative potential.
Over the last ten conferences, we have offered workshops in sewing, screenprinting, perfume making, stained glass, shoe making, knitting, weaving, mixed media art, painting, embroidery, dyeing —there’s something for everyone at Craftcation.
craft workshops
We believe in the magic of making. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or embarking on a quest to discover your inner artist. Craftcation is your pathway to endless possibilities, offering both expertise and encouragement to unleash your creativity in every form imaginable!
Our DIY philosophy? Make ALL the Things. At Craftcation, you’ll delve into a myriad of artistic realms through our hands-on workshops, where you’ll receive expert guidance and boundless inspiration to unlock your creative potential.
Over the last ten conferences, we have offered workshops in sewing, screenprinting, perfume making, stained glass, shoe making, knitting, weaving, mixed media art, painting, embroidery, dyeing —there’s something for everyone at Craftcation.
business workshops
Discover a transformative experience likened to an “MBA for creatives in just a weekend”. Led by seasoned instructors, our immersive workshops encompass a dynamic blend of business classes, interactive panels, thought-provoking think tanks, and personalized office hours sessions.
Unleash your potential with insights, actionable steps, and invaluable mentorship tailored to kickstart or elevate your creative venture. Dive into topics including branding, marketing strategies, social media tactics, legal and financial, scalability, productivity enhancement, and product ideation.
Whether you’re ready to scale your business to new heights or embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship, our workshops empower you with the strategic guidance to realize your dreams. Gain the confidence and expertise to propel your creative vision forward.
business workshops
Discover a transformative experience likened to an “MBA for creatives in just a weekend”. Led by seasoned instructors, our immersive workshops encompass a dynamic blend of business classes, interactive panels, thought-provoking think tanks, and personalized office hours sessions.
Unleash your potential with insights, actionable steps, and invaluable mentorship tailored to kickstart or elevate your creative venture. Dive into topics including branding, marketing strategies, social media tactics, legal and financial, scalability, productivity enhancement, and product ideation.
Whether you’re ready to scale your business to new heights or embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship, our workshops empower you with the strategic guidance to realize your dreams. Gain the confidence and expertise to propel your creative vision forward.
special events
We believe in celebrating the beauty of unfiltered, unedited moments in everyday life. No staging, no filters, just genuine connections forged in the simplicity of candid experiences.
Our special events are designed to foster these authentic connections, from cozy get-togethers to spirited cocktail and craft sessions, lively parties, and relaxed networking events tailored for introverts and newcomers alike.
Though you may initially navigate past sweaty palms and social butterflies, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in laughter and deep conversations with newfound friends. Whether it’s sharing hearty laughs or profound insights with strangers-turned-besties, these moments will stay with you long after the conference ends.
As soon as you register, you’ll gain access to our exclusive online community—a welcoming space where you can connect with fellow attendees and alumni without any pressure. Who knows? You might even discover a potential kindred spirit before stepping through the door!
special events
We believe in celebrating the beauty of unfiltered, unedited moments in everyday life. No staging, no filters, just genuine connections forged in the simplicity of candid experiences.
Our special events are designed to foster these authentic connections, from cozy get-togethers to spirited cocktail and craft sessions, lively parties, and relaxed networking events tailored for introverts and newcomers alike.
Though you may initially navigate past sweaty palms and social butterflies, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in laughter and deep conversations with newfound friends. Whether it’s sharing hearty laughs or profound insights with strangers-turned-besties, these moments will stay with you long after the conference ends.
As soon as you register, you’ll gain access to our exclusive online community—a welcoming space where you can connect with fellow attendees and alumni without any pressure. Who knows? You might even discover a potential kindred spirit before stepping through the door!
wellness activities
At Craftcation, we prioritize your well-being with a diverse array of wellness activities aimed at nurturing both your body and mind. From serene yoga sessions on the beach to mindful meditation practices, explorative sketchbook exercises, and guided journaling sessions, we offer a holistic approach to self-care. Additionally, our fitness meet-ups provide opportunities to energize your body and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.
We also offer personal growth and development sessions. Through candid discussions of our own experiences—both struggles and successes—we create a supportive environment where individuals can find solace and solidarity. By sharing our stories, we not only offer mutual encouragement but also empower one another to confront our insecurities and cultivate gratitude and self-compassion.
Discovering joy extends beyond pursuing your passions or expressing creativity; it entails equipping yourself with the tools and encouragement to embrace progress over perfection. At Craftcation, we’re committed to providing the support and resources you need to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace your journey with confidence. You’re not alone—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
wellness activities
At Craftcation, we prioritize your well-being with a diverse array of wellness activities aimed at nurturing both your body and mind. From serene yoga sessions on the beach to mindful meditation practices, explorative sketchbook exercises, and guided journaling sessions, we offer a holistic approach to self-care. Additionally, our fitness meet-ups provide opportunities to energize your body and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.
We also offer personal growth and development sessions. Through candid discussions of our own experiences—both struggles and successes—we create a supportive environment where individuals can find solace and solidarity. By sharing our stories, we not only offer mutual encouragement but also empower one another to confront our insecurities and cultivate gratitude and self-compassion.
Discovering joy extends beyond pursuing your passions or expressing creativity; it entails equipping yourself with the tools and encouragement to embrace progress over perfection. At Craftcation, we’re committed to providing the support and resources you need to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace your journey with confidence. You’re not alone—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
explore craftcation
love from our alumni:
Clarissa got the confidence and skills she needed to write a book and landed a publishing deal.
Michelle learned the steps she needed to take to get her work in front of the right editors.
Lisa started producing a handmade food and craft market.
Kelly's 15-minute office hours session at Craftcation led to a full retail craft kit line, three retail stores in Seattle carrying her line of kits and 16 new buyers signing up for consideration of carrying her line at the holidays.
Traci built her community and confidence and was finally able to yell from the mountain tops, “I AM AN ARTIST!”
Lori got the confidence, motivation and community to keep doing what she loves.
Meri found the courage to change her career to her true passion –– helping fellow creatives.
Jennifer met other bloggers, built her support system and connected with brand representatives.
Christy expanded her retail space and got the confidence to submit some speaking proposals because she realized that she really DOES know what she's doing.
Sophia met *her people* and became secure in her identity as a maker.
Kelly's 15-minute office hours session at Craftcation led to a full retail craft kit line, three retail stores in Seattle carrying her line of kits and 16 new buyers signing up for consideration of carrying her line at the holidays.
Clarissa got the confidence and skills she needed to write a book and landed a publishing deal.
Michelle learned the steps she needed to take to get her work in front of the right editors.
Lisa started producing a handmade food and craft market.
Traci built her community and confidence and was finally able to yell from the mountain tops, “I AM AN ARTIST!”
Lori got the confidence, motivation and community to keep doing what she loves.
Meri found the courage to change her career to her true passion –– helping fellow creatives.
Jennifer met other bloggers, built her support system and connected with brand representatives.
Christy expanded her retail space and got the confidence to submit some speaking proposals because she realized that she really DOES know what she's doing.
Sophia met *her people* and became secure in her identity as a maker.
COMMUNITY
is the heart of craftcation
COMMUNITY
is the heart of craftcation
there are no cliques at craftcation
Time and time again, attendees tell us how the Craftcation community is unlike that from any other conference because it is so welcoming.
We welcome you just as you are. No dress codes. No judgment.
We’re proud to foster a community of people from all walks of life who form unbreakable bonds and stay connected long after the conference ends.
AT CRAFTCATION, WE HELP YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE – THE ONES THAT GET YOU.
I’M READY TO FIND MY PEOPLE!
JOIN THE MAILING LIST FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CRAFTCATION 2025!
get involved…
Looking to share your brand, expertise, talents or love for Craftcation?
PRESENTER
Volunteer
Sponsor
AMBASSADOR
get involved…
Looking to share your brand, expertise, talents or love for Craftcation?
PRESENTER
Volunteer
Sponsor
AMBASSADOR
you’ve got questions?
we've got answers!
you’ve got questions?
we've got answers!
general FAQ
general FAQ
Craftcation Conference is a makers and small business conference held annually in the artsy, seaside town of Ventura on the coast of Southern California. We spend five days being led by industry experts in small business classes and craft workshops as well as attending social gatherings, special events and more to connect, educate and foster community.
Nothing THIS great ever came from Los Angeles traffic.
On a scouting trip for new Patchwork Show makers festival locations in 2010, co-founders Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson got to talking while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the 101 freeway. Not just about Patchwork Show, but about a need they saw in the small business and creative community for education, connection and a reprieve from the hustle.
By the time Delilah and Nicole arrived in Ventura, CA to their meeting (originally planned to discuss Patchwork Show) with the city of Ventura, they had a rough business plan for what they wanted to bring to Ventura, Craftcation: Business & Makers Conference. Over the next seven years, the women grew Craftcation from a small niche event filled with just over 100 makers (most of which they knew) to a major creative conference that has helped hundreds of people start their businesses, hone their art skills and build their own creative circles for year-round support.
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.
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 workshops, activities and gatherings.
Not everyone who comes to Craftcation has a business. Many of our attendees come solely for the DIY workshops, community, gatherings and the California beach and sunshine!
It’s never too late to get started on the thing that wakes you up in the middle of the night and fills your daydreams. Craftcation will help you hone in on your perfect idea, create an action plan for your dream business and bolster the courage to take those first steps. Figuring out where to focus your time and energy is easy when someone who’s been there before is guiding you.
If you’re like us and you’ve been running your creative business for a while, you need the inspiration and next-level mentorship that Craftcation provides so you can reignite your passion, play a bigger game, battle burnout, embrace balance, create multiple income sources, be more productive and hone in on exactly what you need to do to make your brand even bigger and more profitable.
We will follow the state and local guidelines in place at the time of our event.
attendance & lodging FAQ
attendance & lodging FAQ
Craftcation 2024 will be April 3-7, 2024.
Please join our mailing list for updates about Craftcation 2025.
We know how hard it can be to budget for a conference, especially when you’re a creative and you need to make every dollar count. This is why we do everything we can to make it possible for you to come to Craftcation and connect with your community, start or grow your business and have the creative vacation of a lifetime. Time and time again, attendees tell us that their biggest regret was not making Craftcation a priority sooner.
We have a private online community for registered attendees to connect with each other to share travel expenses and rooms. Our Craftcation Crew program provides an opportunity for you to work at the conference in exchange for a ticket. We even wrote a blog post with tips for making the most of your money and another post on how to prepare for a conference!
We know that traveling to and attending an event solo can bring on anxiety (especially for us creatives who are used to spending lots of time alone making and working). But, at Craftcation we break down the walls of pretension and exclusivity.
We are a merry band of creative misfits from all walks of life, and we are ready to welcome you to the Craftcation family. We provide lots of opportunities for everyone (including introverts) to feel comfortable and create lasting connections. When attendees take a chance and commit to being open – that’s when the magic happens. And that magic, is this community.
Craftcation is not only about taking workshops but also about building your community and making lasting connections which is difficult to do in one day. We want attendees to take advantage of everything Craftcation has to offer, so we don’t offer one-day tickets.
Once you register for Craftcation, you’ll receive an email with a link to book discounted rooms at the Ventura Beach Marriott. If the Marriott is sold out, we’ll share some alternative places to stay.
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.
registration FAQ
registration FAQ
Early Bird Registration for Craftcation 2024 Is now open.. Craftcation sells out every year! We encourage you to register as soon as we open registration to make sure you don’t miss out.
EARLY BIRD RATE: $675
REGULAR RATE: $725
- All events and activities Wednesday through Sunday including workshops, lectures, panels and special events.
- 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, parties and special activities.
- The opportunity for one-on-one guidance with our presenters in office hours.
- Networking with fellow makers and craft industry professionals.
- Inclusion in all of our wellness sessions like yoga, meditation and more.
- Welcome gift bag full of amazing goodies from our sponsors.
PLEASE NOTE: While most supplies are included in your registration fee, we do charge a supply fee at the time of workshop enrollment. Most are $5 per workshop but some may be higher depending on supply costs. In addition, 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. Business workshops, lectures and panels are walk-in for all Craftcation attendees and will not require enrollment or an additional fee.
Craftcation does not offer refunds for cancellations by the attendee or by Craftcation for any reason. If you find out you can’t make it or Craftcation is postponed, you may transfer your ticket to another attendee. We suggest posting your available ticket on our Facebook event page or in our alumni community. Once you sell your ticket please katiemac@dearhandmadelife.com with the name and email address of the person who bought it. She’ll take it from there.
Topics, conversations, crafts and events at Craftcation are all geared towards adults. We are only able to allow babies in arms and ages 16 and up. If you are an alum and want to bring your child who is under 18, please email us.
workshops FAQ
What we offer varies from year to year but it’s always an awesome mix of hands-on craft workshops, classes and panels on creative business and community events like our opening ceremony, happy hours, Iron Craft competition, dance party, and more.
While business panels and lectures are available on a walk-in for all registered Craftcation attendees, most craft workshops have limited space and will require you to sign up for them. Once you register for Craftcation, you’ll receive an email with instructions for this. Craftcation workshops fill up FAST. We highly encourage you to be prepared to sign up for craft workshops prior to when sign-ups begin.
This will open February 17, 2024 at 10am PT. Registered attendees will receive all of the details via email and on our Attendee News Page. We encourage you to take a look at the available workshops and begin to pick out the ones that excite you the most.
