Cards above from: Fresh Baked Paper Goods, Sprout Studio, Ugly Baby and La Ru, Christine Haynes, A Truly Enormous Journey, Blu Penny, Vitamini Handmade, Make and Takes, Sienne Josselin
It’s official: Craftcation is the BEST conference I’ve ever attended. It’s rare to find an environment that’s simultaneously welcoming and nurturing, but that’s exactly how I would describe my time in Ventura. I took business classes that were packed full of valuable information, chatted with other bloggers who were honest and insightful, and best of all, met passionate and talented makers.
Taking note from Lisa Congdon’s keynote (which absolutely blew me away!), I decided to challenge myself and take workshops revolving around things I had never done before. Not only do I feel refreshed creatively, but I also feel more confident in my ability to experiment with new mediums. Sometimes, you just have to take a risk and embrace the abyss! Here are a few snippets of what I made:
I discovered a new love for embroidery. It’s something I’ve always avoided because I thought it was too time consuming, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I love the free flow nature of it and how forgiving the stitching can be compared to cross-stitching. One of my most peaceful moments of the trip was stitching this number while soaking in the ocean view.
Brittni of Paper & Stitch taught us how to make fresh flower accessories. That’s right, the type of pieces dreams are made of! I’d wear this piece in my hair everyday if I could.
The most intense workshop by far was dress making 101 with Christine Haynes. But by intense I mean amazing. This was my first experience with a sewing machine, and I am proud to say that it won’t be my last. Christine was so sweet and so fun that I instantly fell in love sewing and even started of dreaming of other items I wanted to make. After 6 hours of work (split over two days), I walked away with a lovely tunic that I’ll be wearing non-stop. If you ever get the chance, you absolutely must take one of her classes or make one of her patterns.
Last but not least, Jennifer Lake taught a really fun workshop on how to make terrariums. I am so happy this guy made it back to SF safely because I LOVE it. I have a feeling that this will be just the start of my collection.
I can’t thank Delilah and Nicole enough for putting together such an amazing event. I’m already counting down the days for next year!
It looks all so nice. I’m a bit jealous ;) How nice would it be, to participate in such a great event. You have maked awesome stuff! X
There’s always next year, right? :) Hope you can join in the fun!
AHHH that terrarium is so cute.
A sewing class!! And you made that adorable tunic!!! Amazing. Such a cute terrarium too with that little guy in it. I’m feeling way too excited about this. Looks like it was a TON of fun!
I know, I am shocked myself! I kept waiting for something to go wrong, but Christine made it too easy. I hope to see you there next year Amy!
So fun!! I love all the things you created and brought back with you! I am so wanting to go next year :) Thanks for sharing!
XOXO
Thanks Lidy! Can’t wait until we can craft together next year :)
How totally fun! I’m going to have to watch out for this conference next year. I love your little terrarium, and my daughter has been begging to make one. :)
Thank you! I might be posting the full how-to soon :) And yes, you should absolutely come to Craftcation! They’ll be announcing the dates for next year via their newsletter (www.craftcationconference.com).
Hi thank you so much for the write up and killer photos!!! Everything you made looks sweet!
For all those interested in 2015- we will announce dates too, get on the newsletter off the website: http://www.craftcationconference.com
Thank you- xxoo
Delilah
My pleasure Delilah! It’s hard to do it justice in a blog post :) See you there next year for sure!
Okay, that’s it, I want to go next year
Yessss, you must! We’d have a blast :)
You make me wish I’d attended! I have to go next year, no doubt!!!
Absolutely! It’s so much fun :)
I had so much fun with you at Craftcation! Let’s make it an annual thing! ;)
YES! I am 100% in for that! We should coordinate our travel too :)
Polkadot crew 4eva!
Sounds so great! Embroidery IS so much fun and so relaxing. I’m actually working on putting a pattern together for our blog in the coming few weeks :) And congratulations on your new tunic! It must feel so good to be able to wear something you made!
Oooo wonderful! I will have to keep an eye out for that. I bet it’s going to be wonderful! And wearing the tunic DOES feels great. I might just have to try more patterns, once I finally invest in a sewing machine that is :)
I’m so happy to of stumbled across your wonderfully inspiring blog. I’ve just spent the past 20 minutes looking back at lots of your posts and can’t wait to get crafting this weekend. Also how much fun does this conference look?! I wish we had something similar here in England, it looks like you learnt so much! x
Ok. I’m officially REALLY jealous of all this. But so happy you could go! x
I’m not sure how I missed this comment, but GIRL! You should come next year!
Is there anything like this on the East Coast? Sounds wonderful.
You know, I’m not sure! Nothing comes to the top of my mind, but I’ll let you know if I come across anything. It’s absolutely worth the trip though if you have room in your budget :)