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Craftcation Review: Create, Craft, and Learn

If you’re looking for an inspiring craft conference, definitely look into Craftcation! I’ve been to a few conferences now, and this is a clear favorite. Read why.

If you're looking for an inspiring craft conference, definitely look into Craftcation! I've been to a few conferences now, and this is a clear favorite. Read why #craftcation @dearhandmadelif #handmade #DIY

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The 2020 Craftcation conference runs from April 15th-20th.

Everything You Need to Know About Craftcation

First things first! Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 15th, at 9am PDT. The first 50 tickets earn $50 off. That’s a big motivation to get in early and buy your tickets!

5 Great Reasons to Go to Craftcation

Learn new DIY craft skills at Craftcation

If you’re a fan of creating with your hands, you’ll love Craftcation! Here are five great reasons I think it’s a great idea to attend this DIY conference.

Education 

learn new skills at Craftcation

Whether it’s making shoes or learning how to make the most of a craft show (Dear Handmade Life runs the Patchwork shows in addition to this conference!), Craftcation is full of educational activities. There’s also a lot of informal learning happening in private, informal conversations between attendees.

Crafting

I went to mostly craft classes this year, and it was amazing! You won’t find a better space to create and craft. Last time I came home with a pattern to sew a shirt that fits me perfectly, shoes I made myself, and beautifully dyed fabric. 

Shoes I made at Craftcation 2019

I loved the beautiful fabric we got to sew with, friendly Bernina ladies ready to step in at any moment (this means you can take sewing classes even as a beginner!), and the enthusiasm of instructors.

Craftcation is the perfect time to learn a new DIY crafting skill - like how to make bowl using rope

Craftcation is a great time to step out of your crafting comfort zone! During last Craftcation I learned to make a bowl out of a few pieces of rope, and how to paint watercolor flowers.

Inspiration

You'll meet amazing women at Craftcation

I met so many creative women at Craftcation! You’ll find women who run tiny little Etsy shops as well as women creating products that you find for sale at major retailers.

Some women run classes, some run shops, and a handful are bloggers – like me! There are some fabulously creative men who show up every year, too!

Friendship

Craftcation is the friendliest conference I've attended.

Craftcation is, without question, the friendliest conference I have ever seen. I went alone, and didn’t feel lonely at all. There were other people there alone as first timers, but people who had been coming for years were kind and friendly.

You’ll find some huge personalities at Craftcation, but there is still room for quiet people. Dear Handmade Life advertises this as a no judgment event, and – somehow – they pull it off.

Fun!

You're guaranteed to have fun at Craftcation!

Going to a conference is a big investment, especially when you are your own boss. It’s risky investing time and money into a ticket and travel when you don’t know what you will get out of it. 

I am not a party person, so I didn’t spend a lot of time at the social events. But I sure had a lot of fun! I tried new crafts that I never would have ventured on my own, developed skills that I use every day, and made some great friends.

Craftcation FAQs

Here are a few questions I had before attending Craftcation for the first time. Do you have other questions? Let me know in the comments.

What should I expect from Craftcation?

There are plenty of great ways to approach Craftcation! The Ventura Marriott where the conference is based sits right on the beach, so the ocean is footsteps away. There are lunches, dinners, and parties throughout the conference.

I spent a lot of time in creative crafting classes when I went, loving every minute. But I also made some great connections attending impromptu meetings (like how to use Procreate on my iPad) and chatting with people in the lobby.

Is it worth staying in the hotel?

A lot of people stay in the Marriott Ventura hotel where classes are held, while others book Airbnbs nearby. I splurged on the hotel, and loved being able to pop back to my room for a break in the middle of the day. But there are benefits to staying off site, too, like getting to know roommates and seeing more of Ventura.

The hotel spots will fill up, so if you are at all interested in a hotel spot I recommend reserving your room early. Just read the cancellation policy and make sure you cancel in time if you change your mind.

How Can I Make the Most of the Conference?

I highly recommend planning a LOT before you arrive. Figure out which classes you want to take, and check in with the attendee Facebook group. Learn about other attendees who you are interested in meeting at the conference.

Once you are there, stay flexible! You might find you booked more classes than you actually want to attend. If so, make sure you let Craftcation know so that someone on the wait list can nab your spot.

This is also a great time to mention that you have a decent chance of getting in off the wait list if you don’t get a class you really wanted to attend!

Learn why Craftcation is my favorite DIY craft conference.

Buy Your Tickets Early!

Remember, this is a conference that sells out – every year! Buy your tickets early. You get an early bird discount and you won’t find they’ve sold out when you go to buy them! As a bonus, the first 50 people get $50 off their tickets!

What other questions do you have about Craftcation that I can answer?

Share comments and feedback below, on my Facebook page, or by tagging me on InstagramSign up for my newsletter to receive book recommendations, crafts, activities, and parenting tips in your inbox every week.

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

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