ALL ABOUT US!
Craftcation is more than just a conference—it’s a creative retreat, a business bootcamp, and a celebration of community all rolled into one.
Held annually in Ventura, California, this five-day event brings together makers, artists, and small business owners for hands-on craft workshops, practical business sessions, wellness activities, and unforgettable special events.
Whether you’re here to learn a new craft, take your creative business to the next level, or connect with like-minded people, Craftcation is the place to spark your creativity, find your community, and leave inspired. Our mission is to empower creatives with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to thrive—both personally and professionally.
Join us at Craftcation and experience the magic of learning, making, and growing alongside a community that truly gets it.
MEET THE TEAM
NICOLE STEVENSON
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
I’m Nicole Stevenson, a multi-passionate creative, first-time mama, and CEO/Creative Director at Dear Handmade Life. I turned my passion into a career at 24 with Random Nicole, a six-figure handcrafted clothing line carried in 250+ shops worldwide.
In 2007, I co-founded Dear Handmade Life to connect and empower creatives through events, workshops, a blog, and a podcast. When I’m not working, I’m art journaling, treasure hunting, or dreaming of life by the beach—with Korean BBQ always on my mind.
LEANN FOSS
LOGISTICS & DECOR DIRECTOR
Maker of many things and secondhand fiend who never turns down a good costume opportunity. Connecting our partners to our community and making sure our events are stress-free and pretty.
LAUREN DURR
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Sewing mama trying to keep the machines running for the next generations. Mom to two great kids, adopter of cats, I sew cloths because I believe in the transformational power of fashion, and I will never turn down caramel (unless it’s flan, gels and I don’t gel). I ice dye rainbows onto denim because we all need some heavy-duty hope.
Lisa Okamoto Behar
CRAFTCATION COMMUNITY & AMBASSADOR MANAGER
Hi! I’m Lisa Craftamoto and I’ve been part of the Craftcation community since 2018 as an attendee, volunteer Crew member, and Ambassador. I help keep us connected throughout the year and talk about Craftcation a lot (!) even when it’s not conference season.
I work full-time as a corporate assistant + spend the rest of my time cozily shaping a creative business and trying to keep up with all the crafts I want to try. Also constantly supervised by six furry managers with big personalities.
*Photo credit to @kathryncolbyphoto
Brittany Stump
Creative & Admin Assistant
Brittany is our Creative & Admin Assistant, where she keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes and supports the creative magic that powers Craftcation and Patchwork Show. With a background in social media and marketing for women-owned businesses, she thrives on organization, systems, and uplifting creative communities.
A Southern California native, she’s also a maker herself, crafting polymer clay earrings. When she’s not managing inboxes or calendars, you’ll find her cooking or exploring new restaurants with her fiancé, and spending time with her dog.
i'm nicole
leann foss
EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS
Maker of many things and secondhand fiend who never turns down a good costume opportunity. Connecting our partners to our community and making sure our events are stress-free and pretty.
lauren durr
social media
Sewing mama trying to keep the machines running for the next generations. Mom to two great kids, adopter of cats, I sew clothes because I believe in the transformational power of fashion. I will never turn down caramel (unless it’s flan, gels and I don’t gel). I ice dye rainbows onto denim because we all need some heavy-duty hope.