CRAFT-FIRMATIONS
There’s something magic about Craftcation. It’s not in the classes or the swag or even the crafts. It’s you.
Time and time again we hear it- this community is something special. Brilliantly creative and unique folks coming from all different backgrounds and walks of life to form a beautiful patchwork of humanity, creating and taking risks together.
Our Craft-firmations are the promises we make to ourselves and to each other to create the best environment for that magic to thrive.
We approach making with an open mind and a lot of grace
Nothing shuts down the creative process faster than self-judgement. We aim to be kind to ourselves as we try new things, embracing mistakes and “bad art” as part of the creative process- progress over perfection. Things will turn out differently than we expect, but there is never just one right answer! This goes for our experience too. If something ends up not going how you planned it, that might just be an invitation to something even better.
We are excellent to each other
The world has enough jerks in it- let’s be awesome instead. We all work together to create a safe and welcoming environment where folks feel encouraged and inspired. We compliment each other at every opportunity. When we joke, we punch up, not down. We respect people’s pronouns, backgrounds, identities, and everything that makes them unique. We ask for enthusiastic consent. We assume best intentions but take accountability for our actions.
We are gracious guests
The kinds of outlandish things we do in a Marriott hotel (hello, transforming the parking lot into a dyeing studio) are out of the scope of what hotels usually allow. We are grateful to our hosts and respect the space we’re in by cleaning up after ourselves and communicating when something has gone awry. We also ensure the availability and quality of supplies by not taking anything we’re not given explicit permission to and using them in a sensible way.
We respect and acknowledge the work of others
Craftcation is a culture of generosity. We share ideas, techniques, encouragement, and inspiration but we don’t use the work of others (including written materials, photos, designs, and other original content) without permission. This includes the use of generative AI in creative work, which often takes from other creators without permission.
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
OPERATIONS & 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
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.