Craftcation 2025: Event Recap and Photos
Craftcation turned 12 this year—and while we’re still learning and evolving (because aren’t we all?), we’ve also started to hit our stride. After a dozen years of growing pains, last-minute changes, and figuring it out as we go, we’ve started to get some things down.
This year felt like a beautiful blend of ease and energy—of confidence with just the right amount of chaos. You know, like when you finally pack for a trip and only bring two notebooks instead of seven. Progress.
It wasn’t just about adding more—it was about getting closer to the core of what matters. More connection, more grounding, more space to breathe. And, for the first time ever, attendees kept telling us how relaxed the staff seemed.
That’s because… we were. Our prep was on point, and the result? Our team took more workshops than ever before. We laughed, we created, we sat down for actual meals and conversations. And we felt it—that thing we work so hard to create for others? We got to experience it too. That alone feels like a win.
Craftcation 2025 was a landmark year for us—not just because of how many workshops we had, or the fact that we returned to off-campus sessions at local faves Arthouse & Co. and Smitten Bookstore, or how cute the main stage looked (though let’s be honest, that balloon arch with the lit letters deserves her own Instagram)—but because of the real magic: YOU. The spontaneous hugs, the deep conversations, the dance party shenanigans, the quiet beach moments, the creative and business epiphanies, and those intangible in-between moments that make everything feel possible.
If you were there, you get it. And if you weren’t? We still made this for you. Because Craftcation isn’t just a week. It’s a reminder—to say yes to your creativity and the community you don’t even know is waiting to welcome you. Even when it’s scary. Especially then.
This year, in a panel, a hospice nurse shared her experience and reminded us what it means to live fully. We launched the Jill Bates-Moore Scholarship to honor a life that glowed with curiosity, courage, and color. We welcomed new faces and celebrated familiar ones. We cried in workshops, laughed until our faces hurt, and remembered what it feels like to be surrounded by people who truly get us.
And through it all, there was this quiet, steady heartbeat—this collective exhale of “Yes. I needed this.”
If you were brave enough to show up, to say hi first, to make something messy, to cry in a class or speak up in a panel or laugh at your own weird ideas—thank you. You are the reason Craftcation is what it is. Every late-night Slack thread, every checklist, every box of gift bag goodies… it’s all for you.
And if you left thinking, “I can do this”—whether “this” is starting your business, reclaiming your creativity, or just making time to make again—then we did our job.
Craftcation reminds us—again and again—that we don’t have to do any of this alone.
We came together. We created. We cracked open. And we made some damn magic.
Let’s carry it with us. Until next April—and beyond.
And hey—if Craftcation felt like home, or if you’re ready to find your creative home for the first time—we’d love to see you in 2026. Come join us. Let’s make the next chapter together.
Love,
Nicole
Welcome to Craftcation
To celebrate our 12th anniversary at Craftcation 2025, we transformed the Ventura Beach Marriott into a mid-century South Beach inspired oasis. BIG thanks to our presenting sponsor and official shipping sponsor Pirate Ship!
Gift Bag
Attendees were greeted by Craftcation’s Managing Director Katie Mac and her welcoming Crew members who handed out our incredible gift bags. These were perhaps our best yet thanks to our gift bag sponsor Roland DGA who printed the design I created and heat pressed the art onto each bag by hand. The bags were overflowing with goods from our sponsors including: Pirate Ship, Amazon Handmade, Beacon Adhesives, Constant Contact, Pipsticks, Bobbiny, Avery, Westcott, Fly By Jing, Hot Dang Press, Lesser Evil Snacks, Pop.Store, Sizzix, Purl Soho, and Roland DGA.
Special thanks to our VIP bag sponsors: Cambria, for the complimentary wine tastings, totes, and wine openers; and Curious Elixirs, for the delicious non-alcoholic drinks that made our presenter and ambassador bags even more amazing.
Big hugs to Mary Ann—our gift bag manager, info desk helper, and unofficial Craftcation greeter. She handled hundreds of gift bags with care, answered endless questions with patience, and made everyone feel welcome with her signature warmth (and actual hugs). Craftcation wouldn’t be the same without her.
Craftcation Mezzanine & Sponsor Martketplace
The Craftcation mezzanine and sponsor booths this year were truly something special.
LeAnn, our logistics and décor manager, and I worked closely with several of our sponsors to conceptualize, design, and install their booths—and the collaboration really paid off.
For Pirate Ship, we created a tropical paradise complete with a pirate ship and a message in a bottle craft. At Amazon Handmade’s booth, we set up a birthday party theme where attendees could make their own party hats, fascinators, and headbands. Pop.Store hosted a DIY charm bracelet bar that was super popular.
We were also thrilled to welcome Roland, who did incredible demos with their printers and helped attendees make their own iron-on patches. Constant Contact had a cozy Connection Cabana with conversation starter cards—it was a perfect space for attendees to connect and unwind.
Oliso’s iron demos and displays drew a crowd, as always. Pipsticks brought a sticker grab booth that added so much fun and laughter. Grant from Grant House Sewing Co. had some amazing machines on display, shared tons of helpful info, and did live demos that really inspired people.
Cambria offered fun photo booth props for attendees to take and use throughout the event. And one of the highlights this year was the work of Erin from Young & Wild Balloon Co. She created several stunning balloon installations for the marketplace and salon rooms, adding color and life to the spaces in such a beautiful way.
Pop-Up Shop
It feels like the Craftcation pop-up shop gets better every year. The incredible products from our talented attendees, sponsors, and presenters were showcased beautifully thanks to the hard work of our pop-up team.
Rachael went above and beyond—building new displays and organizing the merchandising so everything looked amazing. Katie Mac set up a new inventory and sales system (huge thanks to Rosalie for helping streamline the checkout process!). Briana, as always, made everyone feel welcome with her warmth and smile—even when things got busy. And a big shoutout to her daughter Lily, and Katie Mac’s daughter Lily, for their help. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Business Workshops and Panels
The Craftcation business workshops covered a wide range of topics—everything from marketing, sales, and packaging to systems, pricing, and branding. Attendees could choose from panels on opening a brick-and-mortar shop, working with brands, and incorporating their identity and values into their business. Alongside our expert presenters, some sponsors taught business workshops including Amazon Handmade, Pirate Ship, Pop.Store, and Uehle Tax Services.
In addition to the workshops and panels, we also offered think tanks and office hours, where attendees received personalized one-on-one and small group coaching and support from experienced mentors and experts.
Craft Workshops
With a selection of over 150 craft workshops, Craftcation attendees had the chance to explore nearly every craft genre imaginable, including sewing, watercolors, mixed media art, apothecary crafting, needle arts, photography, printmaking, and more. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our craft workshop sponsors: Bramble Berry, Blue Buddha Boutique, Bobbiny, Holbein, Avery, Clover, Oliso, Pipsticks, Common Thread Claremont, Purl Soho, Sizzix, Weave Got Maille, and Beacon Adhesives for generously providing supplies.
Thank you again to our off-campus craft workshop hosts—Arthouse & Co. and Smitten Bookstore—for welcoming us into their spaces. It was a joy to collaborate with two amazing local, women-owned small businesses.
Special thanks to Sunday White who moved from A/V to become our new workshop manager and crew coordinator and who did an incredible job coordinating all of the crew and supplies as well as running the logistics for the workshops.
apothecary
ceramics & home
jewelry
needle arts and textiles
art, paint and paper
digital arts
printmaking
Dyeing Workshops
This year’s dyeing workshops were a huge hit and covered a variety of techniques, including reverse dyeing, ice dyeing, botanical bundle dyeing, and more. A big thank you to our amazing sponsor, Dharma Trading Co., for supporting these workshops and helping us bring such vibrant, hands-on experiences to life.
Sewing Workshops
For the fourth consecutive year, our Sewing Annex featured three distinct sewing brands, each showcased in its own dedicated space. We were thrilled to host SVP Worldwide and their renowned brands Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, and Singer, alongside local dealer Grant House Sewing Center. Attendees also enjoyed the luxury of an ironing station provided by our sponsor, Oliso.
We were thrilled to welcome new fabric sponsors this year—Textile Colelctions, LA Finch Fabrics, and Common Thread Claremont. We also welcomed back Lucky Deluxe Fabrics, a local thrift store that specializes in sustainable sewing supplies.
This year, we re-introduced The Sewing Lab, offering after-hours sessions where attendees could complete sewing projects with assistance from our experienced instructors.
Special Events: Meet & Greet
Our Craftcation Ambassadors welcomed first-time attendees to their annual Meet & Greet which offered everyone a chance to connect with new friends and have their questions answered.
One of our incredible ambassadors and longtime alum, Max Duckworth, went above and beyond this year. She led a tour of the hotel to help first-time attendees get their bearings—and make a friend right away. If you know Max, you know her warm, welcoming vibe made everyone feel instantly at ease.
She also set up photo opportunities for the fashion show and dance party so attendees could get professional shots of their amazing creations and costumes. Scroll down to see the magic.
Special Events: Opening Ceremony
We kicked off Craftcation with our Opening Ceremony and Crafty Hour, highlighted by wine generously provided by Cambria, a woman-owned and operated winery and non-alcoholic beverages from Curious Elixirs. The event featured multiple make & take crafts and a warm welcome from Katie Mac and myself.
One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s Opening Ceremony was announcing the new Jill Bates Moore Scholarship. Jill was a beloved member of our Craftcation community, known for her warmth, creativity, and generous spirit. This scholarship honors her memory by supporting a Black creative woman who might not otherwise be able to attend Craftcation. It was an emotional and beautiful moment to share this with our community—and a reminder of how much heart lives at the center of Craftcation. *More info coming soon.
Special Events: Casual Board Game Party
Our Casual Board Game Party returned for its third year, and it’s become one of our favorite low-key events. We love offering this kind of space—something relaxed and fun—for attendees who want a quieter alternative to the high-energy events like the dance party. It’s all about connecting, laughing, and unwinding together.
Special Events: Iron Craft
Iron Craft is one of Craftcation’s all-time favorite events, and it’s got a fun origin story. It actually began as a Wanderings room hosted by attendee Holly Marsh, who dreamed up the idea of turning Iron Chef into a speed crafting competition. It was such a hit that we made it an official main event.
Each year, we randomly draw contestant names and kick off three high-energy rounds of crafting—complete with a surprise “secret supply” revealed right before each round begins. This year, our presenting sponsor and Iron Craft sponsor Pirate Ship delivered the secret supplies while dressed as pirates (yes, really!).
Our incredible hosts, Holly Marsh and Emily Benson, were decked out in custom caftans Emily made, topped with stunning fascinators. And in true Craftcation fashion, Emily performed a sea shanty she wrote just for the occasion, celebrating both the spirit of crafting and our sponsor- Pirate Ship.
Last year’s winner couldn’t make it back to defend her title, so the most recent champion in attendance—Jenny—stepped up to compete again. In the end, the 2025 Iron Craft crown went to Adrienne Wiley—a multi-year Craftcation alum/presenter who wowed the crowd in her very first time competing in Iron Craft!
Special Events: Crafty Trivia
We celebrated our second year of Crafty Trivia, hosted by the one and only AJ Young—truly the best host we could ask for. AJ brought the perfect mix of humor, enthusiasm, and smart questions that made the night both fun and unforgettable. It’s quickly becoming a Craftcation favorite!
Special Events: Dance Party
This year’s dance party was one for the books. We had an amazing art installation at the entrance by Karen Hesselbach that set the tone the moment you walked in. Max created an incredible photo booth experience that captured everyone’s creative costumes—including our costume contest winner, Sunday, who rocked a pale yellow towel like nobody else could.
And then there was Jared—our DJ and A/V manager—who absolutely nailed it on both fronts. He kept the energy high all night with an epic playlist that had everyone on the dance floor. But his impact went far beyond the party. From setting up mics and projectors to troubleshooting tech issues on the fly, Jared handled every behind-the-scenes detail with professionalism, patience, and a calm, can-do attitude. The music, the costumes, the dancing—it was pure joy from start to finish, and Jared helped make it all happen.
Special Events: Fashion Show
The Craftcation Fashion Show, hosted once again by the amazing Marisa Lynch and Monica Tetteh, was an absolute highlight. They brought their signature warmth, humor, and style to the stage, creating an uplifting and supportive space for everyone who participated.
Attendees showed off garments they made during Craftcation—caftans, skirts, jumpers, and more—and seeing them walk the runway with pride was such a powerful and emotional moment. It was about more than fashion; it was about confidence, creativity, and celebrating what we can make with our own two hands.
And speaking of celebrating, Max set up a photo booth at the fashion show so every participant could have professional photos taken of themselves and their creations—a beautiful way to honor their hard work and creativity.
Special Events: Wanderings
Wanderings is one of Craftcation’s most beloved signature events—where attendees apply with an idea to transform their hotel room into a one-of-a-kind experience. And this year? They really brought it.
Each room was so creative, thoughtful, and immersive. I’m honestly glad I didn’t have to vote for a winner, because there’s no way I could have picked just one.
Experiences included a magical Willy Wonka Wonderland, a moody Twin Peaks-inspired room, a nostalgic Y2K sleepover, a drop-in rally for basic human rights, and so much more. It was an unforgettable night.
Art Showcases
We were so excited to welcome back the Attendee Art Showcases for the second year in a row. This series invites attendees to share their creativity through art installations and interactive experiences set up throughout the Craftcation venue.
Many of the showcases were hands-on, encouraging attendees to engage directly—whether it was by adding to a collaborative piece, participating in a creative prompt, or simply taking a moment to pause and connect with the art. It was such a beautiful way to celebrate the creativity and talent within our community.
Special Events: Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony is always a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it’s a relief to wrap up after all the hard work our team has poured into making Craftcation happen. But on the other hand, I’m already feeling those post-Craftcation blues and counting down the days until the next one.
At this year’s Closing Ceremony, we gave out prizes to the winners of the dance party costume contest, Wanderings rooms, and more.
We also honored our Ambassador of the Year, Lisa Okamoto Behar, who truly embodies the spirit of Craftcation. Lisa goes above and beyond in her role as an ambassador—welcoming others, answering questions, and showing up with warmth and generosity in our online community and at the conference every step of the way.
We took a moment to thank our incredible staff, presenters, and crew—as well as Jason and the entire team at the Marriott, who continue to be such amazing partners in bringing Craftcation to life.
A special thank-you also goes out to our talented photographer, Sylvana, who beautifully captured so many unforgettable moments, and to our social media manager, Lauren, who not only documented and shared the event online, but also jumped in to help wherever she was needed. Their work helped tell the Craftcation story in real time and preserve it for all of us to relive.
WILL WE SEE YOU AT CRAFTCATION 2025?
