Took time away for fun?
Crafted for four days straight?
Did something nice for yourself?
Met new and amazing crafters like yourself?
Visited sunny San Diego?
Made all your holiday gifts in one weekend?
Prioritized your mental health?
Put yourself first?
The Crafter’s Retreat is an in-person event that gives makers of all levels the opportunity to disconnect from daily life, dive into the art of slow crafting, and handcraft beautiful projects from start to finish.
Over 300 crafters will meet, mingle with, and learn from talented artists in various mediums. Workshops range from fiber art to wood carving to wax resist—there is something new for everyone.
Outside of our creative time together, we’re hosting special events to enjoy, including sunrise yoga, a Saturday evening happy hour, community dinner meet-ups, and special sponsored surprises.
"I love the experience of doing crafts, in person, with teachers, surrounded by others who love crafting. The retreat offers this experience in an amazing location and the opportunity to try new crafts in a supportive environment." -Suzanne G
Expert makers and instructors will lead attendees in artisan-level craft workshops, and you'll take home three beautiful, premium, and fully complete projects. Workshops are subject to change.
Tiffany Method Stained Glass
Learn how to cut and grind glass to make a bouquet of beautiful flower stems. This workshop uses the Tiffany stained glass method of covering glass pieces with copper foil and soldering them together.
Power Carving
Create a beautiful and functional work of art from the gorgeous wood species our world has provided. This is the perfect introduction to using power tools like angle grinders, power drills, high-power dremels, and more.
Ceramic Tile Mosaics
This hands-on workshop will guide you through the techniques of cutting, nipping, and breaking tiles into specific shapes. Once your pieces are cut, you'll arrange, secure, and grout for a lovely finished piece.
Leather Bag Making
Discover the art of crafting timeless accessories from fine leather. Learn essential techniques in cutting, stitching, and assembling leather pieces to create your own stylish and durable bag. Vegan leather options will be available.
Handspun Yarn Making
Transform colorful wool batts into custom yarn while exploring drop spindle, an e-spinner and full floor spinning wheel. Each participant will leave with a custom skein of freshly spun yarn, perfect for your next project.
Fused Glass
Learn the ins and outs of creating colorful fused glass. Cut, grind, layer, and design to craft beautiful glass pieces that are fired in a high-temperature kiln. Discover the art and science behind each step to bring your unique creations to life.
Porcelain Bells
Explore the versatility of clay to create modern strands of hanging bells. Learn hand-building techniques—coil, slab, and pinch—to craft gorgeous strands of bells and clappers.
Wooden Bench Brooms
Join this workshop to explore the timeless craft of turning wood into functional and useful objects. You'll learn essential carving techniques, safety tips, and how to secure bristles that result in beautiful bench brooms.
We're exploring the studio spaces of talented artists and makers in the Arts District of Liberty Station on Saturday. Workshops are subject to change.
Stained Glass Suncatcher
Combine colorful geometric glass shapes to create a suncatcher to hang in a window.
Ceramic Gingerbread Plate & Ornament
Mold and pipe a custom gingerbread plate & holiday ornaments from ceramic. Create multiple ornaments to decorate and gift.
Learn how to shape wood as it spins on a lathe, using various tools and techniques.
Floral Meditation
This unique class combines floral arranging with meditation. It is a very unique way to relax and connect with creativity.
Landscape Painting
Follow along in the artist’s studio gallery to paint on canvas with acrylic.
Power Carved Spoons
Create a bundle of beautifully carved spoons using the power carving technique with rotary tools.
Macrame Crossbody Bag
Create a crossbody bag from cotton rope using macrame techniques, including straps and a sewn-in clasp.
Peg Doll Loom Weaving
Weave a drawstring bag using a rare and unique handmade loom.
Kantha Quilt Stitching Bag
Combine quilting and embroidery to create a pouch made from layers of beautiful patterned fabric.
Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.
THURSDAY
November 7
8am: Registration
9am: Welcome
10am - 1pm: Session One
1pm - 3pm: Lunch Break
2:30pm: "Rejuvenate with Reiki" led by Brigitta, 20-min walk-in
3pm - 6pm: Session Two
6pm - 7pm: Community Meetup
FRIDAY
November 8
9am - 10am: The Recipe for Success, Creator Live Keynote
10am - 1pm: Session Three
1pm - 2pm: Lunch Break
1:30pm: "Rejuvenate with Reiki" led by Brigitta, 20-min walk-in
2pm - 5pm: Session Four
5pm: Happy Hour
SATURDAY
November 9
8am: Meditation & Yoga
10am - 1pm: Studio Day
1pm - 5pm: San Diego MADE Holiday Market
7pm: Community Meetup
SUNDAY
November 10
8am - 11am: Community Meetup
12pm - 3pm: San Diego Food & Wine Festival – Grand Fiesta
We've teamed up with San Diego Food + Wine Festival for an iconic coastal celebration of wine, food, culture and crafts! Hundreds of wineries, 70+ celebrated chefs, farmers, and fisherman join this year's line up.
The Grand Fiesta event boasts a vibrant celebration of San Diego's cross-border connection to Latin America. Complete with live music, art, wines and spirits of Mexico, and of course tacos. Lots and lots of tacos!
We are offering two accommodation options, both just a scenic ~15-minute walk from the event space at Liberty Station, Building 177.
UPDATE: The booking cutoff date for the group room rates at both hotels has passed. However, the hotels have agreed to take reservations on a case by case basis, depending on availability. Please call the individual hotels to inquire.
Hotel Address: 2592 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Discounted Group Rate: $199 + tax
Room Types: King or 2 Queens
Reservation Phone #: (800) 321-2211
Group Name: The Crafter's Box
Group Code: TCB
If you would like to have the group rate honored for dates before/after our event dates, please request with Katie, hotel sales coordinator: [email protected]
Hotel Address: 2576 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Discounted Group Rate: $219 + tax (includes complimentary breakfast)
Room Types: Studio or One Bedroom Suite
Reservation Phone #: (800) 225-5466
Group Name: The Crafter's Box
Group Code: TCB
If you would like to have the group rate honored for dates before/after our event dates, please request with Nick, hotel sales manager: [email protected]
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