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5 Craft Retreats That Will Inspire Your Creativity
Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Tracey McGrath
Are you a creative soul in need of a break? Look no further than craft retreats, the ultimate escape for those seeking inspiration, fun, and a chance to make new crafty friends. Craft retreats offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of creativity if you’re an expert crafter or just getting started.
With a range of workshops, classes, and hands-on activities, these retreats provide the perfect environment to explore new techniques, hone your skills, and unleash your artistic potential. It’s time to nurture your creative spirit!
The Crafter’s Retreat
The creators of The Crafter’s Box are hosting an in-person craft retreat from May 10 to 12, 2024 in sunny San Diego, CA. It’s a jam-packed weekend with 4 premium workshops of your choice from stained glass suncatchers to basket weaving.
They’ll have plenty of welcome activities and special events too. The quality of craft activities they have planned looks amazing! They also have discounted rates at the hotel where the retreat is taking place making it simple to get to your workshops on time. You can also connect with other attendees beforehand to make friends and even share accommodations. Can anyone say, “Hello roomie!”?
If an in-person retreat isn’t in the cards this year, then The Crafter’s Box is an awesome way to give yourself the gift of creativity. It’s a monthly craft subscription service where you get a lovely box each month with a new craft project. They also have tons of super cool virtual classes you can check out too!
Craftcation
Craftcation is a highly popular craft retreat held annually in California. This four-day event offers a wide range of craft workshops, allowing attendees to explore their creativity and learn new skills. From sewing to jewelry making, there is something for everyone at Craftcation.
After you register you’ll receive information on their recommended hotel with discounted rates. Since you can connect with other students beforehand you’ll might even be able to make a new friend and share a hotel room. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, Craftcation is sure to ignite your creativity and leave you feeling inspired.
Wildcraft Studio School
Wildcraft Studio School is a craft retreat located in Oregon that specializes in traditional crafts such as woodworking and natural dyeing. The retreat offers a variety of workshops and classes taught by skilled artisans. Students can learn new techniques and create beautiful handmade items. These are mostly weekend workshops that do not include accommodations.
I love the selection of classes from Wildcraft Studio from clamming and seaweed farming to making watercolor paints from plants. They have a workshop that’s sure to inspire!
Squam Art Workshops
Squam Art Workshops is a retreat located in the beautiful surroundings of New Hampshire. This crafter retreat is all about embracing art, nature, and community. They have a variety of classes, including painting, knitting, and more.
The workshops are designed to inspire your creativity and make new friends. With its stunning natural surroundings and supportive community, Squam Art Workshops is the perfect retreat to immerse yourself in a truly inspiring experience.
It looks like their fall retreat is already sold out but I’ll be keeping this crafter retreat on my list for next year!
The Makerie
The Makerie is a unique craft retreat that takes place in various locations. This retreat offers a range of workshops, from sewing and embroidery to paper crafting and jewelry making. In addition to the creative classes, participants can also enjoy activities like hiking, yoga, and nature walks.
The Makerie provides a perfect balance of creativity and outdoor exploration, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to ignite their creativity and enjoy the beauty of nature. Currently they have several retreats scheduled for 2024. But they tend to sell out quickly! I recommend getting on their email list to be notified of their next retreat so you don’t miss a thing.
Let’s Connect!
I hope these craft retreats will inspire you to book a trip this year! Connecting with your creativity can help reduce stress and give you back that spark you may have been missing. Give yourself the gift of focused time to unleash your creativity. You’ll see the benefits of time spent being creative like reduced stress,1 better sleep2 and actually being more productive!3
I teach overwhelmed and stressed-out women how to reconnect with their creativity using easy-to-so art projects and simple meditations. These mindful art techniques help give you more peace and calm. Check out my digital course, Becoming Blissful, to see how you can reconnect with your creative spark today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft Retreats:
No. Usually, you are responsible for booking and paying separately for your accommodations. But every craft retreat is different so be sure to check with the organizers before booking. They may offer a special rate at certain hotels that you can take advantage of.
Certain craft retreats may have food provided for the entire retreat but others may not. Be sure to check with the organizer. Certain retreats may have one or two special events during the retreat where food will be provided but then you are responsible for all other meals.
In-person events can be a great way to meet and make new friends. Making friends virtually can sometimes feel challenging. In-person events also allow you easier access to the instructors to see your work and you can ask for immediate feedback and/or help.
References:
- https://reset.me/study/study-creativity-can-reduce-stress-and-become-a-habit/
- https://medium.com/sleepscapism/art-therapy-and-sleep-dead2f5bd07e
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/painting-way-productivity-benefits-art-activities-workplace-urban-art/
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
Tracey McGrath is an artist and pharmacist. She is on a journey to share how mindful art can help women with their mental health. She is a certified mindful art teacher by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance and a certified meditation teacher by UnPlug Meditation Studio. She is also a Duke Health & Well-Being Usui Reiki Level 3 Master Practitioner as well as a Certified Strategic Life Coach and Certified EFT Practitioner by Priority Academy. She earned her doctorate of pharmacy from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in 2004.