A few months ago, I received an email from Emily and Ali introducing me to the fantastic goodness that is the Makerie. Situated in the beautiful foothills of Boulder, Colorado this unique retreat combines all of my favorite things: nature, creativity, and play. It's no wonder that when we met for the first time a month later, it seemed like we had known each other forever. I'm so thankful that my publisher Roost Books made the connection and inspired our meeting. I'm even more grateful that I get to be a part of all the wonder. On April 12th, I'll be sharing an evening of Makeshift Magic. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice to say, there will be good food, good company, and great forts. If you're in the area April 10th-13th I strongly encourage you to check out their offerings. Whether you sign up for the entire retreat or a single day, the workshops, round-tables, and all-around fantastic community is not to be missed.
To learn a little more about the retreat, check out the lovely interview below with Makerie founder Ali.
**Oh, and make sure to enter today's Countdown to Spring giveaway at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a goodie bag filled with crafting supplies!**
About the Makerie:
The Makerie is a creative retreat, nestled at the base of the Flatiron Mountains in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. The weekend is designed for the beginning crafter to learn and be inspired to make beautiful things and for the experienced crafter to learn new skills and be inspired in brand new ways. The Makerie team holds a deep belief that each person is creative and their cozy mountain retreat is designed to nurture and encourage your creativity in thoughtful and loving ways. This year's retreat format provides the opportunity to take four different classes throughout the weekend (16 hours of outstanding instruction) to experience a wonderful variety of projects and techniques taught by sensational teachers from around the country. Giant stenciled floor pillows, painting, pattern design, embroidery, pajaki paper chandeliers are just a few of the fabulous classes offered this year. Click here to see the full variety of offerings!
Q:What are some of your favorite projects/classes so far?
A: Well I've truly loved all our classes & it's hard to choose 'favorites,' but a few that come to mind are the fabric birdcages taught my Tamar Mogendorff, (I stalked her ~ in the most gentle way ~ for two years asking her if she'd come teach!), letterpress by Allison Bozeman (i'm a paper lover) & I'm really excited about Helen Dardik's pattern design class, as there are endless possibilities once you learn this skill. What I love about what we're offering is that every class is very approachable for the everyday person who wants to explore & nurture their creativity.
Q: What lessons have you learned through the creative process?
A: Among many things, I love how well creativity & the creative process translates into your personal life & what a beautiful tool it is to learn about yourself. This happens not only through what you make, but the journey it takes to get there. I love how the process slows you down & helps you see the world in new light. I took a fantastic pattern design class & for months, everywhere I went I saw patterns is everything. It was so much fun to look at ordinary things in such a new way. I love how creativity seeps into every aspect of your life when we nurture it, whether it's creative problem solving, the way you present a meal or even just becoming more open minded in general.
Q: Do you need to be an artist to participate in the Makerie?
A: The Makerie is designed for the everyday person, yet we have many artists come who are looking for new inspiration or perhaps even trying a new medium to infuse what they are already doing. I always wished I had gone to art school so this is our answer for a mini version designed for anyone who wants to create more time & space for creative endeavors.
Q: What makes the Makerie different from other crafting classes? What Makes the Makerie unique?
A: The Makerie is an entire experience & the weekend becomes its own little encapsulated world. You can truly step out of your busy, everyday life & let creativity be a priority, while nurturing the whole person too by offering morning yoga & hiking, a cozy lounge filled with the latest inspiring books & magazines & healthy organic meals. Everything is taken care of for you so all you have to do is focus on play.
Q: Favorite moment or experience so far?
A: Well there are many, but one that I treasure was our Closing Ceremony at our very first retreat in 2011. I had been working tirelessly to get our first retreat off the ground & was so buried in the details during the actual weekend, I never stopped to notice what was happening around me. At the end of the event, each person shared one word about what the Makerie meant to them & it was an incredibly moving experience. I knew that creativity fed our souls, but had no idea about the magnitude of it & how powerful the weekend was for everyone who was part of it. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room & it was a moment I will never forget.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the future for this lovely adventure?
A: Just seeing how it evolves! The extraordinary creative community I have met because of the Makerie has been the most rewarding of all & I trust that the Makerie will evolve organically, as it has all along. It's my greatest hope that the Makerie will continue to inspire others to not only add more creativity to their lives, but to also follow their dreams.
And now for the giveaway!
The Makerie is generously giving away one of their retreat goodie bags ~ filled with special crafting goods & fabulous discounts! Bonus: the actual bag is a bento bag from Amtalia, out of San Francisco!
To enter to win leave a comment on this post by 4pm on 3/25/14. The winner will be chosen by the lovely random number generator and announced the same day.
*Want even more chances? Follow us on Pinterest and/or Facebook (if you already do then you can get an extra entry by sharing this giveaway on your Pinterest and/or Facebook page). You can also give yourself another shot by sharing this giveaway on your blog or twitter. Just make sure, whatever you do, you come back here and leave a comment letting us know how you shared.
Good luck!
~ Sarah