I flew 2,379 miles ( 3,829 km) to go to Philadelphia for “The Makerie.” I knew not one soul and hadn’t traveled by myself since I left my full-time job (ten years ago.) So this was a momentous event! (I have gone on getaways with my girlfriends, but traveled completely solo, nope.)

So how did I do? I loved every minute of it; I even enjoyed being delayed at the airport since I had no one to take care of, but myself. La, la, la, la, sat in my aisle seat, put on my music and read a magazine.

It took the entire day to arrive in Philadelphia. I left my house in Seattle, WA at 6:00AM to catch my flight scheduled for 8:00ish am and arrived in Philly around 5:30pm. Grabbed a taxi and checked into my hotel “The Palomar” around 7:00pm.

The lobby was full of people, and their bar area was visible from the lobby. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Paul Lowe aka “SweetPaul”, author of “SweetPaul” blog and magazine.

I said to myself: “Don’t freak out and run to meet one of the coolest blogger-stylist-crafter in the world.” I repeated to myself “The man is probably decompressing from his trip and is hanging out with his friends. You will meet him tomorrow.”

Soooo, I went to my room, kicked my sneakers away and went: “Aaaaaaah.” I’m here!!!!
I was very hungry and posted in the private Facebook group for Makerie attendees: “I’m here! Anyone up for grabbing dinner?” A lovely woman from Colorado replied that she could meet me at my hotel’s bar in 10 minutes.

At the hotel bar, I enjoyed a wonderful kale caesar salad with a fried egg. This was the first time I’ve eaten a caesar salad with kale, let alone with a sunny side up egg on top of it. Two words: beyond delicious.

While I was having dinner with this lovely lady from Colorado, I noticed there was another lady, sitting next to us, dining alone. I asked her if she was part of the “Makerie” group and she replied “Yes!” I immediately invited her to join us, and the three of us chatted away about crafting, what we did for a living, where we lived, etc.

That was evening #1

Day 1 of The Makerie – Hosted at Terrain

The Makerie organizers had arranged for a tour bus to drive 50+ ladies to “Terrain” where the first day of heavenly crafting would commence.

I sat next to a wonderful knitwear designer based out of L.A. However, when I sat next to her, I had no idea she was very talented knitwear designer and published author. Two words: humble coolness.

The Venue

 The Day Begins with a Toast

Thank you to all the people involved in preparing breakfast for us.

Beautiful yogurt “bar” with delicious nuts.

Pop Up Shop – Mimi Kirchner Doll Art

 Let The Crafting Begin!

We learned how to design, carve and stamp from the super talented Christine Schimdt from “Yellow Owl Workshop.”

 Peeking into Lunch Set Up

Lunch is Served. YUM.

 Afternoon Crafting with Ann Wood

My own Stitched Botanical.

Everywhere you looked, there was a gorgeous vignette.

Day 2 of The Makerie -Hosted at URBN Campus – Anthropologie Headquarters

 

 “The Makerie” was comprised of very accomplished ladies, crafters, stay at home moms (me), girls out of college, mothers and daughters, you name it.

A complete melange of women from many backgrounds, meeting for two days to learn from outstanding teachers such as Lotta Jansdotter, Anne Wood, and many other talented designers.

I took two classes: Watercolor & Typography and Color Exploration through Stenciling with Lotta Jansdotter

 Final project: Stenciling on a Canvas Bag

Final Thoughts

What I enjoyed the most about “The Makerie” apart from learning from such talented teachers, was the “no attitude” vibe going on. Everyone was super friendly, with a huge smile on their faces, just hanging out. What a lovely feeling to be around many women, teachers, the Makerie’s team and the man who inspired this creative retreat: Paul Lowe, AKA Sweet Paul!

More Eye Candy

And One More!

Thank you Sweet Paul and The Makerie team for putting together an amazing creative retreat. What a blessing to be part of it!

Love,

Ursula