Michaels Makers Summit


We are both over-the-moon, because today starts a 1 year partnership with a brand we both adore….Michaels. Yep, that Michaels. The large retailer & craft store that is filled to the brim with gorgeous frames, home decor, and of course, craft supplies! At the beginning of each month, we’ll tackle a project alongside some of the other bloggers in the Michaels Makers group and we’re so excited to challenge ourselves to get creative and think outside the box.

To kickoff this awesome partnership, Michaels decided to throw a little get together called the Michaels Makers Summit.
Pillow Michaels Makers Sonoma, California

Let me rephrase that…it wasn’t exactly a LITTLE get together. More like an amazing-pinterest worthy-gorgeous get together filled to the brim with some of the most talented creators in the blogosphere. Oh, and did we mentioned that this get together was held in one of our favorite places?

SONOMA, CA!

Bridget and Casey at the entrance to the Maker's Party

Yep, these 2 ladies hit up wine country once again. And today we’re sharing all of the details from our trip.

Dinner party setup at the Michael's Makers Summit

On the day we arrived, the Michaels team threw a dinner party in St. Helena for all of the bloggers. The setting was breathtaking, and these photos don’t even do it justice! It was held at the Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead…a gorgeous & delicious spot!

Now imagine our large group of women being let loose on this scene? You can only imagine the amount of photos taken as we devoured every picture-perfect detail of this gorgeous outdoor space.

Wine and flowers at the blogger's dinner party

Usually we feel like crazy ladies when taking photos out in public, but at this event we were in good company! It was nice to be able to snap away, with no judgement!

Do you guys know Courtney from A Thoughtful Place? Oh-em-gee…this girl is the best. We have admired her blog for some time now, and we were both dying to meet her! Turns out she was just as amazing in real life as she is on her blog. The 3 of us were together all weekend and we loved hanging with this hot mama of 2. Not only did we love drinking wine with her, but we really enjoyed asking her questions on how she does it all as a wife, mother, and blogger. This gal is chock full of great advice, and we feel so lucky to now consider her a friend.

Menu for the bloggers dinner partyThe Michaels Makers Summit was hosted at this gorgeous home

The main Michaels Makers event was held the next day at, get this, an estate atop a mountain in Sonoma. We kid you not. We loaded into vans and took a (very bumpy) ride up a mountain until we reached our destination. A lucky interior designer actually owns this home and has done amazing things with the property. Floating lettings in the Michaels Makers pool

I mean look at that pool?!

The Sonoma House for bloggers at the Michaels Makers Summit

When we arrived there were plenty of “ooohs” & “ahhhs” going on, and of course, more photos being snapped! This party was full of stunning furniture and decorationsSmall details like this lantern made this party a DIYers dreamMichael's Makers Summit pillows were bright and colorful

After we picked our jaws off the floor, it was time to get crafting! On the docket for the day? Weaving, watercolor painting, paper flower crafting, and a session on transferring images.

Arts and Crafts at the Maker's SummitCreative juices for the creative bloggers at the Michael's Makers Summit

Each class was taught by an expert from Michaels creative partner, Creativebug. We both were in awe of the instructors, but holy moley some of the bloggers around us were amazingly crafty too! In fact, we found ourselves usually being the worst in each class (hard to stomach for these A+ students) compared to these crafting pros. If you want to give these projects a try, you’re in luck! The classes are available online FOR FREE until 8/22.

Even though we weren’t expert weavers or painters, we certainly felt the love from our fellow Makers. And that’s what it’s all about right? Encouraging one another and inspiring each other to try something outside of our comfort zone. But wine certainly helps unleash that creativity too…

Bridget and Casey enjoying the sunshine and drinks at the Maker's SummitMichaels Makers Summit in Sonoma, California

Cheers to an amazing trip and an exciting year ahead. We can’t promise we will have the coolest crafts of the bunch (who are we kidding…we know that’s not going to happen!), but we will say that we’re going to do our best to create meaningful crafts that fit well into our home decor. Whether it’s personalizing a small part of our home, or making a thoughtful gift for a friend, we’re ready to hit the ground running.

San Francisco

Now there was no way we could hit up the west coast without squeezing in a bit more travel. We extended our stay one day, and spent some time exploring San Francisco. Here are some pics from our afternoon in the city… san francisco Golden Gate Bridge

 

 

Boats lining the port of San Francisco

Bridget and Casey Signature

P.S. Here’s a look at some of the trip recaps from the other Makers.



The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.