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Robert Mahar

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Well Crafted Sonoma: Final Balance Payment

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I learned not so very long ago that at many creati

I learned not so very long ago that at many creative retreats, participants, in their excitement to share and connect with their fellow creatives, bring little gifts to share with one another. The first time I experienced it, it was such an unexpected and charming surprise – all of these talented folks playing the role of treat fairy – sharing little hometown souvenirs, sweets, favorite trinkets, and handmade goodies. ✨🍬🪆🪄

As craft camp director, I’ve done my best to set a few parameters and make it clear that this is an entirely optional activity. Not everyone has the time, the bandwidth, or the inclination—and that’s so 100% ok. But for those who do, there’s an unmistakable joy in playing the grown-up version of a grade-schooler handing out Valentine’s to all their new friends. 💌

Here’s a little sampling of the magic shared among this year’s #WellCraftedSonoma participants.

Thursday afternoons during Well Crafted Sonoma are

Thursday afternoons during Well Crafted Sonoma are reserved for local adventures, and this year we ventured a few miles north to the charming village of Glen Ellen and @benzigerwinery. 🍇

We explored this beautiful, biodynamically farmed vineyard by tractor and tram, peeked behind the scenes of winemaking, visited one wine cave (and because one is never quite enough), enjoyed a lovely seated tasting in another.

Our warmest thanks to Nate Reynes for an engaging and delightful tour, and three cheers for the wonderful @jblanning133 for guiding our tasting with such warmth and generosity.

A little sunshine, a lot of good wine, and the joy of discovering something wonderful together. All in all, a lovely way to spend a Sonoma County afternoon. ✨🍷✨ #WellCraftedSonoma

It was a great pleasure to have my friend of 20+ y

It was a great pleasure to have my friend of 20+ years, Mimi Kirchner, teach at this year's Well Crafted Sonoma creative retreat. Our featured project was her much-loved Tiny World Workshop. 🪡🌍🩵

In the long tradition of old-school "make-do" crafts – these were created from fabric scraps, vintage vessels, and in our case – lots of beautiful @benziedesign felt. While many of us are continuing to finesse our vignettes, this is a little snapshot of the brilliant little village our group created. ✨🏡✨ #WellCraftedSonoma

Last Tuesday morning, we kicked off Well Crafted S

Last Tuesday morning, we kicked off Well Crafted Sonoma with a creative exercise in simply beginning. ✨🪡📸

Each participant received a randomly selected black-and-white vintage photograph mounted on watercolor paper, along with a collection of simple, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Choosing just one color of floss, they positioned a pattern, punched the holes, and began to stitch.

No overthinking. No pressure to imbue the work with meaning. Just a simple, tactile invitation to make something - and to begin stitching together.
The results? Pretty spectacular. All the pieces pictured were created by participants. #WellCraftedSonoma

Today concluded my second annual Well Crafted Sono

Today concluded my second annual Well Crafted Sonoma creative retreat. I have SO many pictures to post of our adventures - but today as we rest at the end of a happy packed week - I would be remiss if I didn't mark the day by posting my gratitude for this brilliant group that gathered from around the country with their generous spirits, kindness and curiosity. Thanks upon thanks upon thanks - and safe travels home. 🥰 #wellcraftedsonoma

Meet Walter. ❤️

Meet Walter. ❤️

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