Close-up of a white thread or string with evenly spaced stitches on a dark background.

Welcome to the Makerie

Experience the gift of reconnecting with yourself and others in the most meaningful ways – slowly and with your own hands.

At the Makerie, we believe everyone {Yes, You!} is creative. We host contemporary retreats with renowned artists and educators. Makers of all levels are invited.

We scout beautiful environments for playful exploration, nourishment and connection. While each retreat has its own unique personality, they all share an emphasis on creativity, curiosity, and self-care. 

Our hands are a way to our hearts.
We’d be honored to hold yours.

Person holding a potted flowering plant with pink buds and green leaves indoors.

Ali DeJohn, Founder

A seed was planted at my adorable pre-school. All of us children were given wonderful opportunities to make things with our hands. (Painting toast with colored butter was a personal favorite.) Every creation was celebrated. Each child was an artist. Even now, when I’m in front of the fireplace wrapped up in a cozy blanket with my knitting needles or illustrating a tiny love note for my children, I feel that freedom of childhood. All is calm, ‘to-do’ lists and worries melt away, and the world slows down.

Using my hands gives me a gentle way to express who I am. I have created the Makerie community from this understanding, introducing artists to other kindred makers. With experience in event planning, I design the kind of creative experiences that I crave. Retreats are a taproot to the energy, growth, and self-care that enriches our everyday living.

A string of small white dots on a purple background.
A handwritten list of various interests, activities, and publications, including phrases like 'Mollie makes,' 'Creative Pinterest,' 'Where Women Create,' 'The Wall Street Journal,' 'Mingle,' 'Sunset,' 'Uppercase,' 'Better Homes and Gardens,' 'Stitch, Craft, Create,' 'Martha Stewart Living,' 'Oprh daily,' 'Sunset Pearl Magazine,' 'The Handmade Marketplace,' 'Amy Butler's Blossom,' and 'DIY Magazine.'

FEATURED IN

Oprah Daily magazine special summer 2023 edition featuring a woman in a white dress on a beach at sunset, smiling with arms outstretched.
Handwritten text reading, 'grateful to be featured in OPRAH Daily' in brown ink on a white background.
Woman in glasses arranging colorful felted wool scarves or garments on display at a craft market or store.
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“The Makerie is the best gift I have ever given myself.”