Now in their third year, St. Augustine Makers Fest isn’t your typical arts and crafts festival. Though there are plenty of local vendors offering unique handmade products, the Fest isn’t just a way to support local artists. Instead, Makers Fest invites you to immerse yourself in the artistic culture and community. Throughout the day, artists will be passing on their skills at workshops and giving guests a chance to build their own artistic skills. “St Augustine is a very artistic town. It’s a great place to be an artist, for sure,” reflects St Augustine artist, Jenna Alexander who created this year’s poster. “With so many of us actively involved in creating here in St Augustine, this event is a wonderful expression of who we are. I can’t think of another arts festival where people actually get to create. It’s really exciting.”
The event will take place on Sunday, December 9 from 11am-5pm at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, and proceeds of Makers Fest benefit St. Augustine Public Montessori. In addition to the one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists, guests can relish an exciting array of culinary offerings, including authentic artisan foods, beverages, local food trucks, and craft beers in the Makers Fest beer garden. Two stages, sponsored by Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, will feature live music, dance and a special appearance by The Venardos Circus, rounding out a full day of family fun sure to engage all of the senses. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids.
This year, Makers Fest is also introducing Making Worlds where the Makers Stations are separated into Paper World, Textile World, and Nature World under the big top of the Amphitheatre. The stations provide making opportunities for Makers of all ages to create a beautiful craft that can be given as a gift (or kept for yourself). They’ve even added a few tall tables this year for Makers over 5ft tall. Besides the more formal workshops, these are a wonderful way to casually immerse yourself in an artistic world and discover a new crafting talent.
At the heart of it all, though, are the educational workshops. You’ll be able to learn from the experts and explore the arts of wreath making, cocktail shaking, watercoloring, essential oil creating, and more. Pre-registering for the workshops is suggested, and there will only be a few spots left on the day of the event – so explore the offered classes here and get ready to create at Makers Fest.
PHOTO TRANSFER – WOOD ORNAMENTS
Sarah Annay Photography
3pm, $35
Learn how to make a photo transfer onto wooden ornaments, creating images with antique edges and an organic, handmade feel. The result will be a beautiful, unique addition to your tree or a precious gift for someone you love. One week before the workshop, please email Sarah three high-resolution images, so that they can be edited and flipped before the class to save time. You can email photos to sarahannayphotography@gmail.com.
COCKTAIL HOUR
Honey Truck, St. Augustine Distillery, Chop Shop
1pm, $30
Get some hands-on training in holiday entertaining! Danielle Brooks of Honey Truck Co. will show you how to dress up any dish or drink with a little hyper-local honey. You’ll create a honey-infused cocktail with spirits from the St. Augustine Distillery and a honey-inspired charcuterie board with meats and cheeses from the Chop Shop. Then to top it all off, you’ll get to sample each one of your delicious creations! You must be 21 or older to participate.
WINTER WREATH MAKING
Feather + Bloom
3pm. $40
Liven up your seasonal decor with a gorgeous wreath of your own creation. Brandi Williams of Feather + Bloom will lead the workshop on basic construction techniques while using a variety of ingredients – from foraged cedar to eucalyptus. The end result will be a stunning asymmetrical hoop wreath. Please bring a pair of pruners to the workshop as well as any special foraged items that you would like to add to personalize your wreath.
WATERCOLORS
Lemonlark Paperie
11:30am, $35
Experiment with watercolors whether it’s your first time with a paintbrush or you’re a seasoned pro. Jenny Bookhout of Lemonlark Paperie will set your artistic side free while she guides you through the painting of a wreath (holiday-themed or not) with a word, name, or monogram inside. She’ll go over some watercolor techniques and tips, as well as some ideas on how you can display your new piece of art.
SCENTS OF THE SEASON
The Oil Girls
11:30am/4pm, $32
Join The Oil Girls as they teach you how to create 12 home fragrances with all your favorite scents of the season using essential oils without the artificial chemicals of commercial home sprays.
THERAPEUTIC BATH SUGAR/SALT SCRUB
The Oil Girls
12:30pm/3pm, $20
The Oil Girls will help you create that spa experience at home using essential oils and simple household ingredients. Choose from 8 different natural scents to make sugar or salt scrubs that will exfoliate and soften your skin. The scrubs make wonderful gifts (or a great way to pamper yourself!).
DOTERRA ROLLERBALL
The Oil Girls
2pm, $15
Let The Oil Girls teach you the basics of essential oils, how to create blends to support your own health challenges, and how to incorporate oils into your everyday wellness. The price of the workshop includes two rollerball applicators for you to take with you. You can also purchase additional applicators during the class.
FAMILY MINI-SESSIONS
Milo Davis Photography
See below for time slots, $75
Here’s an easy and fun way to check “holiday photos” off of your to do list! Throughout the Festival, Milo Davis Photography will be offering 20-minute holiday mini sessions in spectacular seasonal decor – perfect for holiday cards and gifts for loved ones. The session includes four high-resolution digital images. Time slots for sessions are: 11:20, 11:40, 12:00, 12:20, 1:00, 1:20, 1:40, 2:20, 2:40, 3:20, 3:40, 4:00, 4:40.
Pre-registration is highly encouraged for all of the workshops. When you register before the event, festival admission is included in the price of the workshop. To register for any of the workshops, visit www.staugustinemakersfest.org/workshops. Discount Makers Station/Food & Beverage tickets are on sale at Simple Gestures November 16-December 7. 20 for $15 in advance, 20 for $20 on the day of the event.
Learn more about St. Augustine Makers Fest by visiting www.staugustinemakersfest.org. Images by Sarah Annay Photography.