SWEET LIFE OF A DESIGNER SUMMIT

Join us online March 11-12, 2026

Who is this for: Crafters, Designers, Artists, Surface Pattern/Textile Designers, and Creative Business Owners

Dates: March 11-12, 2026  TWO DAY VIRTUAL EVENT

Time: 10AM MT/12PM ET - New classes will be released each day of the conference and available for 24 hours! Check out event schedule (via email and our community) for LIVE SESSIONS.

Get Your Free Ticket to the Sweet Life of A Designer Summit

Presentations At This Event Cover...

  • Marketing
  • Design 
  • Silhouette, Siser & Cricut Die Cutting
  • Creating A Design Business
  • Crafting
  • Business & Life Skills
  • And so much more!

Welcome to The Sweet Life of A Designer Summit, a vibrant gathering of creative souls and experienced experts!

Join us for an inspiring event filled with workshops & captivating conversations with leading creative influencers, business owners and makers. Here are the speakers and topics you will get to experience: 

Randal Smith

Laser-Cut Love: A Mother’s Day Project That Blooms with Meaning

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to create something meaningful by hand. In this session, I’ll walk you through a laser-cut Mother’s Day project that combines simple materials with thoughtful design to create a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday.

🌸 Perfect for makers who love creating with intention and gifting from the heart.

 

 

Terri Johnson

Paper Blooms for Spring

Bring spring indoors by making layered paper flowers from start to finish. This class walks you through shaping, layering, and assembling flowers you’ll love to display or gift.

Aja Fillmore

Floral Layout Magic: Create Designs That Feel Effortless & Joyful

In this class, you’ll design right along with me as I build a floral layout from a blank canvas to a finished piece. I’ll show you how I decide where things go, how I keep florals feeling balanced (without overthinking it), and what I tweak when something feels “off.” You’ll walk away with an easy, repeatable approach to floral layouts that feels calm, fun, and way less intimidating—and works for cards, printables, and surface designs.

Carla Locke

Spring Rabbit Card

Make this Spring Rabbit Layered Shadowbox Card for Easter or any Springtime occasion, such as birthdays or showers. Learn how to make the card as shown, or customize it to make it uniquely yours.

Cheryl Kuchek

What I Wish I Knew About AI 

From stuck to unstoppable. Learn how AI can change everything about how you create without losing what makes your work yours.

Claudette Agustin 

From Stencil to Story: Creating an Intuitive Art Journal Page

In this session, I teach the audience how to use a digital stencil I designed by cutting it from an SVG file on a Silhouette cutting machine, then applying it as a foundation for creating an intuitive mixed-media art journal page. I walk step by step through my process, from preparing and cutting the stencil, to working inside a recycled book I have converted into an art journal, to layering paint, marks, and materials in a way that is expressive and personal.

 

Coleen S. Rood

Stacked paper Chicken Lantern Cards

Join Coleen Rood Designs as Coleen walks you through the construction of the Chicken Card, a playful layered 5” × 7” stacked paper project designed just for makers who love to cut, stack, and glow.

 

Grab your cardstock, a little vellum, and some glue—this quirky chicken is ready to shine.

Cori George

Simple Systems That Save Time (Even If You’re a Solo Creative)

Running a creative business can feel overwhelming—especially when everything lives in your head! In this class, Cori George shares simple, low-pressure systems that help creative entrepreneurs save time, reduce decision fatigue, and get more done without burnout.

 

Denise Levy

Wrapped In Blooms SVG Birthday Card

In this class, you’ll create a charming die-cut greeting card featuring a whimsical floral bouquet wrapped in paper and tied with a sweet bow. Each flower is thoughtfully designed with multiple layers and shapes, adding beautiful dimension, texture, and visual interest. The design also includes a coordinating Happy Birthday tag to complete the look. In addition you’ll learn how to use the floral elements separately for gift tags or scrapbook projects.

The completed card measures 5 x 7 inches and fits a standard A7 envelope.

 

Heidi Ulery

Reverse Gilding & Bold Finishes with SVG Letter Art

This class demonstrates a start-to-finish reverse gilding project using SVG letter art. The session walks through preparing the SVG file, selecting materials, assembling layers, and applying a reverse gilded finish to create a polished, framed statement piece. The technique emphasizes clean linework, controlled layering, and surface finishes that add depth and contrast to a flat cut file.

 

Kelly Wayment

Creative Calm: Making a Triskele Paper Orb

Discover a simple yet satisfying paper craft with plenty of room for personal creativity. In this online presentation, Kelly Wayment will guide you through creating a triskele paper orb—a relaxing project that’s beautiful displayed either hanging or sitting. You’ll explore decorating ideas, then learn how to fold and assemble the orb step by step. This project can be cut using a Silhouette machine or created entirely by hand, making it accessible for all skill levels.

 

Michelle Ward

A Spring Appreciation Gift Bag Craft for Classrooms & Celebrations

A Spring Appreciation Gift Bag Craft for Classrooms & Celebrations is a flexible, inclusive paper craft designed for a wide range of settings—from classrooms and family activities to parties, gatherings, and spring events.

In this session, I’ll walk through a customizable treat bag project that can be made using cutting machines or simple print-and-cut templates, making it accessible for classrooms or hosts with limited time, tools, or experience. 

Maile Alicia Ogden

Threadling Doll

Create a small fabric doll with a hand‑sewn face, yarn or fabric hair, and endless personality; totally custom made by you.  In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the art of rag doll making step by step. From stitching expressive faces to choosing hair textures and fabrics, every detail is guided so you can design a doll that reflects your creativity. These handmade fabric dolls are perfect for little ones, pockets, and keepsakes; tiny friends that spark imagination and hold your handmade love.

Michelle Price- 12 x 12 Cardstock Shop

Easter Bunny Gift Box

In this class we will cover how to get the right cut settings for various types of cardstock. We'll finish off the class by making a fun Easter Bunny Gift Box.

Toni Imlay

Make a Cute Spring Felt Banner

Make a cute Spring Banner with me using felt!  I will be teaching you how to use freezer paper and felt…along with your Silhouette Cameo or a pair of scissors and some floss (and embellishments if you choose), to make an easy banner to decorate your home or space for Spring.  

Veronica Lopez

The Art of Intentional Planning: Build Your Own Discbound System with a Silhouette Cameo 5 & Electrostatic Mat

Unlock the full potential of your Silhouette machine and your creativity. This presentation demonstrates how to cut custom planner components from SVG files using an electrostatic mat, choose the right papers, and assemble a polished discbound planner that blends beauty, function, and spiritual reflection. Participants will walk away with practical techniques and fresh inspiration for designing meaningful planning tools.

Carina Gardner, Ph.D.

Business & Marketing Sales Part 1 and Part 2

Carina walks you through two days of lectures on simple marketing and business techniques for artists and designers. Learn more about how you can up level your own design or art business.

 Expert Speakers in the crafting, art, and design world come together for this three day event! 

 

Here's a peek at past Conferences and Summits we have hosted! 

 
 
 
 

What People Are Saying About Our Events

Can you believe that your ticket is FREE? ⤵️

Get Your Free Ticket to the Sweet Life of A Designer Summit

WHEN

March 11-12, 2026

24 Hour Access to Presentations

Live Sessions

WHERE

Private Community & Live Sessions on Zoom

All links are given via email when you sign up!

FREEBIES

Each presenter has a special freebie for you inspired by their class! 

COMMUNITY

Private community will have the full schedule, list of presenters, places to ask questions to join this incredible event!

Giveaways all done in the community! Watch your email for this event!

PRESENTATIONS

Speakers will teach from between 20-30 minutes on topics in the creative and business space including creative business, Silhouette, Siser and Cricut crafts, sublimation, sewing, stickers, Procreate, Adobe Products, creativity, design and lots more!

24 HOUR ACCESS

Watch our scheduled presenters each day of our conference! You have 24 hours to access the presentations and join us for live sessions. Watch on your own time for FREE during this event! (Need more time? All Access Pass available after you sign up for your free ticket!)

Why Should You Join?

  1. Learn the latest design trends and techniques
  2. Level up your skills
  3. Learn new software
  4. New ways to earn as a creative
  5. Inspiration and practical tutorials!

What if you could build your skill and turn your hobby into your side hustle or full time gig?

Are you a...

- Passionate Maker with a Business Dream?

- Aspiring Designer or Artist?

- Creative Ready to Monetize Your Skills?

This event will kick start you in a way you did not know was possible! Learn from creatives, designers, and crafters who have turned their passions into careers so that you can too!

More Reasons You Should Attend This Event!

Transform Your Creativity into a Dream Business in 3 Days!
Join us for an exciting journey filled with expert guidance, creative fun, and the skills you need to launch your design success story.

 

 

Get Your Free Ticket to the Sweet Life of A Designer Summit

Sponsors

Thanks to our Generous Sponsors of the April 2025 The Sweet Life of a Designer Summit!

Frequently Asked Questions

DISCLAIMER: Carina Gardner, Inc. is not part of the Facebook or Instagram website or Facebook Inc. or Instagram. Additionally, Carina Gardner, Inc. is NOT endorsed by Facebook or Instagram in any way. 
Results are not typical or guaranteed. For questions, email me at carina@makeanddesign.com.