Why You Should Go to a Pinners Conference

Have you ever decided to go somewhere without really knowing what you were getting yourself into?

That was me with my first Pinners Conference.

I had no clue what Pinners really was. I just decided to go and see what it was all about. Looking back now, I am so glad I did because that first visit eventually led me from being an attendee, to becoming a vendor, and now to taking another big step—becoming a Pinners instructor.

My personal experience has been with the Texas Pinners Conference, but one of the great things about Pinners is that conferences are held in different locations. So, if you've seen one advertised near you and wondered whether it is worth going, here is why I think you should give it a try.

It's So Much More Than One Thing

One of the things I loved most when I first walked into Pinners was the variety.

I think when people hear about Pinners, they sometimes assume it is just a craft show. There are definitely plenty of crafts, but there is so much more than that.

You can find vendors and classes covering all kinds of interests. There can be clothing, beauty and makeup, DIY projects, home ideas, handmade products, creative supplies and so much more.

That variety is one of my favorite parts.

You can walk in thinking you are interested in one thing and end up discovering something completely different that you want to learn more about.

You Don't Have to Be an Experienced Crafter

If you're thinking, "But I'm not crafty enough for something like that," please don't let that stop you.

First, Pinners isn't only about crafting.

Second, when it does come to the creative side of Pinners, there is something for just about every skill level.

You might be picking up a tool for the first time, or you might have been crafting for years. Either way, you can find something to enjoy.

You don't need to know everything before taking a class. Isn't learning something new part of the fun?

I teach paper crafting, journals and other creative projects, and I love seeing what happens when someone realizes, "Hey, I can actually make this!"

Pinners gives you the opportunity to try things you may never have tried on your own.

Take a Class—or Take Several!

At my first Pinners, I only took a few classes because, again, I really didn't know what I was walking into.

If I had understood just how much there was to see and do, I probably would have planned things a little differently!

The classes are one of the things that make Pinners different from simply going shopping at a vendor event.

You actually get to learn.

You can discover a new technique, try a new type of project or learn about something completely outside your normal interests.

And you don't have to fill every minute with classes. You can choose a few that really interest you and leave yourself plenty of time to explore the vendor floor.

Give Yourself Time to Shop

Speaking of vendors, don't forget about them!

I loved visiting the vendors during my first Pinners, and later I got to experience the conference from the other side of the booth.

I spent two years as a Pinners vendor with Christi's E. Creations, and that gave me an entirely different appreciation for this part of the conference.

There are so many businesses and creators to discover. You may find products you have never seen before, meet the people behind small businesses, discover new supplies or find something that simply makes you stop and say, "Okay, I need to see that!"

My advice would be not to schedule yourself so tightly that you don't have time to wander.

Sometimes wandering is where you find the best things.

Make It a Day—or Weekend—With Someone You Enjoy

I've experienced Pinners with friends and with my parents, and that has become part of the fun for me.

Now that I vendor at the conference, my dad helps me in my booth, and this year I also have friends coming to help.

But you certainly don't have to be working a booth to make Pinners something you do together.

Grab a crafty friend. Bring your mom. Bring your daughter. Bring your husband. Plan a girls' trip. Or come by yourself and spend the day doing exactly what YOU want to do.

While the crowd may lean heavily toward women, I wouldn't call Pinners something that's only for women. There are things for men to enjoy as well.

Really, I think it is for anyone who enjoys learning, creating, shopping and discovering new things.

My Pinners Journey Has Come Full Circle

One of my favorite things about Pinners now is looking back at where I started.

I walked into my first Texas Pinners Conference simply as someone who decided to go.

I didn't really know what Pinners was.

I took a few classes.

I explored the vendors.

And I loved how many different things were all brought together in one place.

Eventually, I took the next step and became a vendor.

After vending for two years, I'm taking another big step in 2026.

I'll be teaching my first Pinners class at Texas Pinners!

There is something pretty special about going from sitting in those classes as an attendee to preparing to stand at the front of one and teach.

And it all started because I decided to go see what Pinners was.

So, Should You Go to Pinners?

I say yes.

Don't worry about whether you're "crafty enough."

Don't worry if you've never been before.

And don't feel like you have to know exactly what you want to do before you walk through the doors. I certainly didn't!

Look through the classes, pick a few things that sound interesting, leave yourself time to shop and explore, and see what you discover.

You might find a new hobby.

You might find a favorite small business.

You might learn a new skill.

You might just have a really fun day with friends or family.

Or, who knows?

You might walk into your first Pinners Conference having absolutely no clue what you're getting yourself into and, a few years later, find yourself teaching there.

That's exactly what happened to me.

Gather Memories, One Project at a Time.

— Christi
Christi's E. Creations