The Makerie

A few of the friends you might meet when you come to Black Cat, home to our Makerie retreats. This place is filled with creativity and care. I love this farm, and the people who continue to build it, so much.

Spring retreat announcements coming soon!

Albert ❤️

Hi lovely people ~ It’s been awhile since I’ve done an introduction here, so after my little absence, I thought I’d say hello and share a bit about me.

My name is Ali and I live in beautiful Boulder Colorado. I have two incrdible kiddos and one sweetest guide dog puppy in college so it’s a new season of a quieter home life with just me and my calm, thoughtful husband ~ also our master at finding missing things.

I started the Makerie over 14 years ago and will be celebrating 15 years of this journey in November. How is that possible? Designing experiences to make meaningful and playful space for creative nourishment and connection is at the heart of it all. The amount of beautiful people I’ve met because of the Makerie could fill many lifetimes. No. Better. Gift.

I love to make things. All kinds of things, but usually never the same thing twice. I’m currently loving learning how to draw tiny people from Daria Bogdanova. I’m far from an expert at any one thing, but find my greatest joy using my hands. They teach me so much.

I talk to my amazing mom Linda Winski every single day. We’re best friends.

I love tiny things. The smallest things make the biggest difference. Speaking of small, I’m 5’ tall.

Details matter. So very much.

Always reminding myself people are doing the best they can.

Hiking both by myself and with dear friends is a way I love to spend time.

Love for loose ponytails.

Forever searching for the perfect finest tiniest smoothest black pen. I’m starting to think maybe I love the hunt more than landing ‘the one’. {Don’t ask me how many pens I brought back from our recent trip to Japan!}

I don’t like rushing.

Heaven is escaping to the quietest, coziest places.

I was a collegiate gymnast at Michigan. My teammates share a forever bond.

I love people who open my mind to see deeper and softer.

I cherish those who expand my heart. THANK YOU.

Words I’ve been thinking about a lot lately from the extraordinary late Andrea Gibson. “In the end, I want my heart to be covered in stretch marks.” Isn’t that extraordinarily beautiful?

55. Hi five.

I’m gently returning, and most thankful to share that my mom is doing great.

Thank you for your care and concern ~ it meant so much. Spending the last three weeks by her side, and away from this space, gave me the gift of true presence. It was exactly the place I wanted and needed to be.

I’m slowly finding my footing again and will be easing my way back here at a pace that feels right.

It’s been a little quiet around these parts.

My time is being spent tending to my mom after a major surgery. I am reminded that my hands are the way to my calm {practicing what I preach} ~ and that this human experience is not for the faint of heart.

Connection and community are the keys to getting through anything. And love, sweet love, is the best kind of medicine.

I’ll be back here soon. 🤍