The Makit Together Line-Up
We are so excited to announce this year's line-up of awesome humans to be our class leaders! Check out the list below!
Your Co-Hosts
Christy Nelson & Kashoan ward
Christy & Kashoan started out as crafting friends way back in 2011. Christy is the owner of Makit Takit Craft Studio. Kashoan is a creative entrepreneur. Together these ladies own & run Makit Together and Makit Market. You can sometimes find them on Youtube hosting Take A Break & Make. They often refer to themselves as "business besties" and have matching scissor tattoos.
keynote speaker
Abigail E. Penner
she/her
Hi! I’m Abigail and I draw the monsters that live in my head. They’re a lot more poetic and interesting than I am.
Instructor
Alex Svoboda
she/her
Alex Svoboda is a clinical and community herbalist and the owner of Arise Botanicals, a local company that offers herbal remedies, consultations and hands-on education. Alex cultivates medicinal plants and vegetables on a .4 acre urban farmlet. She can also be found out foraging and admiring the trees in and around Lincoln. She is on a mission is to help people connect to the earth centered healing that brings about transformative change. In the garden or out in the community, Alex carries a deep reverence and respect for both plants and people.
instructor
Alex Weinberg
she/her
Alex Weinberg is the creator behind Pocket Ghost Outpost, where she enjoys blending fiber art with silliness. Her current muse is learning how to spin art yarn on a wheel and dreaming of a bigger space to house all the yarn she hopes to spin. With over 15 years in the hospitality industry in San Francisco and Southern California, Alex is an event planner and producer who loves to throw a good party both professionally and personally. When she’s not hosting an event or on the couch crafting, Alex loves to travel with her husband. Whether it’s a road trip (she loves a kitschy roadside attraction) or a new country, they are always searching for the next best place to hike or look for sea glass.
Instructor
Autumn Langemeier
she/her
I have been an adjunct professor, taught friends how to sew or make paper art, and often perform public speaking at my day job. I love to share knowledge with others and watch them make it their own!
Instructor
Claire Briney
she/her
I'm a local Lincolnite with a BA in studio art from UNL, in 2016 I joined the Paint Yourself Silly team because I was excited to help children learn about art. I fell in love with the paint-your-own-pottery medium, and wanted to expand the fired arts that we could offer to our community. In 2020 I took over as the studio owner of Paint Yourself Silly and currently run two locations in Lincoln.
Instructor
Cristie Baron
she/her
Cristie Baron is an artist, educator, and founder of Joyful Art Center, where creativity, community, and joy come together. Passionate about making art approachable for all, Cristie believes deeply in the value of the creative process—not just the finished product. She offers classes in painting, mixed media, and more, empowering people of all ages and skill levels to explore their unique creative voice. Through her work, Cristie is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of art to inspire confidence, connection, and joy.
instructor
Holly McMillan
she/her
Holly McMillan has been immersed in the world of rug hooking for almost 30 years and has been sharing her passion by teaching both hooking and punch needle for the last five. She is dedicated to promoting the textile arts and loves helping people discover a new creative outlet. Punch needle is especially fun to pick up quickly, making it a great entry point for anyone looking to try something different. Holly creates a welcoming space for anyone, whether you're a long-time crafter or just starting out.
instructor
Jon'el Hunt
she/her
Known online as the Cheeky Tufter, Jon'el is a contemporary fiber and textile artist. She plays with yarn and other textiles to create rugs, wall art, home décor and other usually (but not always) functional one of a kind, unique pieces and now she's excited to share this modern twist on this old art form with you!
Instructor
Jules Myers
THEY/THEM
Jules is a dabbler among the arts, primarily working in hand embroidery & collaging. They believe that creating art should be accessible to all, and that magic and healing transpire when we take the time to craft & create. They know that starting is often the hardest part, and they encourage everyone to take a chance on themselves, wander within the weirdness of their mind, and most importantly, have fun! Jules’ approach to art is playful and full of whimsy, filled with lush textures and bold colors. Their collage work incorporates primarily repurposed materials, as they believe that art is all around us, waiting to be unearthed.
instructor
Karen Sullivan
she/her
Karen is an upcycling advocate who loves to share the benefits of upcycling preloved textiles and making them into reloved garments and accessories. She does this through teaching sewing classes sometimes using her own sewing patterns, as well as other designers. She designs patterns with the two goals of being beginner and upcycle friendly.
Instructor
Kelly Afflek
she/her
Creative Junkie, Freelance Graphic Designer and owner of Tomato Tomato Creative Space. Where all abilities thrive on inspiration.
instructor
Korinne Zimmerman
she/her
Korinne Zimmerman is an accomplished fashion designer and sewing instructor with a passion for creating beautiful, well-fitting garments. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's TMFD program, she has been teaching sewing for many years, sharing her extensive knowledge with students of all skill levels. Korinne is also the creative force behind her fashion line, Zaftig Kitty, which focuses on designing stylish and flattering pieces for plus-size bodies. Her talent and dedication were recognized when she was awarded the title of Emerging New Designer at Omaha Fashion Week. She is available for commissions and private lessons.
Instructor
Lane Gibson
he/him they/them
Lane Gibson is the Craft Manager at Makit Takit and the owner of Fat Owl Fashion, a brand dedicated to accessible, gender-inclusive clothing. With a background in performance art, garment design, and a wide range of printing techniques—including screen printing, DTF, and sublimation—Lane brings both technical expertise and creative flair to every project. Beyond the studio, they perform as the drag artist Maena d’Luxian, blending fashion, performance, and storytelling. Lane is passionate about building community through art, believing in its power not only to bring people together but also to inspire personal growth through creative expression. Whether on stage or in the workshop, Lane’s work centers on accessibility, inclusivity, and joy in making.
instructor
Lisa Okamoto Behar
she/her/they/them
Hi friends! I'm Lisa Craftamoto, a creative workshop junkie and all-around maker of things. This is my third year attending Makit Together and first time teaching! I work a corporate job by day and spend the rest of my time on fun projects, shaping my small biz, and snuggling pets (mine or any animal that gets too close). My workshops are designed to be approachable for beginners and a playful reset for seasoned crafters. Let's make something cute!
Instructor
Lynette Fast
she/her
Teaching Preschoolers to adults for over 38 years has brought Lynette a breath of insight into creating art and the art of teaching visual arts. Lynette’s preferred mediums are jewelry making, metalsmithing, painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery.Exhibiting regionally, Lynette presently has works in five galleries and has shown her work in many galleries and exhibits throughout Nebraska over the past 17 years.
Instructor
Mollie Leisinger
she/her
Born in Wyoming and raised in Nebraska, Mollie is a Midwesterner through and through. She’s happiest when she’s outside—gardening, boating, camping, or just soaking up the sunshine. Her hobbies range from ceramics and creating to foosball, yard games, and car shows. She also has a deep love for planning (yes, spreadsheets count as a hobby), a competitive Scrabble streak, and proudly wears the title of dog mom. Mollie is all about making the most of every moment, bringing energy, joy, and curiosity to everything she does.
instructor
Nicky Harms
she/her
Crochet and sewing teacher of Makit Takit. I have been crocheting and sewing for most of my life and love sharing new skills with others.
Instructor
Samantha Sharp
She/Her