A Book Club But Better: Why a Craft Club is the Answer to Your Busy Life
Hear me out: crafting club is the new book club, and I. AM. HERE FOR IT.
To be honest, I didn’t always feel that way. I do love a good book and I love chatting over snacks with friends. But I am a busy woman—aren’t we all these days?—and I’m not exactly a self-diagnosed crafter. My DIY stash once consisted of a few bits of old construction paper (relics of the toddler era) and a dried-out glue stick. I mean, I’ve come a long way since then, but my roots are what they are.
So what changed? Well, a friend invited me to her crafting club a few months back, and (after expressing my shock that such a thing even existed) I decided to, at worst, enjoy a little night out for myself. Well, at best, it was actually exactly what I never knew I needed and something I look forward to every month. I had no idea there would be so many benefits of crafting with others or that connecting through crafts could create such powerful bonds. But I’m here to tell you there are, it does, and you should absolutely get to experience the joy of handmade creations right alongside the rest of us. Here’s how!
The Surprising Benefits of Joining a Crafting Club
Listen, I’m the first to tell you that I didn’t think I had time to join a club that met regularly—I mean, I am always ready with a list of things that “should” come first. Sound familiar? But when I experienced what I did in just one night at my friend’s monthly crafting club, I knew the benefits of crafting together regularly would far outweigh any excuse I had. Here are just a few things I’ve noticed that add to my well-being because of craft night.
Take a Time Out
One of the first craft therapy benefits I noticed—and was genuinely surprised by—is that crafting together makes time slow down in the best way. There’s something about working with your hands that pulls you out of our busy, tech-driven world and feels like an actual break from the bustle of everyday life. I could tell that this wasn’t going to feel like an obligation but a genuine and gentle way to relax, breathe, and truly enjoy myself.
Build Fast Friendships
For some reason, paper crafting is one of those hobbies that builds friendships fast. (I nerded out a bit after experiencing this firsthand and found that scientific studies have been done on this phenomenon, proving that working together on creative tasks does actually foster connection and strong social bonds!) What I found was that, though I only knew my friend hosting the event, I immediately felt included, seen, and integral to the group. And new, lasting friendships grew quickly after that.
Inspire Confidence
Part of that unifying feeling probably comes from the fact that in a crafting club you’re literally all in it together. There is a ton of skill-sharing happening, at times we are all trying something new to us, and that state of perpetual learning puts us all on a somewhat level playing field. And I say that as someone obviously new to crafting when I started attending! I am a more confident person after participating in a crafting club, without a doubt, and that goes beyond my ability to make a pretty card or scrapbook page. I have been reminded that my unique perspective and position in life bring something important to any table.
Connect beyond the Craft
Another unique benefit of crafting club comes after it’s over. Connecting with loved ones over the things I’ve created, whether it was a handmade birthday card or the paper art hanging in my own home, has had a way of uniquely strengthening my relationships with friends and family members outside of the club. Maybe it’s that extra shot of personal touch added to gift-giving or the investment I have in being part of why my home decor feels more truly us, but either way, I have certainly felt the truth in what one researcher conducting an experiment titled “Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing” said:
“Research often yields complex, murky, or weak findings….But, these patterns were strong and straightforward: Doing creative things today predicts improvements in well-being tomorrow. Full stop.”
Who Would Benefit From a Crafting Club
Given just the few (but major) benefits I’ve let you in on here, it feels very safe to say that anyone and everyone would benefit from participating in a monthly crafting club! I do love the idea, however biased I am, of creating a crafting group with other women in your community. It seems we are the group consistently putting our own needs aside for the supposed benefit of others when we know that taking time for ourselves is crucial to being at our best. Watching other women grow and flourish and be creative in a space where I am free to do the same has been seriously magical.
So, if you’re a new mom, a grandma, a single lady, a recent high school grad, a mom of teens, or any other deserving woman (hint: that’s all of us), give hosting a crafting club a try!
How to Start or Host a Crafting Club
First off, don’t be intimidated. One of the coolest things about this crafting club thing is how easy-going it has all felt. I actually hosted my friend’s group one month while she was out of town, and, looking to her example while utilizing my own strengths, I was able to put on a simple get-together all about connecting through crafts and just having a good time. And to make sure everyone can enjoy the power of these delightful evenings, I’ve put together a quick how-to for planning your own crafting club!
Keep it simple.
While an elaborate theme with coordinating decor and drinks can be fun once in a while, don’t get caught up in thinking every month (or ever!) needs to be so involved. Setting up a table or two with a place for everyone invited is literally all that’s required for the space. Bonus if you’ve got a little music on in the background to set a relaxing and inviting mood!
Have enough supplies.
If your group has agreed that the host is the appointed supplier of crafting supplies, just make sure there is enough to go around. Think about things like adhesives and stamp pads. It’s nice for each person to have their own or at least not have a long time to wait for their turn. (Keep in mind that the cost for these supplies can be easily shared amongst the group members. That responsibility doesn’t have to be solely on the host.)
Break the ice.
Even if everyone in the group knows each other, but especially if there are new guests, make sure everyone introduces themselves and shares a little something that helps each person be heard and seen in their own way. One of my favorite icebreaker ideas is to ask everyone to offer up a weekly highlight—anything from beautiful wedding planning to enjoying puppy snuggles at home is fodder for connection!
Make tidying up a breeze.
Ensuring clean-up isn’t a drag at the end of the evening is key to a successful event for me. I love the idea of each space at the table being equipped with grid paper and a disposable cup for scraps that can be easily tossed into the trash.
Inspire creativity.
Getting creative juices flowing is as simple as throwing out a color scheme, stamp set, or all-inclusive kit from Stampin’ Up! for everyone to use as a foundation for their own imaginations. (Side note—these kits are perfect for every level of crafting expertise and have been a great tool for skill-sharing and inspiration at several of my friend’s craft nights. Plus, a little cohesion in our final products always makes for that boost of solidarity we sometimes need!)
Take in all the beauty.
How lucky are we to be amongst friends while taking a break from the grind and practicing our creativity? Simply recognizing the benefits of connecting through crafts and taking a minute for gratitude can be all you need to keep coming back for more.
Looking for a crafting club near you or some DIY craft club tips from a pro? Connect with a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator today!