Getting creative and making things in a social setting can be a lot of fun. This is what initially brought together a trio of local artists, Janelle Huber, Jessica Thomson and Haley Hunt-Brondwin, and the idea of Crafternoon Powell River was born.
“The three of us would get together on the weekends and do crafts together and thought it would be fun to open it up so we could meet more people and swap skills and inspiration,” said Hunt-Brondwin.
Brainstorming for a venue led them to Townsite Brewing, where they were met with enthusiasm in regard to the idea of hosting Crafternoon in its space.
“We did a trial last spring in March to see if people were into it,” said Hunt-Brondwin. “There seemed to be a good turnout and people liked it.”
After taking a break during the summer months, the meetup will kickoff again this Sunday, November 25, at the brewery starting at 3 pm.
“We decided it would be like a Daylight Savings time thing,” said Hunt-Brondwin. “We’re starting again in November and will probably go until the spring.”
Creating things is not only productive, it can be a great, low-impact antidote for holiday stresses. Especially during the winter months, unplugging from devices and getting social can be vital for mental health.
People of all ages and skill level are encouraged to come and work on crafts together. Children are allowed in the tap room, and although hosted at a brewery, non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Huber and Hunt-Brondwin will be on hand to provide some help and expertise as well as offering starter embroidery packs and frame loom kits for purchase. For those who arrive empty-handed or unaware of the event, there are opportunities to try crafts for the first time.
“We always have a box of supplies for people who don’t have something they’re working on,” added Hunt-Brondwin. “We have knitting needles, crochet hooks, wool and all kinds of stuff. Or if you just show up and didn’t know it was happening we have things for people.”
In the future, organizers hope to see the expertise increase to include other fibre artists sharing their skills.
“We’re playing around with ideas for the future so maybe one night we can have a knitting or felting expert come if people want to get a more in-depth tutorial or just a hand with something, then they’ll be there,” she added.
For a small community, the skill level and creativity of the residents makes an event like Crafternoon a natural addition, according to Hunt-Brondwin.
“Powell River is so creative and everyone has amazing skills. Every time I meet somebody I learn about the cool things they do,” she said. “It is our hope that anyone will feel comfortable to come hang out and work on something.”
Crafternoon Powell River is happening at 3 pm, Sunday November 25, at Townsite Brewing, 5824 Ash Avenue.
The event will take place monthly.
