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So, for the past five Januaries that I’ve been organizing Church of Craft, the January meeting has always been more about crowd control than crafting. Let’s face it, January is a month in which people try new things, in a sort of new-years-resolutionary fervor. (Last year at this time, I was trying to accommodate 74 people in a coffeehouse too small to hold them.)
So I went into today’s C of C meeting prepared for the usual crowds. . . . And twelve people showed up.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being just a little disappointed about this initially. But then I realized that there was nothing to be disappointed about at all. And I sat down and crafted — something I rarely get to do at a Church of Craft meeting.
It was a lovely time. All twelve women were wonderful to chat with. We had fun making Washer & Yarn Pendants, and swapping bits of yarn and embellishments. And talking about all kinds of crafts, and anything else under the sun.
Pam discovered how great the washer pendants could look when wrapped with fabric ribbon.
Linda, who is something of a crafty McGyver, managed to wrap these tiny earrings.
Jill and I got into quite an inspiration loop. She’d show me a variation she figured out, which inspired me to figure out a different variation, which inspired her . . . . Look at this amazing necklace she made.
. . . And Joan did some wonderful things with beads.
Teresa brought a leather coat with a rip in it, hoping to find a needle-felter in the group who might help her repair it. Well, Mary visited us for the first time today, and lo and behold, she’s an amazing needle-felter (among other things – these are her pendants)! And the coat looks great.
All in all, just the sort of meeting I love — the kind where you see people talking to strangers, and sharing techniques and ideas, and exchanging emails at the end. In other words, a moment of community. Which is just what a Church of Craft meeting should be.
you are so right! From what I saw above, this was the best class ever for sure. I wish I could have been there. What a wonderful change. You got to be a part of the creative process instead of teaching and observing. Thank you for sharing the creative and beautiful results.
you are so right! From what I saw above, this was the best class ever for sure. I wish I could have been there. What a wonderful change. You got to be a part of the creative process instead of teaching and observing. Thank you for sharing the creative and beautiful results.
What a great meeting! You don’t know how badly I wish I could be at your Church of Craft meetings each month! Community crafting is where it’s at – you afternoon sounded like bliss to me. :)
What a great meeting! You don’t know how badly I wish I could be at your Church of Craft meetings each month! Community crafting is where it’s at – you afternoon sounded like bliss to me. :)
I just love the idea of Church of Crafts. :-) Someone is already organizing the Montreal chapter and I will surely go to the next one in january. I would also love to organize such a meeting in my local area, as well.
And thoses washers looks fabulous all crafted up! The necklace is a brillant and I love the idea of using beads as well.
I just love the idea of Church of Crafts. :-) Someone is already organizing the Montreal chapter and I will surely go to the next one in january. I would also love to organize such a meeting in my local area, as well.
And thoses washers looks fabulous all crafted up! The necklace is a brillant and I love the idea of using beads as well.
What a fun day! I would love to have a Church of Craft here. The washer project would be fun to try with my kids sometime too!
What a fun day! I would love to have a Church of Craft here. The washer project would be fun to try with my kids sometime too!
I love these. I was drawn to them earlier last year and then changed my version but adding beads over the wool or embroidery floss. You can see my samples here: http://www.mcuniverse.com/Beaded-Washer-Pendants.1736.0.html
I love these. I was drawn to them earlier last year and then changed my version but adding beads over the wool or embroidery floss. You can see my samples here: http://www.mcuniverse.com/Beaded-Washer-Pendants.1736.0.html