BROOKINGS Brookings Public Library will be giving away free craft supplies on March 15, and those who donate items will earn early entry to the event.
This is completely free, Mikaela Neubauer,library community services coordinator, said. From March 9 through March 13 thats a Sunday through a Thursday we will be taking donations. Then we sort them all out and set them up on Friday. Saturday the 15th is the event.
The second annual craft swap runs from 1 to 4 p.m., but those donating gently-used craft supplies receive an invitation to arrive at noon.
Since we got the word out last year, people will now be more aware of the donation period so we might get more donations, Neubauer said. We truly took just about everything last year. We say, clean, usable condition. Just nothing we would have to take out of a box and go, eww, weve got to clean this up before anyone sees it As long as its something you as a shopper would be willing to take home, its probably okay.
She said theyd love to have a little bit of everything.
Last year we had tons of yarn, beads, paper products, stickers, stamps, paints, buckets of loose crayons and colored pencils and markers, Neubauer said. We had fabric and thread. As for supplies, we had an easel, we had a Cricut paper cutter machine someone dropped off. We had molds for resin. We had pots and pans for melting stuff. It was tons and tons of different stuff. If it doesnt fit a category, well shove it in as miscellaneous.
Last year, 134 participants attended. Neubauer said they dont charge anything but will accept donations to be split between the Brookings Arts Council and the Friends of Brookings Public Library.
We raised just about $700 last year which is insane, because this is a totally free event and we did not expect anyone to donate, she said. People were just so excited and grateful. People were getting these craft supplies that cost who knows how much in a store. Some people were going through and saying, Im pretty sure I have $200 or more worth of supplies, but I only have $20 on me will that be okay? And we were like, of course. This is for you guys. Pay whatever you want.
She said they just want to help local crafters.
People can come in on the day of the craft swap and take home whatever they want for free, she said. Its such a great way to make crafting accessible to people and to have an opportunity to find some of those cool art or craft supplies that you may be wanting but youre not going to spend money on. You might have a hobby youre looking to explore, but you dont want to invest too much money too early. So maybe you can pick something up at the craft swap and start there.
She said its a great way to meet fellow crafters.
Crafting is a dangerous hobby because you do kind of get quickly sucked in, Neubauer said. We have the bring your own craft night, we have tons of craft classes, so if you find something you like (at the swap) you may want to also come to our craft night or other things at the library.
Contact Jay Roe at [email protected].
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