Can you tell me about the group that you run?

🎨 Crafting for All at Swinton Library
I run a vibrant crafting club at Swinton Library in Rotherham that welcomes all ages and skill levels—from complete beginners to seasoned makers. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or simply want a friendly, social space to spend a couple of hours, our club offers just that.

🧵 What We Do
Our activities range from sewing machine skills and card making to wool crafts, pipe cleaner creations, diamond painting, and seasonal decorations to name a few. I’ve even hosted sessions focused on mental health and wellbeing.

💬 Community & Connection
The group has built a loyal following, with regular attendees who often reach out during breaks to ask when we’ll be back. It’s more than just crafting—it’s a community.

🌱 Support & Sustainability
Thanks to a CCoC microgrant, I’ve been able to run extra sessions tailored for children and their adults, with all materials provided. I also rely on generous donations from individuals and local businesses, and we champion sustainable crafting by repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste.

Have you seen any benefits to the people attending the group?

💞 More Than Just Crafting—It’s Connection
I’ve witnessed something truly special within our group: members forming genuine personal connections they might not have found elsewhere. New friendships blossom, social circles expand beyond the club, and there’s a shared joy in learning something new together.

🛠️ Guided Creativity, Lasting Impact
With the right focus, clear step-by-step guidance, and a supportive environment, every project becomes achievable. The sense of pride and accomplishment members feel when they complete their creations is incredibly rewarding—and it’s that feeling that makes our club so meaningful.

Can you tell me about your experience with Fun Palaces (as well as running a Fun Palace I know you have attended the Fun Palace maker session at Mowbray and met with the local Ambassador)?

🌟 Discovering Fun Palaces Through Crafting
Before attending that session, I knew very little about Fun Palaces. Joining the UK-wide event opened the door to a vibrant community of makers and introduced me to the incredible passion Fun Palaces has for bringing creativity into everyone’s lives.

It wasn’t until afterwards that I had a powerful realisation: every time I run Cristina’s Craft Club, I’m essentially creating a Fun Palace. For the past two years, I’ve been hosting free, inclusive events—and loving every moment of it.

💪 Crafting Through Challenge
Balancing a full-time job with the desire to share creativity isn’t always easy, but with determination and heart, it’s absolutely possible. I became more involved with Fun Palaces during a time of personal loss, and the experience gave me strength. Being surrounded by others eager to learn and create helped me stay grounded, busy, and connected—just when I needed it most.

What would you say to another Maker like yourself, who would like to share their skills with the local community?

🎨 Share What You Know—It Matters
Don’t be afraid to share your skills. So many makers underestimate themselves, not realizing that they are artists with a wealth of knowledge to offer. Teaching and sharing can be deeply rewarding—not just for others, but for yourself too.

🧵 Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
Yes, it takes some determination and a bit of organization, but you don’t need to have all the answers. A local library can be the perfect place to begin—offering a welcoming space and supportive environment to help you get going.

💬 Why I Do It
I do it because I love it. Because someone once thanked me just for showing them how to sew a zipper. Because being around others who are eager to learn creates a beautiful exchange of ideas. You don’t have to be an expert—you just have to be open to learning and growing together.