Cuckoo for crafts

The Rusty Nail’s Crafters’ Collective gives students balance and community through personal projects

By Lacey Jacoby /// Features Editor

For students feeling crushed by their academic schedules, the Rusty Nail may have the perfect solution.

Led by Lauren Scott (’16), a coordinator at the Rusty Nail, the Crafters’ Collective will provide a time and space for students to come together to work on personal (crafty) projects.

Scott’s lack of time for personal projects inspired her to create the Crafters’ Collective. “During the semester, I usually don’t leave a lot of time to do things I really enjoy,” Scott said. “A lot of the projects I start over the summer or over winter break fall flat once school starts.”

Students have expressed interest in creating zines, collaging, sewing, and printmaking. Ultimately, Scott hopes to attract a variety of interests. By joining others who possess various skills and interests, students can educate and inspire each other in an informal environment.

Again, Scott drew upon her own experiences while creating this structure. “I really value working on things with other people. That’s when I learn the most new skills,” said Scott.

Scott also hopes that students will sell their projects in the Rusty Nail’s monthly DIY Bazaar or share them during the Co-Op’s art shows.

At the end of the semester, participants will work together to create a booklet that features an instructional how-to on each person’s craft.

As the Crafters’ Collective grows, the Rusty Nail plans to   expand their “Craft Corner,” as well. By building a crafter’s toolbox, more students will have access to this opportunity for creativity and relaxation.

The Crafters’ Collective meets every other Wednesday (the first meeting was September 24th) from 7-9 p.m. in the Rusty Nail.

In addition to the Crafters’ Collective, the Rusty Nail also plans to restart their weekly Skill Shares. More structured than the Crafters’ Collective, Skill Shares allow students to come and learn a craft from a student or someone from the greater Portland community. The schedule for Skill Shares has yet to be determined.

Unsure if this is for you? “It’s for everyone, especially people who just want to be creative and make a time for that in their crazy academic life,” explains Scott. “You don’t need to be a creative person to come…I think it’s really valuable to be in a community, especially an artistic and creative community because everyone’s ideas and artistic energies feed off of each other.”

For more information about any of these events, email coop@lclark.edu.