Last Friday, the Women’s Center hosted Friday Crafternoon. Teaming up with Vandal Health Education for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the event was to better individuals’ well-being and provide a safe space.
“We Rock,” the theme of this Crafternoon session let people come in and express themselves by painting positive affirmations on rocks. Because of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, this event was created to give individuals a break and add a little positivity to their day. Though not all Crafternoons are themed after events like this, holidays and campus activities affect what crafts offered during these sessions.
Friday Crafternoons have been around for three and a half years. Some Crafternoon themes have become annual, like a positive affirmation crafts and Galentines Day, Women’s Center Program Coordinator Jackie Sedano said.
Other events depend on what everyone is interested in and what people want in their dorm room.
Some crafts put people’s skills to the test, Sedano said. From making soap to painting rocks, each Crafternoon has something for everyone.
Like this and other sessions, people are interested in these events and have been coming back for more.
Being around for three years, there is something about these crafting sessions that makes people want to come back to the events. Having this cozy area lets people come in and have a break from what’s going on in their life, Sedano said.
Another aspect that draws people in is the fact that they’re at the end of the week. On Fridays, students who are done with classes can come in and hang out, or students can take a break during the day and do crafts.
Sessions are scheduled for two hours but people don’t have to stay the whole time, they can come and go as they please, Sedano said.
Like each Crafternoon, the crowd that comes is very different. It depends on the craft offered, but both regulars and folks introducing themselves to crafts stop in.
Crafternoons also offers a safe space to decompress. There is also special comradery during the sessions. Music is playing and people are getting to know each other each time, Sedano said.
There has been some confusion how often these sessions occur. For the first two years, Friday Crafternoons were each week. But now they are twice a month, because this is more manageable and causes better turnout each time.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected]