Host a Craft Swap
If you’re anything like us, you love diving into new hobbies but not every hobby sticks and then you are often left with a bunch of unused supplies. Hosting a craft swap is the perfect eco-friendly solution for recycling your unused supplies while discovering exciting new materials to spark your creativity. Plus, it’s a fantastic excuse to bring your community together for a fun and inspiring day!
1. Pick a Date, Time, and Theme
Set a date and time: Choose a day that works for you and your invitees—weekends or evenings are usually best.
Optional theme: Narrowing the focus of your swap can make it even more fun. For example:
Scrapbook supplies
Yarn and knitting/crochet materials
Mixed media or general crafting supplies
Seasonal crafts (holiday decorations, summer projects, etc.)
2. Choose Your Venue
Your location doesn’t have to be fancy—just functional! Consider:
Your home: Perfect for small, cozy gatherings.
A local park: Great for fresh air and more space (bring picnic blankets or folding tables!).
A community hall or library room: Ideal for larger groups.
Tip: Ensure there are plenty of surfaces to display the supplies. Tables and countertops are ideal!
3. Send Out Invitations
Invite friends, family, and fellow craft enthusiasts. You could even extend the invite to local crafting groups or social media communities to broaden your circle.
Create cute invitations to set the tone. You can design these digitally or hand-make them for a crafty touch!
Don’t forget to include key details:
Date, time, location
Theme (if applicable)
A brief explanation of how the swap works
4. Set Some Ground Rules
To keep everything organised and fair, establish some guidelines:
What to bring: Encourage guests to bring clean, usable craft supplies.
Drop-off system: Have everyone lay out their items in designated sections when they arrive (e.g., “yarn,” “paint,” “tools”).
Swap fairness: Decide how the swap will work. Options include:
A free-for-all after an initial browse.
A ticket system where participants earn “credits” for each item they bring and use them to claim new items.
Leftover supplies: Decide what will happen to unclaimed items. You can donate them to schools, charities, or local community centers.
5. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Play some background music to set the vibe.
Provide light snacks and drinks (bonus points if they’re themed!).
Add creative touches like colorful signage, craft-themed decorations, or name tags for attendees.
6. Organise the Swap
Lay out supplies: Once everyone arrives, have them place their items in clearly labeled sections. This makes browsing easier and prevents chaos.
Start the swap: Explain the rules and kick off the swapping! Encourage people to chat and share ideas—it’s part of the fun.
7. Add a DIY Station
Take your craft swap to the next level by setting up a DIY corner for post-swap crafting.
Provide basic tools like scissors, glue, and markers.
Encourage participants to experiment with their new finds or collaborate on a group project.
This is a great way to keep the creative energy going and foster connections within the group.
Craft Swap Benefits
Eco-friendly: Reduce waste by giving unused materials a second life.
Budget-friendly: Stock up on new supplies without spending a dime.
Community-building: Bring together people with shared interests for a fun and creative experience.
Hosting a craft swap isn’t just about trading supplies—it’s about sharing inspiration, connecting with others, and celebrating the joy of crafting. Ready to host your own? We’d love to see how it turns out! Tag us (@gluegirls.club) on Instagram with photos of your swap and creations :)
