9 Helpful Tips for Starting a Craft Club

Consider the Type of Craft You Want to Make

Is your club planning to make one particular type of craft or will it cover all genres of crafting? Some people are only interested in one area of crafting such as scrapbooking, rubber stamping, jewelry making, etc. while others are interested in all types of artistic pursuits. You must decide what will be the focus of your group.

You will also have to decide if your club is going to present craft technique demonstrations and who the instructor will be. It might be fun to have members take turns hosting the meeting and demonstrating a craft of their choice. It might even be possible to invite guest speakers to your meetings! A variety of demonstrations will give everyone a chance to improve their skills.

Another club option is to have your members work on their craft projects and have the meeting focus more on socialization rather than instruction. You as the club founder and manager have to decide which path you want your group to take.

The types of crafts and focus of the meetings may change with time, as members come and go.

How Often Do You Plan to Meet?

The club manager has to determine how often the club will meet. Most clubs will meet once or twice a month, but if you have a group of passionate crafters once a week is also a possibility. The number of monthly meetings are not set in stone and can change as the needs of the members change.

Will Supplies Be Provided for a Charge?

Are your members going to bring their supplies or will the club make all crafting supplies available? If the organization is purchasing the supplies, someone must be in charge of collecting money, making the purchases and distributing the craft supplies at the meeting.

If members are buying the craft items on their own before the meeting, someone must be assigned the task of printing supply lists and distributing them at the meetings or sending emails with the supply information.

Are You Targeting Advanced Crafters or Are Beginners Welcome?

Once the type of crafts the club focuses on is determined, the next step is to decide what level of craft expertise you expect from your members.Do you want to have detailed high-level projects that require advanced degrees of artistic skill and keep the club exclusive or do you wish to welcome people with all levels of expertise?

I have found that most people are generous and will share their knowledge with others, but sometimes people that have advanced skills need to be challenged, and it is frustrating for them to be in a group with people that are at a beginners level.

You might also want to consider if this club will allow children or if it is an adults only club.

Where Are Members Going to Meet?

Potential meeting places are churches, senior centers,  craft stores, park districts,  and community centers.

Here in the United States, there is a major craft store chain called JoAnn's. They offer free space for crafters to meet as a community service. If your club chooses to attend at JoAnn's, make sure you appreciate their generosity by purchasing your craft supplies at their store.

Each member could also take a turn hosting at their home. These types of meetings would work well if the club is small and the members know each other quite well.

How Are You Going to Advertise to Get People to Know About Your Club and Come?

Some options to get the word out that you are forming a club are hanging flyers where ever crafty individuals congregate or setting up a meetup.com page on the internet. Tell everyone you come in contact with that you are starting a club. Not every person will be interested but may know someone who is and pass the word along. Sometimes local newspapers will also give organizations free advertising space. Announce the new club at your church. Tell all the Mom's at your child's school about the latest club startup! Don't be shy!

Is There Going to Be a Website or Facebook Page?

You may not have a website when your club is in its infancy, but after the group has been around for a little while, a web page is a must. People that have heard about your organization and are interested in joining your group will be looking for a web page to gather more information. The site doesn't have to cost anything. You can set up a simple page on wordpress.com for free. You can always expand your site to something fancier later on.

Almost everyone is on Facebook these days, and it is easy to set up group pages. These pages are also a free service and an excellent way for members of your club to communicate with one another and keep track of club announcements.Members can post project pictures, offer tips and suggestions to other members.

Contests and Exhibitions

It is always fun once your club is established to have club contests and exhibitions.You could also connect with other craft clubs to add some excitement and friendly competition. Members will enjoy the recognition and social aspects these occasions provide.

Will the Club Charge Dues?

Clubs do not always operate for free. Sometimes the club will have to charge dues to cover rental costs, supplies and speaker fees. Make sure to charge enough to cover your expenses.