Laughter, conversation and the aromatic scents of lavender, bergamot and peppermint drifted down the hall from a meeting room in the UMC last Wednesday afternoon. It was the September Crafternoon, with 35 attendees enjoying a relaxing and creative break from classes or work to make sugar scrubs and bath bombs.
Working with common kitchen ingredients, aromatherapy oils and food coloring, they made colorful and fragrant bath treats to take home.
Hosted by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), Crafternoons offer students, faculty and staff an outlet for expressing their creativity and an opportunity to meet people, make connections, and express their imagination and creativity. There is no cost for the event, which is held three times per semester.
For Alejandra Zepeda, a senior majoring in journalism, the hour-long activity provides a pleasant counterbalance to her busy day.
“I’m thinking about what colors I’m going to put together,” said Zepeda, who made a jar of brown sugar scrub and a bright turquoise bath bomb. “It’s a nice way to use the creative part of my brain. I come to a lot of these events.”
Crafternoons offer a creative outlet and a refreshing pause in the day. Past activities have ranged from crocheting and origami to tie dying and friendship bracelets.
“It’s a way to bring students together and build community,” said Nadia Brecl, program coordinator at the center. “The whole series is focused on meeting people and being creative. This one was focused on self-care and doing things that make you feel good. Everyone is welcome.”
There are two more Crafternoons during the fall semester:
- T-shirt decorating, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in UMC 425
- Zine making, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in UMC 416
So, take a minute. Craft something fun and meet diverse people.
The WRC works to develop students’ leadership abilities and to work for equity on campus. While the focus is on women, the center recognizes the importance of advocating on behalf of all marginalized communities. More than 50 educational and community-building programs that address a variety of topics are hosted by the WRC every year.
