Social Crafting making roots in Monroe

Two mother-daughter combinations attended a group crafting event two years ago, had a lot of fun and spurred the creation of Social Crafting.

Abbi Uitermarkt with mother Kim Van Ryswyk and Arica Brinegar with mother Paula Perrin began holding their own classes in various locations in February 2013 and almost two years later opened a shop of their own at 109 E. Marion St. in Monroe.

“We went to (a social crafting class) in Des Moines and thought we could do it,” Uitermarkt said.

The group began holding classes in wineries, restaurants, nursing homes and even a radio station. They were in towns across Jasper and Marion counties including Newton, Pella, Sully and Oskaloosa. One of the first classes they held was at El Sombrero in Newton. Van Ryswyk said they had a great group who gathered frequently for a get together and fun craft project.

Although canvas painting is the most popular craft, the group also makes wreaths, jewelry, paints wine glasses, knits and crochets. Seasonal and holiday crafts are popular along with children’s crafts, which they hope to do at least once a month They are also willing to do special requests.

“Pretty much any do-it-yourself craft you see on Pinterest we could do,” Uitermarkt said. “If they want to do something we will figure out how to do it.”

The projects range in price with canvas painting in the $25 to $30 range. Social Crafting has a deal set up for hosts if they have six or more people at an event, the host crafts for free.

It was a chance meeting that led them to settle down in a location. Uitermarkt had been keeping her eye out and while in town she ran into the owner if the building they are currently in. She asked about the space and was told the current tenants were leaving mid-November. After looking at the space she knew it would be perfect and a couple short weeks later they were in.

Although they are just getting started in the new space, they have a lot of plans for the future. A studio night is an event they hope to have in the future, featuring artists and their work in a gallery setting. They also hope to offer memberships, lockers for customers to keep their supplies and eventually retail in the front of the building, in a boutique setting.

A unique opportunity they hope to offer is an area for people to gather and craft together, in a cozy area within the shop. As mothers themselves, they know it can be hard to find time to work on crafts and space to keep supplies. This space will offer an opportunity to work on projects while sharing and learning with other crafters.

A Dec. 19 open house is being planned for the business with Santa as a special guest and an ornament craft for children to make.