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Crafting With Creative Friends
The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~Albert Einstein
The skill and artistry of crafting take many forms, and you will find several of those at the sessions of Ponca City’s Creative Friends group. In June 2024 Krista Robertson and Donna Hingtgen formalized the group to bring people who love craft projects in a monthly setting that gives them space, inspirational ideas from one another and time away from other stresses of life.
Robertson is the primary contact and organizer for the group, and she explains that unlike many past groups that focused on just scrapbooking, any kind of crafting work can be done when they meet. She mentions they have people who scrapbook, make cards and journals, do diamond art, embroidery and quilting. Anything goes that is creative work an individual may want to focus on.
People bring their own supplies, but also have an area where free items can be put out for others in the group who might need them. However, it is most significantly the inspiration and ideas that they share when they meet each month. Regular monthly meetings are free and usually on the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., but they sometimes differ due to holidays and such.
In September Robertson organizes a two- to three-day gathering where the group can work from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. each day. For this event, she coordinates T-shirts, goody bags, door prizes and three meals a day (although many times participants take breaks and eat in the community and shop locally) since several people come from out of town. The extended event is usually $125 for the entire time. Besides Ponca City crafters, others come from Winfield, Norman, Mustang, the Tulsa area and the Enid area, so local hotels also get business on the extended crafting sessions.
Last September’s theme for the two- to three-day event was “Rockin’ Around the Crop.” Robertson dressed to fit this theme, and everyone received a shirt that fit the theme. Many new friends are made after spending this much time together.
Hingtgen says, “I think people don’t realize the added tourism for Ponca City with this group since many come from out of town. Many are from smaller communities, so it is a good chance to shop and eat here.”
An additional point discussed by Robertson is the mental health benefit that comes from having a hobby that gets you away from everyday life and stress. In addition, people new to the community can attend and meet others who have similar interests. She says, “The group is very welcoming.”
For those interested in being part of this creative group, the end-of-the-year sessions will be Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. After having their Halloween session in October, these sessions will have themes of Friendsgiving and a Christmas party while people can work on crafts for themselves or gifts for the upcoming holiday. It’s a perfect time to become involved if you enjoy creating.
Robertson gives credit to P66 for allowing the group to meet at the 4th Street Clubhouse. It is a perfect location and has a wonderful layout with ample tables for those who attend. They’ve had almost 30 attend in the past and generally have at least a dozen. The space has room for growth if the group expands.
If you enjoy a fun break to further develop and work on your craft ideas, this is a group that has individuals from their 20s to late 70s. The diversity of crafts and people brings new ideas that participants can see work before purchasing tools and supplies for themselves. For example, many have moved to using toolboxes to bring their supplies and watched others work on magnetic easels before purchasing their own to set up and easily view their design before finalizing it. Seeing how other crafters use tools helps a person know if they would help them with their own.
Although prior registration is not required for the regular monthly sessions, it is still a good idea to let the organizers know you are coming to ensure there is enough room for everyone. Robertson mentions that she can be found on Facebook and there is a “Ponca City Paper Crafters” page as well that you can join. She can be messaged via FB Messenger to be sure you have the correct meeting date. Most publicity is by word of mouth and through this page and the Oklahoma Scrapbookers group. If crafting is a hobby you have, or if you are looking for a place to begin, Creative Friends is a fun place for you!
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