Marilyn Brown, Bridle Brook resident, said she enjoys crafting. It is something she has done all her life. And Mahomet area residents can own a piece of her creations this holiday season, or any other time thanks to the Crafters Club at Bridle Brook.
Bridle Brook Assisted Living community, 1505 Patton Drive, Mahomet, has a Crafters Club where residents make jewelry, wreaths, and trinket boxes to sell, according to Angela Barden, director of marketing.
There a several upcoming opportunities to see Brown’s handiwork and that of her fellow crafters. You can even purchase items for Holiday gift giving. These pieces will be sold at the Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce’s Village Christmas event, Friday, Dec. 5; during the Chamber’s Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 6, and also at Bridle Brook on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5:30-7:30. If an interested buyers cannot make these events, they can come directly to Bridle Brook during business hours to see what is for sale.
The Bridle Brook Crafter’s Club began because activity director, Melinda Wallace, knew there were other residents like Brown and herself who like to craft.
“The club is open to everyone,” Wallace said. “There are 5 or 6 faithful crafters and about 10 more who just drop in.” The crafters are mostly women, although there has been a male resident or two involved, Wallace said. The crafters generally meet on Wednesday afternoons, but the jewelry making has become more of a “continuous activity,” according to Wallace.
“It is like there are elves here sometimes,” Wallace joked, saying she leaves supplies out and goes home at the end of the work day. By the time she returns the next morning, beads have been magically rolled and bracelets made.
Beads are made of thin strips of paper that residents roll. The beads are then shellacked and strung together with other metal beads to make bracelets and necklaces. Wreaths are made from a wire frame with ribbon, bows and seasonal decorations on them. Trinket boxes are decoupaged and have phrases such as “best dad” on them.
While not all Bridle Brook residents participate in the Crafters Club, all residents do benefit, according to Barden. Profits from sales of wreaths, boxes and jewelry go back in to the activity fund at Bridle Brook, allowing all residents to participate in events like trips to the Parkland College Planetarium and Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. Music is another popular form of entertainment at Bridle Brook, and money from the sales is used to bring in musicians to perform, according to Wallace.
“Our entire building benefits from the Crafters Club,” said Barden.
“It is an outreach for us,” said Barden. “Our residents love to be doing something. They love to keep busy and share themselves with others. It is something they can be proud of.”
The Crafter’s Club also has donated some of their jewelry to community organizations such as the Crisis Nursery. Jewelry also was also sold at the Sangamon River Music Festival.
Wreaths are not just something made at Christmas time, according to Barden. Crafters make wreaths according to the season: Orange and black for Halloween, pastels for spring, and of course reds and greens for Christmas. Most residents display one of the colorful wreaths on their door throughout the year.
Barden said she wants to let everyone know the Crafters Club takes special orders when it comes to wreath colors. So if someone wants a wreath to match a particular décor, or would like a wreath in Bulldog colors, the Crafters would be happy to accommodate that request. Jewelry also can be made in specific colors.
Costs for wreaths vary by size, from $15-$35. Bracelets are 2 for $5, and necklaces are $10. Wallace and Barden agree parents should note they can have their children shop at the Chamber’s Holiday Shop and purchase a bracelet or a trinket box for the special grownups in their lives.
Anyone interested in seeing the selection of premade wreaths or commissioning a special order wreath should contact Melinda Wallace at Bridle Brook, (217) 817-0522.
