With the holiday season in full swing, sales and discounted items attract shoppers with the temptation of gifts at their fingertips.
But for those seeking something different, something more personal, a local crafty nook may be just the place to go.
Recently opened, Now or Never PVD is serving this state’s crafty and curious community of residents. From pop-ups at various community events, it has now grown into a brick-and-mortar space on 301 Harris Ave, in Providence.
Founded by New York native, Elvira Orozco, the social and hobby club boasts a variety of crafty activities for the creatively curious to even the experienced crafter looking to explore other creative avenues.
The art lounge serves as a space to be more in touch with your creativity, Orozco said. Describing it as a “preschool to art,” Orozco hopes people can be introduced to different hobbies and art mediums they want to try out.
“I feel like once you grow up, you kind of lose that child mentality and [with Now or Never] it’s okay to try, and it’s okay to express yourself too,” she said.
For Orozco, art and creativity is an important form of self-care. In her personal life, it has become a vital tool for her mental health, and it is something she wants to focus on sharing with others.
“…If we kind of introduce that to people again, that anyone can be creative; I feel like it’s so human to want to make things and express themselves in different ways,” Orozco said. She wants to give people the ability to try different things and feel comfortable exploring those interests.
Set up like an art café, the “menu” boasts activities like watercolor painting, a collage station, and themed special events. December’s event calendar –– posted on their Instagram –– includes experiences like Christmas stocking making, a gift-wrapping station activity, and an event around decorating small tin containers.
Within the very homey and comfortable space, a bookcase full of books will help guide you out of a creative stump; the thrifted furniture and greenery spread throughout the space all set a pleasant and intimate atmosphere that keeps things relaxed.
As an ever-growing community hub, Orozco said one central theme is the desire for “people to be here and meet other people and feel comfortable doing that,” –– a third place for the creative explorer.
The American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, in his 1989 book “The Great Good Place,” described the term “third place” as a casual, public gathering spot (think coffee shops, parks, libraries and community centers) that is crucial for community and social interaction outside of home and work.
Following that thread, Now or Never PVD is building that “third place” concept in the state’s creative capital. From a monthly crochet club to a junk journaling group, the crafty hub is also a great place to create the best kind of gift for a loved one: handmade.
“I just want people to remember that everyone is creative, and creativity can be okay,” Orozco said. “It can be pen to paper, it can be painting, but it’s also in the way that you dress. It’s what you make. It’s the jewelry you wear or make. It’s making cocktails. That’s creativity.”
Here are some handmade gift ideas you can make in time for the holidays, either on your own or with some help from the Now or Never PVD community.
- A framed collage of memories.
A great way to collect a journey of memories and experiences into a personalized snapshot in one place. Gather various photos that are meaningful and cut and arrange them any way you like. You can add other scraps of journaling materials like patterned paper, stickers and fabric to add a unique and personal touch to the picture you’re creating. You can also decorate the frame itself with craft materials to really showcase your creativity.
- Crochet: a heart, coaster, mittens, or hat in time for the winter flurries.
For those looking to take it to another level, crochet is a great entry-level way to create a gift for someone special. Easy level items like a heart, a coaster, a coffee cozy, or a headband, are great gifts that can be done quickly. If you have a bit more time, try your hand at some mittens, a hat, a blanket, or a beanie.
- A memory box
A collection of memories all pulled together is a personal and sentimental gift. Grab photos, trinkets, and other items that represent a story you wish to highlight. Add your creative touch to the box by decorating it. You can paint the box, add flowers or buttons, and even create a box that lights up by attaching small fairy lights all around.
- Pressed floral bookmark
For your bookworm companion, this is a great gift that melds nature and the love of reading. Grab some flower heads, a piece of cardstock in any color you’d like, and a clear adhesive, like tape, to make your special friend a personalized bookmark they can take anywhere with their favorite book.
- Mini-zine – friendship
In an ever-increasing digital world, creating a handmade mini-zine for someone special is a great gift and easy to personalize. Print out some of your favorite pictures that tell the story or the theme you want the zine to follow. And add as many stickers, drawings, and cut outs you’d like before putting it all together in a format that one can read as a book.