CREATE & SWAP at Share Bristol Bedminster

We're so excited to invite all creatives, crafters, & reusers to CREATE & SWAP (previously Creative Cafe & Supply Swap) - meet others, create while together, and swap your unwanted supplies. Whether you're contributing items or not, come browse and maybe pick up a new project!

CREATE : Bring in a small project to work on while being around other creatives! Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to work on a project, and as creatives it's so easy to get stuck in a rut. The best solution is in finding community with other makers, and crafting around other people - and that's what we aim to provide for you, along with help (if we can) and plenty of encouragement!

Don't have a project to bring but still fancy a creative afternoon? We've got you covered! We'll be bringing a stack of collage materials, our trusty badgemaker, and possibly some other supplies so you can create something even if you show up empty-handed.

SWAP : Bring your unwanted arts & crafts supplies, and maybe pick up some new ones! We know most crafters and artists have a stash that's been sitting under their desk/bed/in the cupboard for years - have a little refresh, clear some space, and allow someone else to pick up a new hobby or project.

Can't make it on the day but have some items to donate? Get in touch!

What items do we want?

Overall, we're looking for good quality art supplies and tools that are new, new-ish, or in good/useable condition. This could include:

• sketchbooks, drawing pads, notebooks
• paint, inks, brushes, varnishes, canvases, easels
• stationery (pens, pencils, fineliners, brush pens, calligraphy pens, markers, charcoal, etc)
• collage cuttings, interesting magazines, some art books
• stamps, washi tape, stencils, stickers
• air dry clay (small amounts please!), oven bake clay, pottery tools
• jewellery-making supplies (beads, wire, tools, letterbeads, findings, etc)
• yarn, felt, needles, crochet hooks, knitting needles, buttons, patterns, fabric (small amounts), blank tote bags, punch needles
• printmaking tools (lino handles & cutters, lino, ink rollers, barens, inks, etc)
• tools such as glue guns, mini drills, long arm staplers, cutting mats, hole punches, paper trimmers
• craft kits with all the necessary parts (maybe you can put together a diy one?)

What we don't want:

• broken, damaged, leaking, or dried out supplies
• dangerous tools, or supplies containing toxic chemicals
• oversized items or overly heavy items (anything that can't be easily carried by hand)
• large amounts of fabric or fabric scraps
• unravelled yarn and thread (if you don't want to detangle it, neither do we!)

Have something you want to bring but not sure if it's suitable? Email us and ask!

This event will be held at Share Bristol Bedminster. It is a large and accessible space, including an accessible toilet. There will be some tables set up for browsing and picking up swap items, and tables for the crafting. We'll be there from 4pm til 6pm, join us for the duration or just pop in for a browse! If you're donating items please come at the start of the session, or we can organise drop off on a day before the event.

The ticket price and any payment for items go towards running more of these events!

For any questions about access, donations, or anything else please don't hesitate to get in touch! You can email us on artratsbristol@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @artratsbristol.