Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/216837
CREATIVE TWISTS Structured much like a book club, sometimes craft club members bring whatever projects they each have in progress, sometimes they vote, but typically, for each club gathering, the host selects the craft and purchases materials. "It's nice to do something you might not necessarily choose on your own," says Jinger Schroeder, owner of Mango Girl Design. As artists, writers and creative types, the club members find inspiration everywhere. They gather ideas and resources in their Spark Collective blog. To link to their blog, find lists of their favorite craft resources, and a link to the instructions for making the craft club's holiday project, the flapper tree, right, visit BRAVAmagazine.com. CREATIVE SPIRITS BY KATE BAST | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOBBI PETERSEN Every few months for almost four years, these gals have gathered to celebrate friendships and the creative spirit—while cranking out countless crafts. Their club was forged while several members worked in creative areas at American Girl in Middleton. Now, as new opportunities and family have called, it's a way to stay in touch and meet other artsy types who join and bring new inspiration to the fold. It's an outlet that members lightheartedly call "craft therapy" and "the craft support group." They try artistic projects they'd never carve out time for or take on alone and fuel each other's creativity, even drawing on each individual's clever insights and know-how to solve life and work dilemmas. In the end they all agree: It's not something they do near enough. As busy women, making time to let their own creativity soar—that is art that's just plain good for the soul. From left: Kate Bast, BRAVA editor-in-chief, learned that the gathering is about spirit as much as crafting when she joined members Jessica Nordskog, cofounder of Wonder: An Idea Studio; freelance illustrator Emily Balsley; Nicole Weathers, a UW Health family medicine physician; American Girl product designer Shelley Cornia; freelance writers and editors Kristi Thom and Therese Maring; and Mango Girl Design owner Jinger Schroeder. Julie Mierkiewicz, club founder, and original member Aubrey Andrus also join in when visiting Madison. GOOD CHEER To keep gatherings fuss-free and energies focused on crafting, easy-to-enjoy eats and festive drinks are a must. Berry Tart One part Yahara Bay Lemoncella liquer One part Yahara Bay Crancello liqueur Lime soda Lime or orange slice or twist Pour spirits over ice in a rocks glass. Add a splash of lime soda to taste. Stir. Garnish with lime or orange. For Yahara Bay Distiller's Apple Chaitini recipe, right, visit BRAVAmagazine.com. 52 BRAVA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013