How To Plan A Virtual Crafting Party

Above: Watercolor painting is a great craft to do virtually it requires very few supplies, my simple instructions for these spring ferns is here.

The most productive thing to do right now, in the middle of a worldwide Corona crisis, is to make the best of a very difficult situation, and do things you might not normally do, like planning a virtual crafting party! Spending time together creating something, even virtually, can be really meaningful and fun to boot, not to mention help relieve stress. Sigh. And since it is virtual you can connect with friends and family around the world, whom you might not normally think to include, and that is certainly making the best of a challenging and scary time!

You could plan a virtual crafting party just because, or schedule your crafty get together to honor a special occasion, like a birthday, a holiday or any milestone that is meaningful. An old friends reunion could be great as well, just think of all the laughs you could have! Planning a virtual party can be simple or somewhat more complicated in which case it does take a bit of forethought in order to make it a success, and enjoyable for all. We certainly don’t need any added stress right now, so I’ve put together a little guide to help you make the the very best party ever!

Above: Designing a great virtual party invitation is so much fun and so simple!

Step 1: Invitations

Decide on a date, choose whom you’d like to invite, and if you have time, why not print up some invitations and send them by snail mail, what a novel idea! One can also send really cute free email invitations, like the one above, by using the simple steps at greetingsisland.com. There are so many designs to choose from, and you can opt to send invitations by email at no cost, and print some as well.

Don’t worry about including all the small details on the card, you mostly want to get everyone excited and to put it on their calendars.

Step 2: Plan The General Time Frame And Scheme Of The Party

Your party could last just an hour, or even several hours, and include cake, music, and opening gifts as well as a craft activity. (Presents can be sent if the party is planned ahead, and refreshments can be delivered locally, or each person can provide their own.) Or maybe you’d prefer some serious crafting and enjoying a glass of wine at the same time? Think about what will work the best for your crowd and proceed accordingly. Establishing a general time frame is important as is thinking about the flow of the party. If your crafting activity isn’t too involved you could also include some games that can be played virtually, like guessing games, charades or pictionary, for example. The most important thing is to keep everyone entertained and involved!

Above: A macrame leaf is an example of an interesting craft for a virtual crafting party. It isn’t difficult and can be made in multiples for those who are more adept. Plus you can use rope or string you already have on hand!

Step 3: Plan The Specific Craft

A virtual crafting party could be planned in several ways. It could be a bunch of folks all trying out a new craft, or someone could be the teacher, which might be more successful and guarantee more satisfying results. (Unless you are a group of experienced crafters or artists in which case you don’t need a teacher.) You could be the teacher or you could hire someone with experience teaching crafting online. That said, choose a craft that suites the ages and abilities of your invitees, as well as something that doesn’t require fancy supplies. At this point with most stores closed in most areas, it would be wise to choose something that can be easily and inexpensively ordered online (for those who don’t have the necessary supplies), or something for which the supplies can be found at a grocery store and in the recycling bin.

Some ideas are: macrame, crochet, embroidery, paper collage, paper mosaic, art journaling, watercolor painting, drawing, origami, weaving, paper mache just to name a few. The main thing is to do something that can be done together and shared with one another in progress and upon completion. There are many crafts that can be done with cardboard, rope and string, yarn and sticks, rocks, etc. so pick something interesting!

Step 4: Foolproof The Craft

Unless you are hiring a teacher, make sure to try out the craft yourself to hone your supplies list and see how long it takes! Plus you’ll be much less nervous having already done a run through.

Step 5: Send A Supplies List

A smooth virtual crafting party means that everyone has everything they need right in front of them when the party begins! Make sure the list is very complete and don’t assume folks will naturally know what to do. If for example you are doing something with watercolors include 2 jars filled with water and paper towels for blotting the brushes. Don’t forget to indicate whether one should wear a smock, or old clothing if the craft includes acrylic paint or any supplies that are messy. Also do give an idea of what size workspace will be necessary.

Step 6: Send A Reminder

The big day is approaching, after all your efforts you want to make sure everyone will be able to make it!

Step 7: The Big Day Has Arrived, Get crafting!

Connect with your group via Zoom or any other virtual platform that allows everyone to see one another. And most importantly, enjoy!

Step 8: Send A Thank You Card

Add that extra touch to your party by following up after the party to say thanks! It has never been easier, so check out all the great options for virtual thank you cards.