Dayton Wellness Collective

A cozy crafternoon with a sprinkle of activism

I looked around Ferncroft Studio after my final floor sweep and took a deep breath in. I had been working diligently in this studio for the past couple days prepping the space for one of the largest events we’ve ever had the honor of hosting. Three large tables were set up for the three offered mini workshops, decorated for Autumn, and ready for a cozy gathering. Emily was in the corner, pouring her homemade chai into the warmer. In just a few minutes, several local (phenomenal) artisans would be arriving, ready to showcase and share a craft for others to learn in the hopes they could use this skill set for gift giving this holiday. In an age where we are increasingly cognizant of the soulful emptiness of late stage capitalism, the idea of making a gift for a loved one feels more…satisfying, doesn’t it? An item made, curated, or created from our own hands, weaved with our loving thoughts and intentions. Gift giving the way our ancestors did. Celebrating the holidays with less pressure and with more intention. We had invited everyone to stay after the crafting to mingle and get to know our featured guests – a few amazing humans that are actively working on making our community a better place. Candles were lit, tables received their finishing touches, and the door was unlocked. And the morning proceeded to unfold beautifully. 

Jessica, coowner of Wenches of Wormwood (a delightful metaphysical shop in the Second Street Market) put on a beautiful workshop on simmer pots – herbal combinations that are set on simmer on our stovetops, wafting warm pleasant aromas throughout our households (without the chemicals found in modern air fresheners or candles). She outlined different common herbs as well as their energetic properties. Folks got to choose their own blend to take home, matching the fragrance they preferred with the intentions they were hoping to inspire.

Angie, creatrix of Savage Stitcher, shared her love for unhinged, unapologetic, and politically charged  embroidery with 12 enthusiastic souls. At what seemed to be the most studious table, they all went through the exhilarating process of choosing fabric, thread, and the most perfect message. 

And Kathleen, owner of the adorable Huffman District gift boutique, Pink Moon Goods, showed her group the ancient craft of eco-dyeing – colorizing your fabric from the deep, rich, and subtle hues found inside of plants (many of which we grow in the midwest). Different flower petals were chosen and arranged on beautiful pre-dyed napkins. Then came the careful rolling and steaming of their creations (along with the anticipation, of course).

We had several special guests. Liz with Gem City Action gave us updates on their free store project. Aubrey with Abortion Forward updated us on ways we can advocate for reproductive health and justice. And Lindsay with the Artemis Center shared with us how we can help out via donation, adopting a family, or volunteering time.

All in all, it was a perfect afternoon filled with laughter, creativity, and seriously some of the best homemade chai I’ve ever tasted. In times like these, reaching for our community allows us to reach within ourselves as well, finding those parts that light up when we spend our time with others, giggling, sharing, learning, and just being in a state of creation. A big warm thank you to all who attended (many of whom had never been to one of our events before), to all who helped host, and to the special guests who shared their community activism with us. We can’t wait to do something like this with you all again soon!!

With Love,

Carolyn