Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer
Are you looking for a fun club to entertain your Tuesday evenings? Do you like connecting with others and making fun crafts? Ever thought of making your own jewelry? Then look no further than Oneonta’s very own Jewelry Making Club!
This club meets every Tuesday at 6 pm in the Butternut Room in Hunt Union, hosting themed jewelry-making events unique and exciting themes. This past Tuesday, they had a Saint Patrick’s Day-themed bracelet-making event. Students were able to make whatever they wanted with the large variety of beads, stones, and charms. The environment was warm and inviting, and full of creative and imaginative ideas.
Other events that have happened this semester were their keychain-making event, bag charm-making event, and a Valentine’s-themed night where students made bracelets using the colors of their loved ones’ eyes. If any of these events sound interesting to you, then make sure to come check this club out.
Ariana Mehmeti, the president and co-founder, is a senior psychology major with a minor in women and gender studies. When she transferred to Oneonta two years ago, she was very interested in beading and jewelry making. She noticed that there wasn’t a club for that interest on campus.
Their goal was to create a club that’s accessible to everyone — something easy and fun where people can make jewelry. People of any and all levels are welcome to join. If a student is unsure of how to do something, the E-board and other students will be happy to assist in any way they can.
At first, the supplies used in the club were Ariana’s own supply, but last summer, a large amount of their materials were donated to them. A friend of Ariana, Stella’s grandmother, Franny B, passed away. Franny B was a dedicated jewelry maker who began her craft when she was 20 years old. Jewelry was a huge part of her life, making jewelry for local hospital staff and leaving it around town for people to find and take home. When she passed, her supplies were donated to the club, knowing that Franny B would have appreciated it. With the large array of materials, students can create any piece that will make them happy.
Last semester, the Jewelry Club hosted its lip gloss keychain-making event. This event resulted in 100-110 students showing up, a turnout that was amazing yet shocking. The club will be hosting another lip gloss key-chain making event on April 7th. They will also be hosting a mocktail fundraiser. At this fundraiser, students can enter for $3 and then have unlimited access to mocktails and jewelry-making.
Welcoming, fun, and creative were three words Ariana would use to describe this club. Her final message for students unsure if this is the club for them: “Just come! Everyone in the club is really friendly and helpful. You don’t need any experience — I didn’t have any when I started. People are always willing to help you learn.”
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