If you ask Tracy MacEchern-Clopton, the brain behind CREATE: A Space for Arts and Crafts, why crafting matters she’d likely say, “Crafting is cheaper than therapy!” Tracy and her husband, Jim, recently opened CREATE to offer a new creative crafting outlet to all members of the community. CREATE is located at 20 Hillcrest Drive, Space A, one block south of Plumb Lane between Virginia Street and Lakeside Drive.
CREATE is a hands-on studio open to individuals of all ages interested in learning various art mediums and crafting hobbies in a social environment. CREATE offers a variety of crafting classes each week that range from string art and hand-painted wine glasses, to wire art serving pieces and wire wrapped flat ware, pallet wood sign art, wind chimes and holiday/seasonal home decor. The format is similar to paint and sip classes offered in the area, however the projects are more diverse in nature. Create welcomes men, women, teens and kids and also offers space for special events, holiday and birthday parties and corporate team building exercises.
All crafting classes are taught by a variety of Reno-based artists and makers.
“By hiring local artists and crafters we are contributing to the economic well being of our local community,” MacEchern-Clopton said in a press release. “We are always looking for talented artists to share their gifts with our clients.”
Tracy, a hairdresser by trade, has spent her life creating. She believes in the arts, good, clean fun and feels that everyone has the ability to express creativity.
“I love to make things, and like many people, I will see something I like and think to myself … ‘I can make that,’” MacEchern-Clopton said. “I wanted to open CREATE to offer instructor-led classes for crafters and makers of all levels and abilities to have a place where they can explore the arts and make things they love.”
Turning fences into shelves, strainers into light fixtures, brass bookends into wall fixtures and old fan blades into dragonfly art are a few of the projects MacEchern-Clopton has perfected.
“Crafting is a wonderful stress reliever, it’s a great way to spend quality time with friends and family,” MacEchern-Clopton said. “Crafting allows you to focus, let go and have fun, and isn’t fun one of the best things you can have?”
To learn more about CREATE or sign-up for a crafting workshops visit: https://www.createartreno.com.
