Crochet Your Way with Eco-Friendly Crafts

By Kristen Eleveld

“Let your creativity shine” – this is just one of the many mottos that inspires Eco-Friendly Crafts, a local store that offers an incredible array of fun, interesting, and eco-friendly crafting options that are sure to be a hit for all ages.

With its founder Jill Bridges at the helm, Eco-Friendly Crafts has quickly made a name for itself across Gwinnett, especially as Jill and her team strive to educate the Lawrenceville neighborhood and beyond about the impact of the materials used in many craft projects, as well as in many crafting stores. After doing some research on what exactly is in the materials that many popular crafts and projects are made of, Jill was inspired to start a space of her own that not only gave people the opportunity to learn how to make art, but to do so in a way that would not harm the environment around them.

“Many people assume that if they find their materials in a craft store it’s safe to use, and that’s just not the case,” said Jill. “Our goal, first and foremost, is educating our customers and artists nationwide about safe and sustainable crafting.”

The team at Eco-Friendly Crafts backs up their beliefs in a big way. All the craft supplies you find in the store are specifically chosen for their low impact on the environment. And while many people think this may raise the price tag, Jill and her team have taken extra steps to ensure that their prices remain competitive while still offering their customers a wide variety of environmentally sound materials.

“We make it a point to find products that are priced similar to what you’d buy at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s,” said Jill. “While we are a true yarn store and do have some more expensive fibers, we also have recycled acrylic that is comparable to the cheaper yarns like you’d find at those big retailers. We really want folks to know that there is no reason not to choose safer materials; price really isn’t a barrier.”

A true yarn store, indeed. When you go to Eco-Friendly Crafts, you won’t just find an amazing selection of yarn to choose from. The store also offers classes to teach beginners how to crochet and knit, as well as additional classes on using vinyl with a Cricut machine. Some of the more popular classes they offer are the free knitting and crocheting beginner hours, which provide participants with the materials they need to learn some of the basics. Another community favorite is the store’s Knit the Rainbow sessions on Wednesday nights, where participants knit much-needed winter garments for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

Looking to the future, Jill and her team are excited to continue the amazing growth they have experienced since their opening. The store is currently in the process of adding an art studio in the store’s adjoining space, which will offer pottery, fine arts drawing and painting, and homeschool classes. Eventually, Jill wants the studio to become a non-profit organization in order to make their art accessible to anyone who is interested in learning.

If the idea of a fun craft project made from sustainable materials appeals to you, Eco-Friendly Crafts checks all the boxes. You can even sign up for their newsletter to learn more about what they do and why it matters so much, not to mention be the first to know about any upcoming events. Whether you are brand new to crocheting or are an expert at pottery, this store truly has something for everyone. All you have to do is stop by the Lawrenceville square and say hello.

More information at ecofriendlycrafts.com

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