Grand Junction/surrounding areas?

[textbookcase]

I might be moving to Grand Junction in the next few years and was wondering if there was anything crafty going on in the area. I don't know the area AT ALL. My husband is from GJ so he knows it well, but I'm trying to find out as much as I can before we go. Hope there is some craftiness going on nearby!

[kristiface]

I went to college out there and don't like the area at all   And it's been a few years since I've been out there, so my information may not be up to date, but there wasn't much in terms of craft stores out there.  You can always go to Steamboat Springs, which is less than an hours drive from there to see what's in that area.  But I'm guessing the internet will be your best crafting friend out there in terms of sources for materials. 

I'm sure you'll find a lot of women that sew there and do more traditional crafts pretty easily, though. 

[textbookcase]

Aw, boo! My husband friggin' LOVES it there.

Oh well, I'm in a rather remote area with no craft stores now, too. Wal-Mart crafting sucks!

[ItDoesntSck2BMe]

Ooh ooh! I'm from GJ and LOVE it here. ) Been here about 13 years and wouldn't leave for anything.

It all depends on what kind of crafts you do. There's a Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joann's. there are a couple of scrapbooking stores and a few nice yarn stores. There are two pottery studios, and arts center with classes, and there are different arts and crafts classes offered at the local voc/tech school to anyone who is interested. There are two quilting/specialty fabric stores that offer textile classes. I'm big on spinning wool and have found some great sources of fiber. There's also a knitting/spinning/weaving club that I've yet to join but have heard good things about.

If you sell your crafts, the best way to do it is a mix of online and in town. We have tons of arts and crafts festivals across the valley, most of which are affordable. I've always had success at them, though haven't done one for a couple years. People are very down to earth here, and a lot of people love supporting the 'little guys'. Also lots of consignment shops and boutiques willing to try to sell your stuff if it fits with their general theme.

Overall, it's not so bad. I also have nothing to compare it to, but I don't mind. It's not a huge town, but there is plenty to do and it's growing fast. I guess it just depends on what your interests are.

[dooney]

Yeah, just a few years late here, I just moved to GJ and I'm looking for crafty friends, especially those with kids. Now that JoAnn's is closing (boo!) I need to find other sources for fabric. Hobby Lobby and Hi-Fashion Fabric seem to be it here, right? HL is kind of limited and Hi-Fashion is a bit expensive... although I did find some awesome doll eyes for amigurumi there.