Arts-Entertainment
By Melissa Johansen
The Craft Supply Swap quickly outgrew two venues since the first swap was held at the Livingston Center for Art and Culture in November 2024. On October 10th, the Fall Craft Supply Swap will take place at the Park County Fairgrounds. The fans and organizers of the Craft Supply Swap are eager to see all the art and craft supplies that will be swapped and all the people who will connect with each other at this larger venue.
The Craft Supply Swap is a fun, free community event that centers creativity, reducing waste, and connecting our communities. The event on October 10th is from 11 am to 4 pm at 46 View Vista Drive in Livingston.
This event provides the community an opportunity to gather and donate unused art and craft supplies. Crafters are encouraged to donate supplies they don’t intend to use. Donations must be in good, usable condition and can include: fabric, sewing, patterns, fiber, needlework, drawing, paint, canvas, paper, beads, jewelry, art and craft tools, frames, craft and art books, general craft supplies, and clay.
Donations can be made at one of nine early drop-off sites in Clyde Park (Crazy’s), Emigrant (Wildflour Bakery), Gardiner (Yellowstone Forever), Livingston (Park County Fairgrounds), Wilsall (Shields River Farm & Nursery), Big Timber (Carnegie Public Library), or Bozeman (Eagle Mount, Wild River Thrift, Studio Wheelhouse).
Volunteers will collect donations from drop-off sites, transport them to the fairgrounds, and then sort and display the items on tables. Donations may be made up until one and a half hours before the show. The first early drop offs begin September 24th. Dates and times for all drop-off locations can be found on the website.
Swappers (those who donate supplies) get early access to browse and take free-of-charge supplies of their choice. Afterwards, anyone can “shop.” Swappers are encouraged to take their time browsing and also enjoy coffee, tea, and treats, the Museum of Unfinished Projects, and opportunities to connect with other crafters, classes, supplies, and more.
In addition to providing craft supplies to individuals, organizations and groups may also participate. Such staff or volunteers can come browse during the final hour of the Swap from 3 to 4 pm.
Much community collaboration and volunteers make the Craft Supply Swap possible. The community values everything about the Craft Supply Swap. That’s why its members work hard to make it happen and why people are so excited for this next swap. From drop-off sites and experts in certain crafting areas to people lending tables and other equipment, many have contributed to enhancing our community through access to craft supplies and building community.
Since that first swap just two years ago, much has happened! Our community of artists, crafters, and makers has expanded the mission of the swap to include; miniature swaps; a second hand craft shop on Main Street in Livingston; opportunities to build community around crafting; workshops; and providing supplies to teachers, schools, and memory care centers.
The opening of the Creative Reuse center on Main Street has made more creative supplies and activities available to our community. Since October 2025, we have diverted more than 15,105 pounds of creative supplies from the waste stream and made them available to our community. Additionally, Creative Reuse Montana has become a connecting center for people interested in all things arts and crafts. Volunteers connect with one another while sorting donations. Strangers meet each other while learning a new craft in one of the workshops. Friendships have formed during the free weekly CrafTea gathering. People learning to sew receive advice from makers hosting pop-ups. The connections happening in and through Creative Reuse Montana are endless.
Because larger venues have become necessary, leaders at Creative Reuse Montana anticipate that the capacity for the organization will also continue to grow. Leadership is continuoulsy amazed at the ways collaboration opens up new ways to serve the creative community. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve the creative community.
Further details regarding the Fall Craft Supply Swap, including volunteer opportunities, can be found at www.craftsupplyswap.org. Learn more about the work of Creative Reuse Montana at www.creativereusemontana.com.