Date : 13th of June 2026
Location : Auckland, New Zealand
On a Saturday morning in the second week of winter, a second DIY & Crafting Club meetup quietly unfolded, with 16 participants gathering in a warm, toasty room to enjoy a cozy morning of gentle conversation and creative crafting. 
The morning didn’t start smoothly. Auckland greeted us with a chilly, foggy start and when I arrived at the venue to set up, the tables were nowhere in sight. It was definitely a stressful morning. I kept trying to reach the host before remembering that he was overseas and unreachable. Thankfully, my partner and friend managed to find them just in time, and all was well. 
I wanted to try something fun and cute this time. Whatever smiley face participants drew from the box determined which kit they received. 
A Look Around The Room:
Despite the fog, our lovely guests started arriving and signing in. It didn’t take long for everyone to settle into their seats and excitedly open the boxes in front of them, each one guaranteeing hours of creative fun ahead.
I had a great mix of new and veteran builders and it was a joy to watch them unbox their kits. Some had no idea what to expect, while others knew exactly what awaited them and took the time to admire every neatly arranged piece before getting started.
The energy this time felt different from my first meetup. The room was filled with a quiet, creative vibe as each participant concentrated on the build in front of them. The atmosphere was calm and steady, with the occasional burst of laughter. Tips and tricks for tackling challenging parts were shared across the tables as gentle conversations filled the room. It turned out to be an incredibly cozy and relaxing winter morning. 
I love how these meetups introduce me to different people each time, and with them come different dynamics. Whether you’re an organised or chaotic, quiet or chatty crafter, no two of us are ever quite the same, yet we all find the same joy in slowing down and enjoying the same hobby.
Some Of My Favourite Moments From The Morning:
These two lovely ladies struck up a friendship and I’m sure they’re already planning a time to catch up over coffee. 
This is exactly why I love hosting these meetups. 
A Few Close-Ups Of The Beautiful Kits They’re Building:
Last but not least, some very happy faces with their baby Nancis:
This time, I’d booked the venue for longer and yet somehow the time still flew by and the meetup ended as quickly as it started. Two participants had to leave early and were unable to be in the group photo. 
Despite the slightly shaky start, my second Auckland meetup ended on a high note. I’m an extreme introvert, but seeing the friendships people form during this brief three-hour session is one of the main reasons I’m motivated to keep doing more.
It was fun reading the feedback forms when I got home and finally had a chance to rest, and I’d love to share some of them with you. 
A huge thank you to @Robotime for making all these happy smiles possible!
I love your feedback form idea & I will steal it for me next meetup… 
