Join A Neighbor At Renwick’s Next “Handi-Hour”

by Barbara Cline

In 2010, a new kind of “happy hour” was created: Handi-Hour, a craft-themed event held in the elegant Grand Salon of the Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

What happens at a “handi-hour” event? Mary Peckiconis, Clarence House resident and founder of the Upper Northwest Knitters, has attended three Handi-Hours:

“Once every few months I leave work at 5 p.m., take the Metro to Farragut North and walk to within a block from the White House where the Renwick Gallery sits.

This earring is made from cork.

The first Handi-Hour I attended was this spring and we made a duct tape wallet. I didn’t know there were so many nice looking tapes available. Many people succeeded in making some beautiful wallets and they were even able to make more than one.

The summer Handi-Hour was crafting with postage stamps. We created stationary and decorated various notebooks with stamps, also a lot of fun. The Renwick stamped our mail and I received my letter a few days later. In the fall I attended a night of corks. We made jewelry, paperweights and key rings with corks and other supplies, all provided for our creativity.

For $20 it is a good deal, including live music, food, craft beer, a knitting and crochet corner if you prefer that than the craft, a souvenir Handi-Hour glass to take home and something that I have created with the help of my friends.”

The next Handi-hour will be Wednesday, January 23, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m. with a craft project themed around the work of artist Stacey Lee Webber, who is now featured in the Renwick’s “40 Under 40” exhibit through February 3rd.

A how-to video on the featured craft is available on the museum’s Handi-Hour blog (scroll down to find the link) a week before each event.

Admission is $20, cash only (or $15 cash for soda/water), and includes two drink tickets, snacks, and all you can craft. All crafters must be 21 and older and you must bring your ID.

Mary is inviting all who are interested to join the fun. Contact Mary at [email protected] to reserve a space at her table and she hopes to see you on January 23rd!