Sonoma Valley High students create craft club that gives back

A group of three sophomores have launched a new club at Sonoma Valley High that has quickly gained popularity with students.

Meg Jernigan, Ruby Eilert and Camryn Berger’s new @handmade.love.svhs.

“If you love arts and crafts and helping teens in need, then this is the club for you,” said Jernigan.

The club meets on campus on Monday or Thursdays at lunchtime, every other week.

“It all started poolside one day this summer when we were doing our new obsession, making bracelets,” explained Jernigan. “An idea popped into our heads... what if we could share this passion with more people and have it benefit the greater good?” At the high school’s Club Rush event last week, more than 100 students have signed up and showed enthusiasm.

The club members will sell the bracelets and anklets at different events around Sonoma, and the money they raise will be donated to a teen charity in the Bay Area. The organizers plan to choose which nonprofit this week, once they receive school approval.

“We believe that teens will benefit from being creative together,” said Jernigan. “It is a good opportunity for us to get off our phones and create things that are colorful, fun and unique, all while using our hands.”

While right now it is just bracelets and anklets, the group may add other items in the future.

“We left it open so that could be a possibility as the club evolves and grows,” Jernigan said.

The girls plan on teaching a new type of weave every few meetings, having members start them together, and then take them home to finish and make more.

“This is a good opportunity for people to learn how to make different types of anklets and bracelets, and do it with others, while talking, laughing, socializing and having fun,” said Jernigan.