A new club in Tauranga is creating a relaxed setting for people to share and trade their skills, passions and wares each month.

Te Puna woman Jessica Carson has founded the Tauranga Homemaker’s Club so those who like creating can connect with likeminded people and go home with a bundle of treasures from their fellow artisans – for free!

Carson said she started the club about six months ago after seeing a similar group online in Australia.

“I decided we needed a homemaker’s club locally.”

She has organised the club so members meet up once-monthly at a local cafe, a member’s home or a park to share homemade treasures, produce and more with one another.

“It’s like you’re getting to go to a market but there’s no exchange of any money.”

So how does it work? “Each person brings five of the same or similar items to swap, then you get to take home five different treasures from different homemakers,” Carson said.

Carson said members will always find something to eat, enjoy or admire.

“We’ve had all sorts of things from knitted and sewn goods, home baking, garden produce, preserves such as jams and chutneys, natural remedies, skincare, candles, blooms – all sorts!”

The club’s Facebook page has 150 members and about 10 people were attending monthly meet-ups. The page and club is free to join, and meet-ups are free to attend, Carson said.

The part-time home-based hairdresser lives on a family orchard with access to lots of fruit trees and the space to grow a vegetable garden.

“I enjoy a simple life and being able to preserve what we have brings me joy. Yes, if we have an abundance then it’s a great opportunity to base my swap item around what I have access to, reducing cost and waste.

“But I also like to go outside my comfort zone and try new things like soap and candle making.”

Carson said sharing and trading within the club had opened her mind to trying new things she would not have considered before.

“It’s broadened my horizons. I’ve discovered essential oils actually have so many uses. I didn’t know they were really good for sinuses, headaches, and aches and pains.

“So now I’ve started buying essential oils and I use them to fragrance my candles.”

Carson said “it builds community, these gatherings. They’re social, you get to make connections and make friends. It’s more than just the swapping but also about being able to share if you’ve got an abundance of produce or if you’ve got a creative niche.”

People can learn more by searching Tauranga Homemakers Club on Facebook.