3 Years of Tuft Stuff

Community Celebration & Fundraiser

Tuft Stuff Has Hosted 4,000+ Students.

Help Us Welcome Thousands More.

Celebrating Three Years of creativity while raising support for the next chapter of Tuft Stuff Studio.

RSVP

Donate

Volunteer

Business Partners

Media Resources

Why This Matters

Three years ago, Tuft Stuff Studio opened with a simple goal: to create a space where people could learn something new, make something with their own hands, and experience the satisfaction of creating. Since then, we've welcomed more than 4,000 students into the studio and built a creative community that extends far beyond rug tufting.

Like many independent businesses, we've faced rising costs, economic uncertainty, and challenges that threaten the future of our space. This fundraiser is about more than keeping the lights on—it's about preserving a place where people gather, learn, create, and connect, while helping launch the next chapter of Tuft Stuff.

Funds raised through this event will help support the continued operation of the studio, the introduction of new workshops and creative experiences, expanded open studio opportunities, and the resources needed to continue serving our community for years to come.

Tuft Stuff has hosted more than 4,000 students.

Help us welcome thousands more.

What To Expect

Join us for an evening of creativity, community, local businesses, and a first look at what's next for Tuft Stuff Studio.

Whether you've taken a class with us before or are visiting for the first time, this event is an opportunity to connect with fellow makers, support independent businesses, and celebrate three years of creativity in Chicago.

Community Auction

Browse and bid on a collection of donations from local businesses, artists, makers, and community partners. Auction items may include gift cards, experiences, products, services, artwork, and unique contributions from businesses throughout the neighborhood.

Free Hourly Giveaways

Every attendee will receive entry into our free hourly prize drawings throughout the evening. Prizes may include Tuft Stuff gift cards, workshop experiences, merchandise, and other surprises from local businesses and community partners.

Be the First to See What's Next

Get an exclusive preview of upcoming workshops, creative experiences, and expanded programming launching this summer. Explore examples of new crafts, learn about future opportunities, and discover what's coming next to Tuft Stuff Studio.

Community, Music & Refreshments

Spend the evening with fellow students, artists, makers, neighbors, and small business owners while enjoying music, refreshments, and the creative atmosphere that has helped shape Tuft Stuff over the last three years.

Exclusive Early Access Opportunities

Previous students will receive special early access opportunities, exclusive booking windows, and sneak peeks at upcoming workshops and open studio offerings before they are released publicly.

Most importantly, this is a chance to celebrate the community that has helped make Tuft Stuff possible—and help shape the next chapter together.

What's Next at Tuft Stuff

For the last three years, Tuft Stuff has been known for rug tufting workshops. While that will always remain at the heart of what we do, we've spent the last year imagining what more a creative community space could become.

This fundraiser isn't just about preserving what already exists—it's about helping launch the next chapter of Tuft Stuff.

Beginning in July, we'll be expanding our offerings with new hands-on creative experiences, returning student opportunities, and more ways to create at your own pace.

Open Studio Tufting

One of our most requested offerings is finally on the way.

Open Studio Tufting will allow returning students to work independently on new projects while still having access to guidance, equipment, and a creative community. Whether you're looking to create larger rugs, refine your skills, or continue a project you've been dreaming about, Open Studio will provide more flexibility than ever before.

Returning Student Access

Many students leave class wanting more time to explore, practice, and experiment.

New returning student opportunities will offer additional project options, skill-building experiences, advanced techniques, and dedicated studio time designed specifically for those who have already completed a Tuft Stuff workshop.

New Creative Experiences

We're also preparing to introduce additional craft workshops and creative experiences beyond rug tufting, giving students new ways to learn, create, and connect.

Our goal is simple: to make Tuft Stuff a place where creativity doesn't stop after a single class.

Be Among the First

Previous students will receive exclusive early access to book upcoming workshops, Open Studio opportunities, and new creative experiences before they are released publicly.

Fundraiser attendees will also be among the first to preview what's coming next and learn how they can be part of the next chapter of Tuft Stuff.

With your support, we're not just keeping a creative space open—we're building something even better.

Ways To Help

There are many ways to support Tuft Stuff and help shape the next chapter of our creative community. Whether you're a former student, local business, neighbor, artist, or simply someone who believes in independent creative spaces, we'd love to have you involved.

Attend

Join us on June 27 for an evening of creativity, community, local businesses, giveaways, new craft previews, and our Community Auction.

Attend the Event

RSVP

Donate

Support the fundraiser through a monetary contribution or by donating products, services, gift cards, experiences, artwork, or auction items.

Every contribution helps support the continued operation of the studio and the launch of new programming.

[ Make a Donation ]

Volunteer

Help make the event possible.

We're looking for volunteers to assist with setup, check-in, auction support, guest assistance, breakdown, and other event-day activities.

[ Volunteer ]

Share

One of the easiest ways to help is by spreading the word.

Share the event with friends, family, coworkers, customers, and fellow creatives. Download our event poster, social graphics, and fundraising materials to help us reach more people.

[ Share the Event ]

Business Partner

Support Small Businesses Supporting Small Businesses.

We're inviting independent businesses, artists, makers, and neighborhood entrepreneurs to participate through auction donations, event attendance, employee engagement, team outings, gift card purchases, sponsorship opportunities, and community partnerships.

Neighboring businesses and employees also receive an exclusive 15% discount on workshops, future craft classes, team-building events, and gift cards.

[ Business Information ]

Not Sure Where You Fit In?

Start by attending.

Whether you donate, volunteer, bid in the auction, share the event, purchase a workshop, buy a gift card, or simply spend the evening with us, every contribution helps support the future of Tuft Stuff Studio and the creative community we've built together.

Business & Community Partners

Support Small Businesses Supporting Small Businesses

Tuft Stuff has welcomed more than 4,000 students over the last three years, bringing thousands of visitors to Wicker Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Many of those visitors explore local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, retail stores, and other independent businesses before and after their workshops.

As part of our Community Celebration & Fundraiser, we're intentionally focusing on fellow independent businesses, artists, makers, and neighborhood entrepreneurs who help make our community unique.

We're inviting local businesses to help us celebrate three years of creativity while helping launch the next chapter of Tuft Stuff.

Ways Businesses Can Participate

Donate to the Community Auction

We're seeking donations of:

• Gift Cards

• Products & Merchandise

• Services

• Experiences

• Artwork

• Event Tickets

• Gift Baskets

• Unique Local Offerings

Auction proceeds will help support the continued operation of the studio while funding expanded creative programming and new workshop offerings.

[ Donate an Auction Item ]

Summer Team Outings & Employee Appreciation

Looking for a creative and memorable experience for your team?

Tuft Stuff offers private workshops and team-building experiences for groups looking to connect, celebrate, and create together.

Whether you're planning a summer outing, employee appreciation event, client activity, or team-building experience, we'd love to help.

[ Learn About Team Events ]

Exclusive Neighbor Business Discount

As a thank you for supporting local creativity, neighboring businesses and their employees receive:

15% OFF

• Rug Tufting Workshops

• Future Craft Classes

• Team Building Events

• Gift Cards

• Upcoming Creative Experiences

Contact us for availability and neighborhood pricing.

[ Claim Your Discount ]

Share With Your Team

Workshops and gift cards make great:

• Employee Appreciation Gifts

• Birthday Gifts

• Date Nights

• Friends & Family Outings

• Team Incentives

• Creative Weekend Activities

We encourage business owners and managers to share this opportunity with employees, coworkers, and customers.

Every workshop booked and every gift card purchased helps support an independent Chicago small business while giving someone a memorable creative experience.

[ Download Employee Flyer ]

Become a Community Partner

Not able to donate?

You can still help by:

• Sharing the event

• Displaying an event poster

• Posting information in employee areas

• Mentioning the fundraiser on social media

• Encouraging attendance

• Connecting us with other local businesses

Every act of support helps strengthen the network of small businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant, creative, and unique.

Together, we can help ensure that independent creative spaces continue to thrive in Chicago.

Business & Community Partners

Support Small Businesses Supporting Small Businesses

Tuft Stuff has welcomed more than 4,000 students over the last three years, bringing thousands of visitors to Wicker Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Many of those visitors explore local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, retail stores, and other independent businesses before and after their workshops.

As part of our Community Celebration & Fundraiser, we're intentionally focusing on fellow independent businesses, artists, makers, and neighborhood entrepreneurs who help make our community unique.

We're inviting local businesses to help us celebrate three years of creativity while helping launch the next chapter of Tuft Stuff.

Ways Businesses Can Participate

Donate to the Community Auction

We're seeking donations of:

• Gift Cards

• Products & Merchandise

• Services

• Experiences

• Artwork

• Event Tickets

• Gift Baskets

• Unique Local Offerings

Auction proceeds will help support the continued operation of the studio while funding expanded creative programming and new workshop offerings.

[ Donate an Auction Item ]

Summer Team Outings & Employee Appreciation

Looking for a creative and memorable experience for your team?

Tuft Stuff offers private workshops and team-building experiences for groups looking to connect, celebrate, and create together.

Whether you're planning a summer outing, employee appreciation event, client activity, or team-building experience, we'd love to help.

[ Learn About Team Events ]

Exclusive Neighbor Business Discount

As a thank you for supporting local creativity, neighboring businesses and their employees receive:

15% OFF

• Rug Tufting Workshops

• Future Craft Classes

• Team Building Events

• Gift Cards

• Upcoming Creative Experiences

Contact us for availability and neighborhood pricing.

[ Claim Your Discount ]

Share With Your Team

Workshops and gift cards make great:

• Employee Appreciation Gifts

• Birthday Gifts

• Date Nights

• Friends & Family Outings

• Team Incentives

• Creative Weekend Activities

We encourage business owners and managers to share this opportunity with employees, coworkers, and customers.

Every workshop booked and every gift card purchased helps support an independent Chicago small business while giving someone a memorable creative experience.

[ Download Employee Flyer ]

Become a Community Partner

Not able to donate?

You can still help by:

• Sharing the event

• Displaying an event poster

• Posting information in employee areas

• Mentioning the fundraiser on social media

• Encouraging attendance

• Connecting us with other local businesses

Every act of support helps strengthen the network of small businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant, creative, and unique.

Together, we can help ensure that independent creative spaces continue to thrive in Chicago.

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