Members of Howard Payne University’s official craft organization, Hobby Hive, said they have witnessed God’s hand in their group since the beginning.
Hobby Hive’s founder and president, Lydia Sweet, senior allied health science major from Rosenberg, said that before Hobby Hive was created, “there was a lack of arts and crafts on campus, and there was a gap. We wanted to fill that gap.”
While campus offered various organizations, she said that none had met this distinct need: a place for people to come together and make crafts.
Building a new organization from the ground up was something entirely new to Sweet, she said. She had no idea what the structure, roles, meetings or events should look like, but she nevertheless began to plan.
Sweet said that she prayed that the Lord would help her through the planning stages.
“God if you want this to be a thing, make it a thing and make it work,” she said.
To her, the Lord’s “abundant” provision was evident from the start. Monetary support from the father-in-law of the club’s sponsor, Julie Mize, helped to kickstart the group and lay a financial foundation.
Sweet said that she is also thankful for the pivotal role that the Student Government Association played in providing funds for Hobby Hive.
Sweet said that Kailee Torgerson, former director of student leadership and engagement, was encouraging and shared advice that was fundamental in the early stages of the group.
“I feel like it would not have happened without Kailee,” Sweet said.
Money should not be an obstacle for anyone, Sweet said, so Hobby Hive has zero membership fees or dues, and events are free.
“The goal is to be serving the people in our group and serving the community through making arts and crafts accessible to everyone,” she said.
At Hobby Hive’s debut event in the spring of 2025, students tie-dyed canvas tote bags using water guns. Sweet said it was one of the most popular Hobby Hive events.
The group has hosted many other events where students made clay magnets, glazed ceramic mugs and painted rocks for a campus-wide scavenger hunt.
Sweet said that the mug painting event at the art annex was a student-favorite since Brownwood lacks a pottery painting studio. She said the “vibey” atmosphere of the art annex also drew students to the activity.
Hobby Hive has partnered with other members of HPU campus life to participate in events like football tailgates, HPU Fest, Greek life and Spring Family Reunion.
At the 2026 Spring Family Reunion, Hobby Hive participated in the artisan market to raise funds. Some members contributed their handmade jewelry or crocheted items.
Elsa Leake, senior business major from Georgetown, an inaugural Hobby Hive member, said that the mission of the craft organization is centered on “connecting people, sharing Christ and encouraging creativity.”
Both Sweet and Leake said they have watched the club attract an eclectic and unexpected mix of people.
“I think that doing something with your hands helps people to open up and express themselves through creativity,” Leake said.
A new member, Karly Hardy, said that she decided to join Hobby Hive because it brings out her creative side, and she loves being around all the “friendly people in the group.”
Before joining Hobby Hive, she attended several events, including her favorite one: the clay fridge magnet event.
“Every time I look at my fridge, I remember the sweet memories I made with my friends,” she said.
One of Leake’s favorite Hobby Hive memories was a night of prayer where members met and prayed to do the Lord’s will and bless others through the group.
She said they prayed over one another and asked God to place a spirit of revival in the hearts of students all over campus.
“I love that we started our semester by submitting our organization to the Lord,” she said.
Kinslee Tumlinson