CULLMAN, Ala. – Local artist and founder of Cayla Eclectic, Cayla Grace Murphy-Carnes, will host a Free Swap on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2-4 p.m. at Straight To Ale Brewing Speakeasy Venue, 2610 Clinton Ave. W, Huntsville, AL 35805.
What is a free swap?
This is an event that allows attendees the opportunity to support sustainability. Individuals can bring gently-used items no longer contributing to their household or daily needs and swap them for things they will use in return.
Checking in
“When swappers ‘check in,’ they’ll bring their items and receive a card signifying the number of items brought. Then, swappers can ‘check out,’ where we will bag up their items,” said Murphy-Carnes.
She noted, “I’m encouraging everyone to grab at least as many items as they brought! When it’s close to closing, swappers are welcome to come and grab any remaining items that they brought that didn’t get chosen, if they’d like.”
Acceptable swap items
Murphy-Carnes recommends bringing craft supply bundles, household decor such as blankets or candles, women’s clothes, accessories, kids’ things or general home decor like paintings and so on.
“Swappers can bring up to 10 items of women’s clothing/accessories, home decor or kids’ items like clothing and accessories. My ask is that these items are clean, new or gently used, and are items that people would fall in love with… not just regular tees and jeans.”
She also stated the event is directed toward women with similar styles that lean toward bohemian, whimsical, homemade and maximalist aesthetics.
“I want this event to feel special, and catering to that sort of artsy/bohemian/maximalist vibe is something I’m really excited about.”
This allows individuals to find more value in the items if it is better suited to their interests.
She emphasized that any swap leftovers will go to a good cause.
“Of course, there are always remaining items at the end of these events, and giving back is huge for me as someone who worked in a nonprofit for so long. I’m really honored to say that Curt’s Closet will be receiving any leftover clothing items from this event. They have an incredible team over there and anything we can do to support their back to school efforts is really, really awesome.”
She spoke on her motivations for the event, “I’ve always been a thrifter and a sustainable girly, and even more so in the last few years with the rise of fast fashion. When I became a full-time artist, sustainability mattered even more to me. The textile industry in America produces over 11 million tons of textile waste per year…so being able to swap garments and things that are already made, versus buying more, is beneficial for everyone. It’s less textiles in the landfill, and it’s more money in people’s wallets.”
It’s not just about sustainability, it’s about community.
“It’s awesome to have friends online, but it’s actually incredible to be able to gather in person with women who are into the same things. Women in my age demographic are statistically the second most lonely, right behind late life. We are all so busy in our careers and families that it’s easy to feel super isolated outside of our daily routine. I am hoping this will be a fun way for people to get some cool new stuff and meet new friends,” Murphy-Carnes added.
To see more from Cayla Eclectic, visit caylaeclectic.com.
Register here to swap or volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/caylasfreeswap2026
