DIY It This December
This December, find a new hobby, make some presents for your family, or spend some quality time relaxing with our DIY December books, crafts, and events.
Explore Paper Craft
“The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts: The Ultimate Guide to Your Electric Cutting Machine” by Crystal Allen
This guide has advice on which Cricut is “the one for you” as well as set up directions and a wide variety of crafts in various materials. Check out the Sleepy Village Luminaries (page 79) for brightening up your mantel or table centerpiece.
“Craft the Rainbow” by Brittany Watson Jepson
A must read for crafters that love color. Start from the beginning or jump in with a craft in your favorite color. Check out the Drinking Straw Party Crowns craft on page 43-44. It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults!
Crochet
“Amigurumi Christmas Ornaments: 40 Crochet Patterns for Keepsake Ornaments with a Delightful Nativity Set, North Pole Characters, Sweet Treats, Animal Friends and Baby's First Christmas” by Linda Wright
Enjoy 40 crochet patterns for delightful baubles that capture the spirit of the season! There's a 12-piece Nativity Set; Santa Claus and other familiar faces from the North Pole; colorful cookies and candies; adorable animals; and Baby's First Christmas. These easy patterns in the amigurumi style of crochet are suitable for any skill level.
“Fairytale Blankets to Crochet: 10 Fantasy-Themed Children's Blankets for Storytime Cuddles” by Lynne Rowe
Bedtime bookworms will love snuggling up and listening to their favorite story in a cozy hooded blanket. Bring story time to life as they act out the characters - will they be a goodie or a baddie, Little Red Riding Hood or the wolf? Includes ten fun, fairytale projects to crochet, including a deer, a dragon, a lion and a unicorn. Each blanket can be made in two sizes: for toddlers (age 2 to 4) and for young children (age 5 to 7).
Pottery
“Making Pots: A Ceramicist’s Guide” by Stefan Andersson
This illustrated handbook guides both beginners and more experienced potters through the fascinating process of one of the oldest crafts known to man. Taking a look at the rich history of pot-making along the way, the book serves as a step-by-step guide to the basic techniques of the craft, offering a wealth of tips on glazing and firing, as well as useful tricks to avoid common mistakes. There is advice on preparing clay and drying, and some handy tips on the daunting task of making a kiln and setting up a workshop. From dealing with a pocket of air in the clay to having the pot fall apart during slipware decoration, each section offers solutions to common problems faced by potters of all levels. Accompanied by detailed photographs and diagrams, this is the perfect gift for the budding ceramicist.
“Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases, and More” by Kara Leigh Ford
Everything You Need to Get Started with Pottery If you ever daydream about delving into pottery but aren't sure where to begin, this is your book. Professional potter Kara Leigh Ford will be your personal pottery guide, helping you to overcome any doubts about your abilities. All you need are curiosity and a few simple tools to mold stunning stoneware with confidence. Inspiring projects and primers on equipment, technique, clay types and setting up a workspace make pottery approachable for complete newcomers, as well as budding potters who want to hone their skills. Plus, gorgeous photos from Kara's studio offer visual guidance every step of the way. Enter the wonderful world of ceramics with hand building, the meditative method behind your next mug, spoon set or soap dish. When you're ready for the wheel, easy-to-follow instructions cover the foundations of throwing bowls, plates, vases and other beginner-friendly kitchenware like a pro. Each stand-alone piece builds upon a skill introduced in the previous project: Craft all ten and you've learned pottery's fundamentals! Tutorials on glazing and decorative techniques will help you discover your own unique style and understand the basics of the firing process -- whether in your own kiln or at a community studio -- ensuring beautifully finished pieces. Kara's can-do approach brings handmade ceramic creations fully within reach. Whether you want to make charming home decor or thoughtful gifts for loved ones, you'll find all you need to embark on your pottery journey.
CREATECheck out our Adult Services Glitter Snowflake Ornament craft from the 2nd Floor. Stop by today to grab one (instructions and all supplies included) and take to make it at home! Be sure to tag us on Facebook – we love seeing your crafting skills in action!
Image from and instructions found at adabofgluewilldo.com/puzzle-piece-snowflake-ornament-craft/
CONNECTPut your new DIY and Crafting skills to the test with these two craft programs this Winter.
DIY Presents
December 20 | 5PM – 6PM | 1st Floor Teen Space
Looking for some cool presents to give friends and family? Look no further! We will me making crafts, pampering items, and more! Plus, we will have all of the goodies needed to wrap your gifts and get you ready for the holidays!
For ages 12 - 18
Homemade Holiday
December 11 | 2PM – 4PM | 2nd Floor
Get inspired with our multi-station homemade holiday class. Make winter wreaths, snow globes, and more. Sign-ups are required, so call or visit the adult reference desk on the 2nd floor to sign up. Space is limited.
For ages 18+
For more events, be sure to visit our events page HERE or download a copy of our current calendar HERE.