Holiday Homemade

I enjoy browsing the library's wide assortment of holiday books, especially those that involve creating "handmade gifts" for family and friends.  I have found one of the best ornament creation books in our library's Juvenile collection!  The book is titled, More Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make by Kathy Ross (J 745.599 R824m), and is full of 29 beautiful ornaments that primary-grade children can make with just a little assistance from adults. The projects range from very simple (a plastic lid covered in glue and sprinkled with sequins and glitter) to more complex, and the book's projects will satisfy a variety of skill levels.  The best part is that the materials in the book will be easy to find at any basic craft store.  I believe one of the best experiences in life is sitting down with a child and joining in the spirit of creativity with them!  The library has many other equally wonderful ornament creation books in its juvenile collection, and we invite you to travel down to the first floor and find a book that interests you. 

Christmas in August???

You might have read this blog title and been a bit confused---but trust me it does make sense!!! We have all been complaining about the heat, so what's a better way to "beat it" than sitting inside your nice air-conditioned home and completing a craft project? I thought you'd see it my way :) Need some inspiration on what new creation to start? Try looking at these books:

Donna Kooler's Ecyclopedia of Quilting (746.46 K82eq)--This updated and revised book has a pattern gallery with 19 projects, basic techniques and hand and machine quilting instructions. It also includes a nifty history of quilting section. This book is perfect for the beginning quilter to dive in and have a quilt completed in a few short weeks.


Sew with Sara: PJs, Pillows, Bags & More by Sara Trail (646.2 T766s)--I absolutely love this accessible, easy, teen and tween-friendly book that teaches you how to sew! The projects are nine beginner-friendly ones and are perfect for the beginner sewer. This book can create some great "family time" with your kids, especially teen girls who think their summer is "boring-" and mom will have a great time teaching (or learning) right along with them.

Handcrafted Ornaments edited by Creative Publishing International (745.594 H236o)--I love creating handmade Christmas ornaments, but always feel so rushed during the holidays that I end up not being able to make as many as I want to, or that the finished products aren't as good as they could be. I have a solution you and I can both use---start your Christmas ornaments in the summer! This book gives you some great ideas on traditional Christmas ornaments you can make and the stories of each ornament's origin. With full color photos and illustrated steps, this book is sure to make you think about the cold air of Christmas.

If your creative juices have started following, don't stop making projects when you are done with these books. The library has many more craft books available for you to check out. The library would love to see your finished projects so stop by and give us a sneek peek when you are done!