Sunday November 16, 2008: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

Looking for a seriously fun and unique new craft obsession? Or want to make your own holiday gifts? Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed toys. Whether you're a beginner or have plenty of experience at amigurumi, join us and learn how to make your own deliciously cute amigurumi cupcake, creature or mushroom. All supplies will be provided. Get an early start on holiday gift-making!

This event is for Teens in grade 6 & up - adult. Registration is not required and this program is free of charge.

An accomplished needlework author, teacher and designer will appear at Traverwood library at 7 p.m. Oct. 20. Ann Strite-Kurz specializes in innovative geometric patterns, and some of her work will be on display at this library event cosponsored by the Ann Arbor Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Strite-Kurz has written five books: The Heart of Blackwork (1992), Potpourri of Pattern (1995), Backgrounds: The Finishing Touch (2003), Creative Canvas Couching (2005) and Diaper Patterns (2007). Check out other embroidery books at the library, including Celebrating the Stitch: Contemporary Embroidery of North America.

Bring your collected items (photos, ticket stubs, sports ribbons, etc.) from home and create your own scrapbooks.
Thursday, August 7, from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Pittsfield Branch. Grades 6-12.
Check out Cool Scrapbooks or The Simple Art of Scrapbooking to get inspired. See you there.

Thursday August 7, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Over the course of her career as a professional conservator, Julia Miller has had extensive experience with various aspects of bookbinding and historical preservation of print collections. She will present on the topic of historical book binding in conjunction with the Downtown AADL exhibit, "Design Bindings Presented by the Kerrytown BookFest." The exhibit is on display through August. This event is cosponsored by the Sixth Annual Kerrytown BookFest, which takes place on Saturday, September 7, 2008. The theme of this year's bookfest is Honoring Fine Binding and Ernest Hemingway.

From Da Vinci to Warhol kids can check out the back of the new materials shelf in the youth department for lots of cool information on master artists and their masterpieces!

Make a cool necklace using colorful beads, jute and a simple pattern.
They are simple enough that you'll be able to wear home what you make.
Come by Malletts this Wednesday, July 23, 4:00-6:00 pm.

Every week the AADL has been creating displays for the Ann Arbor Art Center Creativity Camp's theme of the week on the back of the new books shelf in the Youth Department. These books are for anyone interested in the theme to check out. This week's theme is sculpture. Do you know who created the sculpture on the cover of the book pictured here? It's a favorite of mine. Come find out at the library!

Let me make a confession: I don’t know how to knit. And working at the library with a slew of fabulous, fun and new knitting books, well, I feel a bit guilty. I was recently searching for the movie The Goonies in our catalog and a wonderful book came up in the search instead: New Knits on the Block. A book that features knitting projects inspired by costumes, toys and decorations. What does that have to do with The Goonies, you ask? There is a knitting project called Goonie’s Treasure Bath Set, Which consists of a Jolly Roger wash cloth, a stuffed parrot, eye patch, and head scarf- all stitched up for bath time play. The fun doesn’t stop there. The book also has directions to knit the following: a St. Elmo’s Fire firefighter hat, Labyrinth felted wizard and princess hats, a Schneider tool set and pouch (my personal fave), The Tooth is Out There alien tooth fairy pillows, a Benetar guitar pillow, and even The Last Unicorn dress up headpiece. I could go on and on with the pop culture titled, magically adorable crafty projects. If I could knit I would make these treats for every kid I know, and possibly a few for myself. The author, Vicki Howell, is the host of DIY’s Knitty Gritty, and is well respected in the knitting world for her funky, hip edgy designs. (I know it’s summer and folks don’t want to knit scarves in the summer, but these are toys! And toys are needed year round.)