Block Printing Workshop

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 2:07pm by manz

Wednesday, December 4 | Malletts Creek | Grades 6-Adult

In this workshop you will create a design, carve the design into a soft linoleum block with the proper tools, and then print the image onto paper or note cards. This is your chance to create something to hang on your wall, or perhaps design a holiday card.

We will supply all the tools necessary, you supply the creativity! If you have a design in mind, or something you’d like to print on, or have your own tools, feel free to bring them.

Check out some of AADL’s books on block printing for a spark of ideas.

This DIY event is for Grades 6- Adult, and takes place at the Malletts Creek Branch on Wednesday, December 4, from 6:30-8:30pm. See you there!

Decorate Your Thanksgiving Table

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 10:44am by kidlit

Do you need some last minute decorations for your holiday meal?
Come to the Pittsfield Branch on Wednesday, November 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
to make some decorations for your table. We'll be making our versions of
place mats, candles, turkeys and wreaths.

This is for kids Preschool - 5. All supplies will be provided.

Holiday decorations made by children's loving hands are the best!

For other ideas of Thanksgiving activities, look here.

‘Tis the Season for Wintry Crafts!

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 12:50pm by theshhlady

The days are getting colder and shorter and winter is the perfect time to stay indoors and start some traditional and fun crafts. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or crocheter who wants to learn some new patterns or a beginner, the library has plenty of how-to books to fit your needs. You can’t go wrong with homemade gifts for the holidays (they're also relatively inexpensive!). If you want to make something more interesting than an afghan or a pair of baby booties, you could make some creative pieces of knitted or crocheted art. You could even make something for your pet! If you’re feeling adventurous you could even try embroidery or felting.

Acorn Necklaces

Thursday July 10, 2014: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grades K-5.

Book Sculptures

Sat, 11/02/2013 - 9:59pm by manz

Wednesday, November 6 | 7-8:30pm | Pittsfield Branch | Grades 6th through adult

Are you ready to learn a new and slightly addictive craft?! Join us the evening of November 6th for some upcycling. At this craft event we will be turning unwanted paperback books into a variety of book sculptures, such as trees and hanging sculptures, using various folding techniques. All materials will be provided.

World Hobbit Day Celebration!

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 5:36pm by manz

Saturday, September 21 | 2:00-3:30pm | DTN-MPR | All Ages

September 22 is the birthday of Frodo and Bilbo, hobbits from J.R.R. Tolkein’s famous fantasies The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. World Hobbit Day has been celebrated by fans all over the world since 1978, and this year AADL is getting in on the game, and we’re celebrating a day early.

Join us for a wonderful celebration of these fantastic books and movies. (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is in theaters on December 13th!) In our Shire-for-a-day there will be Hobbit-themed games such as a Lord of the Ring toss, craft projects such as dragons and beards, and special snacks such as lembas bread.

Feel free to dress up as your favorite Middle Earth character to get into the spirit of things! (Note: Even hobbits have to wear shoes while in the library.)

National Sewing Month

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 3:50pm by manz

September is National Sewing Month! Sewing is a wonderful art form that spans generations and brings people together. How many of us learned to sew from our mother or grandmother? How many have taught our own children to sew? It’s an amazing gift to pass down, and a great skill to learn. Even if you just plan on sewing on buttons that fall off! Because guess what? You’re sewing. To participate in a month-long celebration of sewing, AADL has books to get you started on new projects, or get you motivated on ones that have been collecting dust in your craft corner. It’s time to bust out the machine and get to it. Here’s a few new favorites in the AADL collection:

Best of Stitch: Bags to sew

Sewing for boys: 24 projects to create a handmade wardrobe

We love to sew: 28 pretty things to make: jewelry, headbands, softies, t-shirts, pillows, bags & more

The library has SEW MANY great craft books to get you inspired and sewing away. With a wide range of projects from purses to dress, for many different skill levels, the books have you covered with great images and tutorials.

Fancy Felt Pins & Hair Clips

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 4:06pm by manz

Tuesday, August 20 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Pittsfield branch | For Grade 6 - Adult
Join us for an evening of making decorative pins and hair clips out of felt and other embellishments. You’ll think of designs, cut out your shapes, jazz them up, and hand sew and glue them into place. All materials will be provided, just bring your creativity! This program is for teens and adults, 6th grade and up.

For more fun with felt, check out this list of books.

Fabric Coil Coasters!

Fri, 08/16/2013 - 5:57pm by yugure

Join us at our Pittsfield location on Tuesday, August 27th from 6:00-7:00 pm to make fabric coil coasters! We'll be making them out of rope and colorful scraps of fabric. Feel free to bring your own fabric from home if you wish! You'll want to be able to cut really long strips from it.

We will be using hot glue guns, so this is a craft for teens and adults, grades 9 and up.

Suncatchers!

Mon, 08/12/2013 - 2:52pm by kidlit

Come to the Pittsfield Branch on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 2:00 and make a suncatcher to hang in your window. We will have three basic supplies: paper plates,
tissue paper and clear Contact Paper. How simple or complex you make your
design will be up to you. This is for kids preschool through fifth grade. All supplies will be provided.

Directions for this project and other fun ideas can be found in this book.