February Teen Take & Make Craft - DIY HOT CHOCOLATE BOMB

This month's Take & Make Kit - HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS!

Have you seen the Hot Chocolate Bombs that have been all the rage lately? They are chocolate spheres filled with hot cocoa mix and toppings, such as marshmallows. Pour warm milk over the chocolate bomb to get an explosion of a rich, delicious cup of hot cocoa! 

Our February Teen Take & Make craft kit gives you most of the supplies to make your own hot chocolate bomb! I had a lot of fun making these, and I hope you do too.  

My first attempt at making a hot chocolate bomb from one of our kits!

As of February 9th, the kits are available in the Young Adult area of the library. Stop by and pick one up before supplies run out. 

If you weren't able to pick up a kit, all you need are chocolate chips, hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, a microwave to melt the chocolate, and something to use for a mold. 

Download our instructions here:

DIY HOT CHOCOLATE BOMB INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions were based on instructions created by Bailey Randolph of the Grand Prairie Public Library in Alberta, Canada. Thank you Bailey!

The kits include a clear plastic ornament in two halves to use as a mold for the chocolate bomb. The trick to getting the chocolate out of the mold is to make sure it is thick enough so it doesn't break apart. 

Of course, if you have an actual silicone chocolate mold that works too. I have also heard about using an egg for the chocolate mold.  You can cover the egg in plastic wrap, and then dip it into the chocolate half way, to form half the sphere.  After hardening in the refrigerator, peel away the plastic.  

Have fun, and enjoy your hot chocolate treat! 

Did you make a hot chocolate bomb? How did it turn out? Let us know in the comments.

 

Teen Book Boxes and other exciting 2021 updates!

 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021! 

I'm excited to tell you about some of the things we have going on in January.

*NEW*  VFL TEEN BOOK BOXES: Sign up for one of our NEW Teen Book Box subscriptions. Each month you'll pick up a box packed just for you with a library book and other fun surprises. Get all the details here. We only have a limited number of subscriptions available, so don't wait to sign up! 

JANUARY TAKE & MAKE CRAFT KITS - PAPER LANTERNS

Pick up a craft kit with all the supplies and instructions to make a beautiful glowing paper lantern. Kits are available in the Young Adult area while supplies last. 

FUN VIRTUAL EVENTS: Join us for Teen Thursday Online for fun Jackbox Games and an awesome Sock Penguin craft. Fine out the details and sign up on our website victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/teen/ .

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING: Earn community service hours and help the library better serve teens by attending our online Teen Advisory Board meeting on January 21st. Register in advance on our online calendar here.

Hope to see you soon, virtually or in person. Stay safe and healthy, and don't forget the library can always provide curb-side pickup for books and crafts if you need it.  

Wishing you all great things in 2021!

🌟Dori

VFL Teen Coordinator

October Take & Make Craft - WATER BEAD STRESS BALL

I love water beads! These stress balls made from water beads are SO MUCH FUN! 

Not only do you get to play with water beads, but you end up with a colorful squishy ball perfect for when you need to fidget or need to work out a little stress.

You can pick up a kit in the library with everything you need to make your own Water Bead Stress Ball. The kits will be out in the Young Adult area for the month of October, until supplies run out. 

If you weren't able to pick up a kit, all you need is a small amount of dry water beads, an empty water bottle, a balloon, and water. Click here for instructions.

Watch the video below to see me make one at home. Enjoy!

Don't forget to register for our upcoming virtual teen programs:

Summer Take & Make Craft - ORIGAMI BOXES

 

This week: Origami Boxes!
Week of 8/17/20

Our teen craft of the week is Origami Boxes!  Pick up a Take & Make Craft Kit at the library with instructions and enough origami paper to make a few boxes.  Kits available until supplies run out.

In the video tutorial below I demonstrate how easy it is to make these boxes out of origami paper (though any paper will work). 

Enjoy! If you tried making a box, let us know in the comments how it turned out.  

Have you heard about Anna's Fanart contest? Create a piece of fanart to enter to win prizes! Check out all the details here: FANART CONTEST

Check in next week for our next teen craft of the week!

😍Dori

Summer Take & Make Craft - PAINTED ROCK CACTUS

 Each week this summer we have a different teen craft kit available. They are only available until supplies run out, so stop in early to pick up your kit. Warning, they are going fast this week!

This week: Painted Rock Cactus!
Week of 8/10/20

You can find the written instructions here: Painted Rock Cactus Instructions

In the video tutorial below, I show you how easy it is to make these cute rock cacti! 

If you make a painted rock cactus, I'd love to see it. Take a picture and email it to me.

FYI: Join us this Thursday, 8/13/20, for Teen Thursday Online.  This week we are doing MORE Jackbox Games!  We bought some additional Jackbox games and are looking forward to trying them out. You do have to sign up in advance so we can send you the link.  Register here: TEEN THURSDAY ONLINE - MORE JACKBOX GAMES

Have you heard about Anna's Fanart contest? Create a piece of fanart to enter to win prizes! Check out all the details here: FANART CONTEST

Check in next week for our next teen craft of the week!

😍Dori

Summer Take & Make Craft - PARACORD BRACELET

Each week this summer we have a different Teen craft kit available. They are only available until supplies run out, so stop in early to pick up your kit.

This week: Paracord Bracelets!
Week of 8/3/20

This week's kit includes enough paracord to make a bracelet, along with instructions.  

A copy of the written instructions can also be found here: Paracord Bracelet Instructions. A warning however: the written instructions can be confusing!  I strongly recommend you watch the video tutorial linked below.

In this video, I demonstrate how to make a paracord bracelet using the cobra weave pattern.  It may look complicated at first, but it's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of tying the knots. 👍

I had fun making these bracelets. I hope you do too! 

If you make a bracelet, I'd love to see it. Take a picture and email it to me.

FYI: Join us this Thursday, 8/6/20, for Teen Thursday Online.  This week we are doing a Digital Escape Room!  You do have to sign up in advance so we can send you the link.  Register here: TEEN THURSDAY ONLINE - DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM

Have you heard about Anna's Fanart contest? Create a piece of fanart to enter to win prizes! Check out all the details here: FANART CONTEST

Check in next week for our next teen craft of the week!

😍Dori

Summer Take & Make Craft - MINI ZEN GARDEN!

Stop by the library this week to pick your Take & Make Craft Kit of the week - Mini Zen Gardens!  These are only available until supplies run out and they are going fast, so stop by soon.

This week's kit contains all the supplies you need to make your own mini zen garden.  It comes with a plain metal tin which you can choose to decorate any way you want. I decided to decorate two of the tins. One I painted with acrylic paint and the other I used a decoupage technique with paper and glue.  I love how they came out! 

Check out the video below where I tell you how I decorated my mini zen gardens, and demonstrate an easy decoupage technique.  

Did you make a mini zen garden? Did you decorate it? Let us know in the comments how it turned out. 

Reminder: there is still time to sign up for Teen Thursday Online this week, Thursday 7/30 at 4pm.  This week we are having FUN WITH QUIZZES! You do have to sign up in advance so we can send you the meeting link.  Sign up here:

Teen Thursday Online - Kahoot Trivia & Other Quizzes

Check back next week for the. Next Teen Craft of the Week!  

Hope to see you soon!  

- Dori 😍

Summer Take & Make Craft - Mini Cereal Box Notebooks!

Each week this summer, pick up a new Teen Take & Make Craft Kit! Each kit will have supplies to make a craft at home. 

Week 4: Mini Cereal Box Notebooks

Week of 7/20/20

Stop by the library M - F, 10 AM - 6 PM, to pick up a kit. Kits available while supplies last.

In the video below I demonstrate making one of the notebooks.

Check back each week for information on the teen craft of the week! 

In case you haven't heard - the library is now OPEN! YAY!  We are currently open 10-6, Monday - Friday. We ask you to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and limit your time in the library to 30 minutes or less.

Did you make a mini cereal box notebook?  Let us know how it went in the comments.

Summer Take & Make Craft - Bottle Cap Pins & Magnets!

Each week this summer, pick up a new Teen Take & Make Craft Kit! Each kit will have supplies to make a craft at home. 

Week 3: Bottle Cap Pins & Magnets

Week of 7/13/20

Stop by the library between 10-6, M-F, to pick up your kit.

Check out the video below where I demonstrate making a pin and a magnet.

The kits will only be available until supplies run out, so stop by soon to make sure you get one.

Check back each week for information on the teen craft of the week!

In case you haven't heard - the library is now OPEN! YAY!  We are currently open 10-6, Monday - Friday. We ask you to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and limit your time in the library to 30 minutes or less.

Did you try the bottle cap craft?  Let us know how it went in the comments.

Summer Take & Make Crafts! This Week: Cute Yarn Bird

Each week this summer, pick up a new Teen Take & Make Craft Kit! Each kit will have supplies to make a craft at home. 

Week 2: Cute Yarn Bird

Week of 7/06/20

Call the library (585-924-2637) to request your kit, and we'll arrange a time for you to pick it up.

Each kit has supplies to make one Yarn Bird.

In the video below, I walk you through making one of these cute yarn birds. Give it a try!

The kits will be available until supplies run out, so call soon to make sure you get one.

Check back each week for information on the teen craft of the week!

Did you try this craft? How did it go? Let us know in the comments.

Also - join us this Thursday, 7/9, for a digital escape room! Registration required - sign up here: Digital Escape Room - ZOMBIE OUTBREAK

Have a great week! 

🌞Dori

TEEN SUMMER 2020 IS HERE!

We have a lot going on for teens this summer! Keep reading to find out about summer reading, programs, craft kits, and volunteer activities. 

Teen Summer Reading 2020

June 15 - August 31

Log your reading and complete activities to earn chances to win gift cards and a grand prize gift basket.

• Every badge earned gives you a ticket to spend on gift card raffles.
• Earn your first badge just for signing up!
• Earn ten badges to complete the challenge and be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing for a gift basket.
• To get started, download the Beanstack app or visit victorfarmingtonlibrary.beanstack.org

The challenge ends August 31, and prizes will be announced and awarded the first week of September. 

Potential prizes included multiple gift cards to Salvatore's Pizza, Dunkin', and Amazon.  The grand prize basket will be unveiled later this summer and will include multiple books, gift cards, and other goodies. 

You have all summer to earn badges. The more badges you earn, the more chances you have to win! 

Participate by downloading the free Beanstack app or by visiting victorfarmingtonlibrary.beanstack.org

Upcoming Teen Programs

TEEN THURSDAY - Jackbox Games Online 6/18/20 at 4PM

Join us Thursday, 6/18 at 4 PM for a fun hour of Jackbox Games online! 

We'll meet online and play a few rounds of Jackbox games, including Trivia Murder Party, Quiplash 2, and Guesspionage.  If you haven't played before don't worry. We'll explain how it works and the games are easy to play.  

What you will need to play:

• a device (computer, phone or tablet) to join the virtual meeting
• you will also need a second device to use as your game controller, OR you can open a second browser window on your computer.  

You must register in advance so that the meeting link can be sent out to you a few hours ahead of time.  

Register through our online program calendar at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org or CLICK HERE. 

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (TAB) MEETING Thursday, 6/25/20 4:00 PM

Earn community service hours and help the library better serve teens by participating in our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) online meeting. 

At this meeting we'll discuss how you can help as a TAB member, and you'll learn about other opportunities to volunteer for the library this summer. We'll also go over the details of our new online summer reading program.

As a TAB participant, you can help us make decisions about the library, suggest activities you'd like us to offer, give feedback on books we should purchase, and more. If we have time we may even play a game.

This is the first of three monthly meetings this summer.

TAB is open to teens in grades 7-12. 

Registration is required. A link to the virtual meeting will be sent ahead of time to everyone who signs up. 

Register through our online program calendar at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org or CLICK HERE.

TEEN THURSDAY - Jackbox Games Online Thursday, 7/2/20 at 4PM

Another fun afternoon of Jackbox games.  Don't miss it!

Teen Thursday - Digital Escape Room - ZOMBIE OUTBREAK

Thursday, 7/09/20 at 4PM

Join us online to solve a digital escape room.  Can you stop the zombie outbreak?

Teen Take & Make Kits

This summer, pick up a different teen craft kit each week between June 29th - August 9th.  The kit will include supplies and instructions for you to complete the craft at home.  

Preview: 

• Week 1 - Shrinky Dinks keychains & magnets (available starting June 29th)
• Week 2 - Cute yarn Bird  (available starting July 6th)

*Please note: while the library is open for cubside pickup only, please call the library at 585-924-2637 to request your kit

Teen Volunteer Activities Summer 2020

We are offering opportunities for teens in grades 7-12 to earn community service hours while doing virtual volunteer activities for the library.

Activities may include attending TAB meetings, writing reviews, sharing resources, and creating content for the VFL community.  

For details, click here: Teen Volunteer Opportunities Summer 2020

Curbside Pickup Starts June 29th

Finally! You can get books!  

Starting June 29th you will be able to pick up books at the library using our curbside pickup service. You may request books currently available at the Victor Farmington Library location only.  Starting June 29th, call the library at 585-924-2637 to make requests and schedule your pickup.

Make a Quick and Easy T-shirt Bag

I love working on craft projects when I'm at home. My sewing machine has been getting a lot of use lately!

In this video I show you how you can make a reusable bag out of an old t-shirt. It is fast and easy, and you can do it without any sewing. All you need is a t-shirt and scissors. These bags are great because they are light, you can roll them up pretty small to pack into another bag, and they are much easier to wash than most of the reusable bags sold in stores. Also, they make great beach bags!

If you try it, let me know how your bag turned out.

Bookmaking with Anna

Follow along with Anna and learn how to make a book. This is a recording of a live online class Anna presented on Saturday.  If you'd like to try it, here is a description from Anna of a few things you'll need:

"If you want to follow along in real time, all you need are:

• a large piece of decorative/scrapbook paper or cardstock
• 4-5 pages of filler paper (I'm using sketchbook paper; it's just the right thickness for the pages. Mine is 9x12 but any size works!)
• The toughest sewing needle you have (mine is a tapestry needle)
• Scissors and/or a paper cutter in case you need to trim down your pages 
• The toughest thread or twine you have

This craft is super easy and fun, so come learn how to make a book! I'll guide you along the steps from start to finish and we'll make something neat together."

 

 

 

Let us know if you tried it, and how it worked out. What will you use your book for?

 

Try this fun & easy art project: "Watercolor" Bookmarks!

Check out this easy art project you can do with items you probably have sitting around at home. You don't even need a paintbrush!

Abby from the Fairport Public Library shows us how to make a killer watercolor bookmark using just markers and a plastic bag.


I had a lot of fun trying it myself. Here are the ones I made today:

What do you think? Give it a try! If you do, let us know how it worked out.

Have you been trying any arts or crafts while social distancing at home? Tell us what you've tried. You can also take a picture and send it to Dori at deisenstat@pls-net.org. I'll share the pictures in future blog posts.