July TeenTake & Make Craft: BEAD LIZARD

 This month have fun making a super cute Bead Lizard/Gecko you can turn into a keychain or lanyard.

My Gecko: Isn't it cute?

Kits are available to pick up in the Young Adult area of the library, while supplies last. They are going fast so come get one soon.

The kits include beads, cord, keychain or clip, and instructions to make a lizard. I thought it was really fun making the gecko.  I'm not going to say it was easy, as the instructions are somewhat complicated, but if you concentrate and follow along step-by-step you should be able to do it.

If you aren't able to grab a kit at the library, you can download the instructions HERE.  You will need about 34 main color beads, 24 secondary color beads, 2 black beads, and approximately 4 feet of cord or string.  Pony beads work well for this craft. FYI, I did not create these instructions. They were shared with me by a librarian from another library.  

Try it out, and let us know how your gecko came out!

Don't forget to check out all of the teen activities we have going on this summer. Check out our summer flyer below. Find more information and details on our website at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/teen. 

June Take & Make Craft: MAKE A RAINBOW WISH BRACELET

This month, make one these super cute and fun Rainbow Wish Bracelets!

WISH BRACELETS

A wish bracelet is a simple braided bracelet made out of hemp cord and glass beads. The idea behind a wish bracelet is that you make a wish when you tie on the bracelet. While wearing your bracelet you can rub the beads and visualize your wish. In this way, your wish bracelet encourages you to think positively about what you want. Eventually, the hemp will wear out, and the beads will come off.  When all the beads come off your bracelet or your bracelet falls apart, your wish is released and is supposed to come true!

 

June Teen Take & Make Craft Kits

We have Teen Take & Make craft kits available with all the supplies to make this simple and easy bracelet. Pick one up in the YA area of the library while supplies last. These kits have been going fast, but there are still some left and I'll be putting more out soon. Keep checking back if you don't find one when you visit.

Did you miss getting a kit? All you need is some cord or string and 7 small beads. We used size 6 seed beads, but you could use other beads as well, such as pony beads. Traditionally these are made out of hemp cord, but any string or embroidery floss should work. I've included the instructions below.

Make a Rainbow Wish Bracelet

Supplies:

• Hemp cord
• Multi-colored beads
• Ruler (to measure your cord
• Scissors (to cut the hemp cord)
• Tape, clipboard, or binder clip (to hold the bracelet while you work)

 Instructions:

• You will need three strands of cord, each approximately 15 inches long.  Measure and cut your hemp cord.
• Gather the three strands together making sure the ends are lined up.
• Tie a knot on one end. Leave enough cord above the knot to be able to tie the bracelet when you are done.
• Secure the knotted end to make it easier to braid your bracelet. A clipboard works well to hold the cord, or you can tape the end to a table. You can also use a binder clip to clip the end to a notebook or piece of cardboard.
• Begin by braiding the three pieces of cord. Braid until you have about 2-3 inches of braided cord.
• Now you are ready to add your beads. You will be adding beads to the cord on the far right, one at a time, as you continue to braid.
• Add your first bead to the cord on the right.
• Bring that right cord over to the middle (crossing what was the middle cord). Your bead should now be in the middle.
• Bring the left cord to the middle, under the bead. The left cord should now be trapping the bead in place.
• Now add your second bead to the cord on the right, and cross that cord into the middle, and again bring the left cord to the middle holding in your second bead.
• Remember, when you are pulling from the right, add a bead. When you are pulling from the left, no bead.
• Keep repeating adding beads to the right cord, until you have 7 beads braided into your bracelet.
• Once you have all seven beads on your bracelet, stop adding beads and continue to braid just the cord for another 2-3 inches.  You may want to check that the bracelet is the right size for your wrist.
• When you are done braiding, tie another knot at the end.
• Tie your wish bracelet onto your wrist using the unbraided cord at the ends. Make sure you make a wish while you tie on your bracelet!
• If you have extra cord, trim it with scissors.    
• 
  

Enjoy your rainbow wish bracelet, and I hope your wishes come true!

🌞Looking for another craft this month? Join us for Teen Thursday Online 6/17 when we'll make Glass Stone Suncatchers together over Zoom. Register online at victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/teen

May Teen Take & Make Craft: PAINT A POT AND GROW WHEATGRASS

Stop in at the library and pick up one of our May Teen Take & Make craft kits. This month we have mini clay pots for you to paint and wheatgrass seeds to grow. Grab one soon because they are going fast!

The kits contain the mini clay pot, three colors of paint, a paintbrush, wheatgrass seeds, water beads, and instructions. We even included a pair of googly eyes in case you want to give your pot eyes.

Paint the pot any way you like. Once it is dry, you can plant your wheatgrass seeds. Wheatgrass seeds are really easy and fun to grow. They start sprouting within 2 or 3 days, and in about a week you will have a pretty green plant. The wheatgrass seeds can also be grown using the water beads. Plant them in a clear container and you will be able to watch the roots grow.

If you aren't able to pick up a kit at the library, I've included simple instructions below.  You can find small clay pots and wheatgrass seeds at many garden stores or online through Amazon.

Instructions:

·       Painting and planting in your clay pot:

• If you want to paint your clay pot, paint it before planting your seeds.
• Clean the clay pot and let it dry thoroughly.
• Paint it any way you like using the paint and paintbrush!
• Let the paint dry completely before adding googly eyes or planting your seeds
• To add the googly eyes, glue them onto the pot with craft glue or gel superglue.  Superglue is water resistant once dry and may adhere better if the outside of the pot gets wet.
• Once your paint and glue are dry, you can plant your wheatgrass seeds.
• Fill your pot with potting soil to about an inch from the the top.
• Water gently to moisten the soil.
• Sprinkle seeds evenly across the soil.
• Sprinkle an even, thin layer of soil over the top of the seeds.
• Place your pot in an area with indirect sunlight. 

·       To grow wheatgrass seeds in water beads:    

• Find a small, clear, glass container such as a small jar, vase, or glass.
• Add the water beads, and fill the container with water.
• Let the beads sit in the water about 12 hours, until they have expanded fully.
• Sprinkle a layer of wheatgrass seeds on top of the water beads.
• Place the container in a place where it will get indirect sunlight.
• You may have to add water occasionally if the beads start to dry out. 

·       Within just a few days you should be able to see your seeds start to grow! 

What can I do with wheatgrass?

• Let the plant grow tall and enjoy your wheatgrass for the beautiful plant that it is! It will have tall, bright green leaves that will brighten your room and help clean the air.
• Wheatgrass is a rich source of nutrients including iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, chlorophyll, and vitamins A, C and E. Some people like to juice it and drink it for the nutritional benefits. You can also try adding it to smoothies or salads.
• Many pets enjoy nibbling on wheatgrass, such as cats, dogs, and hamsters. If you have a pet, you can see if your pet likes the wheatgrass.

Did you try this craft? Let us know how it turned out in the comments. You can send a picture of your plant to Dori at deisenstat@pls-net.org.

😃🌼🌞

Don't forget to sign up for one of our Teen Thursday online programs this month. Join us for an open book discussion at Books & Brownies, Thursday, May 20th. Thursday, May 27th we will be making adorable hedgehogs out of recycled books at our Teen Thursday Online Arts & Crafts. Click the images below for the link to register.

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

November Take & Make Craft - PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE SIGN

 It's that time of year again - time for everything pumpkin spice! 

YUM!

Celebrate with our November Take & Make Craft Kit - a hanging pumpkin spice latte sign! Pick up a kit in the library to make one of these cute signs.

Kits will be available in the Young Adult room until supplies run out, so stop in and pick one up soon.

Does this make you thirsty for a warm pumpkin spice drink? Try this easy recipe from Cookie and Kate for a Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte! 

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Latte

So how about it, are you into pumpkin spice? What's your favorite cozy fall or winter drink? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

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:

September Take & Make Craft - MACRAME PLANTERS

I am so excited about these adorable mini macrame planters! They are easy to make and look great hanging in a window holding a little plant. Try a small succulent, a bit of grass, an air plant, or try planting a bean from your kitchen and see what happens (hint - beans grow fast and are fun to watch). 

You can pick up a kit in the library with everything you need to make your own macrame planter. If you weren't able to pick up a kit, all you need is a small pot, some yarn, and a simple key ring for hanging the planter.  

In the video below, I walk you through making one of the macrame planters.  Enjoy!

 

Pick up a different teen craft kit each month this fall. The kit will include supplies and instructions for you to complete the craft at home. The kits can be found in the Young Adult area of the library, while supplies last. Please help yourself!

Want to know what else is going on at the library in September? Here's a preview:

Teen Thursday, Jackbox Games 9/10/20, Virtual Book Club Planning Meeting 9/17/20, Teen Thursday, Mason Jar Luminary 9/24/20, and a brand new Teen Fall Reading Challenge! For details, visit the library website at https://victorfarmingtonlibrary.org/teen/

I hope to see you soon!

😍 Dori

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

Summer Take & Make Crafts! This Week: SHRINK ART

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 1: Shrink Art Keychains & Magnets

Week of 6/29/20

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 at least one keychain and a few magnets or suncatchers.  

In the video below, I show you the kit and demonstrate how to make your shrink art. 

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

Take & Make kits are ready for you!

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

Happy Summer!

🌞Dori