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.

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.