Arts and Crafts

I hadn't knitted for more years than I'd like to enumerate here, when a friend invited me to a knitting circle a couple of months ago. This is a fun group of ladies so I decided I would at least attempt to knit again. Before going over to my friend's house, I checked what the library had on shelf that day and I came across . . . more »

Whittling is one of those pastimes that seem interesting, but how on earth do you learn to do it? If you don’t have a grandfather who’s able to teach you, look at Tiny Whittling . Steve Tomashek starts with carving a soap ducky, a turnip bear and a carrot bunny since soap and vegetables are a great way to practice when you first start out, . . . more »

The Nova Albion Steampunk Exhibition will be held in Santa Clara on April 26, 27, 28th. The theme this year is Steampunks in Space! http://steampunkexhibition.com/ Need costume inspiration? Like to make gadgets and do-hickeys? Check out this steampunk inspired booklist to help you along in your endeavors. . . . . more »

I recently had one of those experiences akin to the mouse in the children's book who, upon receiving a cookie, asks for milk, and it goes on and on from there...I bought a blazer at a thrift store that I loved except for the too-short sleeves. One day in the library, I happened upon this book, Sewing Bits & Pieces: 25 Projects Using Fabric Scraps . . . more »

The San Jose Fantasy Faire is this weekend April 13 and 14th at the Guadalupe River Park in San Jose. Fairies, ogres, princesses, pirates, and more! http://www.sjfantasy.com/ If you would like to dress up there are many last minute ways to create a costume! You can browse our library catalog for costumes, makeup or masks. http://sccl.bibliocommons.com/ Or there are many resources on the internet to . . . more »

An American Collection: Works from the Amon Carter Museum A delayed flight from Dallas turned into a lovely day of museum exploration in Fort Worth, Texas. Within easy walking distance, you will find the exceptional Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the venerable Kimbell Art Museum (open but undergoing renovation), and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth with a cafe overlooking the sculpture gardens, . . . more »

Here are three new craft books with an indie feel. They contain an assortment of crafts of all kinds. You are Awesome by Abbey Hendrickson This book has the tagline "crafts to make you happy." It is full of bright colors and whimsical crafts like the bird tree. There are projects you could do with your kids and there are projects that may take a . . . more »

I Spy DIY Style by Jenni Radosevich. This book is an empowering funfest of fashion. Packed with pictures of various celeb and runway clothing, jewelry and accessories, it provides step by step instructions on how to achieve these looks. Despite the glam factor, many of these projects are pretty easy and cheap to do. I especially liked the elegant fabric petal necklace on p. . . . more »

San Jose has banned plastic shopping bags, and more and more cities are following suit. While there are plenty of inexpensive bags available, it's fun to sew some bags that are unique and functional. In addition to shopping bags, there are patterns for lots of other bags to fill lots of different functions. Simply Sublime Bags features some really cute bags, including one made from . . . more »