Welcome MALA!

Today is my virtual presentation for the Mid-America Library Alliance (MALA), so if you have found your way here from the session I want to start off with a huge

I hope each and everyone you found something to inspire you today.

Here's a round-up of the resources that we went over so you can dive deeper into whatever you need and skip past what you don't:

DIY Stickers

Book Club

Writing Club

Anime Club

Bookclubz

Bokksu

Bucilla My 1st Stitch (Amazon search list)

Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners

Generation T

Teen Services Underground

Teen Librarian Toolbox

YALSA Teen Programming HQ

The Hub (YALSA)

I think that covers everything so go forth and be inspired! If I missed anything please let me know in the comments below. And drop me a message if you need anything else-I'm always glad to lend a hand (or a head in the more abstract 'Two brains are better than one' sense).

Edited to Add:

Where do I go to keep up with trends? The answer: many places. Here's a rundown of some of my faves:

Trend Watching -a paid service, but they do have an active twitter feed with some freebies

Etsy Trends

Google Trends

YouTube Trends

Twitter Trends

BuzzFeed

Martha Stewart sometimes has some good round-ups of craft trends and they are always on target!

This is my overview of trends watching for general and crafty trends. And I hope it helps.

Pop Tab Bracelets-Part 2

I'm making an update to my past post on Pop Tab Bracelets because it is an upcoming Grab & Go for my teens this month.

SLP 2021: Animal Toys, part 2

I love the wacky creativity that comes with making something new and this summer that is probably going to extend to creating some new creatures.

SLP 2021: No-Sew Bag

I love all things no-sew! And this bag uses the same steps as our T-Shirt Tote bags, but is instead made of animal print fabric. Super easy!

 

SLP 2021: Coasters

 

 

Confession: I think I may have an odd obsession with coasters. Over the years, I have inadvertently acquired a ridiculous amount of coasters in my home. Like ridiculous.

Of these coasters, I have about a good dozen that I have made. Why? Because they were craft samples for library programs for teens and adults.

This summer, my coaster obsession will continue to grow with animal print options.

SLP 2021: Animal Toys

 You can purchase animal toys in bulk online. They just come in an assorted bag. Likewise, Dollar Tree has many options.

 From there just a few additional pieces give you a range of options.

SLP 2021: Animal Print Bracelets

 

Let's explore another animal print fashion accessory: bracelets!

I had some leftover fabric from my ridiculously large alien and decided it would be perfect to hold onto for this summer because it is so reptilian.

It turns out it was perfect for a bracelet. Thanks in large part to the stiffness of the fabric.

SLP 2021: Duct Tape Wallet

 

 

I'm beginning to treat this summer as the summer of animal print. Much like my earlier post on Origami, this is a craft that we are all pretty familiar with and switching to animal print is an easy way to tie it in to our summer theme.

With that in mind, let's make some easy duct tape wallets.

SLP 2021: No Sew Scrunchies

 

SLP 2021: Cute as a Button

 

SLP 2021: Origami

 

SLP 2021: Easiest Basket Upcycle

 

SLP 2021: Oil Pastel Animals

 

Teen Craft: Beaded Bracelet

My next Grab & Go for teens requires such little time for prep and uses supplies that I mostly have ready to go (with the exception of ordering additional cord).

Next up is Beaded Bracelets (or anklets). As always use any info that you need for your library.

Teen Grab & Go: Cubeecraft

 If you have access to a color printer and some cardstock, Cubeecrafts are a great option for your teens.

 

 

Summer Buy: More Boxes!

I found more awesome boxes at the Dollar Tree.

So I immediately start trying to think of something for Gingerbread Houses.

Sleeping Beauty Inspired Journal

I have been watching a lot of Fairy Tales/Fantasies for inspiration for this summer. Like A LOT.

And I'm loving every minute of it.

Sometimes inspiration comes in the most unlikely of places. Cue Sleeping Beauty.

This is one of my absolute favorites and I adore it. And it has given me one of my favorite craft ideas for this summer.  I love the opening book.

Isn't that lovely? As Baby BookGeek says, "I NEED IT!"

DIY Mirrors

 I love the use of mirrors and reflections throughout fairy tales and mythology.

DIY Unicorn Art, Part 2

We've already shared our Dark Unicorn Art, so let's do a happy version. Like super happy!

Celebrating Sleep

We hear you ladies!