The document outlines various crafting programs aimed at teens at the Abilene Public Library, highlighting the importance of creativity and hands-on activities. It discusses specific activities such as duct tape creations, edible lip scrubs, and jellyfish bottles, which engage teens while providing opportunities for socialization and skills development. The document emphasizes crafting's role in drawing attendance and integrating library resources into enjoyable experiences.

1. Ready to Craft?
Kelsie Wade
Children’s Librarian
Abilene Public Library
Main Branch
February 29, 2016

2. Why craft?
• Obvious answer: it’s fun
• Get teens thinking outside the box
• Fine tunes motor skills
• May not have the opportunity to craft at home or
in class like when they were kids

3. Crafting Programs
• May not get the same attendance as children’s
craft programs will
• Materials often more expensive; more time to
put together
• Should you still do
them?
• YES!
Tween Time:
Gross Out
Foods

4. Crafting Programs
• Perfect for:
▫ Socializing
▫ Showing what the library has to offer
▫ Integrating library materials with hands-on
applications
▫ Bringing teens away from the digital world

5. Crafting Stations
• Next hour and a half
• Opportunity to try 10
different crafts or club
activities
• Each station visited or
activity completed will
receive ticket for raffle
prize
Tween
Time:
Duct Tape
Party

6. Passive Activity: Black Out Poetry
• Choose specific words
from a page of an old
book
• Black out or decorate the
rest of the text so only
those words remain

7. Passive Activity: YA Book Crossword
• Familiarize yourself with popular or unique YA
books!
• Each placed at your table

8. Station: Lego Building
• Admire some of the creations from our previous
Lego Club meetings
• Build something
yourself! Work
together or by yourself
Lego Club

9. Station: Edible Lip Scrub
• Delicious craft that teens will
just eat up
• Uses edible household items
• Can be messy
• Used cheap plastic containers
from amazon.com to hold scrub

10. Station: Duct Tape Creations
• Although not inexpensive, duct tape is one of our
favorite resources
• So many different things to make with it!
• Learn two different techniques: flower pen(cils)
and bowties/hairbows
Tween Time:
Duct Tape Party

11. Station: Minute To Win It
• Get teens
unplugged!
• Can look up game
ideas online easily
• Group activities
• Uses items already
on hand or easy to
get
• Hilarity sure to
ensue
Tween Time:
Minute To Win
It

12. Station: Temporary Tattoos
• Various ways to do it
• Sharpies, baby powder & hairspray = fewest
items needed
• Brings in artistic teens
• Does not last for more than a few days

13. Station: Masquerade Masks
• Two different ways to do it:
plastic or paper with die
cut or template
• Paper = much cheaper
• Other materials: sequins,
feathers, beads, glue
• Teens LOVE this craft
Teen Time: Masquerade Masks

14. Station: Jellyfish Bottles
• Inventive way to talk about
recycling and/or oceans
• Most of the materials can
be collected or donated
• Best ages: 10-14
Tween Time:
Jellyfish Bottles

15. Station: Paper Crafting
• Can find templates
online of almost
anything
• Varying degrees of
difficulty
▫ Smaller = harder
• Can cut out for
teens/tweens if they
are younger or craft
session is too short
Minecraft Ore template;
white tabs are what you
glue together

16. Station: Gross Out Wounds
• Not for the faint of heart!
• Uses common household
items and paint/makeup
• Can be messy!
• Huge draw for boys
• Can also do scars
Tween Time: DIY Scars &
Gross Out Foods

17. Station: Appetizer Bar
• Requires a lot of
materials and prep
• Most popular with our
teens/tweens
• Food is HUGE draw;
will always get some
numbers
• Wide variety of ideas to
chose from
• Can be expensive
Grilled
cupcakes
& Burger
and Fries