In recognition of National Crafts Month in March, Fort Bend County Libraries will present a series of craft-themed programs to introduce people to new hobbies and activities, and to give current crafters inspiration and new ideas. Samples of the library’s instructional books, magazines, and websites on various crafts will be available.
Materials for these programs are made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Library organizations. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the library.
To register online at the library’s website, click on “Events,” the library, and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library, or by visiting the library.
For more information, call the branch library or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
- March 1 and 15 – “BYOC: Bring Your Own Craft” – 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Sugar Land Branch Library, Conference Room
People of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any type of crafting are invited to attend to get other crafters’ perspectives, critiques, and suggestions. Chat and network with other crafters who enjoy anything from art and needlework to woodwork and much more! Those attending should bring their projects and their own crafting supplies. Registration not required.
- March 6 – “Rodeo Wreath-Making Workshop” – 10:00 to 11:00 am
Mamie George Branch Library, Stafford
Get in the rodeo spirit by making a Go Texan wreath. Registration is required for this program. Registration required.
- March 6 – “Pinterest for Beginners” – 2:00 to 3:00 pm
University Branch Library, Computer Lab
Learn all about Pinterest, the virtual pinboard that has taken the social-media population by storm. Pinterest enables people to organize and share items of interest to them that they have found on the Internet. Pinboards can be used to collect ideas for anything from planning weddings or decorating homes to organizing favorite recipes, and much more. Those attending the class should already have a basic working knowledge of computers and a personal email account before attending the class. Registration required.
- March 6 – “Let’s Learn Origami” – 5:30 to 7:00 pm
George Memorial Library, Richmond, Room 2C
Learn how to make an elegant decoration or gift from a simple piece of paper. Library staff will demonstrate how to create a butterfly and a flying swan by simply folding and twisting paper into whimsical shapes. This program is for all ages. Registration not required.
- March 7 – “Crochet Basics” – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Multi-purpose Room
In this basic introduction to crocheting, Annette Lancaster will demonstrate basic techniques and talk about the tools and yarns that can be used. Those attending the program will learn different crochet stitches and complete a sampler square to take home with them. Registration required.
- March 7 – “The Wonderful World of Washi” – 7:00 to 8:00 pm
University Branch Library, Meeting Room 1
Learn about craft projects and practical applications for Washi tape – the fun, decorative tape (similar to masking tape) that comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Discover some simple craft projects that use Washi tape. Materials will be provided for participants to decorate one picture frame, which can be used for a photo or as a border for a dry-erase board. Registration not required.
- March 9 – “Crochet Workshop: Basic Skills” – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, Meeting Room
Library staff member Marie Picon will describe essential tools, materials, and techniques used for crocheting. Learn about the different yarns that can be used for varying effects, and how crochet hooks differ from other types of needlework tools. Those attending the program will learn seven essential stitches and understand how they relate to each other. No previous crochet experience is necessary for this hands-on adult craft class for individuals aged 16 and above. Registration required.
- March 9 – “YA Fashions: Eco-Conscious Creations” – 2:00 to 3:00 pm
University Branch Library, Meeting Room 1
In this Young Adult program for teens in grades 9 through 12, Courtney Bryant and Leticia Hardy, Family and Community Health Educators with the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, will demonstrate how to upcycle and refurbish old items -- such as sweaters or place mats -- to make fun, one-of-a-kind custom creations. The project is a fun way to re-use old items and give them a new purpose. Materials for this program are provided by the Friends of the University Branch Library and Texas A&M AgriLife. Registration required.
- March 12 – “Craft Club at Cinco Ranch” – 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Multi-purpose Room
Crafting enthusiasts can share tips, get ideas and inspiration, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow crafters at this drop-in event! People of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any type of crafting are invited to attend to get other crafters’ perspectives, critiques, and suggestions. Chat and network with other crafters who enjoy anything from art and needlework to woodwork and much more! Those attending should bring their projects and their own crafting supplies. Registration not required.
- March 13 – “Crafts & Hobbies Database Demonstration” – 2:00 to 3:00 pm
University Branch Library, Computer Lab
The Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center (HCRC) is a valuable online research tool that offers detailed “how-to” instructions and creative ideas to meet the needs of virtually every hobby enthusiast. Crafters, hobbyists, and collectors will find resources on a wide assortment of leisure activities. Crafters of all experience levels will discover information on everything from candle-making and cake-decorating to scrapbooking and sculpting. Full-text articles are provided from leading hobby and craft magazines, including Bead & Button, Creative Knitting, FineScale Modeler, Quilter’s World, and many more. Information is available for collectors with interests in antiques, coins, stamps, trading cards, sports memorabilia, and much more. Looking for a new recreational activity? The HCRC resource includes information on many activities, too. Learn about rock-climbing, mountain-biking, photography, camping, and many other interests. The resource, which can be accessed from home on a desktop computer or mobile device with a Fort Bend County library card, also includes access to more than 1,000 electronic full-text hobby-and-craft resources and instructional videos. Registration required.
- March 13 – “Sienna Art Club: Photo Transfer” – 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Sienna Branch Library, Conference Room 2A
The guest artisan in March will demonstrate how to use Mod-Podge® and photographs to decorate pieces of slate. This monthly program is for people who enjoy all kinds of crafts. People of all ages and experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any types of crafts are invited to attend. Bring a craft project and share experiences with others who are thinking about taking up a new hobby. Those attending this program should bring their own supplies for their craft. Registration not required.
- March 14 – “Intermediate Crochet” – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Multi-purpose Room
Review basic crochet stitches, expand skills, and get ideas for creating different projects. Registration required.
- March 15 – “BYOC: Bring Your Own Craft” – 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Sugar Land Branch Library, Conference Room
People of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any type of crafting are invited to attend to get other crafters’ perspectives, critiques, and suggestions. Chat and network with other crafters who enjoy anything from art and needlework to woodwork and much more! Those attending should bring their projects and their own crafting supplies. Registration not required.
- March 18 – “Adult Coloring” – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Sugar Land Branch Library, Conference Room
During this fun activity, learn more about adult coloring -- the latest trend in relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Coloring has been shown to lower heart rates and is thought to lower blood pressure as well. The creative process of coloring can also be a way to exercise the brain. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius. Registration not required.
- March 19 – “YA Japanese Bookbinding for Teens” – 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Sugar Land Branch Library, Conference Room
In this program for teens in grades 9 through 12, library staff will demonstrate the basic techniques of Japanese Bookbinding, a method of binding a book together without the need for glue or special equipment. The method of “stab binding” (or sewing) paper together with a needle and string began about 2,000 years ago and was primarily used by the Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian countries. Its simplicity, effectiveness and cost make it a popular bookbinding method for small projects even today. Since the binding takes place after the content is written and individual pages are compiled, this technique is beneficial for group projects in which different people contribute separate pieces of an essay. It is also a beautiful way for book artists to express their creativity. Registration not required.
- March 20 – “Adult Coloring!” – 10:00 to 11:00 am
Mamie George Branch Library, Stafford
During this fun activity, learn more about adult coloring -- the latest trend in relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Coloring has been shown to lower heart rates and is thought to lower blood pressure as well. The creative process of coloring can also be a way to exercise the brain. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius. Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own favorites. Registration not required.
- March 21 – “Painting on Canvas” – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Meeting Room
Ishika Parapudi, an art instructor for Empower and Excel, will demonstrate how to paint an abstract piece with impressionistic techniques and coloring. Learn how to incorporate certain colors as opposed to others. Those attending the program will create their own masterpiece to take home with them. Registration required.
- March 23 – “Pinterest Party!” – 2:00 to 3:00 pm
University Branch Library, Meeting Room 1
At this fun party, veteran “pinners” are invited to share ideas, show off their Pinterest crafts and creations, and talk about what worked for them… or what didn’t! Those attending may bring their finished crafts that they discovered on Pinterest, get inspired by other crafters’ creations, and hear cautionary tales about epic Pinterest Fails! Make new crafty friends and enjoy light, Pinterest-inspired refreshments. Door prizes will be available! Registration not required.
- March 26 – “Craft Club at Cinco Ranch” – 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Multi-purpose Room
Crafting enthusiasts can share tips, get ideas and inspiration, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow crafters at this drop-in event! People of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced – who enjoy any type of crafting are invited to attend to get other crafters’ perspectives, critiques, and suggestions. Chat and network with other crafters who enjoy anything from art and needlework to woodwork and much more! Those attending should bring their projects and their own crafting supplies. Registration not required.
- March 26 – “Flowers with Flair” – 7:00 to 8:00 pm
University Branch Library, Meeting Room 2
Library staff will demonstrate how to create beautiful flowers from wire and then paint them with gleaming nail polish to make the colors pop! Once dry, the flowers become unique works of art that can later be used to make jewelry. Registration not required.
- March 28 – “Adult Coloring” – 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Meeting Room
During this fun activity, learn more about adult coloring -- the latest trend in relaxation and stress-reduction techniques. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius. Those attending the program will personalize a section of designated artwork that will be displayed in the library in April. Registration required.