March is National Crafting Month, and Shreve Memorial Library is inviting library patrons to learn something new and express themselves through crafting. Library patrons can get ready for spring with DIY home décor classes, spruce up their wardrobes with jewelry-making workshops, and learn new art and writing techniques at the library. Crafting programs will be held at Shreve Memorial Library branches throughout Caddo Parish, and all programs are free and open to the public.
National Crafting Month was established in 1994 by the Craft & Hobby Association as a way to help individuals discover hidden creativity. Individuals were encourage to find creative outlets and express themselves constructively through crafts. Over time, the celebration has evolved to signify a time for crafters to start new projects, try a new medium, or learn a brand new skill.
Just in time for spring, Shreve Memorial Library patrons can enjoy a variety of spring-themed do-it-yourself, or DIY, home décor workshops. Library patrons will learn how to make household decorative items such as coasters, wreaths, candles and more at several library branches. Supplies will be provided for each DIY crafting program and no prior experience is necessary to participate.
On Monday, March 20, the West Shreveport Branch will teach patrons how to make their own DIY graphic coasters. Coasters are great tools to protect the surfaces of tables and countertops and can add a touch of pizazz to your home. Library patrons will have two chances to participate in the DIY coaster-making workshops. The first workshop will take place on Monday, March 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the second will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Both workshops will be held at the West Shreveport Branch, located at 4380 Pines Road.
On Tuesday, March 21, the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch will teach adults how to decorate candles with pressed dried flowers. The program will begin take place from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, located at 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. All supplies will be provided for the workshop. Seating is limited and registration is required. Those interested can register in person at the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch or by calling (318) 687-6824.
The David Raines Branch, 2855 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, will encourage library patrons to give their front doors a makeover with a fun and festive spring wreath workshop. Attendees will be able to make their very own beautiful spring wreath to spruce up their home. All supplies will be provided. The spring wreath workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the David Raines Branch.
The Belcher-Wyche and Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branches will hold DIY Easter-décor workshops in advance of the Easter holidays. On Friday, March 24, the Belcher-Wyche Branch, located at 409 Charles Street in Belcher, will invite the public to make a Sweet Peeps wreath at 2:30 p.m., and the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue, will hold a special craft session on Friday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. in which library patrons will make an Easter centerpiece. Registration is required for the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch program, and those interested can register by calling (318) 868-3890.
In addition to spring-themed crafts, library patrons are invited to make their own jewelry and accessories as part of National Crafting Month DIY programs. On Thursday, March 23, the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch will welcome Brenda Linear to lead a “Crafting with Curiosity” session. Adults will learn how to craft beautiful and unique jewelry in this interactive program. The program will be held at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, located at 2105 Hollywood Avenue, and will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Arts and crafts often go hand-in-hand. Several Shreve Memorial Library branches will host art classes and workshops as part of the National Crafting Month celebration. On Tuesday, March 21, the Mooretown Branch will host an art craft event, inviting patrons to make their own works of art using various materials. The program take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mooretown Branch, located at 4360 Hollywood Avenue.
The Hamilton/South Caddo Branch will encourage library patrons to be creative and use buttons to create a work of art on Wednesday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants will use buttons to create a ladybug on canvas. All supplies will be provided, and registration is required to attend. Interested persons can call the branch at (318) 687-6824 to sign up.
The North Shreveport Branch, located at 4844 North Market Street, will hold a “Calligraphy for Beginners” class on Thursday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will learn a basic font in calligraphy, the right approach to calligraphy strokes, and how to create a greeting card with calligraphy. The class is limited to 12 persons, and registration is required. Registration can be completed in person at the branch or by calling (318) 674-8172.
The Atkins Branch will provide a “Paint Party to Go” on Monday, March 27. Library patrons can pick up their painting kits, complete with paint, at the branch from 10:0 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Atkins Branch is located at 3704 Greenwood Road.
All National Crafting Month programs at Shreve Memorial Library are free and open to the public. Registration may be required.