*This post is part of Free for All’s “Making Magic” series, which will focus on Kelley’s exploration of the opportunities in the library’s Creativity Lab.
Take a minute and think about the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever received or given. If you were to list them my guess is that few, if any, of those gifts came from a store. Often, the meaningful gifts are the things that are passed on from loved ones and trusted to our keeping, shared activities, or the things that someone took the time to make for you. Being as this is a Making Magic post, I’d like to take some time to focus on that third option.
If you’re struggling with holiday gift ideas, you can’t go wrong with a homemade present, and thanks to the library’s Creativity Lab, you have more tools and options at your disposal than ever before! Why not 3D print your brother a custom case for his phone, laser cut your mom a new keychain etched with a photo of the two of you, or use the recording studio to write and record a song for someone special? If those ideas don’t appeal, just visit the Lab and I’m sure you’ll find the inspiration you need to create that perfect gift.
The other wonderful thing about handmade gifts is that they make the giver feel pretty good too. When I make something for someone, I find that I spend a lot of time thinking about them during the process, and who doesn’t feel good when they spend time thinking of the people they care about? So this year, why not put a little extra love into your giving? If you’re looking for ideas, here are some great books to get you started.
Hip to Stitch by Melinda A. Barta
Barta presents 20 contemporary embroidery projects with illustrated step-by-step instructions. Unique projects include a guitar pick case, and a stitch embellished skirt. Great projects for both beginning and advanced embroiderers.
Food, Gift, Love by Maggie Battista
From preserves to pantry items to baked goods, Battista presents over 100 food gift ideas to make and share. When you’re done cooking, make sure to get creative with your packaging. The Creativity Lab has plenty of yarn and ribbons just waiting to be put to use.
Firefly’s Step-by-Step Encyclopedia of Needlecraft
Whether you’re looking for projects, step-by-step instrctions, or just some really beautiful illustrations of needlework, this is a great resource for beginning and advanced needlecrafters. Whether you’re interested in making knit, croched, embroidered, quilted, appliquéd, or sewn gifts, this is a book rich with ideas to get you started.
The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques by Anastsia Young
Jewelry makes a wonderful gift, and you’re in luck because we have jewelry making kits in the Creativity Lab. Check out this guide by jeweler and artist Anastasia Young to gain a comprehensive understanding of jewelry techniques. Lapidary Journal says this “well illustrated book is a must-have volume for anyone interested in making jewelry using the traditional and modern methods.”