My local library has been offering "Take and Make" Programs for adults and children. These programs are in lieu of in person programs at the library due to COVID. The library provides you with all the supplies you need along with the instructions to put the craft together. I thought this was such a smart idea.
One branch was putting together a few like books and then a simple craft to go along with the books. With your library card you are also able to access Creativebug digital art/craft classes. These classes cover a wide variety of crafts and interests. The best part: its FREE with your (Ocean County) Library Card.
The two "Take and Make" programs I participated in was Anti Stress Lavender Putty and Meditation Jar.
Anti Stress Lavender Putty
This was a drop in program that ran all day until they ran out of the kits. I figured when I was on my lunch I would swing by and pick up the kit. My thought was - how many people were actually interested in this project?! Well, I was apparently wrong because by 1 PM they were out of all the kits. Mr. Leonard, the security guard suggested I go upstairs to ask at the reference desk to see if they had any more left over.
As I walked through the library for the first time since the beginning of March, it was EMPTY! Which for me was a good thing, everyone there was wearing a mask and they had strict protocols for picking out books. It was definitely weird but it was nice to do something normal.
I ventured up to the Reference Desk and I met the nicest person ever. [[Shout out to Karen for being so kind!}} Karen informed me that they were all out kits but she would be happy to bring the supplies for me that I didn't have at home and provide me with the instructions. She said to stop by tomorrow and it will be at the desk. I walked back to the office, thinking there are some really nice people still in the world.
The next day, on my lunch, I went back over to the library, said hello to Mr. Leonard and walked back upstairs and went to the Reference desk and like Karen said, there was a large brown envelope filled with all supplies needed, instructions and a sweet note from Karen saying if I have any questions, don't hesitate to call her. I was shocked how sweet she was and how she kept her word.
To make the putty, it was pretty simple and most things, you probably have around the house. This recipe made ALOT of putty; I would half it if you are just making it for yourself. It took me about 20 minutes to make it. I put all the ingredients in a large ziplock bag to mix for two reasons: To make clean up easy and to mix/knead everything today.
Materials:
1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Salt
3 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
1 Tbsp. Canola Oil
1/2 Cup Boiling Water
10-20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Few drops of Purple Food Coloring
Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil in large bowl
2. Add Boiling water and stir to combine
3. If adding glitter, start with a little and add as much you like.
*You might need to add more water, to make it dough like*
4. Once you have reached the desired consistency, add in the 10 drops of lavender essential oil; Add slowly and stir to combine. If you want a stronger scent, add more essential oil.
5. Add several drops of purple food coloring and knead. Add more until you reach desired color.
That's it- super easy to make! I would store the putty in a ziplock bag; don't leave it out, it gets dried out over the course of a day (Lesson learned!) I split up my rather large batch and kept on little ball at work- perfect for stressful days, one at home- I love the scent of Lavender before bed and one I gave to a friend for her birthday. She loved it.
The next craft that the library offered was a Meditation Jar. This one you had to register for so I was guaranteed a kit. This one was also super simple to complete and I have used it already multiple times.
Meditation Glitter Jar
Materials:
8 oz mason jar
Warm water
2-3 Tbsp of Corn Syrup, glycerin or Elmer's School glue
Glitter
Dish soap (a few drops)
Hot glue or Gorilla Glue (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add warm water (not boiling) to your jar until it reaches around a third of the way up.
2. Pour 2-3 Tablespoons of corn syrup, glycerin or Elmer's School glue into the jar.
3. Add a Tablespoon of glitter .
4. Add a few drops of standard dish soap. This will keep the glitter from sticking together.
5. Top off your jar with warm water, until it is almost full. Leave a little gap at the top of the jar for the solution to mix.
6. When everything is added, put the lid on tight and give it a good shake so the glitter is dispersed throughout.
-If the glitter settles too fast- add a little more corn syrup, glycerin or Elmer's School Glue and then shake again. You may need to repeat this a few times to get it right.
-If there is too much syrup or glue and the glitter clumps or does not move around- pour mixture into a bowl and add more warm water. Give it a good whisking until it flows normally.
7. To ensure the lid stays on, you can add a few dabs of hot glue or gorilla glue around the ring of the jar and then seal it tight.
This project is a little more sciencey to make sure you get the right proportions but it is totally worth it in the end. I keep my meditation jar on my desk and every so often I shake it up and watch the glitter settle.
How to Use the Meditation Jar:
-The glitter in the jar represents your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
-The glitter settling to the bottom of the jar represents your mind settling
-You can practice mindful breathing as the glitter settles or thinking about the glitter settling
The goal is not to ride yourself of thoughts, feelings and urges but it is to learn not to react to them as this can hinder us from seeing things and understanding them with clairty.
Try not to focus on how much time you spend meditating or being mindful. Be in the moment.
