In my last column I wrote about how books from the library could provide an enjoyable and productive way of utilising the increased time spent inside during the winter months. One area I neglected to mention, and one that allows people to read about and practice a huge range of activities, is our art and craft section. This was recently highlighted to us when one of our borrowers brought in a magnificent crochet blanket she had created using one of our books.The blanket really was a work of art, and at over two meters square represented a great deal of talent and commitment. The book it was taken from, 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans, is just one of numerous books we have on crochet, ranging from Adorable Crochet for Babies and Toddlers to Crochet for Barbie. And crochet is just one of numerous art and craft topics contained in our collection. We have books on sewing, felting, weaving, embroidery, cross stitch and quilting, and that’s just those that deal with fabrics and fibres.
Our craft books range from general titles that give a broad view of a variety of crafts to those that cover more specific crafts, such as Egg painting and decorating by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell. The craft book collection is designed to cater to a range of abilities and levels of experience, from beginner to expert. In addition many of the topics that are covered in our adult craft books are also available in our children’s collection.
There are books on paper crafts such as papier mache, decoupage and card making, books on ceramics including pottery and mosaics, and books on flower arranging. We have books on toy making including doll houses, numerous books on scrapbooking, and books that specialise in Christmas crafts (and don’t dismiss these – it’s coming faster than you think!). There is also some crossover between our craft and woodworking books. These include books on specific tools like routers, lathes or band saws that can be used for craft projects.
We also have a large number of books available for artists, again catering to both beginners and experts. These cover techniques for drawing and painting in oils, acrylics or watercolours, and advice on how to paint or draw specific subjects such as landscapes, people or flowers. There are also books on how to paint in the style of a particular artist or movement such as How to paint like the Impressionists by Susie Hodge. We also have a number of books on photography covering the work of well know photographers and techniques for taking different types of photos, although with the weather we’ve had lately you may want to contain yourself to inside subjects.
Our large collection of art and craft books are a great resource for learning or enhancing skills, and the inclement weather makes the winter an ideal time for doing so. If you are already a keen knitter the library is still acting as a depot for Operation Cover-Up, the nation-wide scheme designed to get hand-knitted blankets and clothing to orphans in Eastern Europe. And if you ever want any inspiration for a craft activity, take a look at the wall hanging that was created by the Wairarapa Embroiderers Guild to celebrate the 1982 opening of the library. And finally thank you to our borrower (who chose to remain unnamed) for bringing in and showing us her wonderful work and demonstrating the great crafts that can be produced from our books.Jon Adams
Community Outreach Librarian
Masterton District Library
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