Looking for some activities to keep the little ones entertained or hoping to hone your own skills ? Then this is the page for you.
Many of the staff from Kildare Libraries often incorporate activities, arts and crafts with their storytimes or often as standalone projects. As we were receiving many videos and projects from our staff we decided to create a page just for all these fun activities and hobbies so have a scroll and feel free to click in to any that take your fancy. we would love to see the finished products you can send your pictures in to our Facebook group or even our Instagram page or post a comment here and let us know how you got on.
Activities, Arts & Crafts
Knit A Springtime Rainbow Cushion
Sheila from Leixlip Library has sent us in a lovely rainbow inspired knit cushion. This knitting recipe would be perfect for those already familiar with knitting and my be a little more difficult for beginners. What you need: Double Knitting wool 1 ball in each of the rainbow colours. Colour codes: 1) Red, 2) Orange,… Continue reading Knit A Springtime Rainbow Cushion
Art & Craft – Rock Painting
by Craig, Naas Library Today I’m going to be doing some Rock Painting with you, and turning a plain old rock from the garden, into a colourful Ladybird. Rock Painting can be fun for any age group and is something creative that you can do together as a family. First you need to gather your… Continue reading Art & Craft – Rock Painting
Arts Crafts & Activities- Easy American Style Pancakes
Blog post by Ann Kearney, Athy Library Ingredients Needed:● A regular mug, mixing bowl & a whisk.● Self raising. flour● Milk● 1 egg● 1 tbsp. Sugar● Pinch of salt.● Pan and oil spray/butter Make sure to have an adult with you when cooking for supervision and to help you use hot cooking appliances. Method:● Put… Continue reading Arts Crafts & Activities- Easy American Style Pancakes
Christmas Craft: Hanging reindeer decoration
By Mary, Maynooth Library This is a stitched project. Please refer to the “How to Sew” instructions. Materials : Cream coloured felt for the body and a little brown felt for the antlers Red Embroidery thread Ordinary black cotton sewing thread 2 black beads for the eyes Wadding Ribbon… Continue reading Christmas Craft: Hanging reindeer decoration
Crafting: How To Sew – Basic instructions for “Running Stitch”
By Mary, Maynooth Library Use a needle with a fairly large eye ( the eye is the hole at the top of the needle). Pull the double thread through the eye. Knot the end of one length. Wind the end of the thread once or twice around one finger so that it forms a loop/circle.… Continue reading Crafting: How To Sew – Basic instructions for “Running Stitch”
Christmas Crafting : Christmas Stocking Decoration
By Mary, Maynooth Library This craft is suitable for Children who can sew, Young Adults and Adults too. Materials Felt in two contrasting colours e.g. Purple and Yellow. Double strands of Red embroidery thread Ribbon 6 Buttons Also needed – scissors, needles and pins. Method: 1. Cut out two of each of the pattern pieces.… Continue reading Christmas Crafting : Christmas Stocking Decoration
Making a 35cm Christmas Wreath from Baubles
By Catherine Mackey, Naas Community Library #KeepWell in the months ahead. Switching off and having some time to yourself to be creative and do the things you enjoy doing is so important in looking after your mental wellbeing. Items needed · Wire coat hanger Lots of different coloured and different size Christmas baubles (Approximately 60)… Continue reading Making a 35cm Christmas Wreath from Baubles
Knit Some Baby Mittens
By Ann Kearney, Athy Materials needed:25 g double knit for one pair of thumbless mittens35g double knit / for one pair of mittens with thumbsPair of 3.25mm knitting needlesPair of 4mm knitting needles (main needles)Gauge/Tension22sts and 30 rows to 10x10cm (4×4”) square in stocking stitch on 4mmneedles Useful Tip:Please take a little time to knit… Continue reading Knit Some Baby Mittens
How to Knit a Pumpkin
By Aoife Kerr, Leixlip library Skill level: Easy Materials: orange wool, brown wool, 4mm needles, wool sewing needle, stuffing Cast on 40 stitches, and for 20 rows, knit 2, purl 2. This is known as a double ribbing stich. Once you have reached the end, cut off enough wool, so that you have enough to… Continue reading How to Knit a Pumpkin
Egg Cozies (a short fun project)
— great idea for a thoughtful handmade Christmas Gift, maybe!(make a set of six in contrasting colours) By Ann, Athy Library Skill Level: Super Easy.Size: to fit an average size egg.Materials: DK or 4ply wool, colours of yourchoice. 3.25mm needles. Wool sewing needle.(oh, yes! ..and a fork.)Abbreviationsapprox : ApproximatelyK: knitRS: right sidest(s): stitchesWS: wrong side… Continue reading Egg Cozies (a short fun project)
Felt Finger Puppets
Craft by Sheila, Leixlip Library Today I thought we could make some finger puppets! I have chosen a sheep and a lion. Maybe after you can have fun doing a puppet show. What you will need to make the puppets: Felt in a few colours. I’ve used dark brown, black, toffee colour and white. Card… Continue reading Felt Finger Puppets
Party Wreath Craft
Craft by Sheila, Leixlip library You could hang this wreath up for your birthday party or just to brighten up the house. It’s a simple craft and fun to make. What you will need : A wire hanger or a florist wire wreath, Scissors andDifferent colours of crepe paper Cut stripes of crepe paper about… Continue reading Party Wreath Craft
Perfecting Portraits in Pencil
I am going to run through my drawing process with you, which I hope will help you to improve your pencil drawing skills. I am concentrating on portraits here, but you are welcome to adapt this advice to any subject you think it could apply to. I will be assuming a basic knowledge of art… Continue reading Perfecting Portraits in Pencil
5 Fun Activities for Big and Little Children
By Aideen Kerr It’s a difficult time for everyone right now, but it’s especially tough on those who are either home alone, or those trying to juggle working from home with minding children. I’ve put together a list of fun activities for people of all ages, big kids like myself, and little kids who are… Continue reading 5 Fun Activities for Big and Little Children
Olson Face Mask Instructions
with thanks to Clayton Skousen & Rose Hedges for this guide. In recent times the practice of wearing face masks is becoming more common. We are even seeing people wearing some lovely homemade coloured ones. If you like me are a total sewing novice- I haven’t touched a sewing machine since my Junior Cert circa… Continue reading Olson Face Mask Instructions
Stitched Easter Card
Craft supplied by Mary in Maynooth. Materials: Blank Card – Card used in this project is 5.5 inches by 4 inches. Embroidery Thread, Tapestry Needle (rounded tip – no point). A Larger Needle e.g. a Darning Needle, Scissors, Polystyrene block / (Packaging or layered towel.) Sellotape, Double Sided Tape, Foam Adhesive dots/squares and Glue Stick.… Continue reading Stitched Easter Card
Craft Tutorial: Facemasks
Mary has created this useful tutorial for people to make cloth facemasks at home. Materials needed : 2 pieces of cotton fabric 7″ x 9″ 2 lengths of 7 inches of 1/4″ elastic Thread, pins, scissors, sewing machine and iron Method : 1. Pin the elastic 1/2″ from top and 1/2″ bottom of right side… Continue reading Craft Tutorial: Facemasks
