Trying new activities is not only ideal for maintaining an exciting and joyful life, but going out into the community to sample new hobbies also helps expand social circles and skills. Now, you might be wondering how to even know what new activities to try. Thankfully, the Columbia Heights Public Library holds several low-stress and highly engaging events throughout the year where you can practice different crafts!
I’ve gone to events in the past where I’ve learned how to make candles, keychains and even boba on Valentine’s Day. How perfect is that! Attending these events has genuinely helped me make my life more interesting as I am not only learning something new, but I also was able to meet new people there. If you need any help or an opinion about the progress of your craft, the other attendees and instructors are always warm and friendly, ready to be supportive and give advice.
Recently, I attended an event to craft adorable felt succulents. The library provided everyone participating with little kits that included all the tools we need to become (sort of) felting professionals! Our instructor, Jenny Stice, guided us along the way by showing us step-by-step what we needed to do using a projector.
“It is often the best part of my job to see artists in classes connecting with a new art form,” Stice said. “The fun behind most of the classes I teach is that they are free for community members through the library, so artists can play and experiment with a new art medium to see if they enjoy it.”
Felting is a practice that has come to be used for years and years in several cultures to create necessities and even survival tools — for example, blankets for cold temperatures. It has advanced with time and now some people use felting to create anything they would love to simply have as an artistic creation or bookshelf decoration. In the same way, the library allowed us to create our cute fuzzy succulents.
“It’s such a good way to relieve your mind from a long day,” CHHS Student Tiffany Romero (12), who has accompanied me to all the events, said.
Another recent event that the library had was “DIY Teen: Candle Making”, and coming up next is “Tinker Time: Winter Lanterns” on February 6. On their website and the Columbia Heights city website, there’s a calendar that allows you to see all the events that are planned for the year! Make sure to register as soon as it opens, as limited spots are available.
Don’t miss out on these free, fun opportunities to learn more about different crafts. Not only the crafts but also to learn about what you do and don’t like to do! These activities might just help you find your new favorite hobby to obsess over.
