Did you know that January is considered International Creativity Month? The beginning of the year is a great time to dive deeper into an existing hobby or try something totally new.

Your local library has a ton of great books and ebooks to help you on your crafting journey, as well as classes and tools in our branches to explore new creative hobbies. 

For example, all WashCoLib branches host Let’s Make Stuff classes, a chance for adults to get crafty and learn something new. Upcoming classes include making vision boards, resin jewelry, candy jars, seed art, and more.

If you’re more interested in freeform creative play, the Maker’s Toolbox at Oakdale Library might be for you! The Maker's Toolbox contains a variety of crafting supplies and tools that can be used any time at the library. Staff regularly have the toolbox open on Tuesday evenings, but you can request to explore what it contains at any time. 

According to staff at Oakdale Library, the rules for the Maker's Toolbox are simple: "Be creative but not wasteful and clean up after yourself."

Craft items in the toolbox may vary at times, but generally you can find the following items for all ages: 

Kids Air dry clay Colored pencils Construction paper Crayons Markers Pipe cleaners Watercolor paints
Teens Duct tape Embroidery supplies Perler beads Pony beads Shrinky Dinks
Adults Card-making supplies Cardstock Paper quilling tools Watercolors

The Maker's Toolbox is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.