Rawlings FTW!

Sara M., South Bend

In addition to people wanting to give me a television, another suggestion was for me to get a pet. Why would I need a pet when I have this guy, Rawlings, to talk to? No worries!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

Missy M., South Bend

I'm not a crafty person, so I tend to find my creativity through cooking and baking. I follow recipes very loosely and am always attempting substitutions for ingredients with items I have on hand. The other day I really wanted to make something sweet. I was inspired by Christina Tosi's recipe for compost cookies, so I mixed in chocolate chips, caramel bits, pretzels, walnuts, tortilla chips, oats, and added some peanut butter because why not?  

Shutter Bug!

Brenda H., South Bend

New camera, obtained pre-Covid-19, enjoying learning all of it's new capabilities. (*Some photos from before social distancing*)

All Dolled Up!

Theresa H., South Bend

My daughter and I are painting wooden peg dolls. I started with peg dolls based on my family. Here is what I have done so far! Insider tip: We are planning a peg doll painting event at the library when our programming resumes!

Sticks and Stones!

Debbie O., South Bend, IN

Looking for a fun craft idea? Why not borrow items from mother nature. All you need is craft paint, paint brushes and some sticks and stones found around outside.

DIY Butterfly!

Sandy F., South Bend

This is an easy craft to do at home.  I cut a paper plate in half and glued the halves together. Next I cut a long oval body with scrap glitter paper that I found when I was cleaning.  I decorated the wings with silly shapes that I cut.  Don't worry if you don't have chenille stems for the butterfly antenna.  What else could you use for antenna?  Have fun and use your imagination.  

All You Need Is Love

Anonymous 

"Yesterday, I FaceTimed with my daughter while she tried on her wedding dress. She lives 10 minutes away."

The Strategic Knit!

 

Tracey T., South Bend, IN

Knitting and board games helped today!

I'm making a baby blanket for a first child due mid May.  Carcassonne, now available as an app, is a widely loved game for up to 5.

First Signs of Spring!

Debbie O., South Bend, IN

Each spring I look forward to the first flowers in my yard. These crocuses are a sign that warmer weather is coming. I'll never forget the first time I saw them. What a wonderful sight! What a blessing it is to still be able to enjoy nature during this time of uncertainty.

Skillful Skull!

Clint S., South Bend, IN  

What a better way to tell time than with a mixed media sugar skull clock!

Crochet Your Worries Away

Erin L., Plymouth, IN

Two weeks ago, I set up my new work-from-home office. Everything was tidy and in its place, but one thing was missing. I needed a soft place for my favorite tea mug to rest. My collection of crochet patterns soon produced a solution and I stitched up a new set of cushy coasters in a couple of hours. The coasters were made with 100% cotton yarn and a 4mm crochet hook. Since my yarn was a bit heavier than what the pattern called for, I modified the instructions by skipping round four. The result was a perfectly-sized soft coaster set for my new workspace.

Keep Growing, Keep Creating!

Amy R., South Bend, IN 

To get the ball rolling I am posting my artwork that I made at home during the first week of social distancing. I enjoy working in collage and used scrap book paper, tissue paper, and wrapping paper on canvas with mod podge to create this work. It helps me remember that creation can happen at any time with just the things around you. Sometimes the most brilliant works can come from the most unlikely of places. I hope you'll join me by submitting the work that you've done at home during this time!