What’s Happening!!

February 26, 2021 Erica Unterman1 Comment

Hey, HEY, hey! We’ve reached the final Friday of February and I have a recap of what’s happening in the Hall of Books, aka Southeast Steuben County Library. Sponsoring Black History Month events with the SUNY Corning Community College Diversity Center has kept us engaged and focused on positive change. There were weekly online programs including special guest speakers, student moderators, local movers and shakers, and our community members engaging in conversation on the unique platform of Zoom. Meeting UK based glass artist Chris Day, athlete/author/activist Etan Thomas, and UK based Kanneh-Mason family of musicians provided opportunities to engage with global voices in a socially distanced way. I find that although we are socially separate in space, this virtual meetup setting we have grown accustomed to is really an amazing tool of Unity. In “Regular Times,” most of our schedules would find resistance to attending these meetings in-person, but the luxury of internet connection and digital devices allows for a greater chance of community connection than ever before. The programming wizard behind this magic is Babatunde Ayanfodun, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Assistant at the college. He stated his goal with these events is to “re-educate and reorient our consciousness.” I completely agree with that mission and look forward to extending these conversations on equity and inclusion throughout the year.

After wonderfully deep-dive conversations with Chris Day and Etan Thomas, I found pure delight in the sound of Live Music being played for our ears from “Across the Pond.” The Kanneh-Masons’ music soothed my spirit and made me realize that what I truly miss in this pandemic is the chance to see musicians perform on stage, feel their music in my pulse, and share the energy of the experience with complete strangers who decide to gather for the pure enjoyment that music brings. I found my toes tapping and goosebumps rising to particular notes from the violin and piano. I reveled in the mastery these kind souls shared with us in the small community of Corning, New York. If the online, virtual events are getting you down, I highly recommend a little musical entertainment to soothe your savage soul.

Maker Monday: Book Lover’s Creativity Class

Filomena Jack was our guest-host for Maker Monday and lead a Book Lover’s Creativity Class. Watch the video recording of her class on our YouTube channel. You might find a selection of other treats. Perhaps you’ll feel inclined to hit the Subscribe button and show a little Library Love. Follow Filomena Jack Studio for more crafty tutorials. Remember to register for her next Maker Monday takeover. It will be a unique virtual class using markers as “water color” to paint an all over floral design.

If you step inside the library building, grab a Take and Make kit from Filomena Jack Studio before they are gone. These kits are a wonderful way to get crafty on your own schedule. All you need to add to this kit is a pair of scissors and a pencil to make your own experimental books! Share your projects in the comments or tag us on social using #CreationStation

Library Advocacy Day is Today. How do you show Love for your Library? This annual campaign is critical to maintain the funding libraries need to provide quality services to their constituents. We asked our patrons to send in their Love Letters to Albany. Are you willing to be a Library Superhero? What is the value of your public library to you and your family? How does your public library impact your life? If you love your library, like we do, you have a part to play in Advocacy Day. Making your voice heard is what helps #FundLIbraries It takes less than two minutes to send your message supporting New York’s Libraries.

Director of Southern Tier Library System

Brian Hildreth, the director of our library system, showed his Library Love today. The annual bus trip our Library Super Heroes usually embark upon looked very different this year as a virtual rally. Whether you were part of the action this afternoon, remember that Advocacy does not end today. Support of equal rights, racial equanimity, diversity, and inclusion are still a part of the agenda. While we near the end of Black History Month and look towards the spring, our library will continue to advocate for our patrons. We hope you will return the respect.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

President’s Day

February 15, 2021 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

The speed of time allowed the day for LOVE to come and go with the beat of a heart. I created this little Heart Shaped Pot Holder sewing tutorial as part of the library’s YouTube channel options. Lots of folks are interested in learning to sew and often seek some inspiration. Thanks to Craftsy, I transformed their written instructions into a visual tutorial. If you lack a sewing machine, take one of ours for a test drive. The Southeast Steuben County Library has several sewing machines to borrow!

Sew Wednesday sewing tutorial

The Southeast Steuben County Library is sponsoring several events with SUNY Corning Community College this month. We celebrated the art of glass maker, Chris Day on February 9, which was really fun since Chris lives in the United Kingdom. This Virtual Life is offering unique options for engagement. View Alice’s Ordinary People tonight as part of the library’s two-part event. Before you hit part two of this event tomorrow, catch this discussion with athlete, author and activist, Etan Thomas on February 16 at 6pm on Zoom. This #BlackHistoryMonth presentation is lead by SUNY Corning Community College. Register to engage with the conversation or tune in Facebook Live to watch the presentation.

If you have a hankering for handmade books, register today for Maker Mondays: Book Lover’s Creativity Class with Filomena Jack on February 22 at 4:30pm. Filomena will lead students through the process of making 4 types of experimental books. This class will take place via Zoom. Register for the class, pick up supplies at the Southeast Steuben Count Library. You will receive a link to sign in to the class and enjoy this virtual offering. Filomena is the Star Maker in March once again with a Faux Watercolor Painting technique. You just might want to register today for the excitement.

Take and Make project kits are returning this Saturday, February 20. Artist Wynn Yarrow created a variety of kits for each person to take a pack and create their own individual work of art. Each kit contains felt, threads, a needle, and beads in a selection of colors. Wynn gave me a pin as a gift. The image below is an example of what you can make. Pick up a pack at the Sanitation Station starting Saturday until supplies deplete. ❤

March and the next Kitsch and Kvetch are really right around the corner. March is National Craft Month, so we have a two-fer for ya.The next session craft club session is on March 2 at 6:30pm where we will collage photographs onto ceramic tiles creating Photo Coasters. These objects become useful home decor and make lovely gifts. If you’ve got an itchin’ for stitchin’, register for the second Kitsch and Kvetch on March 16 where we will Crochet Water Bottle Holders. Each registrant will receive a 3D printed crochet hook and enough yarn to make the project.

That’s enough of a breakdown of the month on this snowy President’s Day holiday. Stay safe out there!

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Celebrating Black History Month

February 9, 2021February 8, 2021 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

February is Black History Month and we are celebrating by sponsoring several events hosted by our friends at SUNY Corning Community College and the Katherine P. Douglas Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We welcome you to a conversation with glass artist, Chris Day on Tuesday, February 9 at noon.

Chris Day fuses glass, ceramics, and metal to explore Black history and personal identity. He will discuss how the legacy of slavery, the under-representation of Black artists, and his mixed heritage shape his work. Joining us as guest moderators will be Susie Silbert, Curator of Postwar & Contemporary Glass at the Corning Museum of Glass, and Jessica Smith, SUNY CCC student.

Gain some personal insight from athlete and author, Etan Thomas on Tuesday, February 16 at 6pm. Join us for a presentation and discussion with former Syracuse University and NBA player Etan Thomas. Etan will speak to our community about the black athlete, their activism, and the impact on social change. Etan is a major voice in the conversation of social justice and it will be a pleasure for our students, local youth, and all community members to hear from him, how he pivoted from Syracuse Orange and NBA basketball player to an activist, writer, speaker. Joining us as a guest moderator will be Sky Moss, SUNY CCC Professor.

Enjoy a performance and discussion with members of the Kanneh-Mason family on Wednesday, February 24 at 2pm. Younger sisters Jeneba on the piano and Aminata on violin will perform a few songs then join us for a discussion with their mom, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason. Joining us as a guest moderator will be Benita Eldridge, Assistant Principal at Elmira High School.

The Southeast Steuben County Library will present a two-day event focusing on the film, Alice’s Ordinary People. Alice’s Ordinary People is a documentary about Alice Tregay, an unsung heroine of the Civil Rights Movement. Her remarkable story spans the historic marches of Dr. King through the election of Barack Obama, and her great contribution in the field of politics is the thread which connects the two. On Monday, February 15 at 7pm, the Library will show the film via Zoom. On Tuesday, February 16 at 7pm, there will be a live talk and discussion led by the filmmaker, Craig Dudnick.

Get your body moving on Thursday, February 25 at 6pm with Afrobeat Fit. Afrobeat Fit is a high intensity cardio workout where music and movement derive from the late and great artist and influencers of Africa. Afrobeat Fit “Sweat Sessions” are always inclusive to all and rooted in love!

In Celebrating Cultures Through Cooking, Chefs Andy and Nogaye will demonstrate the preparation of “thiou” and ingredient baskets can be purchased for $35 prior to the event through an online registration. Once purchased, baskets will be available for pick-up at the customer service desk at Wegmans Corning. Guests are invited to prepare their own “thiou” at their home, while the chefs create the demonstration. Professor Moss will moderate the demonstration with questions and answers, facts, and information.

There is so much to pack in this month. This listing is just a sip of the options we have to offer from the Library and our community partners. Zip around these links and broaden your perspective.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Technical Difficulty

January 26, 2021February 1, 2021 Erica Unterman1 Comment

Technical difficulties are glitches we experience and eventually fix. Whether digital, electrical, or even even in the body/ mind/ spirit capacity- things can go awry anytime. Within just 26 days of entry into 2021 the Nation’s Capitol was attacked, our library website crashed, Covid-19 reached our staff and closed the library, and my hand decided to stop working for what we’ll call a Hot Minute (comparable to my anticipated lifespan). Yet, the the earth continued to rotate in the vast expanse of our galaxy. The natural rhythm of life inevitably returns to a pace we can tolerate with less anxiety, but perhaps more awareness and courage.

While most of our minds are still reeling from that Doomsday of January 6, we can also appreciate the effect of law and order to withhold the election results and provide a new administration to help steer this country into a positive realm. The challenge is grand, but each of us holds a duty to put our hands to use to build the peaceful society that each of us deserves. I am looking to the newly elected officials as the Makers of America and checking how I can fit in as a new color to this rainbow of hope.

The website difficulty that reared its ugly head last week became part of a multi-fold situation where all program registration forms were not available on the webpages, then Covid-19 hit our staff and the library closed for the week, so classes needed to be postponed. While our staff numbers return to a required quantity to provide the stellar services we offer, the library is closed, but Curbside pick up is still an option. With every technical difficulty discovered, there is a key to resolving the problem. Luckily we have a graphic guru who fixed our website and now registration for programs can continue with ease. Maker Mondays is rescheduled for February 1. Register today to make a spectacular swivel card with Wynn Yarrow on Zoom.

My wrapped hand (seen above) is part of a tendon problem that many Makers and typists experience. With the proper care, rest, and rehabilitation, I should be able to stitch, cut, sew, and create to my heart’s content in a few more weeks. Until then, the new craft club, Kitsch and Kvetch is canceled in February. We would have learned how to crochet granny squares together, but that plan is on the back burner until March. In place of the canceled class, stay tuned to the Southeast Steuben County Library’s YouTube channel where the latest Cricut tutorial will drop on February 2. If you missed the first Kitsch and Kvetch, this video will be a rerun to catch up on what you missed! We meet again on March 2 to create Photo Coasters using ceramic tiles, printed photographs, and lots of glue.

My first Sew Wednesday was a personal lesson in patience and acceptance. I actually began this blog post the night of January 13, while waiting for large files to upload, download, and do-si-do. This age of online experience is a constant learning curve, but a valuable challenge. While I juggled recording devices, focusing on close-up footage, editing the video, and relying on country WiFi to work like broadband, time ticked away. This little ditty finally published late in the evening, but the final product also needed to be adjusted. Luckily, the lessons of patience and acceptance rose to the occasion. A few snips and new stitches of thread resolved my quandary of poor execution. The Travel Pincushion tutorial is a great project for beginner and advanced sewists alike. Holler atcha girl if you give it a whirl.

Pizza from the Valley

January is National Hobby Month! For those intent in adding a new hobby to their year, the options are limitless. If you like cooking, our old Urban Corning friend, Myles Lasco lives on the west coast, but longs for the flavors of the Twin Tiers. Follow along with Myles as he interprets his own copy cat recipes of some regional favorites. If you’ve ever tasted a Mangialardo’s Pizza and had a craving to mimic it at home, follow this tutorial for an entertaining approach to this famous pie. You can even use the dough to make some hoagie rolls.

Perhaps glass blowing is your aspiration; Corning is the Crystal City after all. If you are a Netflix subscriber, watch and cheer on local female glassblower, Cat Burns. She proves her skills on screen and will teach you the same. Sign up as a student for her classes at The Corning Museum of Glass.

If viewing more art exhibitions is on your hobby list, take a down Market Street from the library to the galleries. Our community partners, The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes have work on exhibit by local freelance artist, Julie Waltz-Stalker. If your location limits you from strolling the streets of Corning, visit this virtual gallery. Photo credit: Chris Walters Photography.

A hobby like volunteering can be cherished in your community. I want to send a big SHOUT OUT to our long-time volunteer extraordinaire, Mary Ann Thomas ! ❤ Personal service and dedication like hers is admirable and infectious. Read more about this big check she shared with our library in the FHFCU Blog. It looks like our new neighbors and friends are helping make positive change happen in our small community. Much gratitude, Mary Ann and First Heritage!

As the passing of time proves, there is a moment for everything. I truly appreciated this weekend’s lighthearted moment of Bernie’s Mittens Memes. After so many glitches this month, it was a joy to find this Easter Egg in the archives of ReCouture, a fashion show to benefit The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. Upcylcled trash is transformed into wearable art on the runway, but Bernie’s upcycled mittens have Stolen the Show.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Heavy Holidays

December 29, 2020December 29, 2020 Erica Unterman2 Comments

Have the holidays left you feeling Heavy? Celebrations occurred in varying capacities of comfort these past few weeks. Some folks met virtually, while some continued long-standing traditions of holiday splendor. Family gatherings may have been outside with blankets and face coverings, a very unusual experience from previous years. Or–nothing may have changed–traditions met regardless of external restrictions. However you celebrate, or skip, the holiday season, there are many ways to enter to the new year feeling Heavy.

Be it with excessive snacks and high caloric bevvies or with family turmoil highlighting hidden anxieties, the spectrum of Holiday Heavy is as broad as the spectrum of light. Individuals are just like snowflakes- unique and one-of-a-kind. We want to flit about, fly and gather- to be jovial, but the Covid turmoil gripping the globe, consistent political poo-poo, and weight of the effects of governments’ decisions on each of us personally are piling the issues like a blizzard. This weight can make it hard to feel light.

Enter the magical elves of the season to keep things Merry and Bright. If a Scrooge Spirit left you feeling Ho-Hum, there is still time to let Santa’s Toyland shine away the sour. This magnificent gem located at 1174 Red School Road in Caton, NY is a Maker’s Delight. It is a VIBRANT LIGHT spectacular that is a local tradition since 1999. The couple behind this magical scene put their heart and soul into these handmade creations and possibly their entire life saving’s into their electric bill annually to serve our desires. Besides this sweet secret location being within a pebble’s throw from my home quarters, it is offered FREE to the public. Just drive by this country home between the hours of 5:30 and 10:30pm now through New Year’s Eve to see this spectacle for yourself. If you are too distant to see this in person or just want to share it virtually, check out my drive-by video below. This is how we celebrate Christmas Eve in Caton.

In Case You Can’t Visit

While the wet weather washed away our White Christmas, these lights truly sparked the holiday spirit for my family. It is endearing to know how a simple (those lights are not simple!!) gesture can make so many hearts glow. The Creation Station Crew’s gesture – 12 Days of Giving Crafts also sparked many hearts in our community. The Take and Make kits we created flew off our Welcome table as quickly as we could offer them. We are as grateful as the recipients to spread the joy and good cheer. One young Maker in particular found a Friend with Booker the Reindeer. His mom received the last of these 3D printed cuties and we couldn’t be more pleased to see the joyful connection these two have created.

The Air-Dry Clay star project I created finally found its finish line. After working with each star with much patience to create a metal surface effect, they were strung on fishing line/ monofilament and knotted through holes in sticks that were varnished. The final product is rustic, yet elegant. I love the way each star seems to dance in mid-air as they catch a draft from the heater or someone passing. Kinetic art in simple status.

That background is certainly wretched, but this elf was hustling to finish the projects for Santa’s sleigh. Later in 2021, we’ll discuss photography and quality backgrounds. Those wrinkles and fuzz, low-light and blur are all examples of what-not-to-do. What you should do is register today for the first Kitsch and Kvetch class slated for Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30pm. We will walk through the basics of Cricut Design Space. I’ll source a sweet iron-on decal for you to create on your own. Then, just arrange a time to cut it out at the library. The process is quick and fun. Whether you have design skills, but never used a Cricut precision cutter or have no idea what this means, but you desire some “Me Time,” register with this link and get prepared for a fun evening.

Grow a Grogu

“Such a large bounty for such a small package”. – The Client ❤ If you got hooked on The Mandalorian or just love a little green Jedi with wide ears, this cute model just might be your ticket to the Creation Station Makerspace. We are filling requests to print The Child, also known as Grogu. This model will fit an Echo Dot 3 and looks out-of-this-world when you communicate with Alexa. These babies take a whole day to grow, so warp-speed your requests before Empire Strikes Back.

While the Times Square Ball Drop (Google search that line, it’s fun!) might look mildly different this year, it is with heavy heart to relay that my absolute favorite holiday is canceled. Some of you think of January 1 as New Year’s Day. To this Philly Girl, January 1 is and always will be Mummers Day. The tradition is strong in my home where we’ve religiously snuggled in front of the television, even braved the frigid temperatures on Broad Street- followed by the real Parade on 2 Street a few times, to enjoy hours of costumes, dance, and merriment to signify the start of a new year. While I know Philly goes rogue and no one can tell a Mummer what to do, Protest Parades will still occur, just not televised for those of us stuck in Upstate New York. Instead of watching Mr. Mummer or viewing the glow of Waterford Crystal, I’ll make a ball (or several) and eat some emotions as I welcome the new year and bid adieu to 2020. Just think, this new century will be of legal age to drink. Twenty One, here we come!

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Ps. Happy Cold Moon! Get outside and look up. The skies are clear for a change in Corning. ❤

12 Days of Giving Crafts

December 17, 2020December 16, 2020 Erica Unterman1 Comment

We started the Twelve Days of Giving Crafts on 12/12 to boost the holiday spirit. I have been collecting leftover class materials from the year and packaging them as Take and Make project kits for patrons to share or enjoy at home. The Christmas Bells rang in this idea and became a popular feature at our welcome station in the Southeast Steuben County Library. Keep your eyes peeled for this special treat basket on your next visit inside the building. Take one kit to use or pass it along as a gift. Be sure to tag us @ssclibrary on social media and mention #CreationStation ❤

Beeswax Fabric Wraps have become very popular way to swap out plastic wrap and stay environmentally conscious. This was an in-demand class before the pandemic hit, and one of our last in-person classes hosted inside the building. The surplus of supplies are now packaged sweetly for your enjoyment. There are tons of lovely tutorials to follow. My favorite is from Crafty Patti and I based all of the instructions and ratios using this tutorial. The wraps you create are reusable for many months, and can be refreshed with more beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba oil when necessary.

Another package of Take and Make kits I just released are Air-Dry Clay Star sets. I 3D printed star cookie cutters, rolled out the clay to a thin layer, cut out the stars in various sizes, then poked a hole in a point of each star so it can be hung. After allowing the clay to get leathery, I pressed lace onto the surface for a patterned texture.

After allowing these stars to dry completely on a flat surface for several days, they can be painted or sealed. I recommend acrylic paint with very little water. Perhaps my clay was not dry enough, but in experimenting with surface patterning, the clay started to mix with the pigment. I decided that abquick application of paint with low water content and minimal touching of the surface gives best results. If the weather were warmer, I would have taken a quick cover approach with spray paint.

I’ll work with these stars for awhile longer until I reach a finish that suits my style. I am aiming for a shiny, yet antiqued appearance. These stars will be strung and hung on a sturdy branch as rustic decor. I was inspired by this cute craft from Think Make Share, but wanted to experiment with a medium other than paper. The results will be revealed next week.

First Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm will be your new favorite time in the new year. Join our modern take on a crafting club where we create the latest trend and learn to make all the things. Snacks to nosh and adult bevies are optional! Sling your hot glue guns and wield your crochet hooks, it’s going to be a fun venture. Supply suggestions will be provided. Participants will collect materials at the library.

The stockings are hung by our chimney with care. If you want to make a stocking like the ones above, follow this link for a detailed tutorial. For our friends interested in sewing, I have a new addition coming to the 2021 library’s activities calendar. Sew Wednesdays will be every SWOM (Second Wednesday of the Month). These sewing tutorials will premiere on the library YouTube channel at 7pm. Grab your notebooks and a bowl of popcorn as we walk you through the process. Stitch up a sweet project each month following along with a tutorial from the Creation Station. Remember, the library has sewing machines you can borrow to use at home! Mark your calendars for January 13 where we will make Travel Pincushions.

More new programs will be popping up soon, but don’t be shy! If you have a suggestion for a class or request a specific Take and Make, drop a comment or email. We look forward to hearing from our followers.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Advent

December 8, 2020December 8, 2020 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

Traditionally Advent is a season, November 29 to December 24, and holds loads of religious significance. An advent is the arrival of something. All religion aside, there are many seasons and reasons to countdown and perhaps celebrate. While the holiday season is upon us, and there are many cultures to consider, we often focus on Christmas. Whether you recognize the birth of Christ, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule, the festivals of light have arrived and what better way to prepare than with lots of stars to brighten the long nights? I took to the trusty Cricut precision cutting machine to whip up an advent calendar of sparkling stars that can also be used as gift packages. This project builds upon the origami skills we gained in the Shining Stars class for Maker Monday in November.

The Southeast Steuben County Library makerspace, Creation Station hosts a Cricut Explore Air and all of the materials one needs to complete this Origami Star Advent Calendar. We have a subscription to Cricut Access, which can only be used in the makerspace, but you can complete these stars with good old-fashioned scissors and origami skills. After running through the process, I would even suggest using origami paper and following the tutorial provided later in this blog. There are some downfalls to the Cricut system that bug me, so I want to give you the heads up on how to proceed with the best success. This project creates twenty four paper stars that can hold a small prize, message, or cash. I took advantage of an extra star to personalize a gift for a relative, then hung it on the tree seen above. (Yes, that is our Jade plant decorated like a Christmas tree! Eclectic we be.)

Although Cricut offers lovely project ideas, their provided instructions lack in many ways. I often feel I am cutting paper or vinyl without a clear view of the steps to the final process. There have been several times when following a project in their design suite, that I have to research better instructions elsewhere in the internet. This project proved to be a prime example. If you search “Advent” in Cricut Design Space, this project pops up in the results. I highly recommend using a thin card stock or paper to construct these. I used thicker card stock, but the folds were tough to crease and the layers of the paper started to peel apart. This is apparent in sharp corners, like the brown star seen above.

I sourced this YouTube video to instruct the proper folding method to achieve these stars. Follow that link to find the best tutorial to guide you to success. A little patience goes a long way. Silver stickers I have had forever were perfect to adhere to the back of each star. I cut numbers to create the count down using adhesive vinyl. A punched hole and fishing line make these stars visually float, since the filament is clear. Add an ornament hook and you’re all set. Hanging these stars in a window on a curtain rod proved to be the most simple approach and festive touch to my holiday decor. I hope you give this project a try. Reach out if you want to learn how to use the Cricut in the Creation Station!

The Creation Station is starting to provide Take and Make project kits to our patrons. We currently have a daily raffle to win a 3D printed Booker the Reindeer. This model can be found on Thingiverse and printed upon request if you mention this blog post. If you want to enter the daily drawing, follow this link to enter. Each kit comes with an articulated reindeer, sandpaper to smooth the model, acrylic paints, and a brush. If you are a lucky recipient, please share your creation with us on social media. Tag the library @ssclibrary and use #creationstation. We can’t wait to see our fleet of reindeer out in the community!

If you happen to stroll through the library this month, take a peek at the Christmas Scene on display near the circulation desk. This project was a labor of love, also made with the aide of the Circut. This paper-craft takes lots of patience and dedication, but has provided a festive scene for several years. If I were to make this again, I would use an archival glue recommended by paper-craft artisans. Some layers of paper are starting to pull apart, but a little dab of Elmer’s glue stick is a quick fix. This scene easily stores in a shoe box and is actually living its fifth season in our care. Give a comment if your family has a paper Christmas Scene passed down through the generations. HOLLER if you are another crazy-crafter who made that scene above!!!

As we wind down the year-we-never-could-have-imagined, there is a sweet suggestion spreading on social media. At 6pm on Christmas Eve, assuming Eastern Time, it is suggested to ring a bell for 2 minutes to spread the Christmas Spirit. My family has traditionally banged pots and pans outside around the house on New Year’s Eve. This bell ringing is likely a new addition to our tradition. Have you found this suggestion in your scrolling? Does it also intrigue you? Let us know if you celebrate with bells or lights or other unique ways to make the season bright. Stories unite us and create the blankets that keep us cozy through the long winter. We always look forward to hearing from you. ❤

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Grateful

November 25, 2020 Erica Unterman1 Comment

This week is focused on things that fill our proverbial cups. Given the circumstances of a pandemic, the pending Thanksgiving holiday may have you feeling more perplexed than appreciative. Travel plans should be halted. Meals should be kept to our personal quarters. Families should stay separate. Nothing is like it was a year ago. Despite our desires to maintain celebration status quo, authorities are leaning in with strict policies to keep us all safe for a joyous 2021. It can all feel suffocating and scary, therefore we focus on the little things that keep our days bright.

We created Shining Stars for Maker Monday this week as a way to celebrate the start of the holiday season. With simple snips and folds of paper, followed by bits of glue, class members began to create intricate decorations to beautify their spaces. Some of you may think origami is too hard to practice. When you have an instructor like Wynn Yarrow, no skill is too difficult to learn. Even in a virtual setting like a Zoom class, she takes time to ensure each student is on par and not rushed. This is how we operate in the library, in all of our classes, but we strive more-so in this virtual world. Some tricks to making these stars seem out of reach at first, but with a smidgen of patience, you feel like a magician transforming flat paper into three dimensional objects.

Using origami paper, we started folding several squares of foil papers, gluing them together, and creating a very dimensional star. (see above image: top right) We built upon our skills by manipulating one small square of paper into an ornate element. (see above image: middle and bottom center) This can be hung as a solo element or glued together with multiple elements to devise a larger shining star for your holiday decor. I had fun playing with different color options and look forward to making many more of these stars for gift toppers.

There was a collection of pine-cones I stored in 2019, but never put to use. When I cleaned out the Creation Station, our library makerspace, I rediscovered them and felt the need to make a wreath for a festive approach to winter. There are too many tutorials on the internet for making a pine-cone wreath; it’s hard to decide which one to feature. Whether you use a wire wreath versus a Styrofoam wreath, or floral wire vs. hot glue all boils down to personal preference and perhaps what you have on hand. I am prone to up-cycling and working with what I have, so I went the Styrofoam and hot glue route.

Bleached pine-cone wreaths seem to be the kitsch right now, but just the word bleach gives me hives. I knew I could skirt the fad and still reach similar results without much cost (or dermatitis). I had a small variety of spray paint colors and decided on neutral tones to dress my front door. I prepared two batches of colors, metallic black and matte white, leaving a third batch natural. Then I treated all of the cones with a varnish to shine the surface and seal them from the weather elements. Once the paint prep work was complete, I fired up my trusty hot glue gun and searched for episodes of Portlandia.

The fun part of making a wreath is designing it to your preference or improvising with the materials you have on hand. I used this lovely tutorial from Whitney Baldwin as inspiration, then went rogue per usual. My muted tones are more suitable to my palette. I might add a few fairy lights to make this wreath sparkle. I might even put a bird on it. ❤

These happy “birds” flew to their rainbows of success this past weekend. With the support of Jasmine Margreno and her Vibrant Life School of Yoga, there are seven newly dubbed yoga instructors set to soar in this community and beyond! (*Find me smiling- third masked face from the left.) This photo fills me with the utmost gratitude for setting and achieving this personal goal. Corning lost an inspiring yogini this year. Retha Cazel was a close friend and mentor who urged me to follow my dreams. Amid a pandemic, I achieved this lifelong goal and developed new friendships in a time when we are all so very isolated.

Get Fired Up this Thanksgiving

My classmate was gracious to share a Thanksgiving treat with our library. This video was part of our graduation project. Before you start prepping for a full belly tomorrow, join us for a Premiere 75 minute Vinyasa Flow at 8am sharp! Get your body moving so your meal fuels versus flattens you. We all find ways to be creative and stay active. Take a step onto the mat and test this territory. Find a new way to feel Grateful.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

I Wet My Plants

November 11, 2020 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

The news over the weekend resulted in lots of Americans shaking their tailfeathers. ❤ Talk about Dancing in the Streets! The news was so exciting, some of us might have even wet our plants 😛

As we turn the page of this epic election, we focus on the holiday season. That silly quote and image inspired me to “borrow” the idea and dissect it to teach in a program. ‘Tis the gift-making-season and lots of us can settle our nerves by transforming into Crafting Elves.

While I can’t give credit to the original maker of this adorable project, I can guide you to create one just like this. Give a shout if you want to play along. I’ll find a date to create and we’ll Zoom through the tutorial.

We Zoomed in October. Just a few weeks ago, we made Clay Birds with Wynn Yarrow for our monthly installment of Maker Monday. Using air-dry clay, round a ball of clay, then hollow it like making a pinch pot. Form a head and body, then create texture on the surface. I like to believe mine is a strong E.A.G.L.E….(oops!…Philly girl, here) or a Phoenix, similar to Fawkes in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you would like to experiment with this process, there are still packs of clay and instructions to pick up at the library. To create one of your own comfort creatures, just send me a message or comment and I’ll set aside a Take and Make kit just for you. Remember: the Southeast Steuben County Library offers Curbside Pickup for your convenience.

The next Maker Monday is on November 23 from 4:30 to 6pm. Click here to register. If you miss the event, but wish to join at a later time, I can help make that possible. This project will surely brighten the dark days of the Ember Months. These might deck your holiday decor with handmade flair. If you wanted to make a galaxy of these stars, you can schedule an appointment to use the Cricut precision cutter in the makerspace, Creation Station.

As we creep into the colder season and are still forced to isolate ourselves, our Maker Team is dedicated to keeping us crafty throughout the long, cold winter. Keep on the lookout for Page Kits, take and make craft kits for adults. They will be packed with care by our loving mascot, Page the Owl.

Tiny trees with LED lights are being 3D printed daily as we prepare for the season of giving. Expect to see some LED Christmas Card kits, too, recycling cards from Christmas Past. The spirit of the season has struck and we are following suit. I hope you can sense the excitement!

Exhibit of original art by Jennifer Fais

In case you visit the library, take a peek at the newest art installation of original art by Jennifer Fais. The hanging system was a generous donation from our new neighbors across Denison Parkway. First Heritage Federal Credit Union invested in downtown Corning and just opened their new Headquarters building across from City Hall. Shout out to the new kids on the block! They are big supporters of the local art community. The bank offers artists quarterly solo-exhibitions through a partnership with The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. I highly recommend stepping through their doors to check out the art exhibit, Lost and Found by Megan Walsh.

Lost and Found, a solo exhibition by Megan Walsh

Since we are striving to get by, yet stay inclusive in this isolated, digital world, really cool options are popping up. Anyone can virtually visit this exhibition! Just click here to take a stroll through the gallery. Lots of credit goes to the Head Curator and Grants Gate Keeper at our unique arts council, Chris Walters. It’s fun to see how each creative person can reinvent or adopt the wheel, while some of us just wet our plants.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Pressing Matter

November 2, 2020 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

Welcome to November 2020 and the Eve of the United States Presidential election. I wish the best to the sanity of our nation! This divisive situation has put many families at odds, broken friendships, and burdened us as humans who seem to forget our true basic needs. This has become a football game, fight to the finish, head to head challenge. If you are not on one side or the other, you’re wrong! I’ve played that card too many times these past four plus years, but really just want the best for my community. It seems easy, but we just can’t seem to get along. History just keeps repeating itself.

Craftivism was a term I learned during the last presidential election. Anyone who uses their craft for the greater good is a craftivist, according to Betsy Greer. If you recall the pink hat project that resulted in the 2017 Women’s March on Capitol Hill, you might have been one of the Makers of the Moment then, stitching hats to cover the head of anyone willing to march. Then, pink yarn was just as scarce to find as toilet paper was in March or canning jars in August (even now!) of this year.

The Pussyhat Project is just one example in the history of Craftivism. While this movement swept the world in the last election, we currently witness 4×4 Trucks of Volunteer Troops invading our town roads and waterways with their political pride. The dichotomy of the history I am living is truly unbelievable. I often wonder if I am part of a Hunger Games trilogy or simply facing the the coming of a Battle Royale.

“Sew,” I took what bit of craftivism I could muster during this everlasting pandemic and started pressing things of my own before I grab the ballot tomorrow. With the help of a trusty Cricut and some heat transfer vinyl, I transformed my fabric from my last post. As a female in the United States of America, the Nineteenth Amendment is the only law allowing me to actually place my claim on a ballot, therefore it is my mantra. Once I discovered the late Notorious RBG was rapidly replaced by a female willing to set aside female rights, I had to start cruising on my sewing machine for my own political statement. I took the fabric dyed with nature’s Goldenrod to give a little hope to the situation.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement took decades to win! What is it about giving women rights that causes such offense? Celebrating 100 years of victory in that epic battle, I choose to wear this law proudly as I make my vote for myself and for those fought to allow me this privilege.

Amendment XIX, The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

This is a pressing matter. We must not sit on our loins and allow our voices to go unspoken. Get out and Vote!

Freedom is really my favorite “F” word, but I recognize we are all born indentured servants to the political system. We can let politics rule and guide us, or we can Let Love Rule. It took a long time to develop a dialogue with my family of opposing political views. Rather than aggravate each other with antagonistic actions, we choose laughter and lightness. The most important value we remember is to love and stay friends, despite our differences. We choose to just get along. I hope you can do the same.

May the odds be ever in your favor.<3

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

…

Nature’s Palette

October 26, 2020 Erica Unterman3 Comments

I studied Textiles in college, which gave me the spark to capture the season’s colors as natural fabric dyes. I’m wild about nature and creating from natural objects. I work at turtle speed with some ideas. Some of you will likely identify. An idea strikes, you fervently collect all the tools to to begin, but life gets in the way. It might take 20 years to recognize those tools are collecting dust, having never met their purpose. There are really so many things to make and experiment, but also so many excuses we can create to hold us back. You can get caught up in the investment excitement, then lose the steam or opportunity to investigate further. Time is of the essence; no time like the present– that gift we are given each fleeting moment.

Sourcing excellent reference materials (BOOKS!!) to gain the knowledge has been key to unlocking the uncertainty of the process. Luckily, our hero STARCat offers a selection of books to borrow from any of the members libraries of the Southern Tier Library Sytsem. There are also wonderful sources on the webs. I’ve linked to several throughout this post, but some of us just need a little down time from the screen, you know what I mean?! Finding the bounty of free dye sources within my own neighborhood made this project even more enticing.

Grabbing color at the height of the season is imperative to a gathering of goodness. Each week provides a new source to test. Late summer into late fall offers revolving resources to keep a dyer inspired. The trick is to ensure you have enough time to do the full process of gathering the dye stuff, preparing the dye stuff for processing, extracting the color from the resulting mash of expired plant materials, having your fibers ready to dye, then choosing a final mordant. The whole endeavor can be a little more to chew than most makers are willing to practice, but I choose the slow, and sometimes complicated, road almost always.

Alum Bath

Did I say chew? Fibers need to be prepped so they can chew on the dye colors. Mordant is to bite, so a mordant is required for the fibers to take bite of the natural dye. Aluminum potassium sulfate is suggested for animal and protein fibers, such as silk or wool. Aluminum acetate is suggested mordant for cellulose fibers, or those coming from a plant, such as cotton or linen. I highly recommend referencing Botanical Colors for precise information on this process. They’ve put their knowledge together in a very clear format for anyone to follow. My preferred source book is from my personal library. Wild Color by Jenny Dean can be a secret weapon to this magical process. It’s a easy to follow for any beginner or advanced dyer. The author clearly sets up the reader to prepare the right tools and provides color swatches to know what to expect with each plant they use for dyeing. I’ll be certain to get that book added to the Southeast Steuben County Library collection.

Cottons need extra attention. A recommended prerequisite for dying cellulose fibers is prepping them in a tannic bath. This acidic bath helps the alum better adhere to the fibers. Some leather workers might be familiar with this technique, as leather needs to be tanned. Tannins can give a color to your fibers, so be aware of the options. Suzanne Dekel gives you extensive information in her blog. Extracting natural tannins can be done with oak galls or tree leaves. Jenny Dean suggests using sumac leaves to create a tannic bath. You can also use sumac berries to create a dye bath, among other edible creations, but I couldn’t reach the fruits on my trees!

I processed my fiber collection in 2 major phases. The stack above from the top are results of cotton organza in wild grapes, cotton muslin in goldenrod, and silk in blackberries. The wild grapes give a blue-gray hue after the complete wash and dry. Colors are brighter in the pot, but certainly fade or oxidize after the dye process. You can an iron mordant to gain more somber colors. I experimented with using the post as the mordant.

Horse Chestnuts and Wild Grapes in Iron Pot

Pot as Mordant is a technique I favor. Copper, aluminum, and iron pots will all provide a mordant effect. Since the mordant is not measured to precise percentages to account for the weight of the fabric, this is not a precise method. Weights and percentages play important factors in creating enough dye for the quantity of fabric you wish to color. I love irregular dye batches, so the experimentation was worthwhile. The horse chestnuts dye bath on the left in the photo above oxidized to provide a lavender hue! I did not anticipate that result when I took that shot.

I used rubber bands to create some dye resist techniques, many know this as tie-dye. The stripes above are created by accordion folding the fabric, then biding just the ends and middle with rubber bands. The lighter areas were the hose chestnut dye results in a steel pot, then I bound the fibers and worked a resist dye in an iron pot. The results meet my personal palette, so now I just have to decide what to sew with these special stacks.

Some folks flip for stacks of cash. I flip for nature and simplicity. This subdued rainbow of flavor in my basket warms my heart. I finally tested that idea I considered over decades ago and have really just scratched the surface. I look forward to a time when we can all meet in person for a program to share this method of preserving the season in fiber–then paper—or basket reeds –there are so many options to go from here. I might try to dye pines cones with a leftover grape dye bath just to see the effect. I promise to share the results.

If this post sparked an interest, here are some experts to follow and get inspired. Joan Morris will get you going. Kathy Hattori will give you the skills. The Dye Kween will color your word FANCY! Feel free to check out the social media of Spider Stitchery ❤ You might recognize some of her samples….

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Makers Moving

October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 Erica UntermanLeave a comment

Mark your calendars for Empire State Maker Faire this Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17, 2020! This FREE educational event is geared toward anyone interested in creating and making. Whether you define yourself as a maker or are still determining the definition, I can almost guarantee that you enjoy developing something new or altering things to make them better. Southeast Steuben County Library has partnered once again with Maker Faire Twin Tiers and all New York State Maker Faires to present this weekend of exciting techniques, technology, and tinkering to engage your excitement and entice your inner-artist or engineer. Check out the full schedule for all the deets.

Twin Tiers Maker Faire partners, Corning Museum of Glass will present their Alternate Inflation Device used to create hand-blown glass. This technique was developed by the Team at the Studio at Corning Museum of Glass. Using pressurized air to inflate glass is an innovative way to approach this ancient art and allow glass to be created during this pandemic. Check out the demonstration on Friday at 2:15pm.

Local artist, Filomena Jack will present a Super Fun Monochromatic “Watercolor” technique. With her quirky style and positive messaging, Filomena is sure to delight her audience with whimsy. Tune in to the YouTube channel on Friday at 11:15am to check out this lesson. Watch any or all of the Empire State Maker Faire and let us know what was your favorite part.

Outdoor Yoga at Caton Park, October 17 at 11am

If you get an itch to hit the great outdoors this weekend, head over to Caton Park on the outskirts of the city of Corning for a vibrant Yoga session with Elizabeth Moses. This will be the last outdoor event planned for 2020! The start time has moved to 11am, so the sun will be out and ready to warm your limbs. *Check the weather and notifications before leaving your home. Three online sessions will be available on Facebook Live on October 31, November 14, and December 12.

Time is limited to register for Clay Birds with Wynn Yarrow. Sign-up by Wednesday to receive class materials in time for the start of the Zoom session at 4:30pm on Monday, October 19. The objects we create will be perfect for gift giving or cherishing for yourself. Check the library’s activity calendar for the next Maker Monday on November 23. We will create Shining Stars with Wynn Yarrow.

SUNY CCC Book Club Meeting Tues, 11/10 at 5:00pm

As we continue discussions of race and racial inequity, our fellow librarians at Arthur A. Houghton, Jr. Library of SUNY Corning Community College have developed a Book Club open to anyone who is interested, whether they are connected to the college or not. Here are some more details about the next meeting.

The SUNY CCC Book Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 10 at 5:00pm. Participants can join us on Zoom using the meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/93549808634?pwd=QXE3WlFMR0FlUjJxVkQydU5UbktFUT09. You are also welcome to join by phone by dialing 1-929-205-6099 and using the pass-code 170566.

The book for November is The Color of Water by James McBride, a memoir by the author, musician, and playwright known for his National Book Award-winning novel The Good Lord Bird.

There are copies of The Color of Water available at other SUNY schools if you’d like to request the book for pickup at the CCC Library. Alternatively, many of STLS libraries in Steuben and Chemung counties have print, ebook, or e-audiobook copies available. Follow this StarCat link for details: The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother, by James McBride. We are looking forward to our discussion in November!

Page Cache is still running! You have a few more weeks to source and redeem some of those red cache tokens in exchange for a small cone from Dippity Do Dahs Homemade Ice Cream. Page the Owl has been busy flying across the region hiding these prizes in preestablished Geocaching locations. Some clues to get you out hunting start like this. Some light reading is necessary on the Northside. Peter Pan’s Girlfriend is locked in a highly unsuspected spot. Find me if You Can and Resting Near the River hold a similar theme. Down by the Creek and Sitting Watching the Trains (and World) Go By are very secluded gems, perfect for socially distanced excursions. Lost in the Wilderness is more urban than anticipated. The nearby Hobbit Holed eluded Page the Owl, but let us know if you find it!

Rather than give away all the secrets, I encourage you to get out and geocache. It’s a unique adventure to seek out Tupperware in random locations. Anyone who has observed Page the Owl’s meanderings knows first-hand how crazy it may seem, but the addiction to finding all the caches is real. Give a Hoot and Get Hooked!

Preparing Horse Chestnuts for Natural Dye

This week is jam packed with goodies to keep you and your family occupied. Check back next time for some adventures in preparing natural dyes for fabrics. From berries to weeds, the options are endless to creating environmentally safe fabric dyes with gentle hues. Time and cold weather are the limiting factors.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!

Creation Stationary

A Southeast Steuben County Library blog for creative endeavors. This is an online companion to the Creation Station Makerspace.

What’s Happening!!

President’s Day

Celebrating Black History Month

Technical Difficulty

Heavy Holidays

12 Days of Giving Crafts

Advent

Grateful

I Wet My Plants

Pressing Matter

Nature’s Palette

Makers Moving