Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

The Kansas City Public Library embraces creativity for all ages with free classes and activities. At the North-East Branch Library, a monthly Craft Circle invites local crafters to bring in a project in-progress or take part in a “craft of the month” as an expansion of programming aimed at adult library patrons.

On Tuesday, March 10, Northeast crafters gathered for an hour-long opportunity to decorate a small, unfinished wooden bowl with bits of fabric or printed paper. Materials and instruction for the evening’s project were provided by Magpie Creative Reuse Collective, a nonprofit organization that collects materials for creative reuse, teaches skills and processes related to upcycling, downcycling and recycling and providing resources for artists, designers and makers.

For this project, participants were assisted by instructor Nell Hull as they selected a variety of printed and/or solid-colored fabrics or paper they would cut into inch-sized bits. Modge Podge, a glue and sealant, was used to adhere the fabric to the bowl using an artist’s paint brush. While all the materials were provided, I brought along my pinking shears so I could make more creative cuts of fabric.

As crafters set into working on their individual projects, talk among the eight participants, all women during this session, ranged from what neighborhood they were from to other projects they were working on or had recently completed.

North-east Branch manager Beccah Rendall provided music through the library’s music-steaming app and offered information on future Craft Circle sessions. Conversation was interrupted as phones through the room announced the area was under a Tornado Watch. 

Halfway through our projects, we continued to work diligently just in case we had to take cover- perhaps we’re just used to unusual Missouri weather but none of us was very concerned and the conversation returned to the usual chit-chat.

For my project, I had selected fabric containing various shades of greens- a dark green with yellow flowers, a lime and purple geometric, and a light green floral batik that I snipped into half-inch sized pieces. I made a creative decision to leave the rim of my bowl natural wood instead of lapping it over, which was a bit more work to be sure I had straight edges of fabric bits lined up with the edge of the bowl.

While the Craft Circle time frame is one hour, I wasn’t rushed to complete or leave with a half-finished project. As I worked to finish my decorated bowl, other crafters made plans to meet up for coffee or chat while their bowls, covered with Modge Podge, continued to dry.

In true Magpie Collective fashion, all unused materials were collected for future projects.

Rendall stated that Magpie will provide materials and a facilitator on a quarterly basis, and library staff will oversee other sessions. The North-East Craft Circle meets every second Tuesday, from 6 to 7 pm. The session for April 14, will provide materials and instruction for a suncatcher, an origami paper garland on May 12, and aluminum can flowers on June 9.

“We are excited to have a time set aside each month to come together and create something with our neighbors,” stated Rendell. “We would love to have folks join us for the (next) craft or bring their own to work on around friends, new and old!”

For more information about material and classes offered by Magpie Creative Reuse Collective (3331 Roanoke Rd.), visit http://magpiecreativereuse.org

For a complete calendar of free library activities, visit www.kclibrary.org/calendar