For about three years now, I have been on the email list for adult crafts at the Vineyard Haven Library, but was yet to commit to one. Don’t get me wrong, the crafts are truly awesome, like making paper rose wreaths, make jewelry with sailor knots, etc.
However, one email came through that had an offer I could not refuse, decoupage. Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts, according to Wikipedia.
Yes, it’s true. I have always secretly wanted to start a business with decoupage. Granted, I had never done it before, but I thought the Vineyard would be the perfect place to sell my creations. Don’t worry, I now know this is a reality for someone else. I am not the world’s best decoupage artist.
From November thru April, Jennifer Rapuano, an artist herself, sends out a monthly email for a new craft. Jennifer has created the series as way to give adults something creative, fun, and free to do during the Winter months. She also works in circulation, runs book club, repairs books, and much more at the Vineyard Haven Library.
Getting Crafty
Jennifer does a little research, Pinterest, Google, etc., to see what crafts are trending, popular, and she brings them to the library. The Friends of Vineyard Haven Library, who support many programs at the library, sponsor the costs of the materials for the crafts.
So, all you have to do is save your spot, and get ready to use the right side of your brain for something fun and hands-on.
The crafts take place in the meeting room found in the lower level of the library. The crafts are generally held the first Sunday of the month and are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ready, Set, Glue
It was nice to finally meet Jennifer. After seeing all her cool efforts over the years, I felt like I knew her a little bit. There was a table set with everything you’d need. Scissors, Mod Podge, paint brushes and more. To the side, there were dozens of magazines to flip through.
Jennifer had even asked in email if you had any images or themes you would have like to have. I had said nautical images would be great, but of course, I ended up going a whole different route.
For the first half hour or so, everyone gathered images that resonated with them, and a plate to place them on. Then, all you could hear was the sound of scissors cutting paper, but soon it was time for the magic to begin.
Jennifer provided us with really easy to follow instructions. I was surprised to learn how doable decoupage has become.
I
t’s basically glue on glue. You choose your surface, for us it was a plate made out of recycled palm leaves, put Mod Podge, a special glue/sealer/miracle worker, on it, then put the same stuff on the back of your images and set’em.
Though I originally wanted to do something nautical, the reality is that I would probably end up putting it in my junk closet. So, I came up with a new plan. I made one from my mom.
Hey, we’ve got Easter and Mother’s Day coming up — what better than a craft from your 40-year-old daughter? Don’t worry she’ll get other treats, but I know she won’t and can’t throw it out.
I had gathered a bunch of flower images from Fine Gardening magazine and just went for it. I have to admit that it was really fun. I do crafts with my kids, but this crafting felt very different.
It felt a little lighter, or freer. I can’t explain it. Perhaps I don’t exercise my creative side with my hands enough. Whatever it was, I left with a little spring in my step, feeling accomplished.
Over the duration of the craft, it was nice to see what other people were doing. There were some serious artists in the group, producing amazing decoupage pieces that definitely put mine to shame, but I didn’t care because I was having such a nice time.
I loved listening to why people chose their images and what they were hoping to create. Some were whimsical, some were so beautiful! It was also nice to be a part of a diverse group of women.
When I was done, I put a final layer of Mod Podge on my decoupage creation for my mom. Yes, it is super cheesy, but I hope she likes it! I let it dry, said my good byes to my new friends, and stepped out to a gorgeous sunny winter Sunday feeling really accomplished.
With that said, I highly recommend Adult Crafts at the Vineyard Haven Library. Jennifer does an truly amazing job and can even help someone like me celebrate their creative side. Sadly, there is only one more left.
Jennifer’s last craft of Winter is creating mini-terrariums, somewhat like this one from Pottery Barn. Seriously how great would it be to make one of these! To sign up, call Jennifer at the library, 508.696.4211 ext 112. I hope that you feel as inspired and have as much fun as I did with my adult craft.
In addition to the monthly crafts, the library offers a number of other activities including the very popular Adult Coloring, which is really supposed to be therapeutic in its own way. Perhaps photography is your thing, there’s even a club for that! There is so much offered at the libraries on Martha’s Vineyard.
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