Greenpoint Hand Skills

Brooklyn's Most Bookish Craft Group. Free DIY workshops for adults hosted on first Saturdays at the Greenpoint Library in Brooklyn, NY.

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Farewell, friends!

Hi Greenpoint Hand Skillers,

After 4.5 years, the time has come say farewell to Greenpoint Hand Skills. It has been a wonderful run and it's been a blast concocting craft projects, sharing our DIY skills, supporting our beloved local library, and meeting you all. In the midst of a lot of big things going on in our lives (a new baby, a wedding, co-host Sarah's imminent move to Iowa, other personal matters) and the library closing for construction later this year, Sarah and I have decided that this is a natural time to conclude the Greenpoint Hand Skills program. 

We plan to keep the Greenpoint Hand Skills Facebook group open for now, as a place to confer for craft advice and to share library and craft-related happenings in the neighborhood. Once the library re-opens, who knows, I might be open to cooking up another art/craft/DIY program or one-off sessions to fit the new space solo or with another co-host, so please do keep me in mind for your crafty ideas. I’ll be around.

Reflecting on these creative Saturday afternoons we spent with you and a heap of craft supplies, there are so many glittering good memories. A massive thank you to Kim Konen for co-masterminding this whole idea; to Kure, Bobby Simic, and the Greenpoint Branch Library staff for all the support over the years; to the Friends of Greenpoint Library for help along the way; to Sarah Weisman who turned from a regular attendee (and pom pom fiend) into a friend and gracious co-host when Kim moved to the Wisconsin. (I’m noticing a trend here with co-hosts moving to the midwest…)

 And, an ink-smudged high-five to each and everyone of you who came out to craft with us on a Saturday afternoon, listen to my old mix tapes on the library’s boom box, chit chat, peruse the library’s collection, and make all sorts of stuff. It's been a pleasure! Please do keep in touch. You can find me at juliesmithschneider.com and Sarah at sah-rah.com

— Julie Schneider (& Sarah Weisman)

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For style points — or brownie points, make a wooden brooch, perfect for commemorating an achievement or simply for upping your flair. At April's workshop, we'll supply paints and wooden bases for you to adorn with images, patterns, and embellishments. These wooden badges also make excellent gifts.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, April 2 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Make your stamp on the world! At March’s workshop, you’ll learn how to carve your own stamp and print your own stationery. From designing to carving to printing up a storm, we'll cover the step-by-step process. We'll explore tools, techniques, and variations to try. Expect to leave with a set of your own custom-stamped notecards and envelopes.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, March 5 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Make a sweet little heart for your sweetheart—or anyone else you’d like to send a little love—at February’s Greenpoint Hand Skills session. At this workshop, you’ll use wool felt, embroidery floss, and paper to stitch up your own mini valentines. This free class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, February 6 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Add some bling to your gifts this year with handmade gift toppers! You'll learn a few different techniques of making multi-colored pom-poms that can be attached to gifts or turned into garlands and ornaments.

In addition to making pom-poms, we'll show you how to create simple felt ornaments with beads and sequins. All materials will be supplied.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, December 19 from 12-2 p.m. Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 RSVP: Facebook

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Explore the world of perler beads (plastic fusible beads) that can be formed into patterns to create keychains, necklaces, ornaments and more. All materials will be supplied for a necklace or ornament.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, November 7 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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If you missed out on last weekend's class, have no fear, we're bringing it back again! We’ll demonstrate how to paint wooden beads to create a colorful necklace. All materials for one necklace will be supplied.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels–no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

When: Saturday, October 3 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Greenpoint Hand Skills will resume on September 26! We'll demonstrate how to paint wooden beads to create a colorful necklace. All materials for one necklace will be supplied.

This free class is open to adults of all skill levels–no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please acquire a ticket from the Info Desk. Space is limited to 22 people. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo. 

When: Saturday, September 26 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Collage Craft Party (Hosted by Greenpoint Hand Skills)

To celebrate summer and the launch of the library’s summer reading program, Greenpoint Hand Skills is hosting a collage Craft Party. Plus, it’s our final workshop before summer vacation (there will be no workshops in July and August), so we’ll be making this one extra festive! We’ll spend the afternoon making woven paper collages with DIY style accompanied by a music and snacks.

This free class is open adults of all skill levels – no craft experience required. Space is limited to 22 people in the cozy library meeting room and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a spot at this workshop, please pick up a ticket from the Info Desk. Please arrive by 12 p.m. for the demo.

What to bring: We’ll provide instruction and all the supplies needed to complete this project. Bring along two 8.5" x 11" photos printed on printer paper or other thin paper. Don’t have a printer? Email them to [email protected]. Don;t have a suitable photo? Don't worry, we'll have plenty to share.

When: Saturday, June 6 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Hosted by: Julie Schneider & Sarah Goldschadt

RSVP suggested

More About Greenpoint Hand Skills:

Our DIY workshops (for grown-ups) are held the first Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. (though we’ll be on hiatus for July and August). Each meeting is free, casual, and open to all. The low-key sessions are designed to be fun, social gatherings to bring together our neighbors through craft. Expect to learn something new, meet someone new, and enjoy a creative afternoon. You'll leave with a little something handmade, some DIY knowledge, and maybe even check out a library book to read.

You don't need to be a card carrying library member to attend these events, but we love the library and encourage you to join too. Remember to bring an ID with your current address or a piece of mail for proof of residence if you'd like to get a library card.

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Learn how to make colorful friendship bracelets out of embroidery thread. We'll demonstate the basic technique to create chinese staircase bracelets and a chevron pattern. All materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your own embroidery thread if you have specific colors in mind.

This free, all-levels class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: Saturday, May 2 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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We'll make a simple Finnish Himmeli ornament to hang from your wall or window. We'll supply plastic straws, wire, and string to get you started. These can be made into mobiles, air plant hangers, or even made out of brass tubing. The fun geometric shapes you can create are endless.

This free, all-levels class is open to adults of all skill levels—no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: Saturday, April 4 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Make a Succulent Planter 

We'll get a head start on spring at the March Greenpoint Hand Skills workshop. After decorating a planter, you'll learn plant a succulent cutting and get tips on taking care of your new succulent. You'll go home with a bit of greenery for your windowsill and some DIY knowledge that boost both your hands-on skills and your green thumb.

This free, all-levels class is open adults of all skill levels–no craft experience required. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We'll supply succulent cutting, planters, planting supplies, and materials to decorate your planter. If you have a particular planter decoration idea in mind (like coating the exterior in one million goggly eyes or rescuing a holey mitten to make a cozy, like the knotty planter shown in the photo), bring along any special materials you might require..

When: Saturday, March 7 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP: Facebook

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Make a sweet little heart for your sweetheart—or anyone else you'd like to send a little love—at February's Greenpoint Hand Skills session. At this workshop, you'll use wool felt, embroidery floss, and paper to stitch up your own mini valentines. This free, all-levels class is open to adults of all skill levels—no sewing experience required. Materials and tools will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack or a mix tape to share. Space is limited in the cozy library meeting room, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Taught by Julie Schneider & Sarah Goldschadt.

Details:

• When: Saturday, February 7 from 12-2 p.m. (Please arrive at noon for the demos.)

• Where: Greenpoint Branch Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

• RSVP Encouraged.

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Get your year off to a clean start! Join us to embroider tea towels with vintage imagery – or you can deign your own. You'll learn basic stitches and leave with a hand-stitched tea towel for your kitchen.

This free, all-levels craft workshop is open to all levels of embroiderers. Materials and tools will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share and a plain tea towel to embroider. (We'll also have spare tea towels to share with you.) Taught by: • Julie Schneider from http://yoursecretadmiral.etsy.com/ • Sarah Goldschadt from http://sah-rah.com/

When: Saturday, January 10 from 12-2 p.m. (Please arrive at noon for the demos.)

Where: Greenpoint Branch Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP Encouraged.

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Join us for the final, most festive Greenpoint Hand Skills workshop of the year. Your fearless hosts, Julie Schneider and Sarah Goldschadt will demonstrate how to make cheery and colorful decorations from yarn and wool felt, including pom poms and chain garlands that draw inspiration from traditional paper chains. 

This free, all-levels workshop is open to all levels. Materials and tools will be provided. 

When: Saturday, December 6 from 12-2 p.m. (Please arrive at noon for the demos.)

Where: Greenpoint Branch Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP Encouraged.

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Make Needle Felted Pumpkins

Join Nguyen Le, author of 500 Fun Little Toys, to learn the basics of needle felting to create mini pumpkins. Once you understand the technique, you'll be free to make other gourds or shapes of your choice. It's the perfect (and cutest) décor for fall/Thanksgiving!

When: Saturday, November 15 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP suggested.

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Make Your Own Geometric Jewelry

Welcome our guest host Alison Caporimo! Alison is a jewelry designer, magazine editor and the author of InstaCraft.  In this class, she's going to teach us how to make our own trendy geometric pendants. Hand skills include:  - Design and create one-of-a-kind geometric pendants. - Experiment with techniques for using shrink plastic in accessories.  - Learn how to use jewelry tools to construct necklaces.  This class is perfect for design newbies looking for a fun intro to jewelry-making and pros eager to try out a new, cheap medium. Come ready to get creative!

Couple of reminders about the free classes: 

Please RSVP and arrive at noon - we'll be closing the doors once the first 22 people arrive. 

Bring a mix tape! Seriously, we have a cassette player. 

Snacks are welcome! 

~Greenppoint Hand Skills Announcement~ After nearly three years of working together to bring free craft classes to the community at the Greenpoint Public Library, Kim will be moving to a new state while Julie continues to organize Greenpoint Hand Skills right here in Brooklyn. Come to today's class and wish Kim a farewell at her last Greenpoint Hand Skills workshop!

Love, 

Kim & Julie