Crafty Tree

Just wanted to share this tree I made for the children's section at my local library. I used tissue paper, construction paper, crayola white paint, string, and ribbon. It was a lot of fun to make and didn't cost much money, just a lot of colorful paper and a stapler. The most expensive item up there is the ribbon, which I wish just went on forever because it was so sparkly and pretty. =D

My Trip to Seattle: The Central Library

[Postcard artwork by cakespy]

[The Seattle Central Library, designed by Rem Koolhaas]

[The escalators were neon and had art installations running on the sides.]

[Beautiful phoenix in the children's section]

[Papier mache artwork decorated the children's area. This tree was my favorite.]

[Puppets!]

[This was the floor, and was absolutely amazing]

I LOOOOOVED it here. I came alone and just soaked it all in. If you visit Seattle, you have to see the library.

Repurposing Old Books

[Book vase tutorial from Sweet Paul; pictures and execution by me]

I bookmarked the tutorial from Sweet Paul awhile ago and decided to make it into a craft project for the kids at the library. So tonight I made my example. Behold! My demolished book turned into a vase. It took me about 20 minutes, and then another 30 to make one flower. I got lazy and stopped after that.

After I was done, I realized, hey. These would make cool centerpieces! If you're having a literary themed wedding, how fun would these be sitting in the middle of the table with a bunch of paper flowers? It'd take a long time to make...but it'd definitely be unique!

Definitely check out Sweet Paul for inspiration, it's chock full of recipes and craft.

Cute Library at One Love Photo

[All images by One Love Photo]

Heather of One Love Photo posted these pictures of an adorable library. Oh to have those windows to sit by! And that gorgeous scenery!

Can I work in a library by a lake once I graduate? Please?

Owly READ poster

[When I actually become a children's librarian, this READ poster is going right up on my wall! Owly READ poster by Andy Runton published by ALA Graphics]

[Poster by Andy Runton, given to me by my friend Brian]

Owly is a character created by Andy Runton and is the star of a wordless series of graphic novels for children. I highly recommend them for anyone: children, teens, adults, people going through quarter-life crises in need of some cuddliness. The illustrations are very expressive, and as you can tell by the poster, ADORABLE.

You can buy the poster here and learn more about Owly and Andy Runton here.

Upcoming Events in San Diego

Sometimes I forget what life was like before getting engaged. It's all a bit fuzzy really...what in the world did I do...
To prove that I haven't been swallowed whole by the wedding fairies, here are two events I will most likely be attending, because I've got other interests besides the wedding too. ...Or do I?

If you are a librarian/teacher/museum geek/art geek/science geek/parent/kid/super cool person, you might like to attend too!

[Image from the San Diego Science Festival]

The San Diego Science Festival's Expo Day is coming to Balboa Park on April 4th. This is going to be a huge event with tons of exhibits and hands-on science fun. Bring the lil' aspiring doctors/engineers/astronauts/geologists/biologists, or any kids really! It's great to give them exposure to science, especially in such a beautiful setting with lots of activity.

On Expo Day, three museums will also be open FOR FREE: the Reuben Fleet Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, and The Hall of Champions Sports Museum.

[Image from San Diego Children's Book Festival]

This year's San Diego Children's Book Festival has a great line-up of authors and illustrators on May 9. I'm most excited about Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, being in attendance.

Books are going to be sold at the event, and the best part is that all the proceeds go to San Diego Public Libraries. And everyone knows libraries are sexy.

PS: I'm sad that I won't be able to make it this year's LA Times Book Festival, ironically because I'll be at a science festival (so many festivals!) So, will one of you attend for me? Thanks.

Help Support San Diego Public Libraries

Do you live in San Diego, or close enough that you shop in San Diego? Do you buy books/magazines/stationery/games/other fun things from Barnes and Noble? Would you like to help our public libraries? Did you answer 'yes' to all three questions?

Then please support San Diego libraries by presenting this voucher when you purchase items at Barnes and Noble!


When: February 14-15, 2009
Where: Any San Diego Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble will host a two-day book fair to raise money for the San Diego Public Library. If you mention the Library at time of purchase or bring in the pre-printed voucher, we will get a portion of sales, 15% or more, depending on sales.

All San Diego area Barnes & Nobles are participating.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward books and materials for the Library and to support One Book, One San Diego.

For more information, please visit: https://www.supportmylibrary.org/events/77

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I think I'm going to hold off buying wedding magazines until the 14th. =)

Tying the Knot in a Library

[Yes, this is a library! The rooftop of the Kansas City Public Library. Photo by Jan and Marco Simonelli]

[Wow, two of my favorite things in the whole wide world: cake and books.]

[Mary and Matt's wedding at the Detroit Public Library. Photos by Anne Ruthmann]

Since I am applying to school to become a librarian, and I am getting married, all of the sudden anything library+wedding related immediately pops out at me. It never even occurred to me that you could get married in a library until I saw these photos on Anne Ruthmann's blog. This wedding took place at the Detroit Public Library and is just adorable!

Also, if you live in Kansas City, you can rent the rooftop of the main library for your wedding. This wedding, photographed by Jan and Marco Simonelli, is so hip and stylish! Certainly doesn't look like the roof of my public library.

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So far, wedding planning has been a bit direction-less. Maybe direction-less is the wrong way to describe it, maybe I should say that I am being flexible, not direction-less. For a couple of days I thought having a tea party would be fun. And then the tea party turned into brunch. And then brunch turned into dinner and an after party. And now we're back at possibly a daytime event, except maybe in a different city. All of this, add a Chinese banquet into the mix, and you're basically up to speed with what I have planned for when we say "I do".

I'm a little sad my cat can't walk down the aisle the way a dog can. She's looking pretty cute right now.

Love BiblioGifts

[Image from Bibliogifts]

I have to acknowledge the super cute "Fear Not, I'm a Librarian!" logo from Bibliogifts that I used in my Polyvore collage. Perhaps this tote can be my gift to myself if I get into school.

La Jolla Athenaeum

[Images from La Jolla Athenaeum]

I'm slowly adjusting to my new adopted city, San Diego, where I have been on a scavenger hunt for things I miss in Berkeley/NY. Cute paper store? Check. Museums in which I can wander aimlessly? Check. Good ramen? Check.

Letterpress classes/uber cool gallery/beautiful building/art and music library? Check!

Behold, the La Jolla Athenaeum, which I had the pleasure of strolling into today. Not only do they have a long list of art classes, but they also have a beautiful gallery space, a long list of events, mini-concerts, artist talks, and a special collection of artist books. An extra plus is that there is a special children's art section in the library, complete with some cute chairs to lounge in and these really odd action figures of former presidents...I forgot my camera, forgive me.