On June 12th, we enjoyed a great kickoff celebration of the annual Summer Reading Game. There were plenty of activities, including games, crafts, contests, and of course, reading. Below are some photos from our event:
.jpg "We decorated the building with balloons") |
.jpg "The Summer Reading registration area was in the Children's Area") |
.jpg "The Friends Group had a table set up outside to attract people") |
.jpg "There also happened to be a parade in the area that day!") |
.jpg "One of the crafts involved making parrots. There it is on her shoulder!") |
.jpg "Some folks made special hats, too.") |
After a weeks-long process, we finally have the finished results!
.jpg "Tri-colored piñata") |
.jpg "Multi-colored piñata") |
.jpg "Another multi-colored piñata") |
.jpg "A piñata with streamers") |
.jpg "Popped balloon. The balloon acted as a mold for the shape of the pinata.")
Last time we created the shell of the piñata using the papier-mâché process. We can begin decorating our projects now that the shells are dry.
The first step is to pop the balloon sitting inside of the papier-mâché shell. The shell will be hard and should retain its shape.
Now, you can begin to paint the exterior of the piñata shell. We used tempura paint for this step, but acrylic paint also works well.
You can choose to paint the shell a single color, or you can blend colors based on your intended design.
Place the painted shell on a paper plate, and sit it somewhere cool to dry.
This week and next week, we will add the finishing touches to our piñata projects.
.jpg "Painted shells.") |
.jpg "Painted shell.") |
Join us as we go through the process of making a piñata.
Last week, we made pop-up cards for Mother's Day. These are just a few of the pop-up cards that the children made for their mothers.
.jpg "Sylvia and her pop-up card")
.jpg "Close-up of Sylvia's card")
.jpg "Look at this lovely pop-up card in purple.")
.jpg "Three more great pop-up creations")
Last week, we started the process to create piñatas. A piñata is a papier-mâché project. Let's go through the steps to create the papier-mâché portion.
.jpg "Balloon molds")
First, you need a mold to form the desired shape. In this case we used inflated balloons. The balloons were marked with a black line to indicate the areas that should remain uncovered. The balloons were then covered in a layer of plastic wrap to prevent the pasted newspaper from sticking to the surface of the balloon. You can also cover the mold in a layer of vaseline to prevent sticking.
.jpg "Strips of newspaper")
To begin the papier-mâché, tear newspaper into small strips. The strips do not have to be perfect.
Take some of the paste mix, either with your fingers or with a paintbrush, and apply it directly to the surface of the plastic-wrapped balloon. Place a newspaper strip over the paste, then apply more paste over the strip, and smooth it out with your fingers or the brush. Apply more paste around the balloon and apply newspaper strips over the paste, then put paste over the strips. Do this until the balloon is covered in a single layer. Repeat the process to apply a second layer.
.jpg "Drying molds")
After you have covered the balloon mold with two complete layers of papier-mâché. Set the mold in a cool, dry area to allow the papier-mâché to dry. It will need at least 2 - 3 days to dry properly.
Now that you have created the form of the piñata, you're ready to start decorating, which we'll discuss next. Come by and see the piñatas we are creating at Pennsylvania Avenue.
é
Piñatas are a fun and festive addition to any birthday party. They are papier-mâché creations filled with treats. Making a piñata requires several steps and the process takes several days.
First, you need to gather materials needed for the project and set up.
.jpg "Papier-mache supplies")
For the papier-mâché project you need:
First, cover the project workspace with table cloth (papier-mâché is very messy).
Blow up a balloon for each person doing a project. Also, give them a small bowl.
Cover the balloons with a single layer of plastic wrap.
.jpg "Paste mix")
Next, mix the paste ingredients in the large bowl. Put the flour in the bowl, and add water until the paste is a thick, soupy consistency. You can add a little bit of salt to the paste mixture to prevent mildew.
Now you're ready to begin your piñata project. We are creating piñatas at the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch every Thursday in May.
Next week, we'll go through how to do the actual papier-mâché process.
Do you think you know about black history? Answer five (5) trivia questions correctly about Black History to win an exciting prize! Join us Thursdays in February at the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch to test your knowledge.
January 18th is Pooh Day! We all remember the adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore and friends. This Children's classic written by A.A. Milne was first published in 1926, yet it's still as fun and lovable as ever. Stop by the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch and pick up a copy of Winne the Pooh.
.jpg "Boy and father reading together")
Yay, it's the holidays! You've open the gifts, enjoyed a nice meal, and now the kids are bored and need something to do. Why not tell them a story? Not a storyteller you say? Luckily, we have Childrens' stories available anytime. You can call the Story Anytime line at (410) 396-8396, or you can connect to one of our interactive eStories online. A good story is just a click or phone call away!
Summer is right around the corner, and that means barbeques, family reunions, and vacations. While enjoying your leisure time, relax with a good book. Pennsylvania Avenue Branch has plenty of summer-themed books from which to choose. Pick one up today!
 Summer Sun Risin' |
|
A Summer Smile |
Summer of Secrets |
How good are your bowling skills? What about tennis or boxing? And how about Mario Cart? Pratt Library is the latest public library system to bring gaming to its customers.
Players of all skill levels and ages are welcome.
Come to the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch for Wii open play during National Library Week in April.
We're celebrating master filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock's birthday here at the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch. Come enjoy a series of Hitchcock's films throughout April. These films include some of his classics:
Stop by the branch Wednesdays in April for a chance to enjoy some great movies.
The week of March 8-14, 2009 is Teen Tech Week. This year's theme is Press Play @ Your Library. Here at Pennsylvania Avenue Branch, we plan to play on Friday, March 13th, starting at 3:00 p.m. Come enjoy a variety of board games for all ages. It's a chance to relax, unwind, and have some fun.
To learn more about Teen Tech Week, visit the American Library Association Website.
Money management skills are essential for people of all ages. The earlier children learn these important skills, the easier it may be for them to navigate money matters as adults. Dollars and Cents is an event at Pennsylvania Avenue Branch that will teach kids all about money using games, books, and a variety fun-filled acitivities.
Come join us for Dollars and Cents, and check out Money by Joe Cribb.
SUBSCRIBE
© Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, Maryland.
