Posts tagged with "DIY"
Comic Book Artist Shows You How to Make Your Own Comic
Posted by mkrueger on 10/19/12
Recently we had comic book author/artist Corinne Mucha come in to discuss her books for Teen Read Week. While she stopped in she also showed everyone how to get started making their own comics with this handy sheet.
To see more of Corinne's work click here.
DIY Anime Projects
Posted by mkrueger on 12/10/12

This month we ran Manga Central, you can view a video of the program here. If you missed the program, don't worry about it! Posted below are some links to some of the projects we made during the event.
DIY Cable/Earphone Wraps
Posted by amypelman on 04/22/13

Those of you who follow us in Instagram and Twitter (*hint hint* for those who don't we're: Hub500) might have seen the photo above already. Last night I was just on the couch in my pjs and I decided to do something I'd been thinking about for a while: wrapping my earbuds. I hate the way they get tangled in my bag, and I heard this might help. Plus it makes them look better! It works on all sorts of cables, not just earbuds. Want to do it? All you need is some scissors and embroidery floss. You can get embroidery floss at needlepoint stores and craft stores like Michael's. I experimented with thin yarn last night too, but I liked the way the embroidery floss looked better. Anywho, if you already know how to make friendship bracelets, you're pretty much set. If not, just watch this quick video to see how to do it:
Tweet or tag us if you do it!
DIY Glue Bookmarks
Posted by pdantis on 03/01/13
Looking for the perfect bookmark to hold your place in a library loaner? Well, look no further! You can make your own with glue (the school or white variety), the indented top of a pencil case or anything else you can use as a mold, and whatever you'd like to decorate your bookmark with. I'd probably go with something small like glitter or confetti so that your bookmark sits between the pages of your book. Colored pencils or crayon shavings would probably work well too. You can even use markers or watercolors to color or produce a pattern on your bookmark.
Follow these steps or watch the tutorial to make your own unique bookmark!
- Gather all the supplies needed: pencil case/mold, glue, markers, glitter or whatever you'd like to use to decorate your bookmark.
- Draw a pattern or color in the indentation on the pencil case or mold. Keep in mind that anything not colored in will be clear.
- Fill in the indentation with a thick layer of glue. Make sure not to use too much glue; it shouldn't spill over the edge of the mold.
- Add glitter, confetti, or anything else you want to decorate your bookmark with.
- Practice patience. Let the glue dry for 1-2 days depending on the thickness. It should look clear, not white, when it is ready.
- Carefully peel off your bookmark. You can trim the edges with scissors if you want.
- Dive into a good book without worrying about losing your place!
DIY Peanut Butter Eggs
Posted by pdantis on 03/28/13
If you're anything like me, you can't get enough of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. Instead of dyeing hard boiled eggs for Easter, try making this easy recipe (via chicagoist) for yummy, homemade peanut butter eggs. Everyone will love a delectable, handmade treat in their Easter basket!
Ingredients:
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups natural peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 Tbs 2% milk
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbs butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups natural peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 Tbs 2% milk
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbs butter
Directions:
First, combine the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and butter using an electric mixer. Next, slowly add the milk until it becomes a formable dough. Now, you're ready to form the eggs (or any shape - consider using cookie cutters if you want different shapes).
Place the formed dough on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer to harden for about a half hour.
Once you are ready to dip your dough in chocolate, melt the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter in the microwave, warming and stirring in 30 second increments.
Next, coat each egg with chocolate and place back on the wax lined-baking sheet. Let the eggs set in the freezer or fridge and store in the fridge until you are ready to eat them.
Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor!
DIY: 3D Modeling
Posted by mkrueger on 06/11/12

Back in May we hosted the 3D Modeling program, if you missed the signup date, don't fret! Posted below are the materials we used!
First up we have links to download the applications we used.
www.blender.org - Your one stop to get Blender a completely free 3D modeling application.
www.gimp.org - A free digital image editing application that is similar to Photoshop.
Next are some links to video tutorial sites to help you begin modeling.
www.cgcookie.com/blender - A fantastic site with tons of free videos on modeling in Blender. You can view even more videos if you buy a membership.
www.lynda.com - This site requires a log in through www.ahml.info. A really great site with training videos on a variety of subjects, 3D modeling being one of them.
Here are some additional links to material that is worth looking over.
www.the-blueprints.com - A great resource for character blueprints to help with your modeling.
http://wiki.polycount.com/ - This wiki contains all the information you need to model video game characters.
www.youtube.com - Seems kind of obvious right? Youtube can be one of your greatest resources for all things related to 3D modeling. Try keyword searches like 3D modeling, modeling in blender, modeling the head, modeling the torso, etc.
Also attached to this post is the packet with notes on the interface, camera movement, and modeling in Blender.
DIY: Crayon Art
Posted by mkrueger on 01/28/13

Wow did we start out with a great DIY for 2013! Below are photos of our DIY: Crayon Art program held January 26th. This project is fun, and cheap! All you need is some poster board, crayons, and a hair dryer.
If you missed out on the program don't worry! Posted below is a video on how to create your own Melted Crayon Art!
DIY: Flashlight
Posted by mkrueger on 04/19/13
April saw an interesting DIY! We learned how to solder electronics together to create personalized flashlights from mint tins! You can view a gallery below of the event.
Couldn't make the program? Don't Fret! You can read the instructions to create your own mint tin flashlight, courtesy of the ever amazing Instructables.com.
DIY: Halloween Decorations
Posted by mkrueger on 11/05/12
DIY: MaKey MaKey
Posted by mkrueger on 03/25/13
Teen Tech Week is every March and it gives libraries the opportunity to show Teens all new types of technology. With this week in mind, we ran a program that would be considered a little different from our "traditional" DIYs.
Behold the MaKey MaKey! An awesome little circuit board created by two MIT students that allows you to use almost any object as a key on the keyboard.
To use the MaKey MaKey you plug it into your computer and simply attach an alligator clip to one of the designated spots on the board, then attach the opposite end of the alligator clip onto anything that carries an electrical charge. Objects include keys, coins, aluminum foil, even bananas! Watch the video below for a demonstration.
Still interested? If you click the link below you will be directed to the MaKey MaKey's homepage where you can order your own MaKey MaKey.






