I can hear some of you already, “What is a Cricut machine? How do you even say that name?” A Cricut machine (sounds like “cricket”) cuts various types of flat materials like paper and vinyl very precisely and it is incredibly good at intricate projects. It cuts with a fine, rotating blade so it can change direction as needed and it cuts really fast.

Time for tutorials

I needed to get some tutorials under my belt and see this cutting machine in use. There are quite a few steps when using the Cricut and I wanted to feel more confident when I started my projects. The library has an awesome subscription to Creativebug, which includes many different creative classes and Learning Journeys. Creativebug has curated a set of 7 classes in the Intro to Cricut Learning Journey that taught me about the Cricut machines as well as demonstrated it in action by different creators. There are more than 1000 classes using the Cricut on Creativebug so I really appreciated having this intro set to get off on the right foot with my Cricut projects.

Cricut also has an extensive collection of videos and guides at Cricut.learn. In the library’s catalog we have books and ebooks where you can learn more about cutting machines like the Cricut.

Practice time

Designs I created on the Cricut

At this point I’d watched videos, had some ideas, and wanted to make something of my own. Cricut has their own design software called Cricut Design Space, which tells your machine what and how to cut. There’s a definite learning curve to this program. In the classes I watched I’d caught some tips and tricks, but doing it myself is where I really started to figure out what the tools could do.

My goal was pretty basic: design something fun in Cricut Design Space using the editing tools, walk through the steps to cut the design into adhesive vinyl on the cutting mat, weed the extra material, attach transfer tape, and prep for adhering to the final product. Remember, I told you there are quite a few steps!

Challenge Unlocked

My Cricut design in use

I did it! In fact I made a whole bunch of small vinyl projects that are ready to stick to tumblers, journals and backgrounds. I feel more confident and ready to start my next project because I unlocked the Cricut challenge!

If you hear the call of the Cricut like I did, head over to the Level 2 Tech Center website to complete your required orientation where you’ll learn more about the space and library best practices. You can start learning today with all the resources at hand and be ready for your own Cricut challenge in the near future. When you’re ready reserve time on the library’s Cricut.

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Foraging

Mandala made from seeds, berries, leaves and flower petals. The largest orbs are cedar seeds.

I foraged and created my art in early October when I thought I’d have more material options. However, you can create some of the projects in Foraged Art anytime because they use rocks and sticks. I was really surprised how many materials I found. I’m guessing even in winter you can find some cool stuff once you start looking for it. Look closely at the plants in your yard or on your walks. I had never noticed the large grooved seeds on a cedar tree until I was foraging for this project. They are really cool looking spheres that look like tiny brains or Brussels sprouts.

If you are using fresh leaves, flowers or berries, I suggest you gather within a few hours of creating art. These materials may lose their vibrancy or even change color if you wait a day or two to use them.

Tools

I only used scissors and my hands to gather and create. I wish I had taken small pruning shears on my gathering adventure. Some of the stems on bushes were a bit tough for my scissors. Gardening gloves would have been a good idea too as some bushes had thorns.

I suggest using tweezers when you start creating. Some of the berries I gathered were a bit small and would have been much easier to place with tweezers.

So many ideas

The book has lots of fabulous examples of creations. I started by copying ideas from the book. After playing with the materials I looked at them not as plant pieces, but as elements of design. This different way of looking at objects led me to create my own designs. If I’d had more time, I probably could have made a whole zoo of animals. It was really fun and a great brain break to just go with the creative flow.

Saving foraged art

Some of the designs you make with stones or sticks could be glued together or mounted to a canvas and displayed. The designs with fresh materials (leaves, flowers and berries) are probably best kept through photographs.

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Framed art: Helen Hodge, The Heavens Declare the Glory, early-mid 1900s, oil paint, canvas, TSCPL Permanent Collection

This summer, Topeka Magazine approached the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery about a project using AI (artificial intelligence) and original art, starting from several works in the library’s art collection.  

The original paintings, and the AI versions, are on display in the main hall of the library, opposite the Kids Library, through January 2024.

What AI can do

Computer programs can analyze information, search for information and patterns, predict results, and do many things people would do. Using algorithms, or step-by-step processes for solving problems and performing computations, AI programs learn from information, usually lots of information, analyze it and make predictions from it. 

Topeka Magazine editor Nathan Pettingill explained, “Both DALL*E2 and Midjourney are programs that have a few functions, but most people basically use it to scan the internet and create images based on the written prompts they give them.  

“What we did was we uploaded the library’s images and asked the programs to type up what it thought it was seeing. (Midjourney does this directly, when we used DALL*E2, we went through a second program called CLIP-Interrogator.) 

“We then took that description of text, fed it back to the AI program and asked it to create an image. So, basically, a game of “algorithmic telephone” from the AI to us, then back to the AI.”  

Topeka Magazine will print the results in the winter edition, which releases in early December. Artist Savva Pettengill carried out the prompt interrogation of the original images, using DALL*E2, Midjourney and CLIP-Interrogator. Savva then asked the AI programs to create images based on these searches.  

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Clive Fullagar, Figure Study I, 2000, digital print and watercolor, TSCPL Permanent Collection

Artists interpret and manipulate light, creating pieces that emotionally connect them and the viewer. Some artists attempt to capture and recreate light they see in their lives – how clouds change the path of light, how light on a shelf cast shadows. Others’ works are transformed by lighting, highlighting the artist’s unique use of texture and line. Artists’ work can be storytelling using elements of light and shadow to evoke emotion or symbolically critique societal issues.

Featured Artists

• Ye Wang
• Lisa Grossman
• Barbara Waterman-Peters
• Walter Hatke
• Mark Anschutz
• Robert Cottingham
• Leonard Baskin
• Edw. Balda

Events

Attend any or all of the following events related to the exhibit:

• Fri, Dec 15, 5:30-7:30pm – Opening Reception (light refreshments in the gallery)
• Wed, Dec 20, 3-5pm: “Stained Glass” ornaments in Reed Studio ages 8+
• Sat, Jan. 13, 2-3pm: Artist Lisa Grossman will talk about her work
• Sat, Jan 27, 2-4pm: “Stained Glass” ornaments in Reed Studio one-off class
• Sat, Feb 3, 2-3pm: Dr. Karen D. Camarda, professor and chair in the Physic Department at Washburn will discuss the history of Crane Observatory

Weekly Art Projects

Stop in the Gallery’s Reed Studio anytime to make and create. You can work on a different project each week.

Dec 15 – 23: Puppets
Dec 26 – 30: Sculptures
Jan 2 – 7: Lanterns
Jan 8 – 15: Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Jan 16 – 22: Shadow Drawings
Jan 23 -28: Puppets
Jan 29 – Feb 4: Sculptures
Feb 5 – 11: Lanterns

View complete list

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In each journey you follow a series of classes that build upon each other. You’ll gain confidence in your new skill and complete projects along the way. The journeys give you a progress bar to track where you are, reminders and encouragement, and even downloadable certificates of completion. Heck yes, hang those certificates proudly on your fridge or office wall (gold stars for adults)!

Choose your own adventure

Right now Creativebug has seven journeys to choose from. I’m sure they will continually add journeys so check back regularly. Here are your options right now:

• Patchwork quilting
• Kids crafting
• Intro to Cricut
• The art of bookmaking
• Crochet 101
• Garment sewing
• Quilting 101

Use library Cricut

We have a Cricut Explore 3 in the Level 2 Tech Center’s Digital Art Studio. After an orientation training you can reserve time to use the Cricut anytime the library is open.

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How Scandinavians celebrate

Heart baskets, straw ornaments and ribbon stars with Jule Nissen. Photo by KR Hughes

Jul is a period that lasts several weeks and is made of up 5 periods: advent, julaften, romjul, nyttår and epiphany. Julaften is Christmas Eve when families have their main celebration often in formal dress or bunads. Romjul is usually the week between Christmas and New Year. After Nyttår or New Year’s Day Scandinavians celebrate Epiphany on January 6. Epiphany is a special date for many Christians as it’s when people celebrate how a star led the Magi – also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men – to visit the baby Jesus.

The most loved symbol of Christmas is not Santa, but in Norway the Julenisse or the Tomte in Sweden. These bearded benevolent characters bring abundance to livestock and crops and gifts and treats to children on Christmas Eve.

Handmade decorations

Red and white hearts are another icon of the season. Handcrafted, woven heart baskets or julehjerter in all sizes filled with goodies adorn the mantle, evergreen boughs and Christmas trees. Use this printable PDF to make paper Norwegian Heart Baskets (I translated the details from Lottrup Knudsen’s 1978 book Julehjerter). This includes patterns and visual instructions to make these part of your holiday using red, white, green, or gold paper and ribbon. There are also demo videos online to see how to cut and weave the pieces.

Scandinavians often make ornaments from straw: angels, crosses and stars. People also make the julebock or Christmas buck from straw. Some people make it small like the one the nisse is pictured holding above or as big as 3 feet tall to stand by the hearth. Christmas ribbon or paper stars are delightful hanging or in arrangements, and one type is featured in Creativebug’s video Woven Paper Star. Remember, you have free access to all the amazing artsy crafty video classes on Creativebug with your library card.

Outdoors Scandinavians use all kinds of lights and bright natural ornamentations because the days are short in December, often only light from about 10 am to 3 pm. A wonderful tradition you can incorporate is a julenek. To make one tie a large sheaf of wheat or oats with a bow and hang it outside to thank the birds.

May these ideas and traditions add spice and joy for a very God Jul!

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Creating reusable Halloween decorations

Decorating a long-lasting pumpkin

I embarked on my crafting journey with a simple and fun project to custom paint a foam pumpkin. I love carving and decorating pumpkins, but their short lifespan always makes me a little sad. This year I decided to use a Styrofoam pumpkin (found in most craft stores). Now I can continue to enjoy my artwork for years to come. I decorated my pumpkin using acrylic paints and sharpies, but they are also sturdy enough to carve designs on. Plus, there’s no cleaning them out, so no need to worry about your hands being icky!

More ghosts

Simple yarn ghosts

A colleague helped me find my next project of making ghosts with yarn and felt. This project is also very simple, and you can transform it into a lovely garland. All I needed was white yarn, scissors and some black felt for the eyes (the Youtube tutorial here suggested black ribbon, but I was fresh out of that), and a small notebook (7 inches). Also optional is a paper ball (I used a white pom pom) to form the head of your ghost.

To complete this project, you wrap the yarn around your notebook (you can also use your hand, the ghost will just be a bit smaller) up to 100 times. Then remove the yarn and tie a few knots to secure the ghost’s head (this is where the paper ball can be used). Once that’s finished, cut the bottom of the loop to create the tassels (you may need to trim some uneven edges), and glue the eye felt cuttings. It really is that simple!

Yarn pumpkins

These yarn pumpkin garlands are also very simple and fun to make at any age.  Similar to the ghosts, they only require a few colors of yarn and a notebook or your hand.  I used orange for the pumpkins and brown to string the garland.  To create the pumpkin stems, try cutting about a half inch of pipe cleaner (green if you have it) and threading it in between a few pieces of yarn on the top of the pumpkin. Your end result will be an adorable festive piece you can enjoy in your home every fall.   

More ideas

Creativebug online tutorial

As autumn approaches, let’s embrace the season with fun decorations we’ve made ourselves. There are countless other DIY craft ideas out there. You can find inspiration from many books here at the library. Creativebug (free with your library card!) has lots of video tutorials on Halloween and seasonal projects from professional artists. You’ll also find treats and costume ideas on Creativebug including last-minute costumes.

Try your hand at bringing some of the festive spirit to your home with these spooky crafts. You might be surprised how fun and relaxing crafting can be!

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Take & Make Craft Packs

To help get you started or move in a different direction on your creative journey, we’re giving out free craft packs every week in October. These packs include all the materials you’ll need to make a small project. You can pick one up in the Gallery each week while supplies last.

Weekly Craft Packs

• October 2-8: Appliqué on felt: instructions
• October 9-15: Origami: instructions
• October 16-22: Knitting: instructions
• October 23-29: Wet felting: instructions

Getting started with fiber crafts

Fiber crafts give you the freedom to play with color, variety and design without a big commitment to supplies and tools. A lot of the materials are inexpensive and you can find them easily at local craft stores.

To get started for free check out Arts & Crafts kits from the library. You can check out these kits for 21 days and each comes with enough materials to try a craft. You’ll learn something new without spending money on supplies you might never use again.

Start with just a few skills

Often, once you learn a few basic techniques or skills, you can apply those to a wide variety of projects. You can use a simple garter stitch in knitting to make scarves, sweaters and hats. Use an easy running stitch to embroider a huge range of designs or to sew napkins or pillows. You can use the over-under simplicity of plain weave to create many different household items like rugs, place mats and towels.

Be kind to yourself while you create

When you’re taking up a new hobby, don’t get discouraged if your first projects don’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped. Think of these experiences as learning opportunities because now you know what not to do.

Resources for expanding your skills

Sometimes it helps to see a technique demonstrated to get the hang of it. Your library card gives you access to hundreds of videos through Creativebug. Classes range from less than 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the project. There is something for every skill level from beginner to expert. Professional artists and designers teach all the video classes.

Of course, we also have books, books and more books! Check out the booklists below for some of our favorite fiber craft titles.

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The Story of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Thursday, October 5 | 7 – 8pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Discover the rich history of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and its continued presence in Shawnee County with local historian Jon Boursaw.

Jason the Native Chef 
Wednesday, October 11 | 7 -8 pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Native Chef Jason Champagne, MPH, will talk about his journey to founding Native Chef LLC, and how Traditional Native Foods has assisted him with regaining a culture he never had.

Basketmaking with Lisa LaRue-Baker 
Sunday, October 15 | 1 – 3pm
Learning Center
Join artist Lisa LaRue-Baker (Cherokee Nation) to learn the materials and techniques used to make a double wall basket using reeds. Ages 12 and up. Registration required. 

Artist Talk with Robert Hicks
Sunday, October 22
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Join Robert Hicks (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe) as he discusses his work.

Artist Talk with Becki Waugh
Wednesday, October 25 | 7 – 8pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Becki will talk about her life as an artist and her artistic process, including the making of an illustrated historical map of Shawnee County featured in the DoPiKa: A Land Acknowledgement exhibit.

A History of the American Indian Boarding School
Wednesday, November 1 | 7 – 8pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
The American Indian story is one of cultural survival, but what are the next steps for reckoning with this difficult and painful part of our national history? Renewed calls for investigations into the abuses to American Indian children have brought new scrutiny to the boarding school system. This talk will examine the thinking behind the creation of federal schools for youth including Haskell Indian Nations University, originally known as the United States Indian Industrial Training School, and how this system affected Native communities in the short and long term. Presented by Eric Anderson a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and professor of history at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence.

Beading with Artist Monique Mercurio
Sunday, November 05 
Learning Center
Artist Monique Mercurio will teach the basics of beading including the peyote stitch. Ages 16 and up. Registration required – this event is full.

Developing a Land Acknowledgment
Wednesday, November 15 | 7 – 8:30pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Accuracy and engagement are key to developing a Land Acknowledgement and even more important is ensuring it is not performative and insincere. Presented by Lisa LaRue Baker (Cherokee Nation).

Rebuilding Native Ecosystems
Sunday, November 19 | 2 – 3pm
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Courtney King, Lead Student Researcher at the greenhouse at Haskell Indian Nations University, will talk about the projects she has started this past year including growing sacred medicines and culturally significant food crops, and restoring native ecosystems on campus. These projects will help (re)connect Native Americans with the plants of their people while rebuilding a community surrounding the land at Haskell.

Check back from more programming throughout the exhibit.

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Paper quilling is an ancient craft that uses strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued together in ornate designs. While the beginning of the craft is debated, people think quilling originated in ancient Egypt or ancient China. Much like needlework, quilling was popular in the 18^th century as an artform for noble and gentle ladies. Thankfully being gently bred is no longer a requirement to learn the craft.

My first quilling project

Since I wanted to try to make gifts or cards for the holidays, I checked out the ebook Quilled Christmas. I was immediately struck by the beginner project Holiday Lights Tree. Many, many, many years ago, I received a quilling kit (I never used it, sigh) so I knew I had the materials to make a similar project. I gathered my quilling tool, paper and glue and got started.

The project went better than I hoped! I very much enjoyed the process of twirling the paper strips around the quilling tool and shaping them into mini lights. I could easily see myself working through other quilling projects, Quilled Mandalas book, I’m looking at you. First I have more Christmas tree lights to make.

Best quilling resources

In addition to books with quilling projects, you can check out a quilling arts and crafts kit. The kit gives you supplies for a couple starter projects to experiment with. This will give you a good idea if you like quilling. Then you can tackle more intricate designs.

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