Create a Custom Hardcover E-Reader Case

Mon, 01/07/2013 - 6:06am by Caser

Monday, January 7 | 7 - 8 pm | Traverwood | Grades 6 - Adult

Are you an e-reader owner who still loves the feel of a good old book in your hands? Bring your e-reader to the Traverwood branch on Monday, January 7 from 7 - 8pm, and create a custom case for your device out of a recycled hardcover book. We will provide the tools and supplies, all you need is your e-reader so that you can find a book cover that fits it. Then, decorate your e-reader case after it is assembled!

This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

For more crafty ideas, check out these books from the AADL.

Maker Music for Teens and Adults: Atari Punk Circuit

Fri, 01/04/2013 - 6:48pm by OneillT

Friday January 4, 2013: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

This Friday, January 4, we'll be making an electronic instrument out of commonly available pieces and parts.

For this Maker Music event, the Ann Arbor Hacker-Makers of All Hands Active will be teaching people how use basic circuitry to create their own musical instrument, the Atari Punk Circuit. What's that? An Atari Punk Circuit uses an assortment of basic electronics and two knobs to allow people to create basic two-tone electronic sounds, kind of like those that used to be the soundtrack to the first video games on the Atari video game console.

Do you need to know electronics to come to this event? No, that's why we're having it! Come learn a bit about electricity, circuits, and have some fun trying out making different sounds. After you're finished, take a look at our Music Tools collection, too!

This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

Make a T-Shirt Backpack

Thu, 01/03/2013 - 12:40pm by Caser

Thursday, January 3 | 1 - 2:30 pm | Downtown | Grades 6 - 12

Do you have an old t-shirt hiding in the back of your closet that just doesn't work for you anymore? Maybe it's too small, or it has a little stain on the sleeve, or it has faded after a hundred washes.

Give your old t-shirt a second life and turn it into a drawstring backpack! You bring the t-shirt, and we'll provide the rest. There is a small amount of sewing involved, but don't worry, we'll show you how to sew a simple stitch.

For more crafty ideas, check out these books from the AADL.

Block Printing Workshop

Mon, 12/03/2012 - 1:09pm by manz

Tuesday, December 4 | 6:30-8:30pm | Pittsfield | Grades 6-Adult

In this workshop you will create a design, carve the design into a soft linoleum block with the proper tools, and then print the image onto paper or note cards. This is your chance to create something to hang on your wall, or perhaps design a holiday card to send out.

We will supply all the tools necessary, you supply the creativity! If you have something you’d like to print on, or have your own tools, feel free to bring them. Check out some of AADL’s books on block printing for a spark of ideas.

This DIY event is for Grades 6- Adult, and takes place at the Pittsfield Branch on Tuesday, December 4, from 6:30-8:30pm. See you there!

Magazines A-Z: Make:

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 3:33pm by Bertha

MAKE is a quarterly magazine which focuses on the do-it-yourself ethic. Projects may involve computers, electronics,
robotics, metal and woodworking, among others. Considered a small part of the larger maker movement
Make magazine is for folks who like being resourceful. Makers: the New Industrial Revolution is book explaining this new industrial revolution
movement by author Chris Anderson, who is also editor of Wired magazine.
Interested? Check out issues from your library.
You can also get an overview of what's in the current issue by taking a look here.

Knit Your Bit: Winter Scarf

Sun, 11/18/2012 - 3:50pm by Bertha

Knitters of all levels are welcome to this event as we share patterns and knit a scarf for the winter.

Yarn will be supplied--bring needles if you have them. These scarves will make perfect holiday gifts!

Speaking of knitted gifts, these titles are loaded with a variety of easy, clever, and one-of-a-kind gifts, Just Gifts, Knits From the Heart, Knitter's Year 52 Make-In-A-Week Projects -- Quick Gifts and
Seasonal Knits, or Gift Knits-More Than 70 Wearable & Decorative Projects.

Sunday, November 18 -- 2 - 3:30 PM -- Traverwood -- Grade 4 - Adult

TinkerHub Webcast - All Hands Active

Fri, 11/16/2012 - 1:09pm by dubaym

TinkerHub Webcast 1: All Hands Active
Tinkerhub is a webcast collaboration between Ann Arbor District Library and All Hands Active, Ann Arbor’s Makerspace. Recorded in Downtown Ann Arbor, TinkerHub webcasts connect learning, technology, and the Ann Arbor community. In this episode of the TinkerHub, Terence O’Neill of the AADL talks to Josh Williams, the shop manager at All Hands Active. They talk about what all happens in the technology club-house that is AHA and all about the crazy array of tech-progressive insitutions that exist in Ann Arbor. Tune in to learn about what a 3D Printer is, why Hacking isn’t a dirty word, and all about the world of Making-Hacking.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• All Hands Active website
• Backyard Brains
• Backyard Brains TED talk
• Digital Ops
• Makerbot.com
• Ann Arbor Art Center
• The Bead Gallery
• Penguicon
• Maker Works
• Ann Arbor Reuse Center
• EMU Bright Futures
• Instructables

Past AADL-All Hands Active Events

• 3d Printing
• Introduction to Game Programming
• Seeing Electricity

Make a Mini-Book at Traverwood on November 6

Tue, 11/06/2012 - 11:04am by Caser

Tuesday, November 6 | 4 - 5pm | Traverwood | Grades K - 5

Create your very own mini-book(s) and illustrate with markers, stickers, stamps, and more! Learn some helpful tips for writing fiction and non-fiction mini-books and share story ideas with others.

Can't make the event? Want to brush up your writing skills before the event? Check out these books from the AADL with tips for writers!

Hoopla : The Art of Unexpected Embroidery

Wed, 10/31/2012 - 4:44pm by manz

What’s all the hoopla about?! Hoopla: The Unexpected Art of Embroidery is a new favorite craft book. Leanne Prain, one of the authors of Yarn Bombing, has a new book filled more with more subversive stitchery to suit your fancy. We’re talking about modern embroidery designs that are quirky and delightfully over the top. The book features wonderful project ideas and illustrations with so much inspiration! It also talks about the evolution of embroidery and interviews some top stitchers. Really interesting crafty reading.

See here for more books on modern embroidery.

Make an iPod Cozy!

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 2:13pm by manz

Tuesday, October 23 | 6:30-8:30pm | Malletts Creek | Grade 6th-Adult

Come take a stab at hand sewing and jazz up your ipod, MP3 player or phone. Using colorful felt, embellishment items, and embroidery thread, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind cozy to keep your ipod or MP3 player protected with a handmade case for it. All supplies are provided, and we’ll have patterns and samples to get you going. Feel free to bring your device if you want to test out your design and make sure it fits.

To keep the craft going, check out some books on hand sewing or felt fun. See you there!