YAAS: Pumpkin Decorating

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

YAAS: Painting Bookends

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

Tonight was another art night, and this one added a community service aspect since we painted a bunch of bookends for our library's teen area! We looked at pictures of similar projects done by other libraries to get ideas, and then used acrylic and Tempra paint to make these gorgeous bookends. After they were dry, I sprayed all of them with a clear sealant before adding the,m to the shelves so the artwork will last as long as possible.

YAAS: All About Pastels

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
This week my favorite human Anna came back to group and showed us the basics of using pastels. Why, you may ask?
1. Pastels are cool
2. Art is never a bad thing
3. We had pastels
4. I don't know how to use pastels

That was basically the logic behind this program. I wanted to utilize supplies we already had and I have an artist friend. Yes, intentional and aware programming us usually my jam, but I think it's just as valid to plan for practicality.

After a short lesson on the white board where Anna showed us different types of strokes that pastels are best for, the teens were turned loose!

If you're wondering about the gourds on the table, Anna brought them from her garden in case anyone felt like drawing an autumn still life.

Display: July 2019 Teen-Made Bulletin Boards

Summer has been busy, but we've still been working on our displays and bulletin boards to make the public feel happy and welcome in the children's areas of the library. Look what our teens came up with this month!

The makers of "The TAIL of a Lifetime" board while the tail was still drying.

Finished and fabulous!

This one fits right in with our SRP theme!

YAAS: Mixer with One N Ten

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

This week, we were originally going to have an off-duty high school science teacher show us some "magic science" using physics and everyday objects. Unfortunately, he had to cancel, so I came up with a different idea. I volunteer for One N Ten, a youth shelter and community center based in Phoenix with satellite groups that meet throughout the county and beyond. Since the Mesa and Queen Creek groups are closest to my library, I decided to invite them to YAAS for a meet-and-greet. The idea is that Mesa meets on Monday night, YAAS meets on Tuesday night, and Queen Creek meets on Thursday night; there's no conflict on group times, so why not invite the youth of the groups to attend all three?

I am delighted to report that the program was a huge success. We had the highest attendance since melted crayon night, and everyone had a great time decorating "cookies" (graham crackers with icing and sprinkles), playing board games, and making duct tape crowns. I hope the new youth decide to come back again!

The first set of pictures is an emotional roller coaster. Shortly after the last Jenga picture was taken, the whole pile collapsed in an epic crash.

Diligently looking for the right beads...

...and being silly at the same time.

 

We really love Capri Sun around here

Board games and new friends

"Cookie" decorating station

Duct tape crowns

They made me a crown too!

YAAS: Duct Tape Art

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

This program was possibly the easiest and most laid back craft I've done at YAAS. All it took was a box of duct tape and some patterns printed from the internet at almost-random. I say almost because I pre-screened the patterns to make sure the only materials needed were duct tape and scissors. After intros, we turned on some music and I set them loose with the duct tape. Look at all the smiles and creative designs!

 

Dragon 

Spider

Elephant

Folded triangle

Pencil cup (made with empty rolls)

Bow tie

Work in progress

Arm full of tape!

Wallets

Also, Sebastian tried on someone's heels tonight and amazingness ensued.