A homemade gift can brighten the season for a loved one, and making it is a gift to the senses. Check out these local craft-making sessions around town to celebrate the holidays in DIY fashion.
FOLDED BOOK CHRISTMAS TREE: The December DIY @ Home Craft Kits for teens 12 and up at the Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave. in Harahan, will be a Christmas tree made from a folded book. Pick-up is at the library on Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., while supplies last. www.jplibrary.net
POP-UP HOLIDAY CARDS AND 3D GIFT TAGS: Participants can learn cutting and folding techniques and get creative making a unique holiday card or gift tag for someone special in the programming space at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 1611 Fats Domino Ave. in New Orleans, on Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-12 noon. https://nolalibrary.org/
YULE HOLIDAY STATIONERY WORKSHOP: Local artist and stationer Anna of Sassy Banana Design Co. at C’Mere will lead a workshop on Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m., at 618 Chartres St. in New Orleans. The workshop includes Old World traditions of Yule, general instruction and materials to create Yule stationery using materials provided (brush pens, markers, paint, cards and envelopes) and illustration cutouts. Participants can bring their own materials, snacks and drinks. Tickets are limited and start at $49.87 via Eventbrite. anna@sassybananadesignco.com
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA ARTS & CRAFTS EXPO: The 41st annual expo will be held Dec. 5-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, 1301 N. Columbia St. in Covington. The event will feature 400 vendors from a multi-state area with products made by artists and craftspersons, including woodwork, original art, jewelry, leather crafts, clothing, metal art, candles, stained glass, floral, hair bows, furniture, home decor and food. Admission is $8 for persons age 13 and up, free for kids 12 and under. www.christmasextravaganzaexpo.com
A VERY GRINCHY CRAFTERNOON: Westwego Library, 635 Fourth St. in Westwego, will host a craft workshop in the meeting room on Dec.13, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Participants can choose a Grinch-themed ornament or stocking to decorate. Supplies are provided but limited. Children under 12 require adult supervision. www.jplibrary.net
FESTIVE CD ORNAMENTS: All branches of the St. John the Baptist Parish library will offer a chance for tweens and teens to create their own CD holiday ornament Dec. 15-20. Information on hours and locations of library branches is available online. https://stjohnlib.com/
ORNAMENT EXTRAVAGANZA: The Hahnville Branch of the St. Charles Parish library will host a day for children to design and decorate holiday ornaments on Dec. 19, 2-3 p.m., at the meeting room, 14996 River Road in Hahnville. Registration is required. Adult attendance is required for children under 10. www.myscpl.org
CRAFTS FOR KIDS: Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Ave. in Harahan, will host a workshop on Christmas tree canvas board painting Dec. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This event is for children ages 6-11. Registration, which opens Dec. 1, is required. www.jplibrary.net
PINE CONE ORNAMENTS: The St. Rose Branch of the St. Charles Parish library will host an evening of crafting in the meeting room on Dec. 22, 6-7 p.m., at 90 E. Club Drive in St. Rose. Children can create holiday pine cone ornaments. All craft supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Adult attendance is required for children under 10. www.myscpl.org
