Crafting spooky fun at WPL

By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Reporter

At a time when crafting can fall to the wayside in favor of responsibilities, Westwood Public Library (WPL) aims to give adults a chance to connect with their inner artist in this class from Pop up Art School. This class was to teach the basics of needle-felting, and so everyone would have a cute piece of décor to get anyone in a spooky mood; a little ghost holding a pumpkin!

Janell from Pop up Art School, which has different craft classes pop up in libraries across New England, led the class in creating their own little ghost out of nothing but assorted colors of wool, a felting needle, and a felting mat. Needle felting is a craft that, with the special needle that has divots along the end, you tangle wool, compressing it into a cute little shape or character. There were also finger guards, so you did not poke yourself.

A video demonstration played during the lesson so everyone could learn what to do, but Janell came by and was engaging with each patron. She was patient, told funny stories, and was encouraging with each person while making sure they were staying safe. The point of the lesson is that anyone, with no prior skill or experience, can learn a new craft and it might inspire a passion they can pursue later.

Craft nights like this also are great activities to do with friends or as a fun solo activity for you to enjoy and find something new. While everyone started with the same materials, each ghost came out unique! They were slightly different sizes, some had a little trail behind them, and varying expressions. Some had smiles, while others looked like they were saying “boo!” They had a patch of varying sizes of pumpkins, and each was perfect in its own right.

Westwood hopes to host more events like this in the future, so keep an eye on your local library website!