The Bookmarks, Bracelets, & Buttons...Oh My! project was created to provide students with meaningful opportunities to be creative, connect with others, and participate in positive activities within the school environment. Through grant funding, we were able to purchase a variety of craft and creative materials that students could use to design and make their own projects, including buttons, jewelry, bookmarks, coloring projects, and other student-created items. Two locking storage carts were also purchased to safely organize, store, and transport the supplies so they could be used efficiently throughout the library.

 

Grant funds were used to purchase jewelry making supplies, origami paper, coloring supplies, two button makers, button making supplies, bookmark items, rhinestones for diamond art, fuse beads, and two locking, rolling carts.

 

Following the purchase of the materials, the supplies were introduced to students in the library. The items could be used during lunches and throughout the day with students who had free time.

 

The original goal of the project was to foster creativity, collaboration, and student engagement in the high school library by providing a dedicated craft area. I wanted this space to encourage self-expression, stress relief, and community-building, while supporting literacy initiatives by making the library a vibrant and welcoming hub for all students.

Students enjoyed the opportunity to make things that were uniquely their own. Many students took the time to create something to share with others, which was an unexpected outcome! It was such a blessing seeing students interact while doing a hands-on activity. This project allowed us to provide access to materials and experiences that some students may not have access to outside of school. This was a very rewarding addition to the MHS Library.

 

One of the most important lessons from this project has been the value of creation over consumption. Our students are constantly consuming things (information, entertainment, social media, etc). We saw that the finished product was only part of the experience. Students had to make choices, experiment with materials, and solve small problems while making their craft items. Providing the materials and allowing them the freedom to just "create" was so refreshing to watch.

 

Moving forward, we hope to continue expanding opportunities for our students to be creators.