Holiday Crafts & DIY Projects

I don’t know about you, but fall is a time when I love to decorate and do craft projects because the holidays are coming around the corner.  First, you can decorate for autumn with fall leaves, pumpkins, apples, cinnamon and all the wonderful foods and scents associated with fall.  Right after that, you can decorate for Halloween, and then Thanksgiving, and before you know it, Christmas is here!  This time of year makes it so much more fun to do craft projects because you can instantly use them as decorations for the holiday seasons and brighten up your home with some holiday cheer!

I am a big fan of Martha Stewart’s holiday craft projects, as well as her big book of crafts.  They are always beautifully done, the instructions are clear, and can be a jumping off point for finding other project ideas.

Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts

Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts

Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts

Her website is also wonderful to use as well.  Everything is broken down into clear and easy-to-follow steps.  It contains holiday crafts, regular craft projects, food and entertaining ideas, and recipes galore.

Another inspiration source for craft projects for me and my family has been Pinterest.  If you have never heard of this site, I highly recommend checking it out.  It is basically a great big bulletin board for sites you find interesting on the internet, or to find new sites that might interest you.  I love to use it for craft projects and DIY projects.  And some of the holiday projects they have on Pinterest are amazing.

I recently threw a baby shower for my sister that was The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed.  I used Pinterest to gather ideas from everything about what to serve as food, table landscapes, and party decorations.  And I could share all the ideas instantly with other family members who were helping to plan the party.

Another website I like to browse is the Better Homes & Gardens website.  They have great DIY projects, cool room makeovers and stunning furniture transformations.

If you would like to browse the EasiCat catalog for other DIY books or craft books, follow any of the links below.

DIY books

Craft projects

Martha Stewart books

Holiday crafts

Sewing projects

EasiCat has a new look!

No, we didn’t just move things around to keep you on your toes, the new  features of the EasiCat program make searching for a book easier than ever.

When looking up an item, click on Search, and from the dropdown box choose between Keyword and Browse.  Keyword is great if you’re not sure of the exact wording of the title, or if you’d like to see several  related items.  Browse is perfect if you know the exact title or author’s name, and you want the computer to browse through the alphabetic listing to find only that title or author.

For example, suppose you enjoyed watching Downton Abbey last winter, and you decide you’d like to watch it again while you wait for season 3 to come out.  Click on Search, then Browse, and type in Downton Abbey, and you’ll see the DVDs for seasons 1 and 2.  However, if you choose Search and Keyword, you’ll get the Downton Abbey DVDs plus a book called The World of Downton Abbey and another titled The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook.  These titles didn’t appear in a Browse search, because they fall elsewhere in the  alphabetic listing of library materials, but they show up in a Keyword search because Downton Abbey is a keyword in both titles.

Let’s say you want to watch DVDs that are similar to Downton Abbey. There’s a toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen that says Narrow Your Search.  If you scroll down farther, you’ll see Related Searches, and under that, Subjects.  You’d like to watch a film with servants and their masters, but you don’t see that subject listed. Click on More, and then Household employees pops up.

When you click on that, you see you have 110 matches.  Now we’ll use  the top of the left-hand toolbar to Narrow Your Choices.  This is like shopping for shoes at Zappos.  If you narrow yoursearch by selecting DVD under Type of Material, you get 9 results, including The Help, TheHousemaid, and Upstairs, Downstairs.

Now you decide you’d like to read a book instead, so you click on DVD to deselect it, and choose Book.  There are 95 matches, so you narrow your Subject to Great Britain, then scroll down to Target Audience and choose General/Adult (other options include juvenile and adolescent).  Then you choose to limit your search to just those books in our library, so you click on Frank L Weyenberg Library, which narrows your choices down to three, including The House at Tyneford and The Gentleman Poet.  Now look at the right-hand side of your screen:  clicking on Availability tells you that the book available in  the AD New Fiction collection, so you head for the rotunda and find it under the author’s name, Solomons.

So the left-hand toolbar can be used two ways:  starting with a broad topic, you can narrow your search, (think Zappos), or beginning with a particular book or movie title, you can broaden your search to find other similar items.

One last thing:  The library carries items in several different formats.  On the right-hand side of the screen you will see  blue icons which tell the format of the item you are looking at:  be sure to take note of those so that you get the format you desire.

 

The Christy Awards

     Some of the first works of Christian fiction were allegoric writings such as Divine Comedy, by Danti Alighieri and The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan.  Today, some Christian fiction may include biblical stories, but it has become so much more.  There is Christian romance and romantic suspense, thrillers, historical fiction, westerns, science fiction, and fantasy.  The characters in these stories are challenged to handle their lives according to Christian principles.  These principles will vary from author to author, but in most cases, the ideas that they convey do not come out as overbearing to the reader.  Christian fiction is more of a gentle read, usually without reference to profanity, explicit sex, or strong violence.   

     If you love John Grisham thrillers, then you’d probably like suspense thrillers written by Robert Whitlow, Harry Lee Kraus, Brandilyn Collins, Ted Dekker, Tim Downs, Terri Blackstrap, Linda Hall and Mindy Starns Clark.  If you like stories where good battles evil and the godly triumph, then you may like the works of Frank Peretti and Tim LaHaye, who write supernatural suspense.  For Christian romance you might want to try one of these authors, Karen Kingsbury,  Janette Oke, Beverly Lewis, Dee Henderson, Tracey Bateman, Melody Carlson, Lori Copeland, or Lyn Cote.  For those of you who love to go back in history, authors like Lynn Austin, Gilbert Morris, Liz Curtis Higgs, Linda L. Chaikin, Ruth Glover, Brock and Bodie Thoene, and Davis Bunn will help you travel back in time.  For a change of pace you might enjoy a contemporary writer like Melody Carlson, J. Lynne Hinton, Jerry B. Jenkins, Calvin Miller, Jan Karon, or Lisa Wingate.

     To honor excellence in Christian fiction, the Christy Award is given each year in several categories.  This award is named in honor of Catherine Marshall’s well known novel, Christy.   The awards for the 2012 winners and finalists are:

Historical

            Wonderland Creek, by Lynn Austin

            Forsaking All Others, by Allison Pittman

            Mine is the Night, by Liz Curtis Higgs

Historical Romance

            The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, by Julie Klassen

            A Lasting Impression, by Tamera Alexander

            To Die For, by Sandra Byrd

Suspense

            The Queen, by Steven James

            Over the Edge, by Brandilyn Collins

            Pattern of Wounds, by Mark Bertrand

Visionary

            Veiled Rose, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

            The Chair, by James L Rubart

            Forbidden, by Ted Dekker

Young Adult

            Waterfall, by Lisa T. Bergren

            How Huge the Night, by Heather Munn

            The Merchant’s Daughter, by Lisa T Bergren

Contemporary Romance

            Wolfsbane, by Ronie Kendig

            My Foolish Heart, by Susan May Warren

            Larkspur Cove, by Lisa Wingate

Contemporary Series

            The Amish Midwife, by Mindy Starns clark

            Dancing on Glass, by Pamela Binnings Ewen

            The Touch, by Randall Wallace

Contemporary  Standalone

            Promises to Keep, by Ann Tatlock

            Dry as Rain, by Gina Holmes

            Words, by Ginny Yttrup

First Novel

            Words, by Ginny Yttrup

            An Eye for Glory, by Karl Bacon

            Southern Fried Sushi, by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

            As you can see, there are plenty of choices.  I hope there are some that you think are worth looking into.  Happy reading.

Picture courtesy of: http://www.wakegov.com/NR/rdonlyres/A86362D8-EC70-44CA-A8BF-2A98B65C7B37/0/ChristyAwards0711.pdf

Reference on the Move

“Where’s your reference collection?  It used to be right here and now I don’t see it.”  If you are wondering where all of those books that used to sit behind the adult reference desk have gone they have just been relocated.  The adult reference collection can now be found in the last aisle by the north windows behind the shelving units for the DVDs and audiobooks.  Look for some new titles and updated volumes of core materials in this collection.

If you are looking for current medical information be sure and check out the following updates.

Physicians’ desk reference 2012

This annual authoritative compendium provides comprehensive prescription drug and products information supplied by manufacturers.

Medical tests sourcebook 4^th edition

Provides basic consumer health information about laboratory, imaging and other types of medical testing for disease screening, diagnosis, and monitoring along with information and guidelines for preventive care testing for children and adults.

Professional guide to diseases 2013

This guide provides full clinical coverage for over 600 disorders. Information is clear, comprehensive and accurate.

Current medical diagnosis & treatment

Annually updated reference book provides expert information on diagnosis and management.

This title is currently on-order.

Looking for a job? 

Stop by our reference shelves to locate the following books.

Occupational outlook handbook  This is a good place to start your job search.  Find out about positions and what you can expect from the career.  Have new 2013-14 edition in reference and older copies to circulate.

Best jobs for the 21^st century

A thorough resource for a new era that covers 500 occupations, providing details about wages; projected growth through 2018; required education, training and experience; and much more; in book that also includes 65 lists that reveal the best jobs for pay, growth, openings and more.

Don’t forget to ask at the adult reference desk for the 2012 Wisconsin manufacturers directory, the 2012 Wisconsin business service directory and the 2012 Wisconsin manufacturers register.   These items will provide you with a quick overview of a company when you are preparing for job interviews. Often times, there is little information on private companies and these sources will help with that too.

Need some practical advice?  You’ve come to the right place.

Emily Post’s etiquette: manners for a new world  by Peggy Post

In its 18^th edition, this book is a one of the most trusted sources on etiquette.  Coverage includes the formal, traditional, the contemporary and the casual aspects of etiquette. This item also circulates.

AMA handbook of business letters

This fully updated volume contains more than 370 flawlessly written, customizable model letters. It covers a broad spectrum of communications used by professionals in a wide variety of industries.

The old farmer’s almanac

Find out what the forecast will be for this winter.  Check planting dates for next year.  This single volume provides a unique combination of statistics, dates and information. Look for an older edition to circulate.

Undecided on where to go to college?  We’ve got you covered.  We have quite an extensive list of titles to meet your needs.  New updates include the following titles.

The College Board book of majors

The College Board college handbook

The College Board Scholarship handbook

4 year colleges

Pondering that next homework assignment?

Think you might need information on a country try the World Today Series.   This set consists of nine volumes. New updates are on-order for 2012. 

Need additional information for your report on a saint?  Try this new item.

This saint will change your life by Thomas Craughwell.

Featuring over 300 saints for every person and situation.

Think you might need commentary on a Bible passage?

The Baker illustrated Bible commentary edited by Gary M. Burge and Andrew E. Hill

Get a better understanding of the Bible with this book.  Geared toward the nontechnical layperson, this source provides interpretations of the whole Bible from 43 leading evangelical scholars.

Do you need a dictionary, encyclopedia or a map?  Find these items and more in our newly located reference collection.  Ask @ reference.

Image courtesy of Google Images.

Dystopian fiction

                With increasing interest in Suzanne Collin’s series, The Hunger Games, the dystopian genre seems to be overtaking vampire novels in popularity.  So what is a dystopia?  According to Wikipedia, “a dystopia is the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian”.  Some classic science fiction novels feature dystopias such as George Orwell’s 1984.  Even the television industry is getting behind this genre with the new television series, Revolution, airing on NBC this fall.  Based off of the many questions we are getting at the Reference Desk for similar titles we put together a list to help you find other books and movies in this genre.

If you are looking for classic dystopian novels these titles are for you:
A Canticle for Lebowitz by Walter M. Miller
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Looking for some newer titles?  Here are a few titles written in the past 10 years:
Armageddon’s Children by Terry Brooks
The hunger games by Susanne Collins
The bar code tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
Gone by Michael Grant
Feed by M. T. Anderson

Looking for a more visual experience?  Check out these films:
The Island
Minority Report
V for Vendetta
Children of Men
Book of Eli

* photo courtesy of Google images

YA Releases I Am Loving!

This summer, a bunch of great teen books are being released!  Quite a few of them, I have on my To-Be-Read list.  And as the summer continues, that list keeps getting longer.  So, I thought I would share some of the great teen books that I am looking forward to this summer.

Swipe by Evan Angler (Everyone gets the Mark at age 13. But what happens to those who get the Mark and don't come back?)

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (getting lots of buzz)

Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (It’s about dragons, enough said.)

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (teen recruited for World War III)

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl

The Vindico by Wesley King (supervillains trying to recruit new members, sounds hilarious)

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier (Sick of vampires and werewolves? Then join Team Human!)

Bloody Chester by J.T. Perry (western)

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in space)

Someday Dancer by Sarah Rubin (inspirational sports story)

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin (about tornado chasing)

I enjoy manga titles as well, and there are a couple that are coming out this year that look awesome.  One series is a new take on an old favorite, and was a very popular cartoon here in the U.S. for a while.   Sailor Moon is back with a new look, old friends and fresh storylines!

Blue Exorcist by Kazue Kato

Pretty Guardian, Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi

Black Butler by Yana Toboso

August has some great new releases coming out as well.  I will definitely be adding my name to the request list for a couple of these titles!

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Poison Tree by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (new series that sounds really good)

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen (oceanic survival story)

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron (steampunk thriller)

Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale (sequel to the Princess Academy)

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne (Earth experiencing a rash of disasters)

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore (3^rd book in the Lorien Legacies)

Olympic Fever

In a few short days, the long-awaited London Olympics begin.  Pageantry, athleticism, grit, determination, patriotism, pride, triumph, anguish, strength, skill, and grace will all be on display.  While you’re waiting, you may want to check out the London Olympic official website, http://www.london2012.com/ which has a boatload of interesting facts and photos.  Check out photos of the Olympic torch route, past castles and cathedrals, over mountains, across a rope bridge, through charming villages and down modern city streets, and past famous sites such as Stonehenge and the castle where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.  You can also see photos of giant 12x24 foot Olympic rings hung at iconic sites like Tyne Bridge and Cardiff Castle.  There are descriptions of the various sports, both the rules and the history.  For example, did you know that badminton was invented by British military officers in India?  Or that each shuttlecock contains 16 feathers, each plucked from the left wing of a goose? Or that shuttlecock speeds exceed 400 km per hour?  In addition, the site contains profiles of the athletes, the schedule of events, and eventually, the medal count.

You can boost your enjoyment of the Olympics with a few books, like  How to watch the Olympics:  the essential guide to the rules, statistics, heroes and zeroes of every sport by David Goldblatt or The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky. In the children’s collection, Great Moments in the Summer Olympics by Matt Christopher, tells the stories of exciting moments in past Olympics in the events of track & field, swimming, and gymnastics.

Watching the Olympics and seeing the sites in England may inspire you to visit.  An Easicat search for England—guidebooks reveals several, including Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Rick Steves’, and Best day trips from London.

You may not be able to visit England in person, but you can travel there through the pages of any of these fiction books, all set in modern London.  Click on the links to read the descriptions and to find the books or reserve them in Easicat.

The chemistry of tears by Peter Carey

Being Lara by Lola Jaye

Blue Monday by Nicci French

Capital by John Lanchester

The Fear by Charles Higson

The girl below by Zander

How it all began by Penelope Lively

One moment, one morning by Sarah Rayner

Happy reading….and GO USA!

 photo courtesy of Google images