People talked excitedly with familiar friends and new-found companions. Others focused quietly on creating the perfect holiday card, making serious decisions about what color marker and sticker are best. But everyone seemed to allow the thoughts of finals and stress of grades to fade away as they relaxed and had fun at Holiday Craft-stravaganza on Dec. 5 in the Collaborative Zone of the University Library.
The University Library hosted the event in hopes of giving students and staff a much-needed break before finals to focus on something more creative and festive.
Attendees received markers, blank gift tags, colored and patterned paper, stickers, glue, scissors, twine, buttons and pompoms to make holiday cards and gift tags.
Chips, candy and drinks were provided to help fuel attendees on their artistic endeavors.
The room was decorated to fit the holiday theme with the help of the library’s student workers.
“A lot of our student workers are very creative and artsy,” said University Library Associate Jessica Burnette. “So they’ll decorate the whiteboards for us and just get the space ready.”
The cheerful decorations and holiday music added to the lively atmosphere that only grew as more people arrived.
Biology junior Grace Akingbehin said she attended because “Christmas time is coming and it’s fun to do something with my friends.”
Burnette said the library tries to host at least two craft events each semester like this one to allow students a space to explore their creativity and connect with each other students.
“I mean, it helps people interact with other people and builds connections and communication,” Akingbehin said.
Not only students look forward to these events.
“I think it’s neat too that we have some staff here today – university staff – that usually watch for these types of events,” said Sarah Timm, head of public services for the University Library.
Attendees were also looking forward to seeing Oakley, the university’s victim assistance dog. He was unable to attend the event, but that didn’t stop students and staff from having a good time.
Allison Machado, psychology sophomore and member of Crafty Jaguars, said the event was a fun and relaxing way to de-stress and get students’ minds off of school.
For more information about upcoming events like this, email Jessica.Burnette@tamusa.edu, call the university library at 210-784-1514 or visit the jagsync page.
