The Library’s Connect & Craft Club gathered again on February 12 and 26 for two cozy afternoons filled with creativity, conversation, and connection.
A wonderful mix of faculty, classified professionals, and students joined us in the Library Lounge. Some students brought their own art projects to work on, while others explored the supplies we had available — yarn, coloring materials, card-making paper, origami sheets, coloring books, and sparkly embellishments like sequins, gems, and decorative accents to add a little shimmer to handmade creations.
Librarian Jenny Vega led a hands-on demonstration of a basic macrame knot (known as the lark’s head knot), showing participants how to create decorative wreaths using rings and extra-large fluffy yarns. Her mini workshop inspired several attendees to try their hand at macrame knotting and wrapping techniques, and soon the room was filled with fun and laughter and new skills!
Students made friends! They chatted about college experiences and their lives back home in places far away, like Nebraska and New Hampshire! They shared what it’s like to play for the Skyline Wrestling Team. And someone even showed off a cool gymnastics move!
The Connect & Craft Club offers a much-needed digital detox, a chance to step away from screens, sip tea, chat, and get cozy in the library with old or new friends. While many came to craft, others simply joined to connect and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Stories were shared across roles and disciplines, and one student reflected how much they miss having spaces like this on campus, places to slow down, create, and feel part of a community.
The gathering will continue as an ongoing meet-up every other week, on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. All students and employees are welcome, whether you bring a project to work on, come to learn something new, or simply stop by to chat.
If you have craft supplies at home – beads, yarn, needles, paper, or other materials – that are just sitting unused and you’d like to donate them, please contact Pia Walawalkar at walawalkars@smccd.edu or Jenny Vega at vegaj@smccd.edu
We look forward to seeing even more of the Skyline community at future gatherings.
Article and Photos by Pia Walawalker and Jennifer Vega
