I found my blog!

Hi,

Sorry it's been so long. I've been very busy all summer doing different programs for the libraries in Alameda County. The theme this year was "Get the Reading Bug", and my craft ideas were put to good use. I enjoyed teaching hundreds of children. I taught Gardening in Oakland, Newark and Irvington. I had more than 100 turn out for the bug bookmarks and bug catchers in Benicia. We made bug magnets at Niles and Irvington, and had a great time making strawberry lady bugs and bug catchers at Newark.
I taught a wonderful bunch of "tweens" to scrapbook at Fremont Main, twice. We are looking at a family scrapbook time soon. I taught family scrapbooking at Newark. That was great fun!
I was able to teach parents new to homeschooling at a Homeschool 101 workshop in Fremont. The digital photography class for tweens at Fremont was amazing. The kids learn so fast, and were so proud of their new skills and great pictures.
In Newark, we "Tied His Heart". Making Fathers Day Tie cards. The kids had a blast and were very creative.
Sally had me come out and teach Simple Origami to her kids at Irvington and Niles. The parents enjoyed that class as well. A little treat to take home in their newly made Origami cup, was a hit.
Kat at Newark had me bring in a craft for the Teen Volunteers to enjoy at their thank you party. They designed their own journals. Gobs of supplies, and creative teens resulted in some amazing journals.
That was my first summer as Christie's Creative Cupboard. I had a great time, learned a lot, enjoyed making new friends, and teaching. Now we are into fall.
I taught a great Space program at Newark. The kids made their own moon to take home, and enjoyed my teaching about space. They definitely enjoyed making craters in the moon, and the delightful mess that came with it. No worries, I always leave the room clean and ready for the next event.
I donated a program to Tri-City Homeless Coalition. The kids made handprint and footprint turkeys. They turned out great, and the parents loved the keepsake. With my many years of experience with children, they have asked me to be lead for the children's program one night a week. I'm going to give that a try, and see how it goes. I have a million ideas, and projects to share with these children. Tomorrow night, we are making animal puppets.
The Christmas season is going to be fun. I'm set to go with Gingerbread People at Niles, Snowmen in Irvington and Christmas Ornaments in Dublin. Karen at Fremont Main has me scheduled to do "Cooking With Tweens", teaching them to make healthy snacks without the stove.
I am looking forward to many wonderful moments of fun. I look forward to hearing from each of you soon.
I'll try to keep this updated, so you'll know what is being offered and what is going on at the other branches.
Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm open for business

Hello. I'm new to this blogging idea, so please bear with me. I am looking for ways to reach people to spread the news about my new business, Christie's Creative Cupboard. I am currently working at many of the libraries in Alameda County and am looking to expand into other counties.
One librarian described me as "Jill of all trades". That pretty much sums it up. I can teach just about anything and love to work with people. I work with all age groups, but seem to have a particular knack for entertaining kids. I've been working with kids for over 30 years, including special needs children.
I teach crafts, gardening, scrapbooking, theme specific programs (like space, the rainforest, etc), and science programs as well. I also have Christie's Critters Pet Programs, that consist of me bringing an array of animals, bugs, etc and teach about their care and the kids get to pet and hold the different animals.
Honestly, I have so many programs, it's hard to list them all here. If you have a thought, I can create a program for you.
I am building this page and look forward to hearing from you soon.