Mandel Library Patrons Can Grow A Garden Or Make An Art Masterpiece With Grab & Go Kits

From the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach:

April 29, 2021

By Faith

Hello crafters, artists, gardeners, and lovers of DIY! It’s librarian Faith, here to tell you about May Grab & Go Kits. Grab & Go Kits contain all the materials and instructions needed for a fun at-home activity; plus, there’s nothing to return! As some of my regular art patrons know, I test out the kits before launching them just to make sure everything works the way I expect it to work. And this month, I can heartily recommend these new kits!

This month's Art Kit

The month of May will feature a Felting Kit, complete with 8 random colors of felting wool, a felting needle, and a felting foam mat. If you’d like some tips and ideas, check out our Studio 411 at Home crafting video on our YouTube channel, in which I make a felt turtle duck from Avatar: the Last Airbender. (In case you didn't know, the library will be celebrating all things geek in May with month-long, Comic-con style fan programming, "May the Fandom Be with You." So of course, I had to make some crafts to fit the theme!)

This month's Seed Kits

Looking for a new activity for your green thumb? May will feature four Seed Kits to choose from, including radish, giant pansy, mint, and wild daisy. As the months are getting warmer, try growing the plants indoors, either in front of a sunny window or with the aid of a growing light. These beautiful and tasty plants can add a bright spot to any home or garden. Not sure what to do with your plants once they’re grown? Finding out that pansies are not only edible, but also delicious, was an unexpected delight! Try out my Flower Salad recipe if you want to add some color to your diet!

This month's Wellness Kit

Lastly, looking for a mindful way to unwind and process the events of the past year? Try our Healing Library: Journaling Kit! These kits include everything you need to start a new journaling habit, including reading recommendations to keep you inspired. All available at the library!

Request your adult Grab & Go kits today, and happy creating!

Librarian Faith's Flower Salad

Ingredients

• 2-4 cups of arugula
• 2-4 cups of lettuce or other baby greens
• ½ cup thinly sliced carrots (rainbow carrots are extra fun!)
• 1 thinly sliced radish
• ½ thinly sliced red apple
• Feta or goat cheese (to taste)
• 5-10 pansies (to taste)
• ¼ thinly sliced red onion (optional)

For dressing:

• A heavy splash of olive oil
• Coarsely ground salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dijon Mustard (optional, about a teaspoon)

Instructions:

Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Thinly slice (julienne preferably) the carrots, radish, apple, and red onion. Mix.
Pour all dressing ingredients together into jar/container and shake vigorously until combined.
Gently mix dressing, greens, and vegetables together.
Add cheese and pansies to top of salad... serve!

This press release was produced by the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.