Though the sunshine continues to linger just a bit longer into this fall, that hasn’t stopped the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community from celebrating the season. Throughout September, the SRPMIC held “Cozy Creations: Fall DIY Crafts” inside the Lehi Community Center on September 9, 16 and 23, with each class beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The program is part of the SRPMIC Tribal Library along with the Enhanced Adult Services grant and is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Community artists of all skill levels were invited to create their best cozy creations in three categories: vinyl pumpkins, vinyl coffee mugs and iron-on vinyl kitchen towels. Each of the classes utilized a Cricut, a brand of computer-controlled cutting machine used to work with leather, matboard and wood. 

On September 16, SRPMIC library assistant Sophenia Begaye hosted the vinyl coffee mug class. “You can [design] anything,” she said to the class as she demonstrated the step-by-step process required to complete the project. 

To create their cozy vinyl coffee mugs, artists began first by measuring the height and width of their mugs. Following the initial step, artists designed, cut and transferred their fall designs onto the brand-new coffee mugs. Finally, artists were encouraged to post their creation on social media and tag the SRPMIC Tribal Library to help promote the ongoing class and to encourage attendance at future craft classes. 

Begaye also assisted the artists by answering questions they had about the Cricut process, as it deals with heat, precise measurements, and specific printing tools and materials. As the artists created their new fall-themed designs, a lighthearted conversation about everyone’s varied artistic passions filled the room. 

The Cricut website features a gallery of inspirational ideas for the artists. The artists in the class were eligible to use the library’s SRPMIC-issued laptops. “I’m not sure if you all were aware, but the [SRPMIC] Library has loaner laptops you can use to help make your designs,” said Begaye. 

If you would like to keep up to date on the events hosted by the SRPMIC Tribal Library, call (480) 362-6600.