Resources for rainy days

The transition from long, warm summer evenings to the colder, rainier and darker weather seemed more rapid this year, but we are not complaining about anything that cooled the threat of this fire season in the Bull Run area. Still, the weather requires adjustment.

Our museum can help with that! Floors one and two provide resources and inspiration for optional uses of your time. The gift shop not only provides finished projects of art and crafts, but can inspire ideas for your own skills and gifts. Upstairs in the free, on-site Phil Jonsrud Library, there are treasures to be found in research ideas, craft books, project instructions, cookbooks, games and toys, homemade cosmetics and gifts, ideas for gardening, historical subjects, and much, much more.

Have you ever made a gingerbread-type house out of graham crackers, pretzel rods, and frosting? A homemade journal? A “pictograph”? Salt dough ornaments or map? Old-fashioned molasses taffy? Johnnycakes? Homemade soap? Candles? Braided rug? Dried apple doll? Pinhole camera? Silhouette? The possibilities are many.

Here are five friendly suggestions of titles to peruse: Great Pioneer Projects, Kids Discover Pioneers, Pioneer Beauty Secrets: Old and New Cosmetics from the kitchen, Early Pleasures and Pastimes, and Toys and Games from Times Past...And Still Enjoyed Today. There are many more. In the process of pursuing these activities, memories will also be made.