Radical Home Economics (RHE) revives homemaking skills for adults. In this hands-on series (the messier, the better!), participants work together to make things that are meaningful in their every­day lives. Projects have included natural cleaners, hypertufa (faux stone) pots, ­cocoa mix, and spa products, among ­others. I focus on projects that might be intimidating for solo learners, such as those that misleadingly appear expensive or involve unfamiliar ingredients or technology. Perhaps our grandmothers never dreamed of wiring LED holiday cards, but they knew all about the power of handcrafting to make our lives more affordable, greener, and healthier.

The deep importance of Maker programming goes far beyond entertainment—even beyond the practical use of the project. RHE is a fresh and exciting take on one of the library’s oldest and most fundamental purposes. The real power behind lending books is the conviction that you can be your own expert; you are empowered to do and create and think anything you can imagine. Maker programming shares this purpose. In a culture where everything is increasingly commoditized and prepackaged, access to this foundational library value is increasingly rare, valuable, and transformative. It is nothing short of radical.

How it works

RHE meets quarterly for an hour on Saturday mornings, a time convenient for working adults. Attendance ranges from ten to 20 participants, with advanced registration encouraged. Because these programs are messy and communal, they cannot easily accommodate larger groups. I provide all the materials and supplies, with the cost averaging $50–$75.

I measure success primarily by attendance but secondarily by anecdotes and enthusiasm. By the end of each program, members are often already making plans to try larger projects or teach other people. Some send me photos; many return for future programs in the series.

Want to give it a whirl? Try my most popular program, making hypertufa pots (below).

The secret

The key to success is that the participants finish what they start. Having a completed product to take home is exciting and satisfying. It gives people a sense of accomplishment that inspires them to tackle more projects on their own. And it doesn’t hurt that it also gives them a library-made product (free advertising!) to display proudly.

So start Making at your library, and make your grandmother proud.

Audrey Barbakoff is Adult Services Manager, Bainbridge Island Library, Kitsap Regional Library, WA, and a 2013 LJ Mover & Shaker