Hot Off the Press Q&A with Elizabeth McFadden

In January 2025, Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) launched a pilot crafting series for adults titled, Hot Off the Press (HOTP). The purpose of the program was to offer library-goers trendy, elevated crafting workshops that would give adults the supplies and cutting-edge machines from the Library’s Maker Space to let their creativity flourish. Past workshops included constructing miniature bookshelves from laser-cut wood, crafting jewelry with custom-designed acrylic charms, decorating alarm clocks with silicone glue to look like whipped cake frosting, and making stained glass fairytale images. The program has grown a large following, with workshops usually filling up within an hour of registration opening, making HOTP a staple adult crafting series in downtown Santa Barbara. This year, HOTP is expanding to SBPL’s Montecito and Eastside branches, bringing unique and imaginative crafts to a wider community. 

During Valentine’s Day week, Montecito Library will host “Love at First Sniff” on Wednesday, February 11, from 10 am to 12 pm. Participants will learn how to make scented candles inspired by their favorite love poem or romance book. The best part about HOTP: the program is free and all supplies are provided! Registration is required and can be completed online through the Santa Barbara Public Library events calendar.

We caught up with HOTP program creator, Library Technician Elizabeth McFadden, and asked her a few questions.

Q. What was the inspiration behind HOTP? What did you hope to accomplish with this program?

A. I was inspired by emerging trends in DIY crafts on social media. There was a lot of demand from the community, with calls coming in asking if we had anything artsy and fun for adults. So I got to work developing a series of workshops that would make these viral crafts accessible to the public and allow adults to unwind, meet new folks, and feel creative after work. Library staff would provide the instruction, all the supplies, and a mini lecture or presentation. I wanted people to make crafts that they didn’t need prior skills or knowledge about but that they could complete within two hours, feel proud of, and keep as a testament to their creativity. For example, at one of our earliest workshops, we made book brooches from scratch and people painted their favorite book cover on the front. Several adults expressed hesitation, saying they had never painted anything before. By the end of the workshop, they had all produced amazing mini book brooches, and everyone walked out of the library feeling like they had accomplished something. To this day, I see several program participants on the street wearing their brooches or displaying them on their bags. A regular HOTP participant even said that they had been asked where one could purchase their book brooch, to which they replied, “You can only make this at SBPL!”

If you had to pick a favorite HOTP, which was it and why?

Ooh that is a hard one! There are two workshops that really stand out to me. In April of 2025, we had a special edition workshop led by local artist Barbara Martinez (@ahappymush). Participants decorated analog Alice in Wonderland alarm clocks in the decoden style (a Japanese craft trend that manipulates silicone to look like frosting). Everyone was having so much fun, laughing and talking, and the creations that came out of that workshop were mind-blowing. Each person made something completely different and new with their clocks. My second favorite HOTP workshop was our 2025 SB Reads edition memory altar workshop. I collaborated with Children’s Collections Librarian and master quilter, Gwen Wagy, to teach hand-sewing skills to participants who then constructed custom pocket altars out of felt and notions. One patron came on her birthday with her entire family and said she was grateful the library could give a full-time mom the space, time, and materials to make something meaningful!

I know HOTP programs get glowing reviews. Anything about the feedback surprise you?

A patron once told me they were thrilled to learn new artistic skills and another said they loved meeting new people at our workshops. I’ve seen folks exchanging phone numbers and making friends. Being around other creatives has proven inspiring for a lot of adults. It made me realize that this is the true beauty of the program – to inspire folks and build a sense of community
through artmaking. 

Looking ahead, can you give us some hints about upcoming HOTP programs? Inquiring minds want to know.

Our Valentine’s Day special, called “Love at First Sniff,” will be held at the Montecito and Central Libraries in collaboration with Montecito Poetry Club and Romance Book Club, respectively. The event at Central will be HOTP’s first English Spanish bilingual program, so I’m super excited about that! Registration opens in late January, and I have a feeling that these workshops will be a huge hit! Patrons will get to put special labels on their jars and package their candles to give as gifts. I’m designing some other cool and engaging crafts later in the year, so stay tuned!

Announcements 

All SBPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 16, for Presidents’ Day.

Events at Montecito Library (1469 East Valley Road) 

Montecito Poetry Club – Wednesday, February 18, 10 am – 12 pm (first meeting): Join us every other month to explore the lives and work of poets you know and love – and some who will be new to you!

Knit ‘n’ Needle – Thursdays, 2-3:30 pm: Join us for a weekly gathering of fiber artists, open to all skill levels! 

Stay & Play – Tuesdays, 9-10:30 am: Drop by to learn and play, sing and share stories with other young children and enjoy the company of other caregivers. Best for children ages 0-5.

Montecito Book Club – Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 2-3 pm: Join the Montecito Book Club every fourth Tuesday!  

This column is written in collaboration by the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Montecito Library, Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library, Members of the City Library Board – In partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library.