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The San Diego Public Library, in partnership with California Coast Credit Union, proudly presents its 8th How-To Festival on Saturday, June 3 at 10:30 am! The How-To Festival is an interactive community educational event with something for everyone and for all ages. We will be hosting an in-person event at Mira Mesa Library with a selection of how-to demonstrations presented by Library staff and community members, and simultaneously a curated collection of how-to videos will premiere online and will remain available for later viewing. Round up your friends and family and learn something new together, like How-To Bind a Mini Hardcover Book by Hand, How-To Make a Decorative Air Plant, or How-To Draw Odi the Coyote. There is something for everyone and all ages!
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Discover all our archived How-To videos on our YouTube channel.
Check out our 2022 How-To Festival Line-Up
Art & Crafts
How-to Color Eggs!
Presenter: Amira El-Khaouli
Audience: All Ages | 
Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to color eggshells with a variety of techniques. There are so many fun ways to recycle and upcycle eggshells: Color! Confetti! Mosaics!
How-To Draw Odi the Coyote
Presenter: Anisi Baigude
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoFollow along to learn how to draw Odi the Coyote, the San Diego Public Library's mascot! An easy step-by-step using shapes and colors, presented by the illustrator of Odi's Library Day, Anisi Baigude.
How-To 3-D Pen a Brain
Presenter: Bernard Cayetano
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn to play with a 3-D pen.
How-To Bind a Mini Hardcover Book by Hand
Presenter: Craig Wimberly
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoHave you ever seen the tiny books in the Library's Rare Books room? Learn how to create a handbound miniature book from scratch.
How-To Make a Craft Stick Catapult
Presenter: Ellie Livingstone
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make a catapult from popsicle sticks - STEAM skills and fun!
How-To Make a Decorative Air Plant
Presenter: Helene Idels
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to use craft wire and beads or rocks to make a decorative hanging or paperweight air plant. Great for displaying in your home or office or to give as a gift!
How-To Draw Legible Graffiti in 3D on Paper
Presenter: James Jepsen, Jr.
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to draw 3D block lettering for a name or more.
How-To Draw Eleven from Stranger Things
Presenter: Janet Yeager
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to draw a cartoon version this popular character from Stranger Things through simple, step-by-step instructions. Although this presentation is geared for teens, all ages are welcome to participate!
How-To Make an Origami Bookmark
Presenter: Karen Nguyen
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to fold an origami bookmark that sits on the corner of your page. Simple to make and fun to decorate... you'll never lose your place in a book again!
How-To Cut and Assemble Felt Flowers
Presenter: Karen Nguyen
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoSpring is here! Learn how to make beautiful felt flowers using a Silhouette Cameo and a glue gun. (If you do not have access to a Silhouette Cameo machine, you can cut out the flower template by hand.)
How-To Use Toothbrushes, Acrylic Paint, Stencils and Paper to Create Your Own Artwork
Presenter: Mei Huei Chin
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to use toothbrushes, acrylic paint, stencils and paper to create an artwork.
How-To Make a Nautical Wreath
Presenter: Robert Lanuza
Audience: Teen/Adults | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make a nautical themed wreath, perfect for the summer!
Cooking
How-To Decorate Cupcakes
Presenter: Emily and Lillian
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make cupcake frosting and colorfully decorate a cupcake!
How-To Smoke a Brisket
Presenter: Jason Alvarez
Audience: Adults | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to trim, season, then smoke a beef brisket on a pellet smoker.
How-To Make a Simple and Delicious Chili
Presenter: Joe Miesner
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make a tasty and quick chili using this easy recipe.
How-To Make Pan Sushi
Presenter: Michelle Ruiz
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make sushi in a pan, no bamboo mat required.
How-To Make Katsudon
Presenter: Ryan Fang
Audience: Teen/Adults | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make a Japanese rice bowl made with katsu, eggs, and sauteed onions simmered in a sweet and savory sauce.
How-To Make Matcha Cookies
Presenter: Thuy Nguyen
Audience: Teen/Adults | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make the easiest and most delicious Matcha cookies.
How-To Make Basic Onigiri
Presenter: Christina Wainwright
Presenter: Christina Wainwright
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLearn how to make easy Japanese rice balls called Onigiri.
Instructional
How-To Start a Little Free Library
Presenter: Kathy Hargrove
Presenter: Kathy Hargrove
Audience: All Ages | Instructions | Watch Video
Instructions | Watch VideoLittle Free Libraries are a great community resource for sharing books and getting to know each other. Learn how to get a kit to assemble your own Little Free Library, install it, and then maintain your collection.