Crafternoons & Craft Lab

Manawatū Community Hub Libraries offers two fun and engaging programmes for creative kids: Crafternoons and Craft Lab. Whether your child is exploring crafts for the first time or already has experience, there’s something for everyone.

At the end of each term, we celebrate with a special showcase where children can display their work, receive a certificate, and enjoy a slice of pizza!


Crafternoons (5-8 Year Olds)

Crafternoons are a fantastic way for younger children to create hands-on projects each week. From painting and clay creations to seasonal crafts and nature-inspired artworks, your child will discover new skills, meet friends, and express their creativity in a safe and welcoming environment.

Book Your Spot Today!

Class Details:

  • When: Every Tuesday (during term time), 3:30pm – 4:15pm
  • Where: Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, Te Āhuru Mōwai, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding
  • Cost: $10 per term
  • Age Group: 5-8 Year Olds
  • Spaces: Limited to 16 spots per term

Crafternoons Weekly Themes:

Week 1 – Animals

Week 2 – Nature

Week 3 - Air Dry Clay Creations

Week 4 - Under the Sea

Week 5 - Outer Space

Week 6 - My Favourite Food

Week 7 - Superheroes

Week 8 - Insects & Bugs

Week 9 - Seasons

Week 10 - Celebration & Sharing


Craft Lab (8-12 Year Olds)

Craft Lab is designed for older children who are ready to take their creativity to the next level. In these classes, we focus on more advanced techniques such as air-dry clay sculpting, painting, and weaving. Participants will create projects like photo holders, tote bags, and ceramic art. Each week, we explore different craft ideas to inspire young artists and help them develop new skills.

Book Your Spot Today!

Class Details:

  • When: Every Tuesday (during term time), 3:30pm – 4:30pm
  • Where: Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, Te Āhuru Mōwai, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding
  • Cost: $50 per term
  • Age Group: 8-12 Year Olds
  • Spaces: Limited to 12 spots per term

Craft Lab Weekly Themes:

Week 1 – Notebooks

Week 2 - Jewellery (No Polymer Clay)

Week 3 - Air Dry Clay (No Jewellery, focus on sculpting/functional)

Week 4 - Photo Holders

Week 5 - Tote Bags

Week 6 - Polymer Clay (Dedicated only here!)

Week 7 - Art

Week 8 - Weaving

Week 9 - Ceramic Art

Week 10 - Exhibition & Celebration

Please note: Photos and videos may be taken during the classes for promotional purposes.

We offer a range of children's activities suitable for all age groups. Click here to view on our events calendar.

If you have any questions about our programmes, please don't hesitate to contact us

Bookings are essential. This helps us make sure we have the right amount of materials and space for everyone.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay and support their children in Crafternoons. For Craft Lab, we encourage independence, but caregivers are welcome to wait nearby if needed.

Our age ranges are important to ensure children are working at the right social and skill level. 7 year olds need to be in Crafternoons. They can move to Craft Lab when they turn 8.

We are happy to discuss individual needs with families. Please chat with us — we aim to accommodate where possible.

They can stay in Crafternoons until the term ends, and move to Craft Lab next term. This keeps things consistent for everyone. Note, 8 year olds can choose either Crafternoons or Craft Lab depending on their ability.

No problem — each week is a standalone project so you can jump back in easily.

Yes — crafts like painting and clay can be messy. We recommend old clothes or a smock/apron.

If they are the same age group, yes. If not, they will join their respective groups to ensure they are in the right session for their age and ability. Crafternoons and Craft Lab run at the same time in different rooms.

Craft Lab offers more advanced projects and materials (like fabric, paint, polymer clay, weaving) which cost more to provide.