DIY Holiday Crafts Using Creativebug

Today I will be sharing how to access one of BPL's newest online resources for kids and adults and highlighting some great crafts that kids can make! These crafts are an excellent way to make indoor activities fun, form a creative practice and give some DIY gifts this holiday season. 

Firstly, Creativebug is a video-learning site for art and craft classes. New classes from top artists are released every day, with instructors bringing a lifetime of practice and proven teaching methods. This site is free to use with a BPL library card. Simply click here to visit this resource, and enter your library card number to access the database! 

Once you are in, you can search for videos by title, topic, age, skill, and time-length. Beneath each video you will be able to see a Description, Chapters, Materials list and more to decide if this is the right project for you. There's even a section called Gallery where you can browse members' projects from the class and share your own work! 

Let's start off with some examples of crafts that would make great holiday gifts this season: 

1. Kids Sewing Infinity Scarf by Annabel Wrigley, 31 mins 
   
   
   
   This all-season scarf is a super cute beginning sewing project for kids eager to learn their way around a sewing machine, because it’s all straight lines. Before diving into the project, Annabel familiarizes you (or your fledgling sewist) with the basics of a machine and sewing straight lines. Then it’s onto the scarf itself -- which will serve as a bright and sweet reminder of letting loose at a sewing machine for the first time.
    
2. Finger Knitting by Amelia Strader, 8 mins 
   
   
   
   Want to get your craft on with nothing more than a skein of yarn? Amelia shows you how to finger knit chains of yarn that can be turned into necklaces, bracelets, garlands and much more. Wear the chains in stacks for a modern and tactile look. Amelia teaches the sequence in a chunky yarn so it’s easy to follow along. This is a great entry-level craft for kids and kids of all ages.
    
3. Kids Weaving by Kelly Wilkenson, 21 mins 
   
   
   
   Weaving is distilled down into its most basic elements in this class, so kids will learn and find satisfaction in the tactile, repetitive nature of "over, under, over, under." With a no-fuss portable loom and scraps of bright yarn, kids will create wall hangings, necklaces and cuffs. 
    
4. Kids Japanese Side Sewn Book by Jody Alexander, 6 mins 
   
   
   
   This is a kid friendly version of the four-hole Japanese Side Sewn Binding, no needle required! Kids can use the finished book to write in, draw in and tell a story. And they’ll be very proud of themselves after making a book!
   
    
5. Gelli Plate Printing by Courtney Cerutti, 56 mins 
   
   
   
   Learn from craft master Courtney Cerruti as she demonstrates how to use the Gelli Plate to make layered and textural prints. The silicone plate is infinitely reusable and is adept at printing both flat shapes and dimensional items like botanicals, fibers, textiles and more. Learn how to print on both paper and fabric in a process that is fast and addictive. The unexpected beauty in every print ignites an insatiable curiosity that can only be cured by an afternoon of printing. 

And of course, gifts need to be wrapped! Check out these videos to give your gifts a more personal feel: 

1. How to Make an Envelope by Courtney Cerutti, 10 mins 
   
   
   
   Learn how to make customized paper envelopes with Courtney. You'll begin by making a cardstock template so you can create multiple envelopes in various sizes. Courtney explains which types of papers work best for envelopes and shares how to make a decorative liner. With a few folds and a couple swipes of glue stick, you'll have a perfect envelope for birthdays, thank you cards, and holidays.
    
2. DIY Painted Gift Wrap by Courtney Cerutti, 5 mins 
   
   
   
   In one afternoon, you can create enough painted paper to wrap gifts for any occasion. Courtney Cerruti teaches several quick and easy dry-brush techniques, from sophisticated crosshatch designs to loose geometric squiggles – no prior painting experience required. At the very end, Courtney shares unique ideas for mixing and matching papers to wrap any gift.
    

I hope you'll find something that you can try today! As always, reach out to your library staff if you have questions on accessing databases. And, if you are not already a library patron, fill out the form and pick up a card today, it's free!