Are you planning to unleash your creativity in the new year? Check out these sites to get you started on your creative journey.
Creativebug
Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. It is the number one inspirational resource for DIY, crafters and makers, with thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes available for FREE with your CCPL library card.
Hoopla Digital
Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! Using the “Browse” feature, search for ebooks. Select “Categories,” and navigate to “Crafts & Hobbies” under “All Categories.” You’ll find over 3,000 ebooks on topics ranging from applique and baskets to soap making and woodwork.
LillaBjorn’s Crochet World
LillaBjorn’s Crochet World was created by Swedish crochet designer Tatsiana, and it is a great source for intricate mandala and blanket patterns. Many of the patterns feature overlay, brioche, and tapestry crochet, but they are still suitable for advanced and adventurous beginners. The patterns are available for free on the website, or a PDF version can be purchased from Etsy or Ravelry.
Image: Scheepjes Rozeta Crochet Along 2019, pattern from LillaBjorn’s Crochet World
Paper and Stitch
Paper and Stitch is a well-rounded blog created by a former high school art teacher. It features jewelry making, home decor, paper crafts, holiday decorations, recipes, and much more. This is a great place to start, if you’re still trying to discover your niche.
P.S. – I Made This
P.S. – I Made This is a site for crafters of all ages with projects ranging from beaded sunglasses chains and DIY hair scrunchies to pickled veggies and body scrubs. The instructions are short and sweet and straight to the point, with lots of photos. Perfect for completing projects with little ones.
So Sew Easy
So Sew Easy is a great resource for free garment sewing patterns. It is an excellent starting point, if you’re new to sewing garments. In addition to many free patterns (and some for purchase), there is also a blog with sewing tips, video tutorials, and quilting projects.
Suzy Quilts
Suzy Quilts features modern homemade quilting patterns. The site features free and paid patterns, along with sewing and quilting tutorials. Suzy Quilts is a particularly useful site if you’re interested in learning how to hand quilt your quilts. And, in addition to quilts, there are sections of the site dedicated to sewing tools, books and raising a toddler.
Image: Modern Music Jelly Roll Quilt
