From the Bookshelf

FROM OUR BOOKSHELF

Winter Crafts for Creativebug Fun

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Or are you not the creative type? Well, I am here to tell you that everyone can make something with their bare hands with Creativebug. Creativebug is a free online service from the New Orleans Public Library. This virtual database has more than 1,000 award-winning arts & crafts video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. With a library card, users get unlimited access to watch classes anytime, anywhere.

The classes that are available fall into the following categories: Art & Design, Sewing, Quilting, Paper, Knitting, Crochet, Food & Home, Jewelry, Holiday & Party, and Kids. Bonus: these classes never expire, and you can save them to your personalized watchlist, which gives you the ability to start and stop projects at your own pace. Classes are set as Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert level.

Currently, I am learning how to make a winter garland. This is a beginner level class, taught by Alethea and Jill from Studio Choo. This class teaches me how to make a festive holiday garland using seasonal greenery. The garland uses a branch as a base for a clean, modern take on holiday garlands. The instructors show me how to work with seasonal greenery including boxwood, cedar, wax flower, and seeded eucalyptus branches. A fragrant gardenia adds an unexpected touch of elegance. If it is summertime, you may opt to use different seasonal flowers instead. Throughout the class, Alethea shares her philosophy for creating an organic design and teaches the basics of wire wrapping to make a sturdy, long-lasting garland, perfect for hanging on the wall or using as a tabletop centerpiece. Another way to customize this project is by using faux greenery instead of the real branches.

The one thing that I love about these classes is that no matter when I start the classes, I can customize them to allow for changes in the seasons. Creativebug classes provide a materials list as well as a timeline for how long the project will take to complete. The winter garland takes an estimated 15 minutes to complete. Another amazing element is that no matter when you take a class, you can contact the instructor(s) through the comment section if you have a question. If you do not like watching a video, you can either read or print the transcript of the course/ instructions for easy review.

There is no pressure added with these projects, just possibilities with Creativebug!

Creativebug is just one of many virtual services and databases available to all New Orleans Public Library cardholders. If you do not already have a library card, and you are a New Orleans resident, you can obtain a card by either visiting any library location or by applying online at nolalibrary.org.

Carlette Dennis is a librarian at Algiers Regional Library.