As a chill fills the air and mugs steam with tea and cocoa, many of us are looking to use time at home to get creative this holiday season. Homemade gifts bring a special personal touch to the holidays and provide a fun activity for the gift-giver.
Looking to get in touch with your creative side? The library has resources to help you create your own homemade gifts whether you are learning for the first time or are a seasoned crafter.
Creativebug
Creativebug offers a wide array of step-by-step tutorials for projects ranging from cake decorating to painting. Creativebug courses provide something for everyone with beginner level projects covering the basics and intermediate level projects for experienced crafters who want to up their game.
Check out the holiday section for special themed courses, such as making your own gift wrap or sewing a pie carrier. Get the whole family involved by exploring the Kids section with courses geared towards every age group.
Want to come up with your own creation but need some ideas? Visit the Inspiration Feed to see what others are creating and get ideas for your own projects. Plus, access the pattern library to download instructions for self-guided projects like the Sparkly Snowflakes Throw.
How to Access? Access to Creativebug is available with your library card. Check it out here: https://www.creativebug.com/lib/poudrelibraries
Librarian Picks: Two of my favorite courses so far include Creative Napkin Folding and How to Knit: Essential Skills for Getting Started.
Craft books
For years, crafting pros have been sharing their tips and favorite projects in crafting books. The library has hundreds of titles on handmade projects.
How to Access? Try searching “handicraft” or “handmade gifts” in the library catalog to access crafting inspiration.
Librarian Picks: Here are some titles to get you started.
In Handmade Gifts From the Kitchen, chef Alison Walker guides the home baker through creating unique gifts from rich fudge to spicy chutneys. Plus, she offers presentation tips and ideas for decorative wrappings for a special touch.
Give your kids an outlet for their creativity with Crafty Gifts by Jane Bull. Kids can enjoy hands-on projects making personalized mugs or bath fizzes and create fun gifts for the holidays. With a bonus section on handmade gift wrap, Bull offers all you need for a complete homemade gift.
In Beginner’s Guide to Crochet, Sarah Shrimpton helps learners get started through easy-to-follow instructions including photographs and diagrams. With simple ideas including one-day projects, this guide will get you ready to create crochet gifts for the holidays. This title is an eBook available with your library card through hoopla.
Gadgets & Things
Go beyond tutorials and check out the library’s Gadgets & Things collection for hands-on learning.
How to Access? Explore the whole collection of Gadgets and Things here: https://www.poudrelibraries.org/things/
Librarian Picks: Here are two kits to check-out.
Cookie Press and Decorating Set
Ready for some holiday baking? With the Cookie Press and Decorating Set, you can bake and decorate cookies like a professional. This set includes one dough press with cookie discs, decorating tips, and an instruction booklet.
Crochet Kit
Get started making your own yarn creations with the Crochet Kit. This kit includes two books, an instructional DVD, a crochet hook, and a skein of yarn. With all the tools you need, you can jump right in learning the craft of crochet.
We would love to see your creations. Share your handmade wonders with us by tagging them with #PoudreLibraries on social media. Happy crafting!