By Rainbow Services Librarian Hal
Crafting is a fun way to express yourself. The library has all kinds of resources to support and encourage young artists. Let’s explore a few!
Create & craft with Creativebug
Creativebug is one of my favorite resources. To get started, you’ll need to create an account with your Oak Park library card and log into Creativebug. Find step-by-step instructions on how to do just that »
There you’ll find video tutorials for all ages that will guide you through every step of a project, from gathering the materials to the finished product. You’ll also find learning journeys, a series of classes that help you to practice.
Three projects I recommend
- Embroidered Constellations: Bring the night sky into your home with hand-embroidered zodiac constellations. This project uses simple stitches and is great for beginners.
- Magic Wands: Cultivate some magic in your life with these paper mache wands. This project invites everyone to use their imaginations.
- Friendship Bracelets: Celebrate your friendship with a bracelet! You can make them for yourself, give them as gifts, or trade them with your besties. This tutorial shows five different bracelet designs.
If you’re looking for more crafting ideas, check out this Kid’s Crafting Journey, a series of classes that, according to Creativebug, “cover a range of topics and allow kids to work at their own pace, explore nature, and have a blast using inexpensive supplies you might already have at home.”
Check out Discovery Kits
If you’d like to try out a new craft or creative activity, but don’t know where to begin, use your Oak Park library card to check out one of our Discovery Kits. They come with the tools you need to get started like supplies and instructions.
Read these books
Want to explore more ways to express yourself through creating and crafting? Check out some of these books.
About Hal
Hal is a children’s librarian who specializes in serving LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. He is passionate about identity exploration through collaborative storytelling and imaginative play.