By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes
Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug.
An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. You can take a class on art, sewing, food techniques, knitting or crochet, paper crafts, and much more.
Ready to get started? View a video tutorial and find links to download the app for iPhone or Android or read on for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account and choose your own creative adventure.
Create an account/log in
- First, click here to access the Creativebug website via the library’s page. On this page, click the Creativebug link to get started.
- A new browser tab will open, and you’ll need to enter your Oak Park library card number and PIN.
- Next, you’ll arrive at the Creativebug homepage (pictured above).
- First-time users must create an account. Fill out the form on the top right-hand side of the screen with your name, email address, and a unique password you’ve created, then click submit.
- If you already have an account, click log in now to enter your email and previously created password.
Choose your adventure
Access your profile tab
Once logged in, notice that you have a profile tab on the top right corner of the screen, which will be the first letter of your first name. My name starts with “R,” so I’d click on the colored circle with the letter R inside (pictured above). Use the profile tab to access your information—including saved or recently viewed videos.
Preview the menu options
You’ll also see a menu at the top of the homepage (also pictured above) where you can access thousands of creative topics to explore.
- Hover the mouse over CLASSES, DAILY PRACTICE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, and RESOURCES to browse topics, or
- Use the SEARCH bar to search for a specific topic.
Find a class
Let’s follow the CLASSES link and find a class to view. Hover the mouse over the CLASSES heading to view the drop-down menu (pictured above) that allows you to choose a topic.
Let’s then hover the mouse over PAPER and click on Book Binding (pictured above).
Please note: You always can click on a heading instead of hovering over it to get to a topic quickly. Hovering over the topic allows you to browse broader topics rather than searching for specific ones.
In the Book Binding category, notice that there are 41 classes to browse (pictured above). You can scroll down through the list to see all of the classes and choose one that seems the most interesting to you. You’ll find the length of each tutorial shown in the top left corner of each thumbnail image.
Once you find a topic that interests you, click on the thumbnail image to learn more about the class.
Each class has an informational landing page where you can learn more about the project. For the example (pictured above), notice that the class videos are broken down into segments on the right side of the page, but you also can click on the center of the main image to start the class in full.
Continue scrolling down on the class page to view a list of materials needed for the project and a link to download and print the list.
That was just one example of how to navigate and use Creativebug to find a class. There are so many options to explore, you are sure to find something to pique your interest.
Save a class to your watchlist
Click the ADD TO WATCHLIST link to save the video (also pictured above). You’ll then be able to find the tutorial in your profile tab in the top right corner (see the access your profile instructions above).
Explore a learning journey
Beyond individualized classes, there are unique learning journeys to explore. In each journey, you’ll follow a series of classes and techniques that build upon each other, allowing you to gain knowledge at your own pace, build confidence, and complete projects along the way.
I encourage you to check out Creativebug and start a learning journey, take a class, and make something fun!
About Rose
Rose is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in health and senior services. She is a passionate reader, baker, and explorer who is always planning her next adventure.
