Canton Public Library is excited to offer Creativebug. Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. They have classes in drawing, quilting, knitting, cake decorating, jewelry making and so much more. There’s even classes just for kids. All you need is a Canton library card.
And, of course, we have oodles of books on crafts. Here’s a few that we really enjoy:
Adults
World of Geekcraft: This book has 25 projects in all sorts of media – everything from perler beads to cake decorating, knitting to terrariums – celebrating all different aspects of geek culture. Come on, 80s kids: you know you need to cross-stitch an Oregon Trail hunting scene.
Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects into Stuff You Love: Upcycling is all the rage (Bernie’s mittens, anyone?) and this book walks you through dozens of ways to turn worn clothes, found objects, and thrifted treasures into beautiful and functional objects to wear, use, and play with. Nurture your creativity and find the hidden potential all around you.
Mod Podge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World: There’s so much more to decoupage than making votive holders. Get inspired to transform everything from bike helmets to furniture.
Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk!: Make Stylish Shrink Plastic Jewelry: Remember how fun it was to watch shrink dinks wiggle around in the oven? It’s no less thrilling now that you’re an adult! Learn how to use shrink plastic to make fun, colorful, and surprisingly stylish jewelry. (I’m most intrigued by the projects that resemble fused glass.)
Lit Stitch: 25 Cross-Stitch Patterns for Book Lovers: Cross-stitch and embroidery are back in a big way. These edgy, bookish designs are perfect for the reading enthusiast. Also available as an eBook on Hoopla.
The Knitter’s Life List: Asking me to pick a favorite knitting book is…well, it’s impossible. This is a little different from most, though – rather than a book of patterns, it’s a survey of all kinds of topics related to knitting – techniques and tips, fibers, traditions – to help you learn more about the craft and build your own knitting bucket list. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.
Teens
Modern Crochet Bible: Because crochet isn’t just for granny squares. Learn all about yarn, hooks, and stitches. Soon you will be making scarves, placemats, bags, and your very own No-Drama Llama. Also available as an eBook on Hoopla.
The Knitting Book: Knitting is everywhere these days. Everyone seems to have a set of needles and some yarn stashed away somewhere. Or maybe lots of yarn- it’s a habit. Knit and purl yourself to happiness.
How to Embroider Almost Everything: Learn to draw with thread and a needle. This book will show you the basic stitches but the best part are the patterns. Animals, plants, people, places, and pirates! Available on Hoopla as an eBook.
Harry Potter Knitting Magic: Knit your Hogwarts House Scarf! How about a pair of Quidditch socks? Make a Christmas sweater to rival Mrs. Weasely’s. Even conjure up a Hedwige! Make knitting magical.
Artist’s Painting Techniques: Do you dream of being the next Van Gogh? Learn to paint your next masterpiece. We promise you will finish this book with your ear intact!
Super-Cute Felt: Learn to have fun with felt. Learn to stitch up that oh-so-soft fabric to create dozens of projects and gifts. Bonus points for cute.
Kids
Art Lab for Little Kids and Art Lab for Kids: These books offers projects of all different kinds of arts and crafts. Try a little of everything. Experiment with something new and different every week of the year.
Craft-a-day: If a craft a week is not enough to keep hands and minds busy, this book offers crafts and simple handmade projects for all 365 days a year.
Karina Garcia’s DIY Slime: Because it’s SLIME! End of story.
Play, Make, Create, a Process-Art Handbook: Invite your child to 43 new art adventures. This is all about the fun and enjoyment of doing art. This book offers advice to parents on how to talk about, set up, and offer invitations to create.
The Creative Family Manifesto: Use your imagination, basic art supplies, household objects, and natural materials—to relax, play, and grow together as a family.
Show Me a Story: Use arts and crafts to help children to express themselves by storytelling.