We recently welcomed Creativebug.com, a provider of online art and craft instruction, to the Demand Media family. As a crafts fanatic, I am thrilled to have a front row seat for the unfolding of Creativebug’s next chapter. As a subscriber, I am excited to continue learning from its growing library of workshops.
When Creativebug’s founders, Jeanne Lewis, Julie Roehm, and Kelly Wilkinson, visited our offices some weeks ago, their passion for their work virtually lit the room. Their connection to art and artists awed and inspired me. When they left, I was online watching their videos before the elevator doors closed behind them.
My tour started with video introductions to Creativebug’s instructors. Some of these artists were new to me–Natalie Chanin, Rad Megan, Alison Kaplan, and Courtney Cerruti, for instance. Others–Amy Karol, author of the Angry Chicken blog and Bend-the-Rules Sewing, Sue Nickels, author of Machine Quilting, and Heather Ross, author of Prints and Weekend Sewing–felt like old friends.
As soon as I subscribed, the workshops had me completely hooked. Although I’ve been crafting for decades, I learn something new from every chapter I watch.
Courtney Cerruti taught me new ways to transfer images, which I put to work on several Easter egg projects.
Rad Megan showed me how to make fantastical bubble wands, which inspired this festive wand.
Natalie Chanin sparked my now intense desire to practice hand applique. Alison Kaplan had me cutting felt and stitching whiskers on mice and bunnies. And it is all so much fun.
Do yourself a favor: spend some time exploring Creativebug.com. Whether you’re new to crafting or an old hand with needles, brushes and beads, you’ll find much to delight and inspire you. You’ll also find dozens of new ways to answer Creativebug’s essential question: “What will you make today?”
