Melrose Public Library

June Fun on Creativebug!

Check out the newest projects available in June!

Using your library card and PIN, create your own account for FREE and nurture your creative side with 1000+ video classes in painting, knitting, crafting, sewing & more!

Wearable Wins: A Daily Practice of Accomplishments – June 1

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could take all your amazing accomplishments, proud moments, or memory-worthy inside jokes with your bestie and literally wear them on your sleeve? San Francisco-based multi-media artist Risa Iwasaki Culbertson guides you through a month of introspective prompts and fun techniques to help you turn your memories into images, colors, shapes, and words that you will use to embellish a wearable canvas. Draw, paint, embroider, block print, stencil, make many kinds of patches and dangly charms, and even phone a friend. This magical garment will not only become a dynamic record of your wins but also a suit of armor for when you need to feel brave or need a little extra encouragement.

Overmarbling Techniques on Paper – June 10

Creating a “double exposure” effect with marbled papers produces a striking, layered result, and it’s exactly what Austin-based surface designer Mercedez Rex walks you through in this overmarbling technique class. She guides you through layered marbling techniques from the very beginning, starting with selecting your paper and prepping it with alum (the mordant that helps the paint stay in place). From there, experiment with how different registrations shift the final outcome by layering and doubling marbled designs like Suminagashi, Stone, and Gel-git.

This is an intermediate marbling class. To learn the basics of marbling, check out Mercedez’ Creativity Through Marbling: An Introduction.

Make a Block Printed Notepad – June 17

Making lists just got a lot more fun. Join artist and printmaker Sarah Matthews as she guides you through creating your own refillable block-printed notepad. You’ll start by designing and printing a custom pattern on book cloth, then cover book boards with crisp mitered corners. Learn how to add and assemble paper using screw posts or ribbon, creating a functional notepad that can be refilled again and again. Make them in any size or shape, and once you’re done—start jotting down all the people in your life who need one too.

Upcycled Denim: Spinning Wheel Quilt – June 24

A spinning wheel symbolizes creation and transformation and worn denim tells a story. Faded knees or pocket whiskers add character and artist Sandra Chandler encourages you to keep them in your design. In this class, she shares her modern quilt pattern featuring repurposed denim, quilting cotton, and curved piecing techniques. You’ll learn how to deconstruct thrifted jeans, cut and piece the Spinning Wheel Block, and assemble multiple blocks into a stunning contemporary quilt layout. Experiment with on-point designs, limited color palettes, or rearranged blocks made of repurposed fabrics.  Whether you stick to a classic look or explore bold variations, this class invites you to sew a quilt that reflects your unique story—full of depth, movement, and meaning. 

Need to brush up on your quilting skills? Check out our Quilting Learning Journey!