Fun on Creativebug

November Creativebug Fun!

This November, kick off the holiday season with a selection of creative projects! See what is new this month in Creativebug!

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!

Shape, Pattern, Color: Hand-Stitched Sampler Books – November 1

Explore the art of surface design and storytelling with fabric as your medium. Delve into a world of rich textures and techniques—painting, dyeing, printing, stitching, and more—to craft four distinctive sampler book structures. Jody Alexander, a renowned book and textile artist, showcases many bookmaking and fabric art techniques to help shape narratives using your unique style and mark making. With suggested sizes accommodating diverse structures, seamlessly transition from page creation to book assembly, embracing experimentation as inspiration for future creative endeavors.

All-Seasons Embroidered Wreath – November 6

Craft a truly joyful wreath that can be enjoyed year-round. Designed by artist and Dropcloth Embroidery Samplers owner Rebecca Ringquist, this unique project utilizes two embroidery hoops to create that distinctive wreath shape. You’ll explore various thread thicknesses and a range of stitches, including satin stitch, French knots, and seed stitch, to add rich texture and depth to your design. Perfect for hanging as a timeless decoration or repurposing as a creative frame for photos or artwork, this class is ideal for both seasoned embroiderers and beginners.

CB Mixtape: Gratitude – November 13

Here at Creativebug we love to take the theme of Thanksgiving – gratitude – and reflect upon it all month long. In this selection of classes you’ll find exercises, sketchbook activities, and crafts all devoted to the theme.

Trust the Process – An Intermediate Guide for Abstract Painting – November 20

Elevate your abstract painting practice with fine artist Abby Houston. Before diving into this intermediate course, we recommend exploring Abby’s Abstract Art Making Daily Practice, where you’ll build a solid foundation of techniques. In this class, Abby guides you through the creation of two finished abstract artworks. You’ll begin by learning how to stretch your own canvas, then follow her as she works on two paintings side by side—one in warm tones and one in cool tones. She leads you through building layers of color, intention, and decision-making to achieve your desired result. This practice-based approach encourages curiosity and risk-taking while staying grounded, embracing mistakes, and trusting the creative process.

Make Mushroom Ornaments with Air-Dry Clay – November 27

Pique your clay curiosity by working with an air-dry variety, which doesn’t require expensive tools or a kiln. Texas-based painter and potter Cindy Willingham finds inspiration in nature and in this class, she teaches how to sculpt three different kinds of mushrooms. These mushrooms are so whimsical and enchanting, and in the process of making them, you’ll learn how to condition, shape, paint, and seal air-dry clay. Plus, add a wire hanging loop to turn your mushrooms into charming ornaments. If you prefer to work with kiln-fired clay, all the hand-building techniques are applicable, and you’ll swap out air-drying for kiln-firing and paint/seal for glaze. Discover the secrets of the forest as well as your love of clay.

Printable Project – Triangle Pouch

These darling, fully-lined triangular pouches may look challenging to make, but they are a quick, easy and stash-busting stitching project. The shape is reminiscent of the ubiquitous rice balls sold all over Japan called “onigiri” or “omusubi.” In keeping with the Japanese theme, the artist likes adding Sashiko embroidery, which gives the pouch that extra handmade charm.

Printable Project – Autumn Harvest Paper Fruits

These fall fruits and vegetables would be fun in a fruit bowl or a tablescape. Also consider hanging them from a string to make a bunting or mobile situation. They also fold up nicely to tuck into a letter or card to send a little harvest fun to someone far away!