Published Thursday, October 17, 2019

Above: Sample slide from my CreativeBug wrapping paper class.

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Looking for a new hobby? Embrace your artistic side, and check out Creativebug! Creativebug allows Edwardsville Library cardholders unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes, all of which are taught by recognized design experts and artists. Watch classes anytime, anywhere. Since their classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace. No pressure, just endless possibilities!

You can find Creativebug on the “Resources” tab on the library’s website at www.edwardsvillelibrary.org. Please ask library staff if you’d like any more tips for using this wonderful database. We’re happy to assist you.

I am fairly handy with do-it-yourself projects, but I’m also easily bored. Once I try something I seldom want to do it twice. Also, I don’t like trying something new just for the sake of it. I’d rather create something I think I will actually use or give to someone.

Scrolling through the many categories and project options is very easy on Creativebug. It is a completely user-friendly platform. I quickly decided I wanted to try some paper crafting, and narrowed it down to wrapping paper for three reasons: 1) I was pretty confident I could make something I’d use; 2) I chose something I already had most of the supplies for so I wouldn’t have to purchase much; and 3) I work full time and would rather attempt a project with a high percentage of instant gratification!

The video for this class is very straightforward and the teacher clearly identifies the supply list and demonstrates techniques as she moves along. She also gives ideas for finishing wrapped packages with extra touches, using scraps of the paper you create. Overall, this project took about a half hour to make once the supplies were gathered.

I’d give this craft video class 4 stars. It was not complicated, and it met my three goals above. Painting tools are limited only by your imagination. I will use this cost-effective, personalized gift-wrapping paper and will be able to make more in the future. Thumbs up!

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The teacher demonstrated a simple "dry brush" method for creating wrapping paper on white drawing paper. No water needed, just acrylic paint or acrylic ink.

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I used paper and brushes I had at work, and purchased very inexpensive acrylic paint. Since I did not have a large brush as shown, I modified a small brush by cutting out some of the bristles, and I also used a plastic fork. To make a more solid color strip for ribbon and bow, I smeared my remaining paint with a paper towel and blotted it on paper before cutting out:

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The final product!