For this Lafayette Lens we are eyeballing the present, with a crafty look at the Library…
Calling all crafters! Lafayette Public Library is the perfect place for you! Not only does the Library offer dozens of different books in our catalog about various crafting projects, techniques, and materials, we also offer in-person classes and premium online tutorials.
Maker Mondays
Adults ages 18 and older can join us for Maker Mondays. Every month, a new workshop enables interested patrons to gather to learn a new skill, create something fun, and connect with fellow local residents. Most Maker Monday sessions last three to four weeks, meeting once a week on Mondays from 1:30-3:30 pm.
Maker Mondays can be found in the Library Event Guide and on the Library Calendar, typically at least one month in advance. Registration usually opens two or three weeks before the session begins.
What kind of classes are there?
In February, Assistant Librarian Zoe taught Knitting 101. Patrons learned the basics of knitting, including casting on and off, the knit stitch, and the purl stitch. Throughout the class students worked towards completing a chunky knit hat with a pompom.
In March, beginners enjoyed Sewing 101, a special workshop taught by a guest instructor who showed participants how to use a sewing machine to take in the waist of jeans or pants.
Upcoming Maker Monday classes
- Hand Embroidery – April 1, 8, 15, 1:30-3:30pm. This 3-session workshop will teach the foundations of hand embroidery to create stylized flowers and plants with Cat Eskey of Cottage Chip Hand Embroidery. Each week we will learn a few basic stitches and how to use them to create various leaves and blooms. We will use color and texture to bring them to life in a blossoming hand embroidered floral wreath you can take home with you-along with skills to last a lifetime. Registration is full, but you can sign up for the waitlist!
- Introduction to Studio 775 – May 6, 13, and 20. This 3-session class is aimed at helping new Makerspace users become comfortable in the space and confident using our most popular machines! Register (starting April 15).
- Watercolor Sketching on the Go – June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24. Two of the most relaxed and accessible forms of artistic expression are watercolor and sketching. In this Maker Monday series, attendees will discover how to combine two classical styles of art in a portable and approachable manner while exploring the beauty of Lafayette, Colorado. Register (starting May 6).
Crafting loves company!
Starting on April 28, join us monthly for Maker Meetup, a drop-in hour of crafting! This unstructured Maker Meetup will take place from 3-4pm one Sunday each month in the Upper North Seating Area. Meet fellow crafters, work on current projects, and gain inspiration from others. All crafter levels are welcome. Please bring crafts that are minimal-to-no mess and easily transportable.
Online Classes & Tutorials
Creativebug
Use the Library link to register your card and get crafting: lafayetteco.gov/Creativebug
Get inspired and hands-on with Creativebug video classes. Creativebug is an online database of arts and craft videos, workshops, and techniques. Creativebug has more than 1,000 award-winning arts and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists, and is a top resource for DIY-ers, crafters, and makers. Explore videos ranging from paper wedding crafts to book binding to crotchet or knitting.
Creativebug also offers daily videos and challenges, designed to inspire you for 30 days to improve and energize your art practice.
Watch videos, find tutorials and patterns, share your own creations, and more! Use your Lafayette card number to access the system, and your email to create a profile, and get crafting!
Craftsy on Hoopla
Find Craftsy video tutorials using the Library’s subscription to Hoopla! Learn more about Hoopla on our Download & Stream web page.
Craftsy Needle Craft tutorials on Hoopla
-Contributed by Zoe, Diana, and Emmi