Jumpstart your artistic practice with six weeks of creativity exercises taught by Lisa Congdon. Using a variety of Lisa's favorite art supplies and tried-and-true processes, learn how to use Microns, oil sticks, paints and collage to take a fresh look at shape, line and color. These exercises allow you to "get loose" and enjoy the process without overthinking the outcome. You’ll also learn how to work with color, use collage to respond to your in-progress artwork, and go outside to gather inspiration from your surroundings. Unlike Lisa's other classes, this series focuses less on specific projects and dives deeply into the artistic process to help you develop your own creative voice.

Make sure to share your artwork in our class galleries and on Instagram #cbugbootcamp 

Bundle up in style with a gloriously bulky super scarf. Designed by Yarnspirations, this oversized scarf features a 12-row stitch pattern that creates a gorgeous overall texture. Faith Hale shows you how to get started, work the Dew Drop pattern, and make super-sized tassels to finish off the corners. Worked in a super bulky yarn, the scarf knits up quicker than you might think. For even more Super Scarf inspiration, check out 12 more fabulous knit and crochet patterns from Yarnspirations here. 

In this class, Lia shows how to make customized gift bags and gift tags using a Cricut Explore. The Cricut will cut out and score the printed cardstock, making assembly quick and easy. Lia will show you how to add ribbon handles, giving your gift bags a clean, professional finish. These gift bags can be cut out and stored flat for later use or assembled on the spot.

In this gorgeous, color-filled class, Anna shows quilters how to make a vibrant quilt using half-square triangles and squares. This is a perfect class for combining scraps of fabric from your stash. Anna begins by walking quilters through the process of sorting their fabrics into color groups, and from there she demonstrates how to cut and piece the squares and half-square triangles. The real fun begins when Anna goes to the design wall to lay out all of the pieces—when assembled, the half-square triangles come together to create blocks of color that dive right down the center of the quilt. While the project involves a lot of patchwork, the cutting and piecing are easy and the process of sorting colors is pure fun.

If you have ever dreamed of sewing a wardrobe for yourself but don’t feel confident reading sewing patterns, this class is just for you. Deborah Kreiling has been creating sewing patterns with the Simplicity Pattern Company for 35 years, and in this four-part course, she will teach you all of the basic skills you need to know to follow a pattern and make gorgeous clothing. Focusing on two patterns – a classic gathered skirt, and a sleek Cynthia Rowley top and dress – Deborah will be with you every step of the way, from deciphering the pattern envelope and picking your size and fabric, to cutting and piecing basics, plus special techniques like inserting pockets, adding gathers, inserting invisible zippers, and adding facings. These patterns are classic – yet with different fabric choices, you can bring your own sense of style, from traditional to edgy. At the end of this class, you will not only have made three perfectly finished garments, but you will also have learned skills that will empower you to sew any garment with confidence.

Learn the basics of making one-of-a-kind woven tapestries with Annabel Wrigley. This course goes beyond simple warp-and-weft weaving, teaching you how to add long, dramatic fringe, color-blocked shapes, fluffy clouds of wool roving, and loads of texture and color. Best of all, Annabel teaches you how to mix and match all of these techniques so that you can design a unique tapestry of your own in any size you like.
 

This cuff incorporates odds and ends of different yarn, fibers and beads. Liz teaches a freeform approach to looming, showing you how to set up a loom and basic weaving techniques with her “over, under, over under” mantra. You design as you go, resulting in a modern asymmetrical, textured cuff.

Learn how to mix and manage colors in this artistic primer course. Illustrator Molly Hatch explains how the color wheel works, showing how to mix secondary and tertiary colors using primary colors, and how to mix tints and shades. Finally, she demonstrates how to create a personalized palette for your artwork with a fun coloring book page exercise (PDF included with class).
 

Dip your toe into the wild waters of quilting with these two simple potholder projects. Modern quilter Ashley Nickels shows you how to make a basic potholder using solid squares of fabric and pre-made bias tape, or a slightly more complex patchwork potholder using homemade binding tape. You will learn about basting, chain piecing and different styles of quilting, plus pro tips for attaching the binding.

Cultivate some magic in your life with these paper mache wands. This is a simple and imaginative project, and the wands can be made and decorated in any style. But perhaps the most special part is when Amy and her daughters show you how to instill your wand with magical powers, secret ingredients and whispers.

Sew a feminine, versatile clutch that will snazz up any outfit. Betz teaches you how to interface your pieces, add darts for volume, and construct the bag - from cutting the fabric through adding the hardware. This is a terrific project if you are looking to take your sewing to the next level, and it offers the opportunity to mix solids and prints for eye-catching results.

Learn how to turn sentimental or special fabric into custom book cloth for your handmade books. Jody explains which fabrics work best, and shows the traditional Japanese technique of backing fabric with washi paper to create a durable book cloth that can be used to create hardcover books and personalize your book projects.

 

Granny squares are a must for any crochet repertoire. Whether you choose to make your grannies multi-colored for a vintage look or a solid for a more modern take, Cal shows you how to crochet these classics. She also teaches different ways to join the squares for different projects so you’ll be a granny square evangelist in no time.

 

These unique wine markers are fun to make and require only the most basic of hand sewing skills. Dress up your next dinner party with these colorful markers, give them as party favors, or make a set a gift for any occasion. Be sure to download the PDF for the template.

These sweet girl’s bloomers are designed to wear under a skirt, dress or tunic, making them a great alternative to ordinary tights or pants. Upcycle them from one of Dad’s roomy t-shirts or use a colorful lightweight fabric, and finish them with elastic and a quick zigzag stitch.