LibGuides: WSA@Home Enrichment Resources: Get Making!

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine

Hooked on Amigurumi by Melanie Morita The demand for boredom-busting indoor activities is at an all-time high. Thankfully, a number of publishers are offering crafting ebooks, from beginner’s guides to project ideas for seasoned crafters, to help readers keep busy during social distancing. Look below for a selection of the most accessible and entertaining crafting titles available digitally for people looking for productive at-home hobbies.

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine - Sewing

Mini Hoop Embroideries by Sonia Lyne
ISBN: 9781782216650
Publication Date: 2018-11-06
These tiny projects are fast and easy, whether it be traditional embroidery styles like sewing flowers or mixed medium paint-and-sew projects. Bonus, these crafts can easily be turned into jewelrylike necklaces and brooches as well for more practical use.
Sew Step by Step by DK
ISBN: 9781465491084
Publication Date: 2020-02-25
This all-in-one guide describes and illustrates tools, from the sewing machine to straight pins, as well as techniques for hand and machine stitches, collars, sleeves, gathers, patterns, fastenings, and other facets of stitching. There is an excellent section on fabrics, both natural and artificial fibers, that focuses on projects they're suited for and the needles, threads, and layouts they work well with.
Whimsical Felt Embroidery by Meghan Thompson
ISBN: 9781624148330
Publication Date: 2019-08-27
If you’re looking for a trendy update to your sewing routine, look no further. Hoop crafting with felt adds an extra dimension, and the wealth of step-by-step instructions and ideas make this guide useful for all skill levels. With phrases like “Love You a Latte” this guide is a much-needed, quirky update to the traditional craft of embroidery.

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine - Knitting, Weaving, and Crocheting

Chunky Knits by Alyssarhaye Graciano
ISBN: 9781624149566
Publication Date: 2020-01-28
With arm-knitting and oversized scarves taking social media by storm, what could be cozier than snuggling up with extra-large yarn and learning a trendy new craft? This fresh collection of knitting crafts includes instructions for all skill levels on projects from clothing to home essentials like blankets. Crafts included vary on supplies as some require larger needles and others call for no needles at all.
Hooked on Amigurumi by Melanie Morita
ISBN: 9781624147661
Publication Date: 2019-06-25
With tons of different patterns, readers can create the most kawaii stuffed toys, from animals to treats to favorite fairytale characters. With minimal sewing required, crochet fanatics can rejoice in the simplicity of each project.
The Weaving Explorer by Gwen W. Steege; Deborah Jarchow
ISBN: 9781635860290
Publication Date: 2019-11-26
This beautifully photographed collection of crafts features projects that can be created with homemade looms or even without a loom—perfect for those new to the art of weaving. Projects listed include a wide variety of useful and decorative items, be it clothing, baskets, washcloths, jewelry, or home décor. Supplies vary, but expect to make use of non-traditional weaving supplies such as fabric scraps, wire, and paper.

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine - Paper Crafts

Handmade Houseplants by Corrie Beth Hogg; Christine Han (Photographer)
ISBN: 9781604698190
Publication Date: 2018-09-04
If you don’t have a lot of materials at home for crafting, then a book like this—where all the materials can either be printed or found lying around the house—is a good choice when the local Michael’s is closed. A charming introduction to origami and folding paper into foliage.

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine - Painting

15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces by Anna Koliadych
ISBN: 9781624148804
Publication Date: 2019-12-03
Whether people are looking to learn watercolor alone or with little ones, this guide is accessible for all ages. Tutorials include galaxies, underwater scenery, animals, foods, fashion, flowers and foliage, and basic technique pointers.
The Art of Paint Pouring by Amanda VanEver
ISBN: 9781633227378
Publication Date: 2019-05-21
This book includes chapters on everything readers need to know to get started with paint pouring, a craft that’s recently become trendy, including how to get the correct paint consistency, which colors pair nicely, and how to keep their workspace clean. With an emphasis on affordability, this work is perfect for craft dabblers who may not want to invest a lot financially in a new craft.
Colorways: Acrylic Animals by Megan Wells
ISBN: 9781633226142
Publication Date: 2019-01-08
This whimsical book focuses on painting familiar subjects with creative color palettes, like bright pinks and purples for farm animals. By using an easy-to-blend medium like acrylic this work helps readers capture the likeness of different animals while inspiring creative coloring and artistic freedom.
The Organic Painter by Carne Griffiths
ISBN: 9781631596087
Publication Date: 2019-02-12
For crafty people running low on supplies while quarantined, this book focuses on how to paint with nontraditional materials like coffee, tea, alcohol, and even fire. From teaching how to make the “paint” to useful advice on mastering each medium, this richly photographed work is perfect for folks who don’t have the luxury of running to the local craft store for art supplies.
Paint Yourself Calm by Jean Haines
ISBN: 9781782212829
Publication Date: 2016-06-16
hese days we could all use a little more mindfulness. Combining meditative techniques and outlook-expanding text, this work teaches readers to watercolor in an empowering and positive way—perfect for combatting the stress and blues of quarantine.

Crafting eBooks for Quarantine - Hand Lettering and Calligraphy

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy by Laura Lavender
ISBN: 9781633227293
Publication Date: 2019-04-30
For those more interested in traditional calligraphy, this introductory guide to classic techniques is a one-stop-shop. Featuring styles like Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian hand, Bickham script, Victorian embellished capitals, Art Nouveau Capitals, and Gothic Capitals this beautifully illustrated work has everything needed to get started on a timeless craft.
Digital Hand Lettering and Modern Calligraphy by Shelly Kim
ISBN: 9781631597206
Publication Date: 2019-08-27
With super satisfying videos of calligraphy flooding Instagram and TikTok, this book offers useful tutorials on creating content in the digital age. From tips on using and making the most of software like Procreate and Adobe Sketch to basics of hand lettering, this is a modern guide to a classic art.
Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects by Kiley Bennett
ISBN: 9781497204515
Publication Date: 2020-05-12
This book is unique in that it teaches readers to hand letter on a variety of surfaces including glass, fabric, wood, and chalkboards. Unique project ideas include Christmas ornaments, caketoppers, and many of Bennett's signature inspirational materials.

Make a Mask

DIY Coronavirus Masks: Which Pattern Should You Use?
This article provides guidance from epidemiologists and researchers on making and using homemade masks, along with recommendations on use and care. Also included is a survey of designs from major medical centers. Author: Sindya Bhanoo for the Washington Post
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Learn to Draw

Daily Drawing with Jarett Krosoczka
Lunch Lady author and award winner Jarrett J. Krosoczka teaches anyone how to draw with these engaging daily videos.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Mo Willems, author and illustrator of the Elephant and Piggie books, offers new drawing lessons every day.
Dav Pilkey at Home
Dav Pilkey teaches you how to draw Li'l Petey and Big Jim, and reads aloud from 'Dog Man Unleashed'. Videos are hosted by the Library of Congress.

Coloring (Printer Required)

Coloring a Museum Masterpiece!
Tons of pages to print and color, courtesy of museums around the world and curated by the New York Academy of Medicine.
Coloring Pages from Illustrators
Original art from 23 childrens’ book illustrators designed for coloring (in celebration of Children's Book Week 2020, but fun any time). You can click on individual images to download and print, or download the full 'Read Dream Share' coloring book.
Coloring pages from Johanna Basford
Johanna Basford's "Inky Happy Place" with free creative resources. She has put loads of pages up online to print and color, along with video tutorials..