It’s cold outside, so what better opportunity to pick up a new skill thanks to Timaru District Libraries.

All library members now have free access to Creativebug, an online learning service that offers around two thousand courses from top artists on a wide variety of craft based projects.

Users can choose from a range of categories including: art and design, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, jewellery, food and home. All you need to sign up is your library card number.

Creativebug allows you to learn online and use your skills in the kitchen, in the lounge or in the garden. With a Creativebug account, users can find projects at any skill level, with new classes released daily, hundreds of patterns, templates and recipes to download.

Ingrid Davies-Martin, Timaru District Outreach Librarian, said she has introduced Creativebug to her knitting group that meets at the Timaru Library on Thursdays.

“Creativebug is a neat tool for the whole community to use, especially if you want to take up a new hobby, save some money by making gifts or find creative recipes to preserve and make the most of your food’,” she said.

“Each category is broken down into sub-categories, so it’s easy to navigate, and customers can complete projects at their own pace and it’s all for free.

“Time to get crafty, Timaru.”