If you are convinced you have no creativity lurking inside you, or if you're looking to increase your craft and artistic knowledge, it can be very time consuming to gather the information you need.
As a beginning crafter, the most difficult part is that you can't really look up exactly what you need to know, because you have no idea what you need to know. You spend hours and hours watching videos and reading blogs with the hopes that you can eventually piece together the information into something that works for you.
After I spent hours of doing those things--so many hours I wouldn't want to know how many--I finally stumbled upon a variety of ways that I was able to learn many different things. I could then spend my time learning, instead of searching unless I needed something more specific. I want to share what I discovered with you so you don't have to waste the amount of time I did.
Udemy.com Udemy is a site full of a variety of different classes from business to art, and just about everything in between. Prices for the classes are very reasonable, especially for the quality of the classes I've taken. There are also sales pretty frequently and you retain access to the class forever. You take them at your own pace, but there is a way to contact others taking the course as well as the instructor if you need a little guidance. Keep your eyes peeled for sales, because you can get great courses for under $20.
Skillshare.com Similar to Udemy, Skillshare has a variety of courses and the amount of detail in the courses varies by the creator. There is usually something useful to beginners, and Skillshare also offers a variety of courses for free, changing them out frequently. As far as I know, as long as you click to obtain the class when it's free, you can then take it whenever you are ready. You can even sign up to get emails from them, so you'll get the notice of the free classes right to your inbox, along with a partial list of free classes. This is a definite time saver.
YouTube.com One of the most common places to find just about anything is YouTube. You may end up doing a lot of searches, and video-watching, but you have a lot to choose from. It's especially helpful when you just need to know one specific thing though, rather than trying to figure out everything you need to know about crochet or drawing. I like to think of it as a gap-filler, or for more advanced creative pursuits where you know what you need to do, but need a visual so you know you're doing it correctly.
Creativebug.com This site is dedicated strictly to creative endeavors, so if you're looking for programming courses you will be disappointed. There is a pretty decent range among the classes of different types of crafts, at varying skill levels. These are usually pretty quick, so they don't take a ton of time to watch, unless it's a step-by-step walkthrough. The greatest part about this site is that it helps bolster your creativity. Seeing so many ideas generates more ideas, so if you're in a bit of a creative rut it's a great spot to glance through all the projects. As of now, Creativebug charges one monthly fee for you to access a lot of content. Specific classes may have separate costs associated with them, but it would be listed so just check each class you want to take. If there's an additional cost, it'll say right on the project/class.
Craftsy.com This site is similar to Creativebug in that it specializes in crafts and artistic endeavors. There is a wider range of topics available on this site, and the classes seem much more in-depth in some cases. There is usually a monthly cost (used to be per-class so if they change things again that may come back). So far it's been a pretty reasonable monthly cost for the amount of information that is available.
Craft stores: These are another great resource if you have a bit of extra money. Stores such as JoAnn Crafts, Michael's, and Hobby Lobby usually have classes you can take at prices that can range from about $15+. The benefits are that you usually get to meet other crafters, which is a great way to get a network of supportive people together, and you have an actual qualified trainer to give hands-on help right when you need it. These cost more, but keep in mind that a lot of times, the cost of the classes may also include the materials you need for the class. You may even get to keep those materials when the class is over. If the costs is a bit too much, but you might be receiving gifts, you might just ask for a gift card instead that you can apply to classes as long as the stores allow it.
Local libraries: I love libraries because I love reading, and books, but you might be surprised at the other services that may be available. My local library, for instance, offers free connections to Lynda.com which has a bunch of comprehensive courses from graphic design, to computer programming. It also connects me for free to a site that teaches foreign languages, and some other awesome things. You will need an active library card though, so if you haven't found a reason to get one yet, get it now. It should be free to sign up for a library card if it's your first one. You may have to pay if it's a replacement card.
College: You don't need to go back to college for an entire degree program, but you can take one course at a time if you want. You may be able to find scholarships, grants, or even be able to audit a class for a reduced price. You don't get any college credit for auditing a class, but the price difference can mean substantial savings. This is the most costly option financially, but you also start at the beginning of a skill level so there will be fewer gaps in your knowledge base, which can save you time. You don't have to do searching, the instructor gives you the information you need. This is probably the most time-efficient methods of learning.
Local tutors and small businesses: You might be able to find a college student or even a small business that offers classes or training on certain craft techniques. Sometimes local tutors and small businesses can offer classes a little more cheaply.
Hopefully this gives you plenty of resources to get your creativity flowing, and saves you a lot of time, effort, and headaches. If you know of an awesome resource I haven't listed here, please feel free to share in the comments!
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