Creative Spaces
Welcome to Creative Spaces at BPL!
Whether you are a DIY expert, looking to learn a new skill, or just curious about making, all our welcome in our Creative Spaces! Access tools and resources to embrace your creativity and learn a new skill in an innovative and fun way. Create your own gift, tackle that DIY project, or learn about a new tool.
Plan Your Visit
Drop in when the library is open and get creative with some hands-on fun. All tools are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are available to use free of charge. We have all the materials you need for experimenting and learning - when you’re ready to make your own custom projects, we invite you bring your own supplies.
Getting Started
Never used the equipment before and not sure how to begin? Register for one of our Maker Workshops! Join library staff at our Downtown location and learn a skill in a project-based, small group setting so you can start creating all on your own. Register on our event calendar, by calling 705-728-1010, or filling out our Ask Us form.
Want to get started on your own? See our list of Available Tools below for an overview of each tool and watch our online tutorials on the BPL Digital Library Academy. We encourage everyone to embrace their inner adventurer and be willing to go boldly into the unknown - there is no such thing as failure with DIY, just learning and fun!
Available Tools
Available Downtown
Our Ultimaker 3D Printer prints 3D objects using plastic filament. Get creative and print anything from figures, phone holders, and jewelry to key chains and basic prototypes.
Patrons will need to prepare their 3D design and then finalize the design using Ultimaker’s Cura software – which is available on all public workstations in the library. Final products need to be saved to a USB and brought to the 3D printer to run the print job.
Printing time is limited based on library operating hours – all print jobs must finish 30 minutes prior to closing. Patrons are responsible for their print jobs from start to finish; there will be no queuing of jobs. Filament spools will not be changed out for a preferential colour.
Most prints will be available free of charge, though the library reserves the right to add a charge to large print jobs or heavy usage – please speak with staff prior to the start of your print.
Ultimaker-3 Instructional Video
Available at all locations
The Cricut is a fun cutting machine that is great for scrapbooking, crafting, hobbyists, sewing and quilting projects. Come try it out and make some fancy greeting cards, designs of iron-on transfers using heat transferable vinyl, or use the Infusible Ink markers to sublimate designs onto almost anything!
Tools and equipment are available to use free of charge and we have all the materials you need for experimenting and learning. When you’re ready to make your own custom projects, we invite you bring your own supplies. When working at the library on any designs, patrons can make use the library’s subscription to Cricut Access.
Not sure how to get started with the Cricut? Book a Cricut Coach for a one-on-one session with a BPL staff member to learn the basics.
Cricut Maker Instruction Sheet
Cricut Maker Instructional Video
Available at all locations
Create stunning and professional quality mugs using the Infusible Ink markers or bring your own infusible ink sheets. Your finished project will be dishwasher safe!
Standard mug projects require the use of heat-resistant tape to completely seal designs on the mugs. The mugs will then ‘bake’ for roughly 6 minutes, and then need to cool down (untouched) for ideally 20 minutes.
To successfully use this equipment, you will need to use a special type of mug called a ‘sublimation blank’ for the ink to transfer and adhere. Sublimation blanks can be purchased at various art-specialty stores or online. The library also has blanks available for one-off purchases – no large quantities; please speak with staff for details.
Cricut MugPress Instruction Sheet
Cricut MugPress Instructional Video
Available Downtown
Learn to hem your pants, fix a seam, or make your own t-shirt. You can repair instead of replace in a few easy steps!
Our computerized sewing machine is ideal for beginners, with a bright LCD display with easy navigation. Some supplies like basic thread colours will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own fabrics.
Learn how to sew by watching a Creativebug craft video class.
Janome Sewing Machine Instruction Sheet
Janome Sewing Machine Instructional Video
Learn and Discover
Expand your skills, explore your interests, challenge yourself and learn something new!
- LinkedIn Learning provides a ton of training tutorials ranging from a few minutes to hours of tips and advice. That’s what makes it so great - there are in-depth courses if you want to devote time to learning something, or you can do a search and dip quickly into a relevant chapter. Learn more about LinkedIn Learning.
- Creativebug puts creativity at your fingertips. This easy-to-use, instructional video platform is updated daily and has a library of well over 1,000 projects. Once you’ve found the video project you want to dive into, you can also view the transcript of the video, grab any templates, patterns or recipes needed, and go from there. Learn more about Creativebug.
- Visit our BPL Program Portal to view a variety of maker programs created by BPL staff.
