Getting Started with Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center

Develop a new hobby and get creative with the whole family through this unique database and its extensive ideas!

Get started with nearly any hobby you can imagine with the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center. Plano Public Library offers this database through its online resources page. Use your library card to access detailed instructions and how-tos for your topic of choice.

Powered by EBSCO, the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center highlights curated categories to get you started. Browse by clicking on any of the 11 featured categories, or view all topics for an even more expansive list. Or, if you know what you’re looking for, search from the home screen for suggested terms to appear.

The possibilities are endless! Check out these examples of ways to get the most out of this comprehensive tool.

Learn to Cook or Bake

Whether you’re trying to find a healthy recipe for a family meal or you want to bake a cake, the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center has you covered. Within the Home & Garden category, pick from a menu of Cooking & Baking topics. Browse for something that looks interesting, or narrow your search further via the Advanced Search function.

Try Knitting and Other Fabric Arts

Check out the Needlecrafts & Textiles category to view techniques and patterns for popular hobbies such as Knitting, Macramé, Weaving and many more. Learn how to make a handmade garment or piece of art that could last for generations. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Cast a wider net by searching for a topic of interest directly from the home screen.

Practice Sketching and Drawing

Learn to draw with the numerous resources available through the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center. Within the Arts & Crafts category, select Drawing & Sketching for step-by-step instructions in drawing realistic or stylized pictures, including manga. Conduct an Advanced Search to narrow your results based on a technique or subject you would like to practice. Try searching for flowers, buildings, animals or people to get started!

Take Pictures Like a Pro

Has your camera been collecting dust lately? View the Photography topic within the Home & Garden category for inspiration and techniques. See the work and insights of professional photographers, or learn techniques appropriate to subjects such as landscapes and people.

If you’re in the market for for a new camera, the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center has you covered, too. Just click on Advanced Search and add ‘camera’ as a search term to find suggestions and reviews.

Engage With the Whole Family

Looking for something to do with the whole family? Explore the Kids’ Crafts category for a variety of creative ideas, such as the topics below.

• Origami: learn to fold shapes out of paper with beginner-level step-by-step instructions
• Cardmaking: help your child make a birthday or holiday card
• Beading & Jewelry Making: show off fun and fashionable crafts that you can wear
• Pets: teach your child how to care for your dog or cat

Inspired? Enter any of the kids’ topics into the main search bar to see a more extensive collection of resources for all ages and skill levels.

Tell us how you’re using the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center to enhance your life in the comments!