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CEO of Creativebug Ursula Morgan

CEO of Creativebug Ursula Morgan was the smiling voice we heard we heard on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird today.

Ursula Morgan’s crafting background began in Dublin, Ireland. In Ursula Morganschool the children are taught to knit, but her household was a crafting one. Her mother knit jumpers (what they call pullovers) that she wore to school. Her mother’s family was very busy, sewing costumes for the big theater productions locally. She dreamed of being a textile designer but was told she couldn’t draw at about an age 13. She listened to that teacher and left that dream behind until about 17. She was encouraged to go back to a career counselor who said when she was tested earlier, that she had scored very high in art, so she crammed and applied to art colleges and got in. Ursula now believes  that if anyone believes they are creative and wants to pursue it, they should, the are only limited by what they believe they can or cannot do.

Ursula became a graphic designer. She remembers her children playing under her desk as she worked as she used to play under her mother’s sewing machine. ‘The Macintosh became my sewing machine’ she says as she recalls working for Future Publishing, in London, She magazine, Good Houskeeping until her husband was moved to Bath, to work on the fishing magazines… They had a cross stitching magazine that she edited for a while, then they asked her to become a publisher, which she at first balked at especially when looking at the numbers. After while she found herself bored of the one magazine, wanted to do a knitting magazine. At first they did the balking, that the numbers didn’t support a knitting magazine, but she took out a loan and started Simply Knitting.

She paid off the loan with two issues of the magazine.

After that she started The Knitter and proceeded to create a portfolio of knitting magazines in the UK. From there, working with Red Heart, Crochet Today and Knitting today, she was asked to come to work in San Francisco. At about that time, Ursula met Marly at one of the Stitches West’s Pajama Parties, leading lip sync karaoke and having fun with knitters. When Marly greeted her, Ursula was star struck! Her was a designer who’s work she’d published!

CreativeBugUrsula’s boss introduced her to the founders of Creativebug, perhaps to interview and investigate this new thing, because she knew so much about the craft industry, she was on the Craft Yarn Council at the time so this was right in her area of wisdom. Ursula was blown away (from the sound of it) by this incredibly affordable way of encouraging crafters to give other crafts a try. She says she fell in love with Creativebug and with it’s philosophy, and left Future Publishing, to add her ideas to this platform. For instance, Ursula instituted a ‘if you liked this class….’ after you have taken a class, there may be something similar to continue your education. There is a credit system with Creativebug, earning tokens toward free classes, and perfect to make gifts of classes to others.

Ursula revealed that she loves crafting when she’s traveling, making the TSA agents look twice at her knitting needles. She uses the aps to download the classes and watch them on-the-go without having to be online.

The filming of the classes was meant to make it feel intimate, as if you were sitting next to the instructor in their workspace or living room. Somehow at the moment the videographers are all guys (a lot of skateboarders, and others who make their own films on the weekend), who are very interested in the crafts they are filming.  The pre-production is very thought out and the before the instructor arrives they are very organized how they are going to film. She cited one of the the filmers, Devlin, who has been knitting socks and is working on an animal, at the legs. He has been learning a lot from Norah Gaughan and was completely impressed when she came to film.

Marly spoke of her own experience, especially the video that introduced Creativebug & Marly BirdMarly to the Creativebug audience. (Her mom LOVES it!) TODAY they are releasing the second episode in the Shawl Workshop. And there will be another video NEXT week, the third in the series so STAY TUNED! Ursula mentioned the popularity of Marly’s videos, like the Southwestern Throw, which is currently at the top of the list in YouTube with Creativebug.

~AS A GIFT to all listeners and fans of Marly Bird, Creativebug is give a FREE MONTH to try out Creativebug! Use the codeword YARNTHING  at www.creativebug.com

YTSponsors

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  1. Erin K says:

    I really enjoyed hearing about what’s going on with Creativebug. I took one class with them a while back and it was beautifully done. I’ve been meaning to check them out again! Thanks for the nudge.

    It seems to me a creativebug is someone who just can’t stay away from creative pursuits of all kinds. I’m primarily a knitter and a quilter, but I’ve dipped my toes into everything from sewing to scrapbooking and cooking to line drawing. Creativebug (the site) seems perfectly created to cater to us multicraftual “creativebugs”!

  2. Michelle says:

    Pick me PICK ME!!!! I am such creavtive bug. I have crocheted forever and just learned (this year) to truly knit. I have made cards, scrapbooked, baked and many other creative things. I would love to check out CreativeBug. BIG FUN!!

  3. Mary Kay says:

    I think curiousity is what makes me a “creative bug.” I just enjoy learning new things. I must say, I was not very interested in the Creativebug business model until I heard this podcast. Now I am a fan! Yes, it’s different than Craftsy, but now I love both ideas! I will definitely be giving subscriptions for Christmas gifts!

  4. Elise Thomasset says:

    Oh my goodness, I felt like Ursula was inviting me to join their team! I am a lifetime crafter. I’ve had the Creative Bug since childhood. The earliest creative memory I have is painting tattoo designs on my Tiny Tears baby doll, long before tattoos were fashionable. I would create doll blankets out of scraps of fabric and build fairy villages in the woods with leaves and twigs. As soon as I could manage a needle I learned embroidery, and I made yarn dolls. I wanted to do every craft. I saw! I am an avid knitter and scrapbooker/ paper crafter. I love to be creative now with my grandchildren. I am a retired occupational therapist, having spent my career helping others overcome limitations to be independent using their hands. Thank you for being in the business of building creative skills. I am excited to check out Creative Bug!

  5. Ida Williamson says:

    I learned to crochet at 7 years old and have been a creative bug ever since. I think that crocheting, sewing and my other craft pursuits gives me a good balance from my work life, a chance to let off steam and get the creative bug juices flowing!! Can’t wait to check out all the classes!!

  6. Anita says:

    Being a creative bug comes naturally to those luckily raised by a creative mother. My mother taught us knitting, embroidery, cross stitch and sewing besides lots of other craft projects. My sisters and I were always making. And we were never told something was too hard for us. Before cross stitching was popular we ordered kits from Denmark. We poured over women’s magazines from the UK and my aunt would order the wool for us and send it on. In our family we have always equated making and giving with love. And sharing that knowledge and passion are what creative bugs do.

  7. Renee' C. says:

    Loved the show and getting to know Ursula! Her excitement over Creativebug is contagious! I’ve seen Creativebug before, but now I will check it out more thoroughly due to this excellent interview. Thanks, Marly!

  8. Louise says:

    I have heard about Creative Bug and will check it out since I love to learn and am a creative bug! Great concept!

  9. Vicki Lynch says:

    I got so excited listening to the concept for Creative Bug that I couldn’t wait to get home from walking the pups. Being creative gets my brain going in such a different way and makes me happy! I love my crafting time, making things, and learning new things. Marly-your comments about your class just give me more incentive to push on and learn to crochet.

  10. Six says:

    I had to listen to this live and then once again because I loved it so. I could totally relate to Ursula’s early experiences with drawing. It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that I met an art therapist who taught me that one does not have to be able to draw to call herself an artist. I would today call myself a creative bug. I dabble in a lot of areas and thrive on my creative process. Thanks for the great learning platform. I’m eager to try it out.

  11. Lisa Nixon says:

    What a wonderful podcast (as usual). I am a creative bug because I have spent my life acquiring craft materials! I sure hope that I can win a 3 month subscription – but I will certainly try the trial subscription! Thanks Ursula and Marly!

  12. Missy Schmidt says:

    I’m not sure when or how I became a creative bug. I have always been a crafter. I used to make Barbie clothes out of old socks and washcloths! I made a quilt when I was 10. I learned to crochet in high school. I’ve always had something going. I just love all things crafty! I adore the Creative Bug site! I signed up IMMEDIATELY! $4.95 is a STEAL! Sold!

    Thanks for a lovely podcast!

  13. Pennymb "ginsmom" on ravelry says:

    I’ve been creative bug since I can remember. Started embroidery when I was 6 or 7 then my grandmother taught me crochet. Then I crossed stitched, later knitting then tatting. Love it all. Thank you. for the chance to win

  14. Sue says:

    I’ve never heard of Creative Bug, but now that I’ve listened to this podcast, I will be sure to check it out! I love to learn new things (I sew, knit, cook, paint, anything else) and this would be the perfect opportunity!

    Thank you!

  15. Audrey says:

    I’m an obsessive creative bug. Knitting and crocheting, spinning and painting. .. it never stops. Ursula was a lively and lovely guest. Can’t wait to explore Creativebug!

  16. roseruffolo says:

    Hi Ladies! I loved this show! I have been curious about Creativebug, I’m so looking forward to watching the classes. Thanks to both of you…Marly and Ursula for the one month free promo ❤️

    I am a “Creative bug” because firstly it is a great way to escape the stresses of life. I find it to be a most wonderful way to meditate. Secondly, it makes me feel productive, it gives me a sense of pride and I love making people happy when I gift any of my “creations”.

    Have a great and creative day!

  17. Susan says:

    I was glad to hear about the Creative Bug website from Ursula. I have been infected with a creative bug since childhood. I inherited the bug from both of my grandmothers. It is inescapable, unrelenting and must be treated daily. Using the Creative bug website on a regular basis will help keep me mentally healthy.

  18. Mona says:

    What an inspiring guest. I’m a creative bug because it helps me relax and I love to take different supplies/materials and create something new with them.

  19. Mary L. says:

    I’ve been a creative bug all my life! My mother taught me how to knit, I taught myself how to crochet, majored in fiber/textiles in college, I weave on a large floor loom that I have in my studio, and am a recently retired art teacher – I taught hundreds of children how to be creative bugs for 33 years!

  20. Charles says:

    This was a very interesting show. I’ve heard Marly mention Creative Bug, but this better explained how the website works. I’m doing my free preview today.

    What makes me a Creative Bug? Being a make who loves being creative with fiber make me unique. I love knitting, spinning, and now sewing too.

  21. hotknitter says:

    I’m a lifelong creative bug, always making things. I’m a creative foodie, have done stained glass, embroidery, used to sew all my own clothes, crochet, knit, etc. Too many fun things to do, not enough time.

  22. knitfantasy says:

    I am a creative bug because I was born this way. I have always loved to make things and knitting is my favorite craft followed by scrapbooking. I also started making cards and I want to learn more about card making. I’ve tried a bit of cake decorating. You see, it just is a part of me.

  23. Jackie says:

    I am a Creativebug because I do all different crafts. I need a refresher in crocheting tho. I weave, knit, sewing,and spin.

  24. Laurie Wathey says:

    I’m a Creativebug because I’ve struggled with depression my whole life and making things with my hands helps keep me going. I LOVE CRAFTING! I knit, crochet, tat, cook, and an array of other crafty things. And then I can give them away and make others happy. 🙂

  25. Katelyn M says:

    Thanks for another great show. I haven’t tried CreativeBug before this show but with the amazing offer I will be trying it out for a month! So excited to be able to try your shawl class! After listening to the show I was thinking how I am a creative bug and I think it is really because I enjoy doing many different crafts and learning new things all of the time. I think that it really helps to make my other crafts better. Thanks for telling us more about CreativeBug.

  26. Nancy says:

    Loved the PodCast. Marly and Ursula inspire me to explore other areas of my CreativeBug personality. I want to experiment and try it all! Thank you for such a positive, fun podcast.

  27. Lisa says:

    I’ve always been a creative bug. When I was younger, I did a lot of cross stitch and latch hook, and some beading. Ten years ago I finally fulfilled my long desire to learn to knit. But I’m always looking for new ways to be creative and crafty.

    As a long time subscriber to Simply Knitting and a mourner of the departure of Knitting Today (it still stings every day when I drive by the Future offices in California), it was such a joy to listen to Ursula. She is more than a creative bug – she’s a creative force to be reckoned with!

  28. liz fox says:

    I am a creative bug – always have been- even if my finished projects arent always perfect! Would love to start a creative bug class!

  29. Carol T says:

    Thanks for a great interview with Ursula. I haven’t checked out CreativeBug yet, but really want to after hearing this show. I think that I am a ‘creative bug’ because I love to craft all things. Thanks again Marly.

  30. Katherine T. Howard says:

    This was a fun show to listen to and Ursula sounds like such such a neat lady. Great job ladies!

    I’m a creative bug because I find that art allows me to express myself much more easily than I do otherwise. I’ve performed onstage, singing, dancing, and acting and loved every moment of it. I can’t sit still so crochet allows me to move while making something. I put myself into everything I make, taking a pattern and putting my own stamp on it just like I used to do when I performed. I’ll don’t think I’ll ever stop creating things.

  31. Martha Donley says:

    I have had the creative bug since almost birth. At 5 I would quietly sit in the livingroom and braid the fringe on the couch. If it involves fiber I have tried it. I am going to check out Creativebug now

  32. Ashleigh Eden says:

    I am a creative bug because I have to be! Being creative is more than just being able to make clothing or accessories to me, it’s about being a problem solver, expressing myself, and carrying on a part of my grandmother along with me.

  33. Lori Biamonte says:

    I love to make everything from scratch. My Christmas presents, cards, ornaments, food. I am a true multicraftual creative bug. Knitting is my favorite! I am going to sign up for Creative Bug so that when I recover from my upcoming shoulder surgery, I can knit vicariously while watching others knit.

  34. Linda says:

    I am a Creative Bug because I love to bug creative people! Well, that may be true, but I also love to make things, and crochet and amigurumi make me especially happy. As Marly says, I may not know why I enjoy crafting so much, but it just makes me happy–and that’s a good thing! I loved Marly’s interview with Ursula. You can feel her enthusiasm. What a great spokesperson she is for Creative Bug. I didn’t understand the concept before, but now that I get it, I want to join!

  35. kayleigh m says:

    I just signed up for Creativebug and have been spending way to much time on this website! I love the interface, so easy to use and I’m discovering new fun creative outlets!

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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