We’re thrilled to have Jess Amey here today as our featured Maker Mom. Jess is a creative mom of two from the UK who blogs over at Let’s Do Something Crafty. Her site is full of cute and fun ideas, many of which are inspired by her little girl. Since I have one of my own, I fell instantly in love with Jess’ blog since many of her crafts are definitely something I can see myself doing with my daughter. You’ll find lots of cheerful and colorful projects that use simple, everyday materials. Every time I am on Jess’ site, it just makes me want to smile.
Read more below to find out how Jess’ tips on playing creatively with kids!
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your blog.
Hi, my name is Jess and I’m mummy to two little people, Cherry and Tiger. I started blogging at Along Came Cherry over three years ago when my little girl was a baby who never used to sleep. As she got older we started crafting together and I developed such a passion for it that I started a new blog to focus entirely on crafts: Let’s Do Something Crafty.
What are your tips on getting creative with kids?
I find I have to let Cherry do things her own way, if I try and interfere she gets annoyed and I think it’s really important to let them explore their creative side without intervention. It does mean accepting there will be lots of mess, especially when glitter is involved (which it usually is!) but luckily I don’t mind that. If you aren’t too good with mess then my top tip would be to work outside!
Where do you draw your creative inspiration?
Weirdly it usually comes to me in my sleep. During those couple of hours before I properly wake up when I’m drifting in and out of sleep ideas will pop into my head. Then I will wake up and have to go and put them into practice before I forget what they were. I also base a lot of my crafts on things I know Cherry is enjoying playing with at that moment in time, for instance she loves jewellery so I make lots of that.
What are a couple of favorite activities you’ve done with the kids?
Cherry loved making these salt dough ice-lollies, she made the glitter ones all by herself.
She also enjoyed painting and decorating these cardboard necklaces. I told you she was obsessed with glitter!
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If you were stuck on a desert island with the kids, what crafting materials would you absolutely need to have?
A glue gun. It’s my number one craft essential, although not much use with no electricity?! So I would go for PVA glue, glitter and cardboard.
And because we love books and are always looking for good recommendations, what are some of your favorite children’s books?
As a child I loved Noddy books, I can still remember my dad reading them to me and my mum saved some which have been passed down to Cherry who also loves Noddy. I’m looking forward to introducing her to Roald Dahl as he was another one of my favourite authors as a child. There is something really special about watching your children enjoy the same things you did as a child.
Last, who are some of your favorite bloggers that inspire you?
Red Ted Art was one of the first craft blogs I discovered in the UK, it’s full of wonderful kid’s crafts and Maggy is so lovely and supportive of new craft bloggers. Capture by Lucy is full of gorgeous photography and fab craft ideas too. I also love your site as all the crafts are right up my street and I love the way they are all in one place. Then there is Pinterest, there are so many amazing craft bloggers on there!
Thank you so much Jess, for spending a bit of time with us today and giving us some great tips on how to get creative with kids! I hear you on the glitter – my kids can’t get enough of it. And I’ll have to try making those super cute lollies next time. Love the fact that you can just make the dough right at home!
Visit all of Jess’ creative projects over at Let’s Do Something Crafty and follow her over on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.
P.S. If you’d like to be featured as a Maker Mom, please drop us a note here. We’d love to hear from you!
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.