You might roll your eyes at me. I’m the “Pinterest mom,” the one who actually pins ideas and follows through—like decorating my front door in gauze and googly eyes for Halloween. I’m a glue stick addict and go through them faster than you can say “craft time.”
During the holidays, I painstakingly crafted stunning wreaths from duct tape, pool noodles, and budget-friendly ornaments. It may sound silly, but they turned out beautifully. I’ve decoupaged quotes from Moby-Dick and T.S. Eliot onto seashells for my bathroom décor (because nothing says “relaxing” like reading “Call me Ishmael” while you’re in the loo). I’ve crocheted an array of items including oversized blankets, scarves, and hats—one even had turkey legs for Baby’s First Thanksgiving. The ladies at the craft store definitely know me, probably even my loyalty card number.
Then my kids grew up and developed a desire for hands-on activities, and that’s when things really kicked off. I experimented with various homemade play dough recipes, the kind that requires cooking and kneading. I’d put it all out on the table, shouting, “Don’t touch that! It’s hot! Just wait for Mama!” And guess what? Every single batch ended up molding in storage. So unless you want to whip up dough every time your kids ask for it (which is a lot), you might as well buy the yellow cans—my first Pinterest fail.
And let’s talk about goop. There are so many recipes. You can choose between clear glue or standard glue—though the latter is cheaper, it doesn’t deliver the same vibrant hues. I’m all about that goop aesthetic. Then there’s glitter. Sure, it’s the herpes of the crafting world, but it’s also the essence of glam rock and whimsy, so we sprinkle it liberally. Once, I set up a “play invitation” for my son using sparkly white goop and Star Wars toys, and he was entertained for hours—yes, hours!
I’ve constructed sensory bins galore. My youngest’s favorite is a plastic container filled with kosher salt and tiny sea creatures. I’ve made bins for letter tracing, number exploration, and even a baby pool filled with dyed rice for winter fun (that blue and purple rice is still emerging from beneath my furniture years later—thanks, Pinterest).
Once we started homeschooling, Pinterest went from a fun tool to a full-blown obsession. I rely on it for interest-based lesson plans, crafts to accompany those plans, and let’s be honest, just plain crafts. My second-grader loves filling out cutesy sheets about historical figures like Paul Revere. I need a crafty project for nearly every subject, and Pinterest is far more engaging than a simple Google search.
Oh, Pinterest. You inspire me. Without you, my creative ventures would crumble. You guided us in crafting a Mayflower from construction paper and a milk carton. When we delved into mythology with the Epic of Gilgamesh, it was your idea for the kids to create their own cuneiform tablets, which was easy since I might have a bit of a craft supply hoarding issue. They ended up making Sumerian beads with the extras. And when it came to tall tales, Pinterest had activities for every American legend, allowing us to discuss important historical truths rather than glossing over them. We crafted Babe the Blue Ox from a template, paints, and a toilet paper roll.
And Davy Crockett? Thanks to Pinterest, I learned how to assemble a full Davy Crockett costume. With some felt and faux fur, the kids and I created incredible outfits, all while singing his theme song. Yes, we made costumes as part of our schoolwork.
I even whipped up an adorable hedgehog costume for my youngest using just an old sweatshirt, felt, and hot glue—because why not?
Pinterest, you’re my creative muse. People can judge me all they want, but I’m addicted to making things. We all have our guilty pleasures. So what if the Christmas decorations melt off my wreaths in the Southern heat? They looked fantastic while they lasted, and I can always glue them back on. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find another worksheet on the French and Indian War—and yes, there will definitely be a craft involved.
In summary, while crafting may seem like a burden to some, for me, it’s a passion. From homemade projects to educational activities, Pinterest is an invaluable resource that keeps me inspired and engaged in my children’s learning journey. If you’re interested in exploring more about artificial insemination, check out this blog post. And for comprehensive guidance on starting your fertility testing and treatment options, visit this authority site. For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is highly recommended.