Hey there! I’m Joy…Mom, OT and Crafty Lady

Ever have a day when dry shampoo was your best friend and mac & cheese passed for a food group? Been there! And yet, even on the days when we feel like we’re just not measuring up as a mom and have zero energy left to nurture, we want our kids to continue to learn and grow and THRIVE!
We want to limit screen time but struggle to find other things that will engage our children (and allow us to just have one minute to throw in a load of laundry or work on that business proposal!). It can take so much energy to plan hands-on creative experiences, but we know that it’s crucial to developmental. After all, kids learn best when they’re engaging all of their senses. Most craft sites present projects that require time consuming prep and a PhD in Craftology in order to complete an activity. NOT HERE. I want this to be doable! I pledge not to produce crafts on this blog that are beautiful to look at but that no one will ever make. These projects are for doing, not just for kids to observe while adults do the actual crafting!
My biggest joy in life has been being mom to 2 amazing boys, now young men. And when I look back over their childhood, I think to myself “Wow, you were an amazing mom! You deserve some sort of parade or something to honor all of your outstanding achievements!” HA! Of course I don’t think that (most moms don’t) Instead, I beat myself up about all of the ways that I failed and didn’t do the things that I really wanted to do with them. Time just gets away from you, and life is hectic. More often my thoughts about their childhood are “Well, I hope the therapy bills aren’t too high.” (Truth) With time does come a little bit of wisdom, though, and I’ve figured out a way to at least help busy moms whittle out a little time to craft memories with their families by using a different approach.
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I talk with parents every week who are concerned that their kids will not be ready for kindergarten or whose kids are struggling in school in other ways. So, I started this blog to try to answer some of those questions. (And now that my own kids are practically grown I actually have some free moments in the day…Yes, some day you’ll get that much needed rest too…promise.) And, mostly, to provide resources for families to bond together and have fun while creating!
Here you’ll find simple and seasonal craft ideas, with my OT tips for promoting much needed skills needed for success in school (and life) sprinkled in. Even better, each craft is completed using items from the same master list of basic craft supplies which are economical and easily stored in one bag (or box, cupboard, cart, whatever suits your fancy). Keep your bag stocked with the recommended basics, just like a pantry.
Check out the “Fill Your Bag” page for the list of supplies you’ll need. A lot of them you probably already have on hand. Let me do all of the leg work and take the hassle out of setting up an invitation to play. If you prefer, use the Amazon links to make it even easier to gather your items (How did we all survive before there was PRIME?)
On a personal note… *I’m a Broadway fanatic that love to spend the weekend in NYC any chance I get *I’m obsessed with improving kids’ fine motor skills *My almost grown children are both very creative and artistic in their own ways (ask me about it, and I’ll talk your ear off all day!) *I get my creative genes from my dad, and my gift of gab from my mom (thanks, folks!!!) *Even if I do work out every day, I promise that I’ll never put it on the internet! *My husband is the sexiest man on the planet…nough said! *Some of my favorite people are my pets (Zelda, Link, and Pudding) *It’s my dream to buy a fixer upper and restore it to beauty (some day) *I’ve never successfully applied eye liner (I guess there’s always tomorrow)
Free Printable Gummy Bear Craft for Kids
Gummy bears aren’t only fun to eat, they’re also super fun to make as a paper craft. This sweet gummy bear craft is available in five colors. My favorite is the pink, but they’re all pretty darn cute. You’re going to want to make them all! If you enjoy making this cute candy craft, you’re…
Free Printable Valentine’s Day Card Snowman Theme
The best cards are homemade cards, and you’re going to love making (and giving) this sweet printable Valentine’s Day card. The theme is “You Melt My Heart” and features a melted snowman. To create a sort of 3D effect, we’re going to grab good old faithful Elmer’s school glue. Just add a few squirts of…
Free Printable Winter Hats for Kids
We have a way to make celebrating any holiday or season that much more fun…hats!!! These printable Winter hats are the perfect thing to make the season even better. Just print, color and wear! They’re perfect for kids of any age. There are 2 versions (love birds, dino and heart) for you to choose from….
Free Printable Penguin Card for Kids
It’s always a good time to give a handmade card from the heart. Creating something like this adorable penguin card is not only fun to make, but it can also help teach a lesson to kids. We can help them find a way to say “thank you” or “I love you” in a special way…
Fun Swedish Fish Candy Craft (with Free Printable)
Sometimes inspiration for a craft comes from every day life, like this cute Swedish fish candy craft. It’s one of my favorite sweet treats, and I wanted to share it with you. Honestly, you’re going to love it! If you enjoy making this simple paper craft, you’ll also love making this ice cream sundae craft,…
Free Printable Soccer Coloring Pages for Kids
Do your kids love coloring pages? So many do. And, so, you’ll be seeing a whole lot more of them here. I’ve been creating away and can’t wait for you to see all of the designs coming your way. And…the best part is they’re absolutely free! Just enter your email below to download your free…