Thanks so much for stopping by, I’m Tracey, and I make things out of stuff that usually gets recycled or thrown away, and turn them into craft projects.
It all started with this blog, which began life as a kind of diary, recording things I did with the kids, especially when their Dad was away (he's in the army).
And then slowly the diary stuff stopped, and it sort of organically grew into a space where I share my crafts.
I've always loved making things, but with work, army life and kids, I'd lost sight of that, and forgot how important being creative was to me. That's the great thing about blogging, you often find you’re just naturally drawn towards your light.
I’ve written many projects since then, but there is a common thread that weaves through them all, right from the very first one - I only ever use what I have (the Jumble part!), which usually means packaging from the recycling, like egg cartons and various tubes and boxes - and some basic craft supplies.
Keep costs and waste low, and creativity high - that's my drum beat.
The fun and the challenge for me has always been transforming something a bit dull and ordinary into something exciting and unexpected. And I honestly believe this is one of the best ways to encourage creativity in kids. Give them an egg carton or a TP roll, and they have to use their imagination. It's a great way to get them to think outside the box.
These skills can be really important later on. By unlocking that creativity, you give them the tools to deal with a whole host of things. And I'm not just talking about crafty, arty things - because I know that's not everyone's bag. I would have loved my boys to have continued making or painting, but that wasn't to be. Still, there are so many other ways to be creative - with words, sounds, food - you name it. I believe thinking creatively helps you see solutions rather than problems, and that's a seriously useful life skill.
But back to the blog and the books!! I've been so lucky to get 'Make Your Own Zoo' and 'Make Your Own Farm Animals' published by CICO Books, as well as the storybook, 'Brian the Lion goes into Space'.
What started as a hobby and a way of keeping busy with the kids while my husband was away, turned into much, much more than that.
My kids may have stopped crafting with me now, but I'm so glad we had that time making, painting and getting messy together.
They may have stopped, but I've no intention of doing that yet!
So, whether it's here or in the books, I hope you find plenty of crafty projects to try with your kids, and I hope you have fun together. This precious time rushes by so fast.
A lot of my projects are aimed at primary school age children (6+) to help keep that interest in craft and creating alive and kicking, at a time when there are so many other (mainly techy) distractions creeping in. But a lot of my crafts can be adapted for younger kids too - if you take on the more tricky cutting bits, let them loose with the painting at glueing.
It can be a challenge to capture imagination, and stop enthusiasm waning sometimes. Many of the projects you'll find here are themed and work together, and I think this can help hold attention, by getting kids involved in building up collections or small worlds.
And, you know, it doesn't just have to be about the kids! A bit of child-free crafting is a great way to switch off and relax sometimes. Go dig out some scissors and an egg carton and you'll see what I mean...