The Queen of Pinterest Fails

0

More times than not, my home is the place where art projects go to die. I am definitely one of those moms who mean well and love the idea of being crafty. But I have started so many craft projects for myself and for my kids, and I rarely follow through.

Amber Nov 1
Painting pumpkins when our carved pumpkins rotted three days before Halloween.

It wasn’t always that way though. I’m proud of the trophy I won in third grade for my effort in my hometown summer festival. I drew a picture of a cowboy’s sweaty face up close, with another cowboy in the distance. The judges said they were impressed with my depth perception and creativity.

Unfortunately, my artistic abilities never evolved any further.

I dream of completing those picture-perfect DIY wall paintings that I find on Pinterest or gifting homemade, kid hand-printed salt dough Christmas ornaments to the grandparents. Will they happen? Probably not.

For example, I had every intention of making a mobile for my newborn son as a special project with my then 3-year-old daughter. We (well, I) did one yarn ball that was so messy with glue that I threw in the towel for the rest. I have several knitting needles and lots of balls of yarn, but I have since forgotten how to knit. I have a book about how to make a quilt, but I have no sewing machine.

I have so many ideas, but little patience or time. Maybe when I retire, I can get in touch with my crafty side. In the meantime, I’ll keep trying to cultivate it in my daughter.

This summer Penelope attended a week-long morning summer camp. She had a B-L-A-S-T, painting canvasses, molding clay into little bowls and experimenting with colors. She is happiest when she is drawing little creatures for her dad to put in his mobile app games or drawing on her skin (or her little brother’s) with markers.

Amber Nov 2
Penelope’s artistry is not limited to her own body.

And don’t even get me started about how excited she gets when her monthly Kiwi Crate arrives on our doorstep. (Thank you, Kiwi Crate gods, for thinking up crafting projects and supplying everything we need. I am forever thankful.)

I’m trying really hard, though, to be that crafty mom. Today, I took Penelope to Michael’s to get supplies for holiday decorations. I scanned my Pinterest board for what I thought would be the best and easiest craft ideas. I’m envisioning a holiday themed garland. I think that’s do-able.

As for Evan, I’ll be making sure he doesn’t run off with the glue or chow down on too many crayons. Baby steps, people.

Are you a crafty mom? How do you make it work?