You might not admit it, but I know you’re a little envious of me. I’m the quintessential “Pinterest mom,” the one who browses for ideas and actually brings them to life. I’ve been known to wrap my front door in gauze and googly eyes for Halloween, and I go through glue sticks faster than most people go through coffee.
During Christmas, I dedicated hours to crafting stunning wreaths out of duct tape, pool noodles, and budget-friendly ornaments. It may sound silly, but those creations turned out to be true masterpieces. I even decoupaged quotes from Moby-Dick and T.S. Eliot onto seashells for my bathroom decor—because who wouldn’t want to ponder, “Call me Ishmael” during a bathroom break? My crochet skills have led me to produce oversized afghans, scarves, hats of all shapes and sizes, including one with turkey legs for Baby’s First Thanksgiving. The staff at my local craft store probably knows my name and my credit card number by heart.
Then my kids grew older and developed a thirst for sensory play and creativity, and that’s when the real fun began. I experimented with countless homemade play dough recipes—those that required kneading, cooking, and then a stern warning: “Don’t touch that! It’ll burn you! Wait, wait, wait for Mama!” Spoiler alert: everything molds if you try to store it, so unless you want to whip up play dough every time your kids ask, you’ll be reaching for those yellow cans. That was my first Pinterest fail.
And let’s talk about goop. Oh, the goop! There are endless recipes for it. You can use clear glue for vibrant colors or standard glue, which is cheaper and doesn’t pop with the same jewel tones—if you care about goop aesthetics, as I do. Laundry starch and borax come into play too. And don’t forget the glitter! Although it’s often called the herpes of the craft world, glitter also embodies the spirit of David Bowie and all things whimsical, so we go all out when it comes to gooping. I once set up a “play invitation” for my son using silver-sparkled goop and Star Wars toys from Hoth. He was entertained for hours.
Sensory bins became a staple, with my youngest loving a plastic container filled with kosher salt and tiny sea creatures. Over the years, I’ve created bins for tracing letters and numbers, and even dyed rice in baby pools for winter fun (which, by the way, still resurfaces under my furniture years later due to my poor judgment in allowing such play).
When we began homeschooling, Pinterest transformed from a casual pastime into a full-blown obsession. I leaned on it for interest-driven lesson plans and matching crafts. My second-grader needed engaging sheets to learn about Paul Revere, and Pinterest delivered. It’s just so much easier—and fun—than sifting through Google.
Oh, Pinterest, you are my creative muse. Without you, my plans would fall apart. You guided us in making a Mayflower from construction paper, a straw, and a milk carton. When we delved into the Epic of Gilgamesh for mythology, you inspired us to craft cuneiform tablets with the clay I hoarded. The leftover clay turned into Sumerian beads. And for tall tales, Pinterest has a craft for every American folklore hero. We made Babe the Blue Ox from printouts, paints, and toilet paper rolls.
And let’s not forget Davy Crockett. Pinterest provided a complete costume tutorial. Armed with felt, faux fur, and a glue gun, my kids and I whipped up impressive Davy Crockett costumes, singing the classic tune, “Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.” Yes, costumes were made in my home as part of our curriculum.
I even created a stellar hedgehog costume with an old sweatshirt, felt, and hot glue for my youngest as a consolation prize for not being old enough for school yet. Just look at those ears—thank you, Pinterest.
So, judge me if you must, but Pinterest is my lifeline. I adore creating. We all have our guilty pleasures. Even if those Christmas ornaments melt off my wreaths in the sweltering Southern heat, they looked fabulous, and I can just reattach them. Meanwhile, I’ll be opening another tab to find a worksheet on the French and Indian War—along with a craft to accompany it. Oh, who am I kidding? There will definitely be a craft.
Summary:
In this light-hearted ode to Pinterest parenting, Jamie Holloway shares her experiences as a self-proclaimed “Pinterest mom.” From crafting elaborate wreaths to experimenting with sensory activities, she recounts the joys and challenges of creative parenting. Despite the occasional fails, she finds inspiration and organization through Pinterest, transforming everyday lessons into engaging experiences for her children.