About Sarah Jenkins

Hi friend, I’m Sarah Jenkins, and I’m so glad you’re here. If you’ve ever stared at a “simple” kids’ craft online and thought, That looks like it requires a craft room, a photography studio, and a personal assistant, you are exactly my people.

I’m a former kindergarten teacher turned stay-at-home mom to three creative kids. These days, my house runs on snack breaks, tiny masterpieces, and the unshakeable belief that the process matters more than perfection.

Why Craft Joy Club exists

I started Craft Joy Club because I kept seeing parents, grandparents, and teachers feeling stressed by crafts that looked gorgeous but felt impossible. I’ve been there as a teacher prepping for a room full of kids, and I’ve been there as a mom trying to keep a toddler from eating the glue while helping a big kid finish a school project.

Craft Joy Club is my little corner of the internet where we keep it:

• Realistic (because kids are wiggly and spills happen)
• Affordable (because craft budgets are not unlimited)
• Doable (because you also have dinner to make)
• Joyful (because creativity should feel like a deep breath, not a test)

Also, I jokingly tell people my home is held together by hot glue and washi tape. It’s only half a joke.

What you’ll find here

Everything I share is designed for real kids and real life. Many activities are tested right at my own kitchen table with my three kids. It’s a built-in focus group with honest feedback.

Easy kids’ crafts that actually work

Expect straightforward, step-by-step instructions with options for different ages. If something tends to go sideways (hello, paint puddles), I’ll tell you how to fix it or how to roll with it.

Sensory play and hands-on learning

As a former kindergarten teacher, I love activities that sneak in learning: fine motor practice, early math and literacy skills, problem-solving, and confidence building. Sensory play may help some kids explore materials and practice calming skills, especially for little ones who learn best with their whole bodies.

Seasonal crafts and simple traditions

I’m a big believer in simple seasonal rhythms. You’ll see crafts and activities that fit right into real family life, like quick Halloween table projects, cozy winter crafts, and spring nature ideas that do not require a perfect home or a perfect schedule.

Upcycled crafts from what you have

I love turning “recycling” into “craft supplies.” Cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, egg cartons, scrap paper, yogurt containers, and packaging odds and ends are some of our most-used materials. If it can be safely cleaned and glued, we’ve probably tried it.

My philosophy

If you take one thing from Craft Joy Club, I hope it’s this: you do not need Pinterest-perfect kids’ crafts to make meaningful memories.

Here’s what I aim for every time I plan an activity:

• Low prep: you can start in 10 to 15 minutes.
• Flexible: it can be simplified for toddlers or made trickier for older kids.
• Mess-friendly: washable supplies when possible, plus a “good enough” cleanup plan.
• Connection first: conversation, giggles, and pride matter most.

Some days your child will create a masterpiece. Other days they will make one single blob of glue and announce they are “done.” Both days count.

Quick safety note

Craft time should feel fun, not stressful. I share ideas that work for real life, but you know your kids best. Please supervise as needed, especially with hot glue, scissors, small parts, and anything that could be a choking hazard. If you’re crafting with toddlers, I recommend swapping in larger pieces and choosing washable, non-toxic supplies whenever possible.

Who it’s for

This site is for:

• Parents who want easy activities that fit into nap schedules and homework time.
• Grandparents who want special projects that create sweet traditions.
• Teachers and caregivers who need classroom-friendly ideas with simple materials.
• Anyone who loves kids and wants to encourage creativity without pressure.

If you’re crafting with one child or a whole group, I’ll help you keep it calm, fun, and manageable. And if you ever need adaptations for sensitivities, different attention spans, or limited supplies, I’ll always aim to give options that meet kids where they are.

Welcome

Truly, welcome. Grab the construction paper, put down an old towel, and let’s make something together.

If you’re not sure where to start, head to my easiest projects and build from there. You can also sign up for my emails so you always have a simple idea ready when you need a little creative spark.

And if your project ends with paint on the table and glitter in someone’s hair, you’re in excellent company.

With joy (and a glue gun nearby),
Sarah