• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Papery Craftery

Quilling and Other Fun Paper Things

  • Quilling Basics
  • Quilling
    • Tutorials
    • Free Quilling Templates
    • Quilling Tools and Supplies
    • Papercraft and Quilling Videos
  • Crafts
    • Quilling and Craft Printables
    • Paper Crafting News
    • Other Fun Things
  • Shop My Favorite Supplies
  • About and Disclosures
  • Contact

How I Run a Craft Blog While Raising 2 Small Children

July 20, 2017

I didn’t start off wanting to have a blog.

I just wanted to make stuff with paper.

After my Moose was born and I went back to work, I found a way to fill in my creative gap with an Etsy shop.

Then things evolved and changed as they tend to do, and I realized how much I enjoy teaching new crafters and breaking down the mystery of quilling paper.

So, here I am –  4 years later with a quilling and craft tutorial website!

But it hasn’t always been easy as my family has grown.

Today, I’m sharing how I run a craft blog while raising 2 small children.


How I Run a Craft Blog while Raising 2 Small Children - Ways I stay motivated to be productive paper craft blogger while enjoying my time with my kids || www.thepaperycraftery.com

I really and truly love having a blog, but it’s hard to make the time for it, day to day.

It’s easy to compare myself and my website to others. I just can’t write 5 posts a week. That would simply be insane.

Since most of my posts are original quilling tutorials, they just take more time than other types of posts. Between the creation of the projects, photographing, editing, and writing, it all takes time.

But I do have some tips on keeping productive on a blog with little guys underfoot.

How I Run a Craft Blog while Raising 2 Small Children - Ways I stay motivated to be productive paper craft blogger while enjoying my time with my kids || www.thepaperycraftery.com

I work during naps and after bedtime

This probably when 98% of all moms/bloggers are able to work.  But throw in a new sleep issue, and everything is thrown out of whack!

My poor Bean has been having nightmares about birds lately and can’t fall asleep unless I’m in her room, so I’m spending about 2 hours a day sitting on her floor.

It’s not the most fun or most productive time of my day, but she needs me.

It won’t last forever, and my blog and our family are adjusting for now.

I allow a bit of TV time

Yes, my children watch a little TV at times! I’m guilty!

Honestly, if they didn’t I wouldn’t be able to shower, or sneak in a quick workout, or be able to drink a quick cup of coffee, let alone do some simple blog work.

I know there are some out there that will frown on this, but I know how much quality time I spend with both my kids during the day, so I don’t feel the need to justify this too much.

I don’t work before my children wake up

This one goes against most other bloggers.

But my little guys are early birds! There is absolutely no way I’m able to wake up before them in the morning.

Mama needs her sleep or else no one is happy and nothing gets done at all.


I make a lot of lists

Oh, how I love my lists!

Since my days are so busy, if I don’t write something down as soon as I think of it, the thought will be gone.

That goes double for my blog!

Instead of a paper list or writing in my planner, I tend to use Evernote.com as I’m on the go.

Whenever I have a post idea or the perfect opening sentence for a tutorial, I type it out really quickly in Evernote. Then, it’s super easy to import those ideas right onto my site.

I set goals for motivation

While I’m jotting down all those lists, I’m also adding personal and blogging goals.

There is something really exciting in seeing yourself make progress and reach new milestones.

Even if they’re lofty and far-fetched, writing down my goals makes them actually seem doable.

How I Run a Craft Blog while Raising 2 Small Children - Ways I stay motivated to be productive paper craft blogger while enjoying my time with my kids || www.thepaperycraftery.com

I share projects with my children

Whenever I can, I put those babies to work!

They’re not usually really interested in the quilling stuff yet, but if I give them some markers or some play-doh, they’ll sometimes happily work beside me for a short time.

I’ve even included them in some posts like my review of the book,  A Beautiful Oops!

I rely on help from my family

I know this isn’t an option for everyone, but my family is lucky to have grandparents nearby that can help with the kids a little every week.

They are amazingly kind and generous with their time.  And my children love them so much.

Plus, they take a break from mom to hang out with their “best friends” and I have a quiet house for a few hours.

Win-win!

Nana and Pappy Craftery genuinely have my eternal thanks!

I accept limitations and give myself grace

As I wrote earlier in this post, I can’t keep up with other types of bloggers.

There is no way that I can devote more time to posting than I already do.

It can be frustrating some days, but it’s just the way it goes sometimes.

I refuse to beat myself up about not having more time.

I am always ready for change

I’m sure every mom knows that as soon as you get used to the season your children are going through, they throw you a curve ball and everything changes!

And I’ve got to be able to switch my habits then too.

Even a new time of year means a change in the plans.

Right now, my Moose is on summer break and I’ve realized I have to scale my blog posts back to about 3 a month instead of my usual 4.

When he starts full-time kindergarten in the fall, I’ll be ready to write and post some more.

But I’m really enjoying all the time we’re spending together in the meantime!

I take breaks

Maybe I would be more productive if I spent every single second of my free time working on my blog.

But…I’m sure I would quickly become burnt-out and stressed.

As much as I enjoy blogging, I have to spend a little time on my other interests too.  I love cooking, and updating thrift store finds, and I just started practicing yoga.

All these hobbies together make me a better me, and a better me is a better craft blogger!

How I Run a Craft Blog while Raising 2 Small Children - Ways I stay motivated to be productive paper craft blogger while enjoying my time with my kids || www.thepaperycraftery.com

I remember my “why”

Like I wrote at the start of this post, I began my website because I wanted to stay creative while sharing some quilling and craft tips.

It turns out that I’m now able to help out with my families finances a bit and my children get to see their mom working hard on something she enjoys.

I know this isn’t the usual type of post I write and a fair amount of my readers will not relate to this at all.

But maybe there are a couple of other mama’s out there who are looking to add a creative outlet to their overwhelming schedule and just can’t figure out how to make it work.

I hope this inspires those ladies a little bit.

And if you have some productivity tips for getting things done with young children around, please feel free to share in the comments below.

I know I can use all the advice I can get!


Print this post

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

in The Crafty Life # How to blog with children, Mom and craft blogs

Reader Interactions

you may also like
15 DIY Ornaments That You Can Make This Weekend
The Dot
18 New Paper Crafts To Try In 2018
20 Creative Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas

Comments

  1. Nicole says

    July 21, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I love this! I have a toddler, and really struggle with finding the balance between my family, my full time job, and my blog. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one. I like the part about accepting my limitations – I need to keep that in mind!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 11:24 am

      I can’t imagine throwing in a full-time job! You’re amazing!!

      Reply
  2. The Real Couponer (@TheRealCouponer) says

    July 21, 2017 at 10:26 am

    I give you a LOT of credit for being able to run a blog while rising kids – that’s awesome!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 11:26 am

      Thank you for the support! A lot of this post was written as reminders to myself for those days when I feel like I’m not enough 😊

      Reply
  3. jasperandwillow says

    July 21, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Love this! It is SO hard to balance family and a blog! I definitely use the sleeping times to accomplish as much as possible, but sometimes I am just too tired! That is why I love that you talk about allowing grace…that is so important!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      Yep, I definitely had to let some things go, like posting on social media. Sometimes, I just run out of time, and it has to wait! But we make it work, right, mama?

      Reply
  4. Sumer says

    July 21, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I love this! I have 2 little ones as well, and running a blog can be hard to juggle at times. I work during naptime and after bed as well. It’s definitely a struggle to balance it all sometimes but I love connecting with other mamas and sharing our lives with others. It’s been such a fun journey!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      It is such a special community!

      Reply
  5. April Kitchens says

    July 21, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    Great great tips! I work before my daughter wakes up and during naptime. And I bribe my kid with Netflix sometimes too lol.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      Yes, Netflix is a beautiful tool, sometimes 😉

      Reply
  6. Amanda | My Gluten-Free Miami says

    July 21, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    As a fellow mom/blogger of a toddler, I found your article inspirational. I’m still working on getting it tacked down, but you had some good suggestions that I can try.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 21, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      I hope it so, Amanda! Thanks so much for the kind words!

      Reply
  7. Jereann | Celiac Mama says

    July 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    I can relate to the struggles of blogging with little ones as I have two myself. You have done such a great job, so keep it up and thanks for the helpful tips!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 23, 2017 at 9:01 am

      That’s so nice to hear! Thank you for the support and enjoy those kiddos!

      Reply
  8. Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says

    July 22, 2017 at 6:59 am

    All great tips!! I do a lot of my work before they wake up, and after they go to bed, but even then it’s hard! Keep up the great work!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 23, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Thank you, Danielle! I’m hoping one day for these kids to sleep past 6 so I can have a bit of time in the morning, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon 🙂

      Reply
  9. sharonschuler says

    July 25, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    I LOVE this!!! It’s so me!! I’ve 5 kiddos all off on summer break but I NEED my creative outlet in my blog. I would LOVE to wake up early every morning but like you said early birds!!! Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 25, 2017 at 7:13 pm

      Wow, you’re my hero! I would love a bigger family, but we’re not sure if it’s in the cards for us. But I’m sure having some quiet blog time in the morning is crucial! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

      Reply
  10. sunshineandmunchkins says

    July 31, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    I love this! I love crafting but definitely don’t have the time to do as much as I’d like. And craft tutorials really do take a long time. I’m not good at getting up before my kids either so most of my stuff is done during the day or in the evenings.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 31, 2017 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing! Its so reassuring to hear that others are feeling the same way. Sometimes I feel like I’d be so much more productive if I had wanted to create some other type of blog, but it’s probably a “grass is always greener” type of feeling 😊

      Reply

Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Hi there, Paper People! I'm so glad you've stumbled across my corner of the internet. I'll be sharing my favorite quilling tips and tutorials, plus some creative micro-biz pointers, and lots of paper crafting news! Thanks for stopping by!

Looking for a project, technique or tool? Search here!

There’s more on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/kndglSrYWKg

Top Posts & Pages

  • Quilling Paper Sunflowers
    Quilling Paper Sunflowers
  • How to Store Quilling Paper
    How to Store Quilling Paper
  • The 4 Types of Glue Every Quilling Artist Needs
    The 4 Types of Glue Every Quilling Artist Needs
  • Quilling Paper Rainbow Umbrella
    Quilling Paper Rainbow Umbrella
  • How to Make Quilling Paper Swirls
    How to Make Quilling Paper Swirls
  • How To Make Simple Quilling Paper Flowers: Lily of the Valley
    How To Make Simple Quilling Paper Flowers: Lily of the Valley

Thank you so much for stopping by my site. If you care to throw more support my way so I can continue to make new tutorials, you can do so by buying me a virtual cup of coffee!

Affiliate Policy

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links.

If you click on the links and make a purchase, I would receive a small compensation to help me finance this site and keep coming up with awesome tutorials and tips! There’s no cost to you and I only ever include links to companies and products that I trust and work with on a regular basis.

All posts with affiliate links are clearly marked.

The Papery Craftery (ThePaperyCraftery.com) blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Manage Cookie Preferences

Cookie Settings
Privacy Policy

I hope you’re inspired by my quilling!

Feel free to use my designs as gifts or for your own personal use. And I’d love any sharing of my photos and projects! All I ask is that all photos remain unaltered and link back to the original post, and please do not attempt to sell any quilling created from my designs as your own work. Happy Crafting!

thepaperycraftery

Quilling paper aster flowers The full video with Quilling paper aster flowers  The full video with all the steps is up on my YouTube now 👆follow the link above ⭐️
A quick before and after of the flower project I s A quick before and after of the flower project I shared this week - simple flowers with black stripes!  The full video with all the steps is up on my YouTube now 👆follow the link above 🩷
Queen Anne’s lace flowers with quilling paper | Queen Anne’s lace flowers with quilling paper | Full video is up now with all the details so you can make your own
So tiny and spiky. So tiny and spiky.
Super simple quilling paper seashells | Full video Super simple quilling paper seashells | Full video with all the steps is up now!
Throwback to a project from a couple years back - Throwback to a project from a couple years back - quilling paper dandelions! 
Watch the full video on YT to learn how to make your own 👆  #quilling #paperflowers #crafts
Teeny paper starfish are a great way to practice m Teeny paper starfish are a great way to practice making quilling triangles - 
Watch the full video on YT to learn how to make your own 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #ocean #crafts
Playing with wider paper strips this week to make Playing with wider paper strips this week to make quilled chamomile flowers 
Watch the full video on YT to learn how to make your own 👆  #quilling #paperflowers
This week we’re practicing making cones for thes This week we’re practicing making cones for these sweet little bluebells! 
Watch the full video on YT to learn how to make your own 👆  #quilling #paperflowers #crafts
Mix it up with a little mixed-media quilling! W Mix it up with a little mixed-media quilling! 
Watch the full video to learn all the steps to make your own folk art flowers👆  #quilling #paperflowers
Gift tag idea 💡 make your own quilling paper Ch Gift tag idea 💡 make your own quilling paper Christmas lights! 
Watch the full video to learn all the steps to make your own! 👆  #quilling #papercraft #christmascrafts #cardmaking
This week I’m sharing snow topped evergreen tree This week I’m sharing snow topped evergreen trees made from quilling paper 🎄 
Watch the full video to learn how to make your own with just a few steps! 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #christmascrafts
Mini quilling paper ornaments are up on the YT cha Mini quilling paper ornaments are up on the YT channel now! 
See the full video for all the steps and how-to’s 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #christmascrafts
Tiny quilling snowmen ready to hand over the perfe Tiny quilling snowmen ready to hand over the perfect gift! 
See the full video for all the info and how-to’s 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #christmascrafts
Simple quilling paper pansy flowers! See the fu Simple quilling paper pansy flowers! 
See the full video for all the steps and details on the supplies! Click the link in my bio👆  #quilling #paperflowers #crafting
Have you ever added paint to your quilling? It can Have you ever added paint to your quilling? It can add a bit of depth and detail to your paper flowers! 
See the full video for all the info and how-to’s 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #paperflowers #watercolor
Super quick quilling paper Black Eyed Susans- a co Super quick quilling paper Black Eyed Susans- a couple simple shapes and they come together in no time! 
The full video is up now 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #paperflowers
Big, bright tropical flowers made with a paper cri Big, bright tropical flowers made with a paper crimper and a quilling comb 
The full video is up now 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #paperflowers
How to make quilling paper ice cream cones 🍦 How to make quilling paper ice cream cones 🍦 
The full video is up now 👆  #quilling #papercrafts #crafting
So simple! Learn to make bunches of sweet quilling So simple! Learn to make bunches of sweet quilling paper lilac flowers and leaves ~ 
The full video is up now 👆  #quilling #paperflowers #papercrafts
Load More Follow on Instagram
2021 © Meredith Amand Designs
made by soulmuse