Hi, I’m Jessica! I love to craft, and to host parties (sometimes using things I’ve made). I want you to see that my house isn’t perfect (just look in the background of some of the pictures!), my crafts aren’t perfect, I make mistakes (but I can tell you how I fixed them in the tutorials!), but I love to craft, and I love to share my crafts. I put a lot of effort into my parties because that’s what I love to do. If you’re hosting a party and are here for ideas but feel overwhelmed: don’t worry! You can pare back what I’ve done. Only do what works for you, and you can still host an amazing party. I hope to give you the ideas and the steps you need to make an excellent party. Most importantly: DON’T STRESS ABOUT IT! It’s meant to be fun, and if you’re not having fun then just stop. Have a cake and some time together, because when it comes right down to it, that’s what really matters.

Here are some more details about me: I am a mum of three, super-happily-married-and-in-love wife, singer (Soprano, Masters in Vocal Performance), private voice and piano teacher, homeschooler (I still can’t believe that sometimes!), choir conductor, and, very most importantly, Christian. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength (Matthew 22:37). And everything I do I (try to!) do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). I hope you can get a sense of that here at But First We Craft. We are not aiming for perfection here; we are aiming for a job well done. Striving for happiness through using the gifts that God has given me…in this case: crafting! If you’d like to know more about Jesus please send me a message on the contact page. I’d love to tell you more!

To contact me please click on the Contact Me heading on the menu bar. Also, please comment on my posts! I love to hear which crafts and party ideas you like. And if you try them out, let me know that too! To visit my Etsy shop please click here: But First We Craft Shop; and be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

To read more about why I started this blog, and my first year blogging (I’m now halfway through my second year) please click here: 2018 – A blog in review.

One last thing: Right now I’m trying out some seriously intentional living; a.k.a. getting my priorities straight. I also want to show you that I’m not perfect, not even close. One precious follower commented last week on my Robinson Crusoe Party that I should receive the Mother-of-the-Year award. While I am grateful for her delightful and encouraging comment, I also want to show the many, many corners I cut when planning a party. For instance, the total mess my house becomes! Or how sometimes I fall into the trap of ignoring my kids because I’m so into a craft. Aren’t I making these parties for them? Yes. But isn’t spending time with them more important? YES! If I’m saying “no” to playing Play-Doh so I can make another decoration I’ve got my priorities seriously screwed up. So, when you see that my children with whom I am crafting are still in their pajamas when it is clearly mid-day, or when you see the milk going bad in the background, I hope you can take comfort and encouragement. We’re all just trying to do the best with what we’ve been given.

I hope you enjoy your time here at But First We Craft, and that we can communicate mom to mom, and woman to woman (or woman to man – you men are most welcome here too!) and that you can find some crafts or party ideas that you want to try out. Thanks so much for coming. I’m so glad you’re here!