Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

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Author name: Jen Walshaw

Mum-in-charge Jen Walshaw runs the UK’s top parenting blog Mum in the Madhouse, and she describes herself as a “fat, feisty and over 50” Northerner. Based in North Yorkshire, she’s mum to young adults and a big believer that family life is messy, creative and fun. In 2009 a double mastectomy gave her the nudge to start blogging; with two boys under three she needed an outlet and a digital scrapbook to capture their chaos.Jen’s posts are a mix of crafts, kid‑friendly recipes and honest parenting, peppered with northern humour. She’s happiest when up to her elbows in tea, fabric and pizza dough – sewing and making homemade gifts – before sneaking off to write about it. As a proud Northerner she warns PRs that a “quick pop down to London” isn’t quick at all. Her blog has earned her a stack of accolades, including the Cision #1 Mummy Blogger title in 2024  and consistently topping Vuelio and Tots100 parenting‑blog charts. Whether she’s advocating for diversity and body neutrality or sharing tales of parenting teens, Jen keeps things chatty, real and refreshingly down‑to‑earth.

Free Mother’s Day Printables | Cards, Crafts, and More

I never really appreciated my Mum or understood the significance of Mother’s Day until I was a mother myself.  It isn’t about spending lots of money, in fact, I would rather nothing be spent. It is about being appreciated.  Which is why I adore these free Mother’s Day printables.

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Craft Stick Process Art

Craft Stick Process Art | Creative and Fun DIY Projects

This craft stick process art activity is a super fun activity for kids and a great way to use up craft sticks, lolly sticks or popsicle sticks.  We have a big bag full of these fab craft materials in three different shapes and sizes and I love the way the boys decided to use them.

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Bleeding Tissue Paper Canvas Art

Bleeding Tissue Paper Canvas Art | Vibrant DIY Art Project

We are big fans of bleeding tissue paper art here.  We have even done it in the past and let rain create the art, which was great fun.  This beautiful bleeding tissue paper canvas art was created with confetti circles and is fun process art activity for kids of all ages. Plus you are left

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