Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Melissa.
I’m a mom to two middle school-aged boys, a former elementary school counselor, an author, and an award-winning kids craft and activity blogger. No matter how you found yourself here—social media, Google search, Pinterest, or a friend’s recommendation—I want you to know that I am grateful you’re here.
And I know you’re here for a reason.
- You believe it’s the simple things that make childhood magical.
- You wish to develop your child’s creativity and love for nature.
- You want a connected, thriving, and happy family.
I want those things too!
But Here’s the Thing
Simple days and a thriving family don’t just happen. Like all good things, they take effort, mindfulness, and persistence. I want to grow with you on your parenting journey. That’s why I started Fireflies and Mud Pies. Together we will:
- Connect with our kids through simple crafts and activities.
- Learn to filter unnecessary noise so we can enjoy more peaceful days.
- Love, play, and laugh more with family and friends.
All the while, growing and learning from our children and each other.
About Me
I live with my husband, kids, and yellow lab in upstate New York. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking, working out, knitting, reading on my back deck, gardening, feeding birds, coddling houseplants, taking pictures, or enjoying a Netflix binge.
Through Fireflies and Mud Pies, I share creative, low-cost ideas for connecting, crafting, and playing at home. If you are new to Fireflies and Mud Pies, you may wish to explore our popular posts:
New? Start here!
From popsicle sticks to pine cones, we love crafting with a variety of materials. Browse our popular kids crafts and activities here!
Sticks and Stones Outdoor Activity Book for Kids
My new outdoor activity book, Sticks and Stones (Quarry Books), presents a treasure trove of building and engineering ideas for children to employ in the great outdoors using the materials made readily available to them, from shelters and forts to bridges and dams.
Thrill Your Kids with Colorful Squirt Gun Painting
Bust summer boredom at home, school, or camp with Squirt Gun Painting, an amazing art experience for kids of all ages.
How to Make Glitter Jars
If you are looking for the ultimate resource on how to make a glitter jar, we’ve got you covered! Shared below is everything you need to know to make and use DIY glitter jars; a beautiful, calming, and easy mindfulness activity for kids.
Valentine Hedgehog Craft for Kids
If you are looking for the sweetest hedgehog Valentine for kids, you’ve come to the right place! Kids of all ages will enjoy creating a happy hedgehog craft with hearts, paint, pompoms, and our printable hedgehog template.
Halloween Sensory Bottles
Can you feel the excitement in the air with Halloween just around the corner? Keep calm and carry on with these 3 fun Halloween Sensory Bottles.
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments
Crafters of all ages will enjoy making a primitive scrap ribbon Christmas tree ornament to gift or keep this holiday season. In this post, learn how to use shades of green and brown scrap ribbon to emulate the welcoming branches of a Christmas tree.
Popsicle Stick Acorn Craft
The weather is getting cooler and the fall season is quickly approaching. Let’s jump in some leaves, inhale crisp fall air, and make a popsicle stick acorn craft.
Fun Outdoor Arts and Crafts Ideas for Kids
In this post, discover over 10 creative and fun outdoor art ideas for kids! These awesome boredom-busting art projects are perfect for backyards, summer camp, preschool, and forest school…especially in the warm summer months when you want kids outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather.
Christmas Tree Craft
Kids will love making this easy paper Christmas Tree Craft with supplies you already have on hand. This holiday art project will be a special keepsake for years to come!
Everything You Need to Know About Squirt Painting
Everything you need to know about squirt painting; a fun, vibrant, and exciting art project for creative kids, teens, and adults.
