Meet GEM
Hi, I'm Gemma Pratt. I'm a craft addict that struggles to take life too seriously.
Mayinspire originally started as a craft blog. I wanted to share the things I'd made for my home and try to find crafty people like me online. Over the years, I spent so much money on making projects that my home was overflowing with craft supplies. When I was asked to start a local craft group for adults, my husband gave me the confidence to share the skills and fun supplies I had built up (I think he just wanted a tidy home!).
I'm a qualified teacher for post 16 students so teach adults from college age and above. After years of teaching, adults, I'd created processes, records and plans which would have saved me time, stress and money if I had them from the start. I did not have the 'freelance creative teaching' friend I needed. So this is where we are now. I'm head over heels in love with Mayinspire and am very proud of this positive, non-judgemental craft company.
We share a variety of advice and workshops. We think it is important for us to put our own stamp on projects, so we spend a lot of time adapting them into 'Mayinspire makes'. As well as crafts, I also have an interest in art, woodwork and DIY, so I like to create fun projects which teach these skills too.
My favourite craft to make and teach is needle felting. I love seeing people's excitement when they see what they have made from fluff! It is hard for me to stick to one craft though as I'm a little bit addicted to trying new things. It also depends what mood I am in, for example when I'm tired, I love relaxing with some painting or collage making.
That's a bit about me and my quirky ways. I would love to hear more about you, so do reach out and be creative buddies. We are excited to see you boost your crafting teaching adventure!