Hey there! We’re Ellen and Carlee, two sisters-in-law with 13 kids between our two families, ages 1 all the way up to 22. We’ve been in the trenches of motherhood and life, trying to keep our kids busy and homes organized, and found methods for trying to keep our sanity in the process.
About Ellen Russell
Hey, I’m Ellen, and I homeschool 5 kids and work as a graphic designer. My kids could craft or code ALL DAY LONG (and occasionally, I let them!). Create in the Chaos started when I couldn’t find the types of papercrafts I wanted for my own kids, so I decided to make my own. We loved them so much I wanted to share them with other parents and educators. I also love to keep up with technology and crafts for kids, and we’re constantly trying out new gadgets and programs, and you’ll find honest reviews of everything we’ve tried – the good and the bad.
The papercrafts you’ll find here are ones I actually enjoy doing with my kids, and they come back to them over and over. Printable crafts are perfect for kids of all ages. Not only are they affordable and don’t require special supplies, the academic and developmental benefits are outstanding.
About Carlee Russell
Hi! I’m Carlee, mom of 8 amazing kids ages 1 – 22. I have homeschooled for 18 years, had kids in public school, and successfully launched 3 kids to college and adulthood – this isn’t my first rodeo! My background is in STEAM education, including instructional design, which looks at how students learn best in every situation. I love to use my collective experience to help parents and educators use engaging, effective methods to teach students.
No matter your kid’s challenge, and no matter your own limitations, you can successfully help your child or student learn, and enjoy the process.
I joined Create in the Chaos to bring the same passion for high quality, fun, educational tools for older students, and to show you how you can incorporate learning into crafts, games, and other fun experiences. I also bring over a decade of experience teaching students with differences, from very young to very old.
STEAM learning does not need to be boring or dry. It should be rich, colorful, and engaging – our kids should love to learn math, science, technology and more.
Though I was already homeschooling two kids, it was my third who opened my eyes to what kids need. Diagnosed dyslexic at age 8, she didn’t start reading until she was ten – and it was music that unlocked her brain and set her down a path of reading. Fast forward, and she enrolled in college at age 16, was inducted into the honor society her first semester, and became the college accounting tutor her second semester.
That’s why I say that no matter your kid’s unique situation, they can and should thrive, even in these traditionally more challenging subjects.
What You’ll Find Around Here
Love free printables? Check out all our posts with printables here.
Want genuine, honest opinions on products without the sugarcoating? See our review posts here.
Look for projects and fun tutorials? You’ll love these!
While you’ll find many free printables and activities on our site, we also sell more printable crafts (including big bundles that are perfect for classroom or home use) in the Etsy store here.
Want to see some of the great resources we love and use? You can see our resource page here.
Have any questions for us? Feel free to contact us by emailing us at hello@createinthechaos.com