Ready Player 1...
As a mum to 2 boys aged 9 & 13 I'm no stranger to the colourful world of gaming, in fact I've even been persuaded to join in on a couple of games of Fortnite - although I was under strict instruction on how to use the gaming controller at all times and to be honest I spent most of the game crouching & hiding (once I'd been shown how to do it!) My kind of game is Just Dance where I get to strut my stuff in the lounge, becoming competitive Mum against the boys lol.
During lockdown in 2020 the Xbox became a boon (sshh don't tell the boys though!) and allowed the boys to connect with their friends online when they weren't allowed to physically see them. Although there were times when I got fed up hearing "gunshots", "lets med up" and "chug splash anyone?" I was glad that they we socialising with the friends they missed. I'm so grateful that they wore headphones although I didn't enjoy shouting at the top of my voice "Tea is READY now!!" only to be met with "OH Muuum we've nearly won this battle...in a minute!"
Even my husband decided if you can't beat them, then join them and so I had the same battle cries in triplicate AARGH! This has continued after lockdown and it does have it's advantages though as I get to have an hour or so to myself.
It was during one of these times when I had the inspiration to make a little felt controller decoration for the Christmas tree. I do like to make the boys a new decoration each Christmas and that's how I started over 5 years ago, making for the boys and my 2 nieces and nephew. I made a white one for Sam first, asking for his advice on button placement etc but trying to explain that it hadn't got to be an exact replica just a representation of a gaming controller!
I decided to make a Christmas card to accompany the little decoration and showed my cousin who loved it so much, asked if I would make one for her son. I've since been told loves it so much that he didn't hang it on the Christmas tree but kept it on the card and has kept it up after Christmas!
I then thought, why make these just for Christmas?? I could make them as birthday or Father's cards - even for Mother's Day! I've just added them to the website www.thegiftedbee.co.uk with a choice of coloured card and personalised option too. Now pass me the headphones...I need to ready up