We are so looking forward to “Making It” on NBC as we love crafting and love competition. We were lucky enough to get to speak to some of the contestants prior to the show airing to hear about their time on the show and their backgrounds. We spoke to Jemma Olson, mother of eight and grandmother to sixteen, to got her take on things as the premiere date gets closer.
BSCKids: How did you get on the show and how did you start crafting?
Jemma Olson: I belong to an over 50 Facebook group for ladies who blog. Our administrator for the Facebook group posted a notice that an upcoming show was looking for crafty grandmas, so I applied! I thought to myself, “I am a grandma, and I sure like to make things with my grands.” Shortly after filling out the application, I had a skype interview, sent in some videos, and then NBC flew me to L.A. for a real live interview! My mind was spinning, and I was so excited!
I started crafting as a child with my Mother and Paternal Grandmother. I come from a long, long line of makers. These makers didn’t make just for fun, they made out of necessity too. Lots of quilts and embroidering where done in my house. Quilts were an economical way to keep us warm in the Winter. Embroidering plain white pillow cases made them pretty and were cheaper than buying fancy ones. I remember quilting with my Mom and her telling me “keep those stitches small!” I learned to cross-stitch from my Grandmother.
BSCKids: Who was your favorite Judge and why?
Jemma Olson: Dayna Johnson was my favorite judge because she understood my heart. She even told me that I had embroidering in my blood! Dayna is the resident trend expert on Etsy and she has an eye for fabulous creations and loves the story behind the creations.
BSCKids: Not on the show but tell of a crafting project that just didn’t turn out the way you thought.
Jemma Olson: I have always liked stenciled boxes, crates, bags and signs. I had never stenciled before but thought it looked simple enough. So, I bought some really awesome stencils that had a very whirly, swirly design. I sort of got in a big rush because I had a cake to bake. I put too much paint on my stencil brush and the paint bled underneath the stencil and the design was ruined. I did learn a couple of lessons though…don’t rush through a project and watch a video or read up on techniques before you dive into something you are unsure of.
BSCKids: Were there any fun behind the scenes things that happened that you can share with us.
Jemma Olson: We all got to go to a nail salon and have a manicure. We laughed so much that some of us were crying. Whenever they weren’t filming someone was always cutting up or making crafting jokes. Being part of this project was one of the best times of my life!
BSCKids: Why should everyone tune in and watch the show.
Jemma Olson: This show is so family friendly and encourages us all to get off our computers, game stations, and phones and create! Making It encourages us all to use our imaginations and return to using our minds and hands to make cool stuff. Making is a whole new movement that belongs to all of us. Kids, young adults, parents and grandparents. It’s a great way to play together, connect to each other and value relationships. My grandchildren and I craft together every time we hang out. Crafting can be as simple or as complicated as you make it and it can include making slime…which by the way I have a super cool recipe for!
Make sure to check out our other interviews with the “Making It” contestants and to tune into the show which premieres Tuesday, July 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
JEMMA OLSON (Age: 60) — Rockwall, TX — Self-proclaimed heartfelt crafter, mother of eight and grandmother to sixteen, Olson comes from a generation of crafters that made things out of necessity first as opposed to beauty. Growing up in a small Idaho town, Olson learned to sew, weave, and farm from her family and neighbors. She imparts that same tradition upon her grandkids while teaching them the beauty in making things by hand.
Not the stereotypical grandmother by any means, Oslon spends time with her younger family members to stay in the know of all things pop-culture.
Instagram: @athomewithjemmablog
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