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| Ancient Game Cupboard |
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| Mancala - An Ancient Sowing Game |
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| Senet - An Ancient Egyptian Board Game |
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| Hnefetafl - Viking Board Game |
Showing posts with label family traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family traditions. Show all posts
Friday, November 8, 2013
Feature Friday - Ancient Game Cupboard
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Tuesday Treasury
'Schooling At Home' by veryverdant
We're back in the books, and out and about.Mom is our teacher.The world is our classroom,and everything in it has a lesson to be learned.
Sponsored by send bulk email from excel.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Interview With Leah Grace Helmrich
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 19 years old and have been
creating things with my hands for as long as I can remember! I love to create anything
and have dabbled in numerous mediums and techniques, including watercolors,
acrylics, clay, metal casting, silversmithing, knit and chrochet, needle
felting, chainmaille, wire wrapping, sewing, lampwork and glass blowing,
dichroic glass, candle and soap making, wood carving, origami, and collage.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did that
craft developed into a business?
My family has been traveling in an RV for 8
years. I was 12 when I met a 16 year old girl whose family also traveled
expensively. She made and sold all sorts
of handmade beaded pieces; cool beads on headpins with a little wire wrapping
here and there. I instantly fell in love and begged her to show me how to make
earrings and bracelets that she made. Mom and Dad saw a great teaching opportunity
and taught me about loans and profit margins as I bought beads, made earrings,
and then sold them to my friends and acquaintances that I met on the road.
Was Home Education an easy choice for you? How did you
get started in that endeavor?
There was never a choice, it was
easy to start, there was a great support group in the area where we lived and
my grandmothers were encouraging to my parents. My brother and I have always
homeschooled and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
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| Copper Textured Earrings |
What advice would you give to other families who are
also trying to juggle home education and a home business?
Balance is very important, and in
schooling and business that balance can be tricky to find. I have found that
hard work and passion in your craft are essential.
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
I find inspiration all around me and I am
always on the lookout for new ideas and techniques. Often we will be watching
TV and I will yell “Pause it! I want to see what she is wearing!” I also love to brainstorm with my friends and
family, they always have some good ideas!
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| 3 Mum Charms |
What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I have fallen in love with niobium and adore all of the colors that can be created. That is why these rainbow hoops are my fav right now
I have fallen in love with niobium and adore all of the colors that can be created. That is why these rainbow hoops are my fav right now
Can you tell us one of your favorite homeschooling
moments?
Ohh…there are so many! One that
stands out was the day I was hanging out with a few public schooled friends and
one of them started complaining about the assigned reading she had to do. I
just couldn’t grasp the concept that A. reading wouldn’t be fun and B. they
were only allowed to read a few
chapters at a time!
Do you have specific goals for your business or for
homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
We want to keep the business
small enough that we are able to continue to manage everything ourselves. We
love what we do!
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| Parallel Chain or Helm Weave Chainmaille Bracelet Kit |
Please, share a photo (or up to 4) of yourself, you
working at your business, your family, a field trip or your homeschool day.
We don’t really have any current
photos of the family or me working. I am including a photo of me dancing, if
you would like to use it.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Interview With Mother Daughter Team Nichole and Francis
Tell us a little about yourselves:
(Mom) Hello everyone! I am Frances Reyes alias "Mom." I am 53 years of age and began my homeschooling journey almost 24 years ago while carrying my first child. The Lord was so gracious to bless me with two wonderful children, Nicole 23 (my business partner), and Christopher 21. I love crocheting, sewing, gardening, cooking, reading and collecting books, and watching old movies but my most favorite of all things is to be by the sea.
(Nicole) Hello! I'm Nicole Reyes, Frances' daughter and co-owner of Nicole & Mom's Creations. I had the wonderful privilege of being homeschooled through the 12th grade, and loved every minute of it! My interests vary from crocheting, drawing, watching old black and white movies, and of course what girl doesn't love to shop! Karate is my passion. I have been in the martial arts for almost 10 years and earned my 2nd degree black belt in 2011. Currently, I run my own school from home and compete professionally. My ultimate goal is to make the U.S. National Team someday.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?(Mom) It's funny to think back on how I got started at my craft. Crocheting was something I taught myself to do as a child, just like sewing. It was just one of those things on a list I wanted to learn and it never occured to me that one day the skill would develop into a business!
(Nicole) My mom started the business several years back. I hadn't picked up a crochet hook yet and was anxious to learn when we did our first craft fair together.
I love it now!
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories?(Mom) I think my most favorite homeschool memory was the freedom of providing my children with the avenues to discover what they enjoyed learning, and to develop those things into useful skills.
What did you like best about being homeschooled?(Nicole) It was a true blessing that the Lord placed it in my mother's heart to educate my brother and I at home. Some of my fondest memories were simply being with her and spending time learning. We have an amazing relationship and being homeschooled all those years made our friendship blossom!
What is one thing that you liked least about being homeschooled?(Nicole) MATH!
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?(Mom) My best advice for any family trying to start or run a home business is to enjoy the process of learning and being together. That might mean cultivating more than one business at a time. For example we run our crocheting business, a dojo and a bookstore all from home.
What advice would you give to other homeschool students who would like to start their own business?(Nicole) It's very rewarding being your own boss. Find something you love or are interested in learning and try turning it into a business. You never know what might happen!
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?(Mom) Being a bit of a rebel at heart, I try to create pieces that go against the flow of fashion. In other words I try to create pieces that you can't find anywhere else. I want buyers to feel like they have on something unique.
(Nicole) My inspiration comes simply from the joy of creating and watching others enjoy the finished product. Crocheting is very relaxing for me especially when I'm a bit stressed!
What is your favorite item in your shop right now?(Mom) I would have to say that currently my most favorite piece is my "Crochet Red Purse."
(Nicole) The bandana scarves are my favorite. Everyone loves them!
Do you have specific goals for your business?(Nicole & Mom) Creating unique, quality items is our main goal. We love to see our customers come back for more!
Do you have any other websites that you would like to share? ie, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Online Shop...(Nicole & Mom) Visit our Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/NicoleandMom. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
(Mom) Hello everyone! I am Frances Reyes alias "Mom." I am 53 years of age and began my homeschooling journey almost 24 years ago while carrying my first child. The Lord was so gracious to bless me with two wonderful children, Nicole 23 (my business partner), and Christopher 21. I love crocheting, sewing, gardening, cooking, reading and collecting books, and watching old movies but my most favorite of all things is to be by the sea.
(Nicole) Hello! I'm Nicole Reyes, Frances' daughter and co-owner of Nicole & Mom's Creations. I had the wonderful privilege of being homeschooled through the 12th grade, and loved every minute of it! My interests vary from crocheting, drawing, watching old black and white movies, and of course what girl doesn't love to shop! Karate is my passion. I have been in the martial arts for almost 10 years and earned my 2nd degree black belt in 2011. Currently, I run my own school from home and compete professionally. My ultimate goal is to make the U.S. National Team someday.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?(Mom) It's funny to think back on how I got started at my craft. Crocheting was something I taught myself to do as a child, just like sewing. It was just one of those things on a list I wanted to learn and it never occured to me that one day the skill would develop into a business!
(Nicole) My mom started the business several years back. I hadn't picked up a crochet hook yet and was anxious to learn when we did our first craft fair together.
I love it now!
 |
| Boyfriend Tie in Silver and Gray |
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories?(Mom) I think my most favorite homeschool memory was the freedom of providing my children with the avenues to discover what they enjoyed learning, and to develop those things into useful skills.
What did you like best about being homeschooled?(Nicole) It was a true blessing that the Lord placed it in my mother's heart to educate my brother and I at home. Some of my fondest memories were simply being with her and spending time learning. We have an amazing relationship and being homeschooled all those years made our friendship blossom!
 |
| Bandana Scarf With Fringe |
What is one thing that you liked least about being homeschooled?(Nicole) MATH!
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?(Mom) My best advice for any family trying to start or run a home business is to enjoy the process of learning and being together. That might mean cultivating more than one business at a time. For example we run our crocheting business, a dojo and a bookstore all from home.
 |
| Crochet Flower Bookmark |
What advice would you give to other homeschool students who would like to start their own business?(Nicole) It's very rewarding being your own boss. Find something you love or are interested in learning and try turning it into a business. You never know what might happen!
 |
| Scarf Shawl in Shimmery Champagne |
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?(Mom) Being a bit of a rebel at heart, I try to create pieces that go against the flow of fashion. In other words I try to create pieces that you can't find anywhere else. I want buyers to feel like they have on something unique.
(Nicole) My inspiration comes simply from the joy of creating and watching others enjoy the finished product. Crocheting is very relaxing for me especially when I'm a bit stressed!
What is your favorite item in your shop right now?(Mom) I would have to say that currently my most favorite piece is my "Crochet Red Purse."
(Nicole) The bandana scarves are my favorite. Everyone loves them!
 |
| Crochet Purse in Red or Beige You Choose the Color |
Do you have specific goals for your business?(Nicole & Mom) Creating unique, quality items is our main goal. We love to see our customers come back for more!
Do you have any other websites that you would like to share? ie, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Online Shop...(Nicole & Mom) Visit our Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/NicoleandMom. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Iterview With Lacey of Gremlina
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a little bit here, and a little bit there. I love to search, try new things, explore and understand. I LOVE my family and adore the life we share together, homeschooling and starting a business has given us so many opportunities to strengthen our bonds.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I've been hunting and gathering vintage since I was in elementary school. Thanks to a thrifty mom with a small budget, I rarely had 'new' clothes and the value of items with age was hammered in. Etsy inspired me to sell, and it's only grown from there!
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
Our trips are the best. Often my husband has to travel for work--and since he works for himself, he can schedule long weekends so we can go on short trips. These are amazing times for us to learn and enjoy each other. Daily we craft and work together in the garden and that's great too, but the stand-out memories are in our little 'journeys' as the kids call them.
What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Include the children, make the business about the family on every level. If you're running a business that interferes with family values--including the importance of family time in your own home, it's not worth it. I couldn't do what I do if my husband didn't enjoy helping, and same for the kids. There is no greater life lesson you can give your children than how to run a business in an ethical and loving way. It doesn't matter what you do, if your family can help and support it, it will be all the more successful.
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Usually I'm inspired by the pieces I find! While I LOVE to craft, I find such beauty in the craftsmanship of others. There's a warm, tingly feeling I get when I see the joy in the face of a person with whom a piece has been matched, it's like a reunion of sorts. Sometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.
Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Like I said, family first. My goal is to help a little financially in a way that includes my kids. It's more difficult now because they're very young, but my oldest is already (age 7) VERY interested in participating in the finding and selling of great items. Her eye is getting better and she's even getting good at talking with customers! It reminds me of old general stores where the kids worked the register. I'd love to have something to pass on to them if they decide they love it too--something they helped to build.
Find Lacey
On Facebook
On Etsy
On Her Blog
I'm a little bit here, and a little bit there. I love to search, try new things, explore and understand. I LOVE my family and adore the life we share together, homeschooling and starting a business has given us so many opportunities to strengthen our bonds.
 |
| Retro Vintage Eyeglasses |
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I've been hunting and gathering vintage since I was in elementary school. Thanks to a thrifty mom with a small budget, I rarely had 'new' clothes and the value of items with age was hammered in. Etsy inspired me to sell, and it's only grown from there!
 |
| Plaid Picnic Set |
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
Our trips are the best. Often my husband has to travel for work--and since he works for himself, he can schedule long weekends so we can go on short trips. These are amazing times for us to learn and enjoy each other. Daily we craft and work together in the garden and that's great too, but the stand-out memories are in our little 'journeys' as the kids call them.
 |
| 1950's Danish Style Mid Century Modern Desk |
What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Include the children, make the business about the family on every level. If you're running a business that interferes with family values--including the importance of family time in your own home, it's not worth it. I couldn't do what I do if my husband didn't enjoy helping, and same for the kids. There is no greater life lesson you can give your children than how to run a business in an ethical and loving way. It doesn't matter what you do, if your family can help and support it, it will be all the more successful.
 |
| Retro Kitchen Accessories |
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Usually I'm inspired by the pieces I find! While I LOVE to craft, I find such beauty in the craftsmanship of others. There's a warm, tingly feeling I get when I see the joy in the face of a person with whom a piece has been matched, it's like a reunion of sorts. Sometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.ometimes people just walk right up and look at nothing but one dress on a rack and it's so clear the 2 were meant to be together! The emails/notes/conversations I have with folks like this online are very similar. Sometimes things just fit.
 |
| Size 9 Dingo Western Style Boots |
Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Like I said, family first. My goal is to help a little financially in a way that includes my kids. It's more difficult now because they're very young, but my oldest is already (age 7) VERY interested in participating in the finding and selling of great items. Her eye is getting better and she's even getting good at talking with customers! It reminds me of old general stores where the kids worked the register. I'd love to have something to pass on to them if they decide they love it too--something they helped to build.
Find Lacey
On Facebook
On Etsy
On Her Blog
Monday, February 13, 2012
Interview With Christy Wilson of Whimsy Gal
Hi, my name is Christy Wilson. I am an artist, mother, marine biologist, and environmental educator who lives on a little green island with my husband, my two daughters and our family dog. I have been crafting all my lif and am always excited to try something new. Right now, I am mainly painting in acrylics, dabblin in watercolours and have started playing with sewing; but,thanks to my life as a mother and homeschooler, I am often trying other mediums and crafts. Sharing creativity with my two girls is one of my favourite parts of homeschooling life!
My Two Creative Girls
As I said, I have crafted since I myself was a little girl (I cherish the memories I have of crafting with my own mom. Painting(aside from the odd school art projects) is a fairly recent undertaking for me. I started painting cusom children's pieces(t-shirts and canvases) for my friends' children when on maternity leave with my first child. Many of my friends also seemed to be having babies and I was looking for a way to celebrate them and save a little money. I soon became hooked on the bold and playful colours and the fast and forgiveable nature of acrylic paints - if you don't like it, you just paint over it! From there I started to get commissions - for children and weddings and anniversaries and my confidence grew.
A Family Tree Commission
I am surrounded by many artist friends, and their support and encouragement has really helped me to branch out. I started selling at local craft fairs and getting referrals and commissions farther afield. Then I discovered Etsy and was excited by the opportunity to reach a larger audience. I have to admit that I still do mainly local commissions and shows, but I am hoping to make more use of Etsy as my children grow and I perhaps find more time for my art as a business.
But for now, most importantly, my art brings me so much joy and I love my escapes into paint and possibility in my magic studio on the top our our house (windows all around, trees beyond...it feels like my own treehouse and I can watch my girls giggling on the grass below as I work.)
It is hard to choose just one of the many favourite homeschooling memories I have. What an incredible time this has been. Certainly it was magic to share the process of my eldest learning to read and now she reads to her little sister and my heart fills with so much love.
Raena reading to Alex
Another memory that jumps out is the one day that I hosted the weekly "Interesting Club" and "took" Raena and her friends to France. We played with the language and made family collages to learn words like "Mere"(mother) and "Pere" (father). We then dined in the garden on a French buffet luncheon and practiced saying "Merci" (thank you) and "S'il vous plait" (please) as we passed around the "raisins"(grapes), "fromage"(cheese), "pain" (fresh bread), "beurre" (butter and "vin" (wine, actually fizzy water in a fancy carafe). We chatted about what it must be like to be a young girl in France, looked up some stories from young person's blog, and remembered our cousin Maddy whom all girls know(she had recenly vistied us from France). Then I read a children's book about Mary Cassatt - an artist who lived in North America like us(more specificall, in the USA, so our general neighbourhood anyways)and at the same age as the girls in our Club (7 or 8), she went to France with her parents. She fell in love with the place and the art of France, dreamed about it for years and in her early 20's she returned to France and began painting with the Impressionists. We looked at examples of Impressionist artists and talked about the style of their art (painting what the see) and their practice of painting "en plein air" (out of doors) and then my daughter and her friends took watercolour paints and chose a solo spot in the garden to paint "en plein air". The results were incredible!
Raena painting cornflowers "en plein air"
I am so inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for all we do. Just last month they dove in with smiles and laughter to help clean up garbage at the annual Great Canadian Shorelin Cleanup at a local beach. Similarly, they will stop everything and direct all their energy to study (and save) a found bug or snail.
My art is really more of a hobby than a home business (for now) but my husband is a co-owner and baker at our Slow Rise Bakery and that business really does affect the rhythms of homeschooling. But being our own boss allows much more freedom to include the kids in your work. Often they play at the bakery or in the garden outside (the bakery is right next door to our home, on our neighbour and partner's property). Sometimes they help bag
and label bread, mix granola or scones or go on deliveries to the local grocery store. From the bakery interaction, my advice would be to try and involve the kids whenever you can, even if it is infrequent, so they can feel included and so that they learn real life experience in your field of work.
Though I often take my daughters to events with my part-time employment as an Environmental Educator, I actually have a hard time following this advice directly with my art. I find it hard to paint with my kids in the room. But I can work on their painting projects with them and I have just taken up sewing and find that I can do most projects (if not too complicated for my beginner level) with my kids in the studio, playing alongside or working on their own sewing creations. I have been sewing mainly gifts but have traded and sold a couple dolls and hope to do more and perhaps get some into my Etsy shop in the new year. Since I can sew with my children in the room, this may be more realistic than expanding my painting business at this time.
One of my First Dolls
Recently, I have been most inspired by words, especially inspiring quotes and intentional writing. I find the power of words really helps me to stay focused on what is most important and good in my life. I love to weave these words into my art to help me to further integrate their messages.
Trust the Universe Original Painting
I have also always been very inspired by nature. I live in a piece of paradise on a small island called Gabriola, off the west coast of Canada. I am surrounded by wild spaces and creatures and I especially love the ocean. My passion for the sea led me to study marine biology at university and my love and knowledge of the salty realm often comes out in my art - from mermaids, to seastars, to vintage beach balls! So many hours are spent exploring the seashore with my girls and I often have a sketchbook or camera with me to capture the magic and save the inspiration for later paintings.
My Favourite Place in the World
For homeschooling, one of my most important goals is to slow down and listen to the interests of my children --- to play with them and to see the world through their eyes. I find that I am too often distracted by chores and projects that call to me and I want to let more of that go and focus more on connecting with my girls. Since I work part time outside the home, the times I do have is so stretched and so valuable. I would like to also help my daughters slow down, perhaps choosing less formal activities(like sports, activities, group classes). Another focus for me is to spend more time outside in nature with my girls. It fills me up, fills us all with so much joy and it nourishes our very souls. As the rainy season descends upon us (we get very little snow on this mild part of the coast) I will try to be more focused on this.
The Girls Sketching on Carlos Island
The specific goals I have for my art business include becoming more playful! I want to paint with more freedom (and less inner judgment) and develop my style. I also hope to integrate my photos into my paintings(photo transfers and collage are speaking to me) and I hope to do more sewing. I am also excited about building my online presence. After thinking about this for many months, I have finally moved forward with this goal and have launched my new website/blog. I will be building up more stock in my Etsy shop over the winter and have a link to my shop from my blog. I will be introducing some new products, reproducing my art in stationary and calendars. I hope these items will help to spread the word about my art a little farther and will allow me to share the love in these creations with more people.
Thank you so much for the chance to reflect on my experiences as a Homeschooling Etsian. It is so inspiring to be a part of the SHEteam and I would love any feedback or advice you might have to pass along!
My Two Creative Girls
As I said, I have crafted since I myself was a little girl (I cherish the memories I have of crafting with my own mom. Painting(aside from the odd school art projects) is a fairly recent undertaking for me. I started painting cusom children's pieces(t-shirts and canvases) for my friends' children when on maternity leave with my first child. Many of my friends also seemed to be having babies and I was looking for a way to celebrate them and save a little money. I soon became hooked on the bold and playful colours and the fast and forgiveable nature of acrylic paints - if you don't like it, you just paint over it! From there I started to get commissions - for children and weddings and anniversaries and my confidence grew.
A Family Tree Commission
I am surrounded by many artist friends, and their support and encouragement has really helped me to branch out. I started selling at local craft fairs and getting referrals and commissions farther afield. Then I discovered Etsy and was excited by the opportunity to reach a larger audience. I have to admit that I still do mainly local commissions and shows, but I am hoping to make more use of Etsy as my children grow and I perhaps find more time for my art as a business.
But for now, most importantly, my art brings me so much joy and I love my escapes into paint and possibility in my magic studio on the top our our house (windows all around, trees beyond...it feels like my own treehouse and I can watch my girls giggling on the grass below as I work.)
It is hard to choose just one of the many favourite homeschooling memories I have. What an incredible time this has been. Certainly it was magic to share the process of my eldest learning to read and now she reads to her little sister and my heart fills with so much love.
Raena reading to Alex
Another memory that jumps out is the one day that I hosted the weekly "Interesting Club" and "took" Raena and her friends to France. We played with the language and made family collages to learn words like "Mere"(mother) and "Pere" (father). We then dined in the garden on a French buffet luncheon and practiced saying "Merci" (thank you) and "S'il vous plait" (please) as we passed around the "raisins"(grapes), "fromage"(cheese), "pain" (fresh bread), "beurre" (butter and "vin" (wine, actually fizzy water in a fancy carafe). We chatted about what it must be like to be a young girl in France, looked up some stories from young person's blog, and remembered our cousin Maddy whom all girls know(she had recenly vistied us from France). Then I read a children's book about Mary Cassatt - an artist who lived in North America like us(more specificall, in the USA, so our general neighbourhood anyways)and at the same age as the girls in our Club (7 or 8), she went to France with her parents. She fell in love with the place and the art of France, dreamed about it for years and in her early 20's she returned to France and began painting with the Impressionists. We looked at examples of Impressionist artists and talked about the style of their art (painting what the see) and their practice of painting "en plein air" (out of doors) and then my daughter and her friends took watercolour paints and chose a solo spot in the garden to paint "en plein air". The results were incredible!
Raena painting cornflowers "en plein air"
I am so inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for all we do. Just last month they dove in with smiles and laughter to help clean up garbage at the annual Great Canadian Shorelin Cleanup at a local beach. Similarly, they will stop everything and direct all their energy to study (and save) a found bug or snail.
My art is really more of a hobby than a home business (for now) but my husband is a co-owner and baker at our Slow Rise Bakery and that business really does affect the rhythms of homeschooling. But being our own boss allows much more freedom to include the kids in your work. Often they play at the bakery or in the garden outside (the bakery is right next door to our home, on our neighbour and partner's property). Sometimes they help bag
and label bread, mix granola or scones or go on deliveries to the local grocery store. From the bakery interaction, my advice would be to try and involve the kids whenever you can, even if it is infrequent, so they can feel included and so that they learn real life experience in your field of work.
Though I often take my daughters to events with my part-time employment as an Environmental Educator, I actually have a hard time following this advice directly with my art. I find it hard to paint with my kids in the room. But I can work on their painting projects with them and I have just taken up sewing and find that I can do most projects (if not too complicated for my beginner level) with my kids in the studio, playing alongside or working on their own sewing creations. I have been sewing mainly gifts but have traded and sold a couple dolls and hope to do more and perhaps get some into my Etsy shop in the new year. Since I can sew with my children in the room, this may be more realistic than expanding my painting business at this time.
One of my First Dolls
Recently, I have been most inspired by words, especially inspiring quotes and intentional writing. I find the power of words really helps me to stay focused on what is most important and good in my life. I love to weave these words into my art to help me to further integrate their messages.
Trust the Universe Original Painting
I have also always been very inspired by nature. I live in a piece of paradise on a small island called Gabriola, off the west coast of Canada. I am surrounded by wild spaces and creatures and I especially love the ocean. My passion for the sea led me to study marine biology at university and my love and knowledge of the salty realm often comes out in my art - from mermaids, to seastars, to vintage beach balls! So many hours are spent exploring the seashore with my girls and I often have a sketchbook or camera with me to capture the magic and save the inspiration for later paintings.
My Favourite Place in the World
For homeschooling, one of my most important goals is to slow down and listen to the interests of my children --- to play with them and to see the world through their eyes. I find that I am too often distracted by chores and projects that call to me and I want to let more of that go and focus more on connecting with my girls. Since I work part time outside the home, the times I do have is so stretched and so valuable. I would like to also help my daughters slow down, perhaps choosing less formal activities(like sports, activities, group classes). Another focus for me is to spend more time outside in nature with my girls. It fills me up, fills us all with so much joy and it nourishes our very souls. As the rainy season descends upon us (we get very little snow on this mild part of the coast) I will try to be more focused on this.
The Girls Sketching on Carlos Island
The specific goals I have for my art business include becoming more playful! I want to paint with more freedom (and less inner judgment) and develop my style. I also hope to integrate my photos into my paintings(photo transfers and collage are speaking to me) and I hope to do more sewing. I am also excited about building my online presence. After thinking about this for many months, I have finally moved forward with this goal and have launched my new website/blog. I will be building up more stock in my Etsy shop over the winter and have a link to my shop from my blog. I will be introducing some new products, reproducing my art in stationary and calendars. I hope these items will help to spread the word about my art a little farther and will allow me to share the love in these creations with more people.
Thank you so much for the chance to reflect on my experiences as a Homeschooling Etsian. It is so inspiring to be a part of the SHEteam and I would love any feedback or advice you might have to pass along!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Chicken Tetrazzini
Today's recipe comes from Donna. Donna is a member of the Schooling at Home Etsians as well as the owner and creator of Naturally Comfy, homeschooling mother of 4 and blogger.
According to her blog, this recipe is a family favorite. We hope you enjoy it as well.
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Chicken Tetrazzini
¼ C butter or margarine
¼ C flour
½ tsp salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 C chicken broth
1 C whipping cream (half-n-half also works well)
2 Tbs sherry ( I use water)
1 package (7 oz) spaghetti, cooked and drained)
2 C cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1 can (3 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained (I leave these out and it's fine)
½ C grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 350*F. Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and cream. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in wine, spaghetti, chicken and mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until bubbly.
6 servings
According to her blog, this recipe is a family favorite. We hope you enjoy it as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chicken Tetrazzini
¼ C butter or margarine
¼ C flour
½ tsp salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 C chicken broth
1 C whipping cream (half-n-half also works well)
2 Tbs sherry ( I use water)
1 package (7 oz) spaghetti, cooked and drained)
2 C cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1 can (3 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained (I leave these out and it's fine)
½ C grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 350*F. Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and cream. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in wine, spaghetti, chicken and mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until bubbly.
6 servings
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Interview With Sowers Of Hope
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am first a daughter of the Mighty King and a lover of my Salvation. I am a wife to my best friend and mother to three awesome and fun-loving teenagers.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
Our little headcovering business started after learning about headcovering and subsequently being convicted to headcover. I started making mob caps, Amish kapps, and Israeli tichels. With time, I began offering many other styles of headcoverings such as snoods, extra-wide headbands, Bethany veils, etc. We also opened a blog , where we discuss not only headcovering in general but also interview women who headcover. These interviews can be read here . Over time, we began to address the lack of modesty in today’s culture and have since pursued this issue hoping to encourage, educate, and inspire women and men to examine not only their dress but also their hearts. We have since branched out in the social media arena and can also be found on Facebook , and Twitter .
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
My favorite homeschool memory would be a family trip we took to Yellowstone National Park. We saw, learned, and experienced so much more than books could ever attempt to teach us. We spent uninterrupted time together laughing, loving, and making memories that will last forever.
4. What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
First, knowing what your priorities are in your life is essential. Secondly, committing to spend a determined amount of time on these priorities is of equal importance. For example, a typical school day will begin with Scripture reading, devotion, and prayer. We then move on to chores, breakfast and school. Later during the day, I will work on the business. I’ve realized that if there is an imbalance in my priorities, then my spiritual life, family life, and business suffer. I would also like to mention that though there is time and effort that needs to be poured into one’s business, it is ultimately God who brings the sales. He remains our provider in all things.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
My inspirations usually comes from the practicality and need that I see within the community of headcovering women.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Yes, my goals for the business are two-fold. First, it would be to generate enough profit from the business to pay for some of the household and homeschooling expenses. Secondly, I would like to teach our children that creativity and initiative are some of the main ingredients for creating a source of income.
CHEMO HEADCOVERINGS
Not too long ago, I felt the LORD’s prompting to begin making headcoverings for individuals who have suffered hair loss, whether because of chemotherapy or other medical reasons. My intent is to offer them at a reasonable price so that they would be available to everyone. Medical costs are often unimaginably high, even with the help of insurance. So once again, with the prompting of our LORD, our chemo headcovers are available free of charge to individuals who otherwise could not afford one. I find that it is extremely important to live one’s life with an open hand, giving to everyone according to their need and according to what God has provided to you. Though the name of our business, Sowers of Hope, was initially the name of our first ministry, we decided to use the same name once again because of the message it brings with it. It is based on Isaiah 40:31 “ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“ Using this verse as the basis of our business, we wanted to remind everyone that placing their hope in the LORD is the only place that lasting restoration can be had.
Our chemo headcovers are currently available in this Etsy shop , but we plan to move them over to our main headcovering Etsy boutique very soon.
I am first a daughter of the Mighty King and a lover of my Salvation. I am a wife to my best friend and mother to three awesome and fun-loving teenagers.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
Our little headcovering business started after learning about headcovering and subsequently being convicted to headcover. I started making mob caps, Amish kapps, and Israeli tichels. With time, I began offering many other styles of headcoverings such as snoods, extra-wide headbands, Bethany veils, etc. We also opened a blog , where we discuss not only headcovering in general but also interview women who headcover. These interviews can be read here . Over time, we began to address the lack of modesty in today’s culture and have since pursued this issue hoping to encourage, educate, and inspire women and men to examine not only their dress but also their hearts. We have since branched out in the social media arena and can also be found on Facebook , and Twitter .
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
My favorite homeschool memory would be a family trip we took to Yellowstone National Park. We saw, learned, and experienced so much more than books could ever attempt to teach us. We spent uninterrupted time together laughing, loving, and making memories that will last forever.
4. What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
First, knowing what your priorities are in your life is essential. Secondly, committing to spend a determined amount of time on these priorities is of equal importance. For example, a typical school day will begin with Scripture reading, devotion, and prayer. We then move on to chores, breakfast and school. Later during the day, I will work on the business. I’ve realized that if there is an imbalance in my priorities, then my spiritual life, family life, and business suffer. I would also like to mention that though there is time and effort that needs to be poured into one’s business, it is ultimately God who brings the sales. He remains our provider in all things.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
My inspirations usually comes from the practicality and need that I see within the community of headcovering women.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Yes, my goals for the business are two-fold. First, it would be to generate enough profit from the business to pay for some of the household and homeschooling expenses. Secondly, I would like to teach our children that creativity and initiative are some of the main ingredients for creating a source of income.
CHEMO HEADCOVERINGS
Not too long ago, I felt the LORD’s prompting to begin making headcoverings for individuals who have suffered hair loss, whether because of chemotherapy or other medical reasons. My intent is to offer them at a reasonable price so that they would be available to everyone. Medical costs are often unimaginably high, even with the help of insurance. So once again, with the prompting of our LORD, our chemo headcovers are available free of charge to individuals who otherwise could not afford one. I find that it is extremely important to live one’s life with an open hand, giving to everyone according to their need and according to what God has provided to you. Though the name of our business, Sowers of Hope, was initially the name of our first ministry, we decided to use the same name once again because of the message it brings with it. It is based on Isaiah 40:31 “ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“ Using this verse as the basis of our business, we wanted to remind everyone that placing their hope in the LORD is the only place that lasting restoration can be had.
Our chemo headcovers are currently available in this Etsy shop , but we plan to move them over to our main headcovering Etsy boutique very soon.
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