New Members

It has been a very busy summer for the SHE team. You would think that since we are a homeschool team, summers would be relaxing and we would all be lounging by the pool. That is not the case with most homeschool families I know. Sure, there is more play time, maybe even a vacation or two, but there is always something to be done. Many school all year, taking weeks off instead of months for the summer, some are busy planning for the next school year, some are busy selling their house and/or moving, and some just never take a break.

The SHE team has all these things going on and still have beautiful new work showing up on Etsy. Along with amazing new items appearing on a daily basis, the Schooling at Home Etsians is a growing team. We now have over 150 members on the yahoo group with more joining each week. Here are just a few items from some of our newest members.

Unique Euphoria



Gypsies Thread



Mainely Set In Stone


Berry Patch Stamp


Patchwork Cottage Shoppe


Be sure to search for "SHEteam" on Etsy for more team items.

Interview With Prairie Cottage Rose

1. What arts or crafts are you involved in?

Just about all of them, at one time or another! I'm always trying something new or picking something back up when it inspires me again. Right now my favorites are sewing, painting, and crochet.

2. Tell us about your shop.

My shop focuses on folk art, primitives and rag quilts, although some crochet sneaks in there, too! I love designing new pieces with a bit of old fashioned primitive charm. Most are one of a kind... I'd go bonkers if I had to make the same few items over and over! My newest shop is puddintoes, which is one of my grandson's nicknames. The baby items were getting lost amongst the primitives and are happier in their own little shop.


3. Who taught you how to crochet?

My Grammy started me with crocheting and other crafts when I was 4 or 5. She was always crafting or sewing and would have me working on my own little project right along with her.

4. What are your best Etsy tips?

I'm still learning and working on my photos, but I think really interesting photos will draw people into your shop. Also, use all the tags in your description so your lovely items will come up in as many searches as possible

5. What are your favorite color combinations right now?

Red. Anything red. I'm also quite liking a combination of turquoise, lime and yellow recently. And did I mention I love red?

6. What are you reading right now?

Besides the Bible, I'm reading Hidden Places by Lynn Austin with one of my girls and just started Double Minds by Terri Blackstock.


7. How long have you homeschooled and what method do you use?

We have homeschooled a little over 14 years. We began our homeschool life right before my single mom-hood. We were just going to "finish the school year," but it worked out so well that we kept right on homeschooling! We use an eclectic mix of curriculum, but love Sonlight for literature and history.


8.What have you found most surprising about Etsy?

It is surprising the amount of time and work it takes to get people into your shop and viewing your items!

9. What is the most interesting thing about yourself?

Hmm, I'm not sure what that might be. My smart aleck boys want me to say I'm the real MacGyver. They mistakenly put that other actor guy on the show. A little duct tape, some chewing gum, and a toothpick-- okay, so I've made a few impromptu repairs without the proper supplies. It's always worked out just fine, thank you. Sigh. Leave it to my boys to find the humor in every situation!

10. Are you addicted to anything right now? (Coffee, chocolate?)

Must have my coffee, if I'm working a late shift. I could actually (gasp) live quite happily without chocolate. I hope you'll still be my friends :)



Be sure to check out her blog too!

Thank you to Lizzie from A Dusty Frame for providing this great interview.

Interview With Elegant Rose Boutique

1. How long have you been crafting?

I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. I got a sewing machine shortly after we were married and I have always loved making things, when time permits, of course.

2. What is your favorite thing to make?

Right now my favorite thing to make is soap! I have been using essential oils for all of our health issues for the past 8 years and making soap with essential oils is just kind of like an extension of that. I feel like a mad chemist in the kitchen. I love creating new scents and experimenting. My favorite scents so far are the body scrub I made using peppermint and tangerine essential oils and my honey almond soap.

3. How did you start making soap?

It all started when I purchased some homemade soap from someone locally that was going out of business. I got a great deal, but I also got hooked. Being frugally minded as I am, I decided that I could make soap and so it began. I researched and read everything I could get my hands on and then started experimenting. There really isn't a lot of information on using essential oils in soap, so it is up to me to create.


4. What are your best Etsy tips?

My best etsy tip would be to make your shop inviting and post often in the forums to get exposure. I also believe you should list something everyday.

5. Where do you get inspiration?

I get inspiration from many different things, I assume you are talking about crafting inspiration, mostly from books or I use scent combinations I have used in the past for different things.

6. Do you do any other crafting?

I do lots of other crafts, although very sporadically. I love to make cards, scrapbook, sew, and cross stitching.

7. What are you reading right now?

I am reading a book called "You Can Heal Your Life" in addition to the Bible and my soap books. It's a fascinating book.

8. How long have you homeschooled and what method do you use?

We have homeschooled for 12 years now. We mostly put our own curriculum together, we love Charlotte Mason and Classical methods. We use Saxon math, Tapestry of Grace, Analytical Grammar and Apologia science. We enjoy doing lots of reading aloud and spend a lot of time outside, when possible. My oldest 4 teach themselves for the most part, which is really how it has to be when you have this many. It is a daunting task to stay on top of everything. My oldest will be taking the calculus AP test in May! It goes by so fast!

9.What have you found most surprising about Etsy?

I was most surprised about the amount of time it takes to run an etsy store!


10. What is the most interesting thing about yourself?

The most interesting thing about myself,not really sure what that would be. I have a bachelors degree in computer science and corporate finance. My dad couldn't believe I was going to quit my job to stay home with our children after going to college. I knew that God had a plan for me. I have 8 children, ranging from ages 3 - 16, and a wonderful husband, what else could one ask for?



Thank you to Lizzie from A Dusty Frame for providing this great interview.