and the crafting begins

I know crafting and sewing posts have been pretty much non-existent this summer and I’m really sorry about that. I decided to focus on getting our house actually unpacked and in order instead of doing a Summer Sewing School like I’ve done the past 2 summers (here and here).

But, never fear, crafting season is here. I know because several of my children have started making their Christmas gifts for this year. (Here’s previous gifts – 2011, 2012)

Also, a friend and I are teaching a craft class at co-op this year. I’m so very happy about that. I’ve been wanting to teach this class for 6 years and it’s just never worked out. We’re going to be doing things such as decoupage, hand and machine sewing, macrame and candle making – and more.

Crafting is so important for children. There’s very few things they do that are lasting and to make something that is useful and lasting is really a confidence builder.

I have been reminded of this as Esther has been working diligently on loom weaving. She made us a hot pad a couple of weeks ago and is working on her second one.

While making it I hear, “Am’t I doing thery, thery good?” I also hear, “Hey guys, look at my beautiful hot pad.” or “Mommy, use my hot pad.”

There is sense of accomplishment that she has that I’ve not seen in her yet. She feels capable.

Starting September 23rd I’ll be hosting Handmade Christmas 2013. Each week from then until the Monday before Thanksgiving we’ll have a tutorial of something that would make a good handmade gift and an opportunity to link up other ideas. Last year we had categories each week, this year we won’t.

If you’d like to write a guest post tutorial for Handmade Christmas 2013 please email me at schneiderpeeps @ juno. com. (Handmade Christmas 2012)

Are you planning on making Christmas gifts this year? Are your children?

This post is shared at Barn Hop, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Backyard Farming Connection, Show Me What You Got, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Homemaking Blog Hop, Simple Living Wednesday, What We Learned Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Self Sufficient HomeAcre, Home and Garden Blog Hop, From the Farm, Small Footprint Friday, Farm Girl Friday, Little House in the Suburbs,

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