You've probably heard of homeschooling, one alternative to public education. You may even know a family that homeschools. You may even homeschool your children. Homeschooling has become so common that it usually doesn't raise eyebrows anymore. Homeschool graduates are succeeding in college and the work place. They are starting their own families and raising another generation of homeschoolers. And homeschoolers, like so many others, are creative.
As a homeschool mom myself, recently retired, I found my creative outlet in making items that were both pretty and practical - quilts, knit scarves and cowls, handmade soap. Homeschooling is a full time job and creating helped me de-stress, relax, and re-focus. I am truly thankful and blessed to have been able to educate my children at home for over 20 years. We grew closer as a family and established deep relationships which we will enjoy for a lifetime. My children have told me that they, too, are thankful to have been homeschooled. And I am pleased to see the fruits of my labor as they do well in their jobs and marriages.
 Our home school - Heritage Academy Go ahead and chuckle. I do. When my kids cringe, I remind them that I am in the photo, too! Yes, we all survived homeschooling. |  Our youngest graduate |
This holiday season my shop,The Lathered Lamb, was included in a list of Etsy shops with a tie to homeschooling. Alisha Gratehouse of Flourish was kind enough to write a blog post promoting these shops. She is also a home educator. I love how she summarizes the link between creativity and homeschooling this way:
"It’s just in us as homeschool moms to desire to teach and train our own children, to have them with us, to instill in them our own values, and to equip them to live a successful life. And because we are often limited to a single income due to this choice, it’s also in a lot of us to want to have an some form of outlet in which we use our creativity and imagination, as well as contribute financially to our home and family."
"It’s just in us as homeschool moms to desire to teach and train our own children, to have them with us, to instill in them our own values, and to equip them to live a successful life. And because we are often limited to a single income due to this choice, it’s also in a lot of us to want to have an some form of outlet in which we use our creativity and imagination, as well as contribute financially to our home and family."
Although I am no longer in the homeschooling season of life, my desire to create unique and useful items hasn't diminished. I suspect that the creativity of other homeschool moms will also continue long after their children have graduated. Please take a few moments to browse the shops listed. Buy something. Your purchase will encourage the moms who work hard to educate their children, and you'll get to enjoy a little of their creativity this holiday season.
Here are a few of my favorites which highlight the creativity of these homeschool moms.
Click on the picture to go to the listing.
Click on the picture to go to the listing.
Alabaster Box Shop
Alisha Gratehouse Art
Four Happy Faces
From The Rookery
Bear Creek Design
Sixmunchkin Stitching
Craft Like an Artist
Lacy Treasures
Timeless Trinkets
Besem Natural Scents
Cindy's Suds
And please remember to visit The Lathered Lamb for more gift giving ideas.
Handmade Soap from The Lathered Lamb
 Fingerless Gloves from The Lathered Lamb |  Hand Knit Cowl from The Lathered Lamb |
As always, thanks for stopping by! May your Christmas be joyful, and as you celebrate, consider the One who brings everlasting joy to the world.
~Debbie
