How to Start Handicrafts at Home (Plus a list of 10 ideas)

Children come alive when they are creating something. Have you ever witnessed this in your home? I’m a mama of 6, and have noticed my children (even young toddlers) come ALIVE when they are creative.

There is a misconception that handicrafts are simple crafts that are quickly put together and done. The truth is…handicrafts are lifeskills.

In Charlotte Mason homes, we work very hard at the task at hand as we are teaching our children the habit of excellency and the habit of attention. We would much rather spend an extended amount of time perfecting a skill than rushing through a project sloppily.

HOW TO START

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific handicrafts, let’s talk about time management. You see, when I first started homeschooling the Charlotte Mason way, we never had the time (or so I thought) to commit to handicrafts. It wasn’t until we worked on our rhythm at home and I worked hard to finish our lessons by lunch, that I found the time to work on handicrafts. (SEE MY COURSE HERE ON TIME MANAGEMENT)

Living a life that allows time for childhood to happen is our goal, mama. We must intentionally allow for this slow-paces but very productive life. 💗

HANDICRAFTS WITH TODDLERS

At this stage, our goal is for young children to be busily creating rather than spending their days passively. Toddlers are learning to hold a paintbrush, color a picture, lacing work, tie a simple knot, draw with a pencil, and other skills to learn to use their hands. The simple truth is, we want our toddlers to work with their hands as much as possible. Whether that is outside playing, creating something at the family table, or playing actively with toys.

HANDICRAFTS IN THE FORMAL SCHOOL YEARS

In our home, handicraft work begins when our children turn six. Handicraft work is so important in our life, I add handicrafts to our yearly planning. Handicrafts give children the mental break needed after a morning of working on the “brain work” of academics.

Handicrafts are to be taught slowly and increase in skill set.

Interestingly, handicrafts are much more than “crafts” in our homeschool. We often find living books that go along with whatever particular craft project we are working on at the time.

Example: This month we are making tin can lanterns just like they did in “Little House on the Prarie”

We are discussing the importance of lanterns, the science of fire, fire safety, and any history regarding lanterns ( The Great Chicago Fire is one particular historical event. Legend says Catherine O’Leary was milking her cow that night, which kicked the lantern and set their farm on fire.)

Charlotte Mason’s 12th principle of education is “Education is the Science of Relations.”

Handicrafts bring education into your home…skills and connection.

Some Ideas to Get Started

Learning to sew on a button or simple stitching

Play Dough (Making and sculpting)

Make Christmas ornaments

Cornhusk Dolls (Beautiful Wonder Collection-October)

Hammering (Beautiful Wonder Collection-November features a hammering project)

Watercolor Painting

Clay Sculpting

Weaving

Bead work

Robotics ( we are building a life size model of R2D2)

Woodworking

Pottery

Caligraphy

Soap Carving ( This is a wonderful winter project)

Candle Making ( Learn to make beeswax votives in November Collection)

Application

When deciding where to start or which skill to being with, my advice is to decide on something and start. I love to work on handicrafts in a seasonal way and build traditions in our home. For instance, every autumn we make little votive candles to light in our home on those winter nights. This winter, take one evening without electric lights and only use candles. Enjoy the softness and ambience in your home.

My Checklist for Handicrafts:

📌Is the end product useful?

📌Is this project challenging but not frustrating?

📌Will this project teach my child an important life skill?

Encouragement for Mamas

If you are feeling overwhelmed and thinking…How will we have time for handicrafts? I was in your shoes 9 years ago. It wasn’t until I purposely slowed down and embraced a new lifestyle that our family changed in a dramatic GOOD way. It really is a lifestyle that we are living rather than “homeschool”.

My course “Daily Rhythms of Home” is a series of videos/worksheets that will help you organize your day and time at home.