Lovely Days at Home

 

I so much enjoy being at home.  With some of my older children, there seem to be more days that we are away from home for various reason.  I do not have them in a bunch of extracurricular activities, but still, there is always so much going on with shopping, Bible studies, appointments, and other things.  Being away so much doesn't leave enough time for house keeping, and I miss it so--the quiet, peaceful days at home with my children.

We have started our new school year, and are enjoying our new curriculum, which I will have to share with you about some time.  One day a week, we have a day that is devoted to art lessons, piano lessons (which I teach), and character studies.  The children also catch up on any school work they got behind in and make any corrections to their work that they still need to make.  Today we had such a day, and were quickly reminded how badly I need to get the piano tuned!  Hopefully and prayerfully soon.  One of my daughters is learning violin, but she is still interested in piano too, for which I am grateful.  Soon, I will need to get some higher level books for her to learn from.  I am praying I will be able to do that.

I think it is important that my children get to enjoy art--making things by hand.  This year, one of my children is going to be studying watercolor, one will be studying drawing horses, one will have her own drawing course, two others will be using the same art book for children, and another will have her own art lessons for her age to go through.  (The littlest one also has a book of art to enjoy).  Child of Truth's art book included projects that are a bit out of the ordinary, and some that are ordinary for art.  For instance, today, we made butter.  We put some good quality cream in a mason jar and shook it up for about twenty minutes until a nice ball of butter formed.  Most of the other children took turns shaking the jar too.  It was lots of fun and our first time making butter.

What a sweet blessing it is to be home with your children, loving and learning together ♥

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Beautifying the Home

Have you ever thought about how what we surround ourselves with affects us?  If we have a messy environment, we are more prone to feel bad.  On the contrary, if we surround ourselves with lovely and beautiful things, it lifts our spirits.  No matter where we live, we can surround ourselves with beauty.  It really is more of a mindset than how much money you have to purchase things.  Please join me at Raising Homemakers today where I talk about Beautifying the Home...

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Modest Winter Skirt Arrivals & Where I've Been

Hello Dears,

I hope you all have been well and have been enjoying this wonderful time of year.  We sure have.  I wanted to let you know that New Creation Apparel has many new beautiful, modest skirts that just arrived in time for the holidays!  Here are some examples below:

Double Ruched Dark Gray

Cord Adventure

Ruched Front

There are more pretty skirts available than just these, and also some pretty slips to add an extra layer of modesty and warmth.  My favorites are the Cord Adventure and the Double Ruched Dark Gray. Soon Blessed Homemaking and New Creation Apparel will be partnering to bring you a skirt giveaway, so stay tuned!

Also, I have not blogged much recently because I've been working on this:

I have much more done than this, but I don't want to show more just in case the person this is a gift for reads my blog.  I don't think they do, but you never know.  This is a portrait commission, and you can purchase one from me if you like, here at my Etsy shop.  They make a great gift!

I hope to be back soon.  Love to you all.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Latest Finished Art Portrait

I have finished an art portrait that I thought I'd share with you.  (You can click on the pictures to make them larger).  These portraits take hours and hours to complete.  I always enjoy drawing new people and strive to get the lines, shadows, and other details just right.  After the children go to bed, I sometimes make the time for creative pursuits like drawing.

Here are a couple of pictures of the portrait in progress:

A little more work done:

 Here is the finished portrait:

If you'd like to order a custom portrait drawing from me, you may do so here.  If you want it in time for Christmas gift-giving, the time to order is now!

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Domestic Artist

“The ideal domestic worker is an artist, and her creation is her home. The artist takes what materials he has and manipulates them, but the goal is not just to create something interesting, but to express a vision of love and beauty. Even Michelangelo worked with the most banal of materials and ordinary techniques.

All was imbued with imagination and vision. It may seem ridiculous to compare a humble home filled with love and simple beauty to the Sistine Chapel. But, they are the same in that they are both works of artistry and express first and foremost the human soul.”

-Laura Wood

Don't forget to enter to win our current giveaway!

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STANDARD FTC DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Picture of a Horse in Stages

My children have taken a liking to receiving drawings that I have made for them for their birthdays.  One of my daughters really likes horses, and so for her birthday, I wanted to draw her a picture of a horse.  I had made a quick sketch quite some time ago when I was trying to give myself some time to draw in the evenings (only 30 minutes).

To this sketch, I added some more details and shading, and blended.  I gave it to her for her birthday, and it now hangs on her wall.  I think it turned out okay, but I would have liked to spent more time on it.  It was getting too late though!

Here are the pictures through the stages:

 

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Sunflower Paintings

It has been about 15 years since I painted a picture.  And even then I have only painted about three pictures--one in watercolor (a still life), and two acrylic paintings based on photographs.  But placing color down on paper with paint and brush just comes easily to me, for which I'm thankful to God.

I was recently asked to paint a mural of sunflowers.  Not only has it been many years since I've painted, but I've also never painted flowers, nor painted on a wall.  I had to practice a little bit before I took on this task.  I stayed up too late the night before attempting sunflowers and leaves.  I had bought a couple of Donna Dewberry books awhile ago to see if that could speed up the process of painting for me, but I have to say I like painting in my own way much better.  Her process just makes it harder for me, but maybe for someone who doesn't know how to paint, it would make it easier.

So here is my first attempt at painting a picture after 15 years. 

Camera flash went off here

No camera flash

I painted these freehand (without drawing first), and tried to do the petals using Donna Dewberry's technique.  They turned out okay but not great.  I did a couple of other practice paintings, but haven't uploaded the pictures yet.

In the morning when my children saw the pictures, they clamored over who could have one.

I have started the mural but am taking a break now to get back to my homemaking, child training, and teaching (we are doing school through the summer).  Those things can't be neglected.


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Homemade Baby Shower Card

I made this for a friend who was having a baby shower for the upcoming birth of her baby girl.  I forgot to take a picture of it before I gave it to her, but thankfully she took one for me.  I like to make things by hand.  It is enjoyable to use your creativity to make a gift or card instead of just purchasing something from the store.  I am trying to spend just a little time each evening doing some artwork or crafting as it relieves stress.  If you have never tried this, see if scheduling in a little time a few days a week to create gives you some enjoyment.

Don't forget to enter to win the DVD from the Moore Family.  Just a few days left!

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The Homemaker's Need to Create

A homemaker's job is not all cooking, cleaning, and child-training.  Do you ever take the time to create something?  It could be creating a centerpiece, painting a picture, sewing some pretty clothes or decorative items, making a homemade card...the list goes on and on.  When we have a chance on an outing, I like to go with a daughter or two to Hobby Lobby or Michael's and just browse.  If you are not a "creative person", just visiting one of these stores will give you many ideas for making something with your own hands to either keep for your own home and enjoyment, or to give away as a gift.

I enjoy cross-stitching, though I haven't gotten to pursue this craft for many years; painting, drawing, and playing the piano.  I also have an interest in many other areas that I would like to someday learn.  It is also enjoyable to pursue creative interests with your children.

Just a couple of days ago when we were outside enjoying God's creation, I made this little sketch.  Please note, it is just a sketch, so it is not very wonderful or outstanding.  If you would like to see some of my other artwork, you may do so here.

So what do you create?  Remember it is often helpful for a much-needed break.

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Would You Like to Buy a Painting Made by Me?

I am posting this here on Blessed Homemaking, because I have a painting I would really like to get rid of!  I painted this around 1998-1999 for someone who really liked snakes.  I no longer have contact with this person and have no need for this painting that is taking up space!   It is 24 x 30" on canvas board and ready to hang in a black metal frame.  I would like to get at least $200 for it for the time it took me.  It was my first real painting I did in acrylics.  Below are the pictures and if you are interested, it may be purchased at my Etsy shop here.

On a side note:  I would like to make some more paintings of lovely things (but somehow life with little ones keeps me so busy?)  Hopefully one day I will get to do this! 

Thanks for looking.

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New Website Address and Apron!

Hello Dears,

Just wanted to let you know that you can now go to http://www.blessedhomemaking.com to get here!  No more typing in "blogspot" because Blessed Homemaking now has its own website address.

I have also created this cute apron to inspire you to remember that our attitude is a choice we make.  If you like it, you can purchase it (it's available in a few different lengths and colors).  I can't get a clear picture of the apron here though so you'll have to go check it out at my Zazzle store to see it better.

Love much.

A Visit

I don't have time to write much today, but I posted something on my art blog. Won't you come & visit to see what I made my daughter for her 7th birthday?

Thanks for stopping by.