My eleven-year-old daughter is what many would call an "old soul." She has a penchant for old-fashioned living. She also has a deep love for the domestic arts-- sewing, gardening, baking, and crafting, just to name a few. When she was just eight years old, she wanted to know how to sew a blanket for her baby doll. Now, I'm somewhat ashamed to admit this, but I don't even know how to sew on a button. To say I was unequipped to teach her these "domestic" things was more than an understatement!

Realizing that this was an area that was perfect for our homeschool curriculum, I began to search for something that would equip me to teach my children (and myself) the domestic arts--a sort of home economics for homeschool, if you will. After talking with several other homeschool moms I knew, I found an absolutely wonderful resource that I fell in love with immediately.

The West Ladies.

The West Ladies are some of the most precious women you'd ever want to meet. In fact, after watching all of their DVDs, I'm convinced they would be the best neighbors and friends I could ever ask for. These three young women-- sisters Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe, along with their mother Vicki--have created a series of DVDs called Homestead Blessings.

Each DVD in the Homestead Blessings series teaches you about one of the many "arts" of homemaking and homesteading. The combined experience of each of the West Ladies, coupled with their beautiful personalities, make these DVDs an absolute pleasure to watch. The West Ladies are easy to listen to and make each of the lessons feel more like a conversation with a friend.

The first DVD we purchased was, of course, The Art of Sewing. My daughter and I set up her sewing machine on a little card table in front of the television in the family room. We pressed "play" and as they say, the rest is history. My daughter was inspired to continue teaching herself the finer arts of sewing. In fact, she's become a regular seamstress. I'm happy to report that the DVDs even allowed me to learn how to sew on a button and make a pillow.

Since that first DVD, our family has taken it upon ourselves to try every single DVD in the Homestead Blessings collection. And I'm being completely honest when I tell you that we've loved every single one. I never thought that I'd learn how to make soap, candles, homemade cheeses, and fresh, artisan bread at my age. (Don't tell anyone, but I think I've enjoyed these DVDs as much or more than my kids!)

Our friends at Solutions from Science have decided to offer these remarkable DVDs in one set, to help you (no matter what your age) learn more about the domestic arts of homesteading. The truth is, the West Ladies are some of the best "off the grid" experts I have ever seen, and this set is the perfect tool to teach your entire family a wide range of valuable and fun skills that will last a lifetime.

In this set you'll receive:

• The Art of Candle Making
• The Art of Dairy Delights
• The Art of Soap Making
• The Art of Gardening
• The Art of Herbs
• The Art of Quilting
• The Art of Sewing
• The Art of Bread Making
• The Art of Cooking

In The Art of Candle Making you'll learn everything you need to know about the basics of candle making and more. From beautiful glow lamps, to twisted candles, decorative ornaments, and more, this DVD is filled candle making activities sure to encourage warmth and creativity for your family.

In The Art of Dairy Delights you'll discover many ways to make your own homemade dairy creations such as: mouth-watering ice creams, smooth and tasty butters, creamy yogurts, and delicious cheeses. Basic equipment needs are also covered on this DVD, and you'll have fun learning a few new tricks that will make you feel like a pro homesteader!

In The Art of Soap Making you'll discover that making your own soaps has never been easier. From lye soaps to melt-and-pour hand-milled soaps, the West Ladies will show you how to do it. You'll walk away from this DVD able to make soaps for your own family as well as have some great ideas for gift giving.

The Art of Gardening covers everything you need to know, whether you want to learn more about small container gardening in the city to turning your backyard into a large homestead garden. This DVD is packed with helpful instruction that will turn you into a pro, learning how to grow beautiful flowers and hearty vegetables. The DVD also covers composting, pest control, potato patches, and climate considerations.

The Art of Herbs is a perfect way to learn about how to get the most out of your herb garden. This DVD covers the basics of growing herbs and herb storage. You'll also learn how to create mouth-watering herbal seasonings, herbal tonics, butters, teas, and more. The West Ladies will also show you how to easily identify herbs, and will guide you in which are the easiest herbs to grow.

The Art of Quilting will help you learn more about the traditional art of quilting while teaching you the basics so that you can get started quilting on your own. This DVD will teach you how make fun and beautiful creations for your very own home. From cutting the material, to laying it out, making blocks, sandwiching and more, this DVD covers all the skills you need to be an accomplished quilter.

The Art of Sewing is like getting your own private sewing lessons at home. This DVD covers basic sewing instruction and The West Ladies impart years of knowledge along with quick tips that will make you a master seamstress. You'll learn how to make pillowcases, baby blankets, blouses, skirts, and rag quilts. This DVD is perfect for beginners or those wanting to expand upon their sewing knowledge.

In The Art of Bread Making you'll discover tried-and-true ways of making wonderful homemade breads for your family. From basic bread recipes, to pizza dough, cornbread, and cinnamon rolls...it's all here. The West Ladies will share with you their best baking and clean up tips.

The Art of Cooking will make you want to put on your apron and get lost in the kitchen for a few hours! This DVD features fun-filled instruction in cooking for every meal of the day. You'll learn the secrets to making crowd-pleasers such as pancakes, homemade pizzas, pot roast, and peach cobbler. And the West Ladies, being gracious southern cooks, will teach you how to make the best buttermilk biscuits on earth.

I can honestly say that these DVDs have changed our family in such a positive way. I've learned many domestic skills that I never had the pleasure of learning while growing up, and my children (even my son) have enjoyed learning right along with me.

The southern charm and hospitality of the West Ladies, as well as their in-depth knowledge of all things related to the homestead, will have you viewing these DVDs over and over again. They'll become a prized possession in your home library.

Order this set today, and while you're at it, get one for a friend. They make excellent gifts for anyone who wants to discover more about the time-honored traditions of hearth and home.

Click here to order your Homestead Blessings Set today.

Lindsey
Team member
Solutions From Science