Wow, life has been busy.
In the Fall of 2022, I found out I was pregnant! At the time, our other kids were 15, 12, and 9. Our little one (another boy!) was born in July 2023. Things have been a blur since then.
From March of 2021 to March of 2025, I ran my tiny business called Stephanie' Soapery. I participated in 4 craft fairs, which I enjoyed more than I expected. For my soap & skincare biz, I made bar soap, shave cream, lotion, bath bombs, sugar scrub, lip balm, and more. It was a lot of fun, but due to the rising cost of raw materials and a lack of free time, I closed my business after 4 years.
My current crafty interests...
I still make bar soap and just tried my hand at a dish soap bar. If you want to try making soap yourself, here are some great YouTube channels for learning: Elly's Everyday Soap Making and Ellen Ruth Soap.
Last month I started making soy candles for myself & friends.
I've been crocheting these fun potholders for gifts: Classic Magic Potholder.
In November, I remembered that I wanted to make socks for everyone in my family. So, I've been knitting LOTS of socks since then. My go to pattern comes from this book that I bought years ago: Getting Started Knitting Socks. It's a fantastic book, because it helps you understand how socks are made and gives info on various ribbing patterns, using different weight yarn, and more. I also really enjoy knitting this pattern: Library Socks.
Lastly, I really want to learn how to paint with watercolors. I purchased some lovely workbooks and plan to watch this Invitation to Watercolor video from Emily Lex.
Life isn't perfect, of course, but it is full and good. My boys keep me busy with homeschooling, outdoor adventures, Speech & Debate Club (for my oldest), music class (violin for my 3rd), lots of talk of Minecraft, and general toddler busyness. Oh, and I want to learn to play the clarinet again.
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