What is an Idea?––A live thing of the mind, according to the older philosophers, from Plato to Bacon, from Bacon to Coleridge. We say of an idea that it strikes us, impresses us, seizes us, takes possession of us, rules us; … We form an ideal––a, so to speak, embodied idea––and our ideal exercises the very strongest formative influence upon us. Why do you devote yourself to this pursuit, that cause? ‘Because twenty years ago such and such an idea struck me,’ is the sort of history which might be given of every purposeful life––every life devoted to the working out of an idea.
~Charlotte Mason, Parents & Children, p.34
It all started as an idea twelve years ago…
– an idea from a book that talked about Almanzo’s milk fed pumpkin. “How fun would it be to do something like that and have some sort of fair where the kids could make and bring their things to sell!” You can read more about it here.
Selling at this event is reserved for Charlotte Mason educated students
The SoCalCM Handicraft Fair is a fair specifically for Charlotte Mason educated students. Please do not invite non-CM educated friends or family to sell at this event. Everyone is welcome to attend and browse and shop and enjoy the day with us, but selling is exclusively for CM students. Why? Because there are very different ideas about education and handicrafts and SoCalCM is committed to keeping this a uniquely Charlotte Mason event. You can read about the distinctives of a CM education here and here.
NEW!
The human hand is exquisite
Again we know that the human hand is a wonderful and exquisite instrument to be used in a hundred movements exacting delicacy, direction and force; every such movement is a cause of joy as it leads to the pleasure of execution and the triumph of success. We begin to understand this and make some efforts to train the young in the deft handling of tools and the practice of handicrafts.
They should not be employed in making futilities
The points to be borne in mind in children's handicrafts are: (a) that they should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like; (b) that they should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do; (c) that slipshod work should not be allowed; (d) and that, therefore, the children's work should be kept well within their compass.
He should use his hands as truly as his head
"The child is only truly educated who can use his hands as truly as his head, for to neglect one part of our being injures the whole, and the learned book-worm who is ignorant of the uses of a screwdriver, also lacks that readiness and resourcefulness, mental neatness and capability, and reverence for labour and its results, which a knowledge of practical matter gives.
Here are some things Charlotte Mason has said about handicrafts.
- not futile
- taught slowly and carefully
- kept well within their compass
- encourages children to invent
- not slipshod
- to concentrate the children’s attention and to increase their patience and perseverance.
- to give the children the pleasure of creating.
- to increase observation and appreciation of beauty in form.
- good and beautiful work
- to know the feel of and establish a due relation with materials
- to know the joy of handling tools
- impart power and skill to the hand
The children I am speaking of are much occupied with things as well as with books … He practises various handicrafts that he may know the feel of wood, clay, leather, and the joy of handling tools, that is, that he may establish a due relation with materials. But, always, it is the book, the knowledge, the clay, the bird or blossom, he thinks of, not his own place or his own progress. Vol. 6, p.31
…intellectual occupation seems to make for chastity in thought and life. Vol. 6, p.28
macrame
knitting
crochet
rug hooking
embroidery
plastic canvas needlework
cross stitch
felt projects
clay sculpting
jewelrymaking
painting
beadwork
carving-soap or wood
quilting/patchwork
weaving-paper, yarn etc.
braiding/knotting floss e.g. friendship bracelets
lanyards
wax modeling
woodworking
woodburning
carpentry
basket weaving
paper cutting
doll making
spool knitting
applique
smocking
tatting
needlepoint
wire sculpting
calligraphy
ceramics
gardening
string art
baking
flower arranging
iron sculpturing
leather work
pottery
paper sloyd
temari
This list is in no way exhaustive – there are many, many wonderful handicrafts out there.
Here is a link to AmblesideOnline’s Handicraft Page with advice and links to a couple Parents’ Review articles on the subject, and here is the AO Forum Handicraft Forum where people have shared resources. (registration required)
Not necessarily everything on these lists are handicrafts, but they are a great place to get ideas and spark inspiration.
The Handicraft Fair Particulars
What is the Handicraft Fair?
It is a bi-annual event for local Charlotte Mason students to display and sell their handicrafts.
Will there be food?
It depends on what vendors bring each year, but there usually are a lot of sweets and some food items.
Who can sell items?
As much as we would love to accommodate all homeschoolers, this event is uniquely and exclusively for local Charlotte Mason educated students to sell their items. Everyone else is welcome to attend and enjoy the day with us.
Can we attend without selling and invite others to shop?
Yes! We welcome guests – grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family, friends, neighbors, church members, etc. The items at this fair are unique and often one of a kind! Come and shop from these budding local artisans and support your local CM community! It is *FREE* to attend.
Who puts all this on?
Can my kids use their weapons?o
We know there are super fun and cool toy weapons kids bring with them and buy at the fair. We encourage the safe and responsible use of any kind of weapon including keeping it safely stored and only wielding it in a controlled and responsible way. Please do not let your children run while wielding a very sharp weapon or threaten another child outside of fun and mutual play. Irresponsible handling of a weapon or inappropriate aggression towards other students is cause for removal. A second incident is cause for being banned from all future SoCalCM events.
How do I register and participate?
- Submit your payment through the link on this page if you are selling items. Non-sellers can just show up.
- Arrive no earlier than 10:30am and check-in at the registration desk.
- Children can bring a small table or a mat to display and sell their items.
- Have change on hand for any cash sales.
- Pricing and terms of sale are up to each individual “store”. Children are also free to negotiate, trade/barter with others.
- Be respectful of everyone’s stores and property.
- Clean up your area and pick up any left over trash.
- Have a great day!
Can we sell used books?
We love used books! Parents are welcome to bring their gently used books/curriculum within the scope of a Charlotte Mason education for resale in their children’s booth area. This is for reselling personal items, not for curriculum vendors to sell their things.
How do we price our items?
Most items are priced between .25 ¢ and $15, depending on quality and demand with some unique and popular items in the $20+ range. We let the ‘market’ dictate price. In other words, if items aren’t selling, they’re probably priced too high or there just isn’t a demand for that item. Some students lower their prices as the day goes on and begin negotiating and trading if their items do not sell well. How well an item sells is not always indicative of the quality and excellence of a handicraft and parents can take these opportunities to talk to their children about the difference and help them take pride in the good work they have done. Adults can also help encourage students in quality handicrafts and affect the market’s direction by purchasing items that show good workmanship and praising students for their efforts. Students can also gift their left over handicrafts to family and friends over the holidays or bring them to sell again at the next handicraft fair.
Can I promote my business at the fair?
We love to support Charlotte Mason homeschooling parents. If you have a small business that supports your family and would like to post a small sign or place business cards out at your child’s booth, you are welcome to do so as long as it does not conflict with our community’s goals to support and encourage families in a Charlotte Mason education. If you are unsure of any conflict, contact Naomi
- SoCalCM/CME/Irvine Regional Park is not liable for any damage to, or caused by, items bought or sold at the Handicraft Fair.
- All cash/electronic transactions at the fair are between buyer and seller. SoCalCM/CME/Irvine Regional Park are not responsible for loss.
Location
Irvine Regional Park
SoCalCM is looking for Volunteers!
SoCalCM is growing! We are looking for volunteers to help with our events. If you are passionate about this community and furthering Charlotte Mason’s ideals in Southern California, please fill out this form or contact: naomi@charlottemasoneducation.org
REGISTER
$10 per family.Price goes up to $15 per family on Dec. 1st.
No registration is required to attend and shop.
In case of rain or if the park cancels the event for any unforeseen reason every attempt will be made to reschedule and the new date will be posted to this page as well as on our FB group. In the case where we can not reschedule there will be no refunds.
Contact
If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, please contact: naomi@charlottemasoneducation.org