Homestead craft and children's fair

This weekend was the Homestead craft fair in Waco. It is the weekend after Thanksgiving every year, and has been since its first year which was 25 years ago! I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, even though I have had friends insist that we would love it...and now that I have been, I can understand why they would think so. It is everything sustainable living and homestead life style all in this one place. Their goal is to equip people with the necessary skills that are commonplace for those who are seeking to live a more self sustained life, being the shepherds, or guardians if you will, of the gifts that God has so graciously bestowed upon us. I saw people from all walks of life trampling around this huge place. Some were here for food...which was so impressive....some were here for the demos..which were amazing...we were here because we were told that we belong here.lol!

 I was super impressed with So many elements of this fair! I guess because it was modest and homey and family friendly. They have a crafts barn where they have for sale items that were made by apprentices and youngsters that are learning a trade. For instance, I looked at some 8 paneled skirts that were in the sewing booth. On the tag was a description of the item, the size, and the name and age of the seamstress...these skirts are top quality fabric, top quality workmanship, and presentation was far beyond what you see at department stores today. And the price was so affordable, this coming from one who knows that fabric gets expensive when you are constructing an ankle length, heavy weight fabric, paneled skirt.

There were young ladies working the weaving looms while people shopped around. They were so sweet and let the girls have a little hands on. I told Marion that I needed one :0) he knows that I would put these girls to work! Scarves, rugs, blankets, pot holders....all kinds of things you can make with those things!

The girls (with some help from Andrew and i) got to do several hands on activities. Leather working, soap making, candle making, pottery, knitting, weaving...just all Around fun! And we came home with soooo many little hand made goodies ;o)

We watched as they made apple cider for this event. I inquired as to how much they needed for it, and they man working the press said that they had made 450 gallons and were down to just above 100 gallons left on that first day! Yummy stuff! We brought home 2 gallons just for Andrew...he loves it so!

We talked to some very neat people that were so encouraging, hard working(willingly and no grumbling), and honest. If they didn't have an answer to my questions, they were polite enough to say so and direct me to someone who may. I really like hospitality...it is one of the most important things to me. Suffice it to say, we will be going back next year, Lord willing.

With everything from how to make your own solar powered water heater, to bee keeping, to wood working, metal working, quilting, basket weaving, soap making, pasta making, a working grist mill, using milk to make everything from cheese to soap...food that was as old fashioned and home made as anything you would find at an old fashioned bazaar or county fair...home made ice cream, apple cider donuts, freshly pressed apple cider...It was a very neat weekend. Exhausting...but well worth the trip!

P.s. I know that this is a little off topic, but, I noticed that there were no obviously obese people that were a part of this community. They eat organic food, no artificial ingredients, and work very hard to contribute their portion to the efforts of the vision that they have for their community. Intriguing!!!

My new work hat!

Beautiful weaving loom

Tired little girls

 

goofing around with friends

Soap workshop

rope making station and barn raising

the girls making soap

sweet friendly lady making pasta....yum!

Avenlea riding in her wagon

proud little gift makers: after you make a project,

the sweet ladies would wrap it up

so pretty and tag it for you

even the youngsters do their part

watching those amazing sheep dogs

they had some outstanding music

cute little babes ;o)

Sheep shearing demo

Marowynn is ALWAYs making silly faces......she can do all kinds of eye tricks O_o

worn slap dab out!

These were sweet potato fries and a beef dog on whole wheat bun freshly made..so good!!!