Tuesday morning, March 1st, the Mama Collaborative shop opens!  It has been a project that I was invited to participate in several weeks ago…just at the exact time when I was contemplating how to contribute to our family’s income.  I find it so interesting how those serendipitous moments collide and help show me the obvious…that I can indeed try and make some money from home while raising our homeschooling family.  I certainly hope it works…and if the past several weeks are any indication, this is a lot of fun!

There are eight other mamas who I’ve been connected to in blogland ~ some for several years, and new friends with similar interests.  None of us have met in person, either, but the connections are genuinely strong and beautiful…much like they may be with you out there, for I’m certain we all have so much in common.

Here is a little peek at each of the other members…

Melody: A yarn obsessed, homeschooling mother of five, aspiring designer and artisan of life. Her creativity and children run amuck in a messy house and untamed garden, in a wild wood, on a mountain in New England. Melody blogs at www.littlehomeblessings.com

Kim: I am a homeschooling mama to one, a writer, nature lover, dreamer, foodie, lover of all things handmade, and a creative doer. I am happy to be here with these other inspiring mamas. Kim blogs at www.motheringwithmindfulness.com

Melanie: Home school mama to five in New England. We spend our days together creating all sorts of things, attempting to garden, reading good books,and observing the natural world, where we draw much inspiration. http://www.ourashgrove.blogspot.com

Tonya: So happy to be working with these other women to share our creative pursuits. As a mom of seven children, I find joy and beauty in the daily ordinary of raising a family, keeping up with our homestead dreams, and helping to run a family business. Tonya blogs at http://www.naturalearthfarm.net/blog

Kris: I am a mama to four and farmer’s wife who loves all things handmade. We live on a small farmstead in Vermont where we attempt to grow most of our food and raise veggies, milk, eggs, meats and maple for our community. http://www.oldgatesfarm.com/

Elizabeth: Mama to three unschooled boys :: Tiny house living :: Off grid homesteader :: Lover of wool :: Maker of natural goods :: blogs at http://www.thesittingtree.net/

Taisa: I am a mama to three, living in a cabin in the mountains where we homeschool, make stuff and grow a weedy little garden. I am delighted to be joining these amazing, creative mamas in this collaborative. http://heartfullearning.com/

Kirsten: http://littlepennycress.blogspot.com/

We hope to have four main seasonal offerings, but truly, there will be items added to the shop here and there when each of us finds the time.  Our first launch, a Spring theme, happens tomorrow so please be sure to take a peek and see what we have to offer.  As each member adds their items, I have seen some beautiful baskets, scarves, blankets, buntings, bags, and darling treasures for little hands.  Everything is handmade with love and attention to details…I’m sure you’ll find something you like!

You can also sign up for our newsletter to let you know when new items are added…just sign up in my sidebar to the right.  Apparently you may find it delivered to your Promotions folder, so please check there for it!

Finally, to celebrate our new little venture (as well as my new location here), I’d like to offer up a small give-away in appreciation.

I was going to put these lavender wands in the shop, but I’d rather give one away here.   They are made with lavender from our farm and tied up with satin ribbon.  You can hang them in your closet or put them under your pillow as the scent is heavenly.  I will have more to sell in the summertime as more lavender becomes available.

Simply leave a comment below about which colour you like best and I’ll pick the winner on Thursday night, 8pm PST.  I’ll announce the winner on Friday morning…oh, and I should mention that I don’t know how to use fancy random generators so I’ll do it the old-fashioned way by picking a name out of a hat.

I hope you enjoy our shop!

xo Jules