• Intro

    Hi, I’m Pieternella, the maker behind Homestead Emporium!

    I started my small business way back in 2004 when all five of my kids were young, and I desired a way to earn an income from home. My business goal was simple: to create high-quality, reusable every day cloth products that are both functional and beautiful and ship them worldwide.

    From hand-dyed cloth pads designed for comfort and reliability to reusable wipes, nursing pads, and wet bags, every item I make is crafted with care and attention to detail. My mission these past 20+ years has been to help people live more sustainably without sacrificing comfort.

    Homestead Emporium is more than just a shop—it’s a place where thoughtful design meets everyday practicality. Whether you’re new to reusable products or a longtime supporter, I’m so glad you’re here!

    Feel free to browse around the blog, ask questions, or just say hello!

    I’d love to hear from you.

    #HomesteadEmporium #ReusableLiving #HandmadeWithLove #EcoFriendly

  • From Passion to Purpose: The Journey of Homestead Emporium

    From Passion to Purpose: The Journey of Homestead Emporium

    When I started Homestead Emporium back in 2004, at that time it was called Homemade Mama, I could never have imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. At the time, I was simply a mother to five young children and a crafter. Determined to create an income from home so I could be with my children and to find solutions for my family that were more economically friendly, sustainable, comfortable, and aligned with my core values. What began as a personal need has grown into a business that touches lives around the world—helping people embrace eco-conscious alternatives while celebrating beauty and individuality in every day reusable products.

    This photo is from around the time Homestead Emporium first began!

    Where It All Began

    I was born in the Netherlands and moved to Canada as a young child. During my childhood, we moved around as my father was a home builder, but my very favourite home was the one we built on a small acreage in Alberta. We moved away from that small acreage back when I was only a preteen, but I never forgot just how much I enjoyed being surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of nature in my every day life. From the time we moved away I found my heart longing to get back to that lifestyle for many years to come.

    Way back When! Early 2000’s when it all began online!

    It was twenty three years later that I would finally live on land once again!
    I began the business at home in 2004, while my husband, children and I were still living in a small city. Known as HomemadeMama at the time, it started as a way to bring in extra income to stay home and homeschool our five children. We knew we wanted to raise our kids on an acreage, and in 2005 we finally found a fixer upper 5 acre property we could afford! It was our dream come true and we jumped right into cleaning up that property and starting homestead life on a small scale! Soon we had horses, chickens, then pigs and even ducks! All five kids worked right along side me in any way their hearts desired as the years went on, from creating their own products to helping with the cutting of fabrics, putting snaps on the pads, and even packaging orders! Each one of them earned their own income and used it to purchase and care for their own animals. It was such a blessing for us all!

    However… it wasn’t too long before we realized we would quickly outgrow our property.
    As our kids grew, some of them wanted even more animals and I truly desired a HUGE garden and LOTS of trees! Our next goal was more land where we could raise and grow anything and everything any of us could possibly ever want. However, the cost to buy property of any kind on Vancouver Island was becoming SO high that we just couldn’t afford more where we were. We also knew it was only a matter of time before our children would be faced with possibly moving off the island to afford their own homes one day. As beautiful as the island is, there was no getting past the constant feeling of being ‘stuck’ on an island. The added cost and complications to travel off the island to visit family, or to travel, was always an issue. We knew that would only become much worse if our children grew up and moved off the island in the future!

    So began the search for a larger homestead elsewhere. We began a search Canada wide! Through MANY years of great difficulty, many ups and downs, all at a time that the market went bust, my husband finally landed a job in 2012, in Saskatchewan! A province between both our families, mine in BC and his in Ontario! Perfect! People always say to me, “Why would you want to live in the middle of nowhere?” to which I always reply, “We actually live in the middle of EVERY where!”

    Our time in Saskatchewan did not begin easy. In our first year here we moved THREE times. Not just ourselves, but our five horses, dogs, cats and even ducks! Each time we’d find a home and expect that it would be THE final destination! We built fences and even structures for the horses at every property. But each time we settled in, some sort of unfortunate event that we had no control over, forced us to find yet another place to move to and start all over again. Through it all, God was directing and working, and blessed us through the help of many new friends. The homestead we finally moved onto in April of 2013 was the homestead we’ve enjoyed ever since.

    Home, we were FINALLY home.

    I’ve often joked that we need a sign at our place that says,
    “The FINALLY HOME-stead”

    During the years, working the business has been my grounding place, my retreat.
    A way to relax the mind through creativity and busy hands during some very difficult times. I poured my heart into creating the very best reusable products that I possibly could! I wanted products that were luxuriously soft, absorbent, and functional, without sacrificing beauty. Before long, the business grew as word spread. I very fondly remember the Friday afternoon’s that the kids and I would watch as all our handmade products became “live” on our shopping page, at that time it was Hyenacart, now called Indiecart. All the items would sell out in mere hours, sometimes even minutes! The kids would get SO excited by our customers enthusiasm! Truthfully, so did I. I felt like a child myself from the excitement!
    It’s been so wonderful to see all our hard work being appreciated through some of the toughest times we’ve been through as a family.

    Our Mission and Values

    At Homestead Emporium, our mission is simple: to provide sustainable, reusable products that bring comfort and joy to everyday life. I believe that small changes—like switching to reusable cloth pads—can make a big difference for both the earth and our personal well-being.

    Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. I am very much a ‘waste not-want not’ kind of person. I always have been. Each product is handmade with care, using thoughtfully chosen fabrics that are gentle on the skin and the environment and even cutting the fabrics in ways that wastes as little as humanly possible. I personally hand-dye most of the materials we use, turning each piece into a work of art. It’s a true labour of love that reflects the uniqueness of every customer we serve.

    From our Homestead to the World

    Running Homestead Emporium from our Saskatchewan homestead has its challenges, but it also keeps me grounded in what matters most. My faith, our family’s lifestyle, raising animals, tending the land, and embracing the rhythms of nature— it inspires everything I create.

    The connection between my personal life and my business is seamless. The same care that goes into nurturing our land is mirrored in the care I put into every product. Whether it’s a hand-dyed cloth pad or another one of our reusable cloth products, each item carries a piece of our homestead with it.

    A Community of Change-Makers

    One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been building a community of like-minded individuals. Our customers aren’t just buying products; they’re making a statement about the kind of world they want to live in. They’re parents teaching their children about sustainability, individuals embracing healthier options for their bodies and homes, and people of all backgrounds who want to leave the earth better than they found it.

    Through our shared commitment to reusable products, we’re creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our homes. Together, we are reducing waste, conserving resources, and proving that handmade, sustainable solutions can be both practical and beautiful.

    A lovely collage, some of our wonderful customers. Photos shared with their permission.

    Looking Ahead

    As Homestead Emporium continues to grow, I remain deeply grateful for every customer, every story shared, and every step we’ve taken together toward a more sustainable future. My hope is that our products will inspire others to embrace small changes that make a big impact—not only for the earth but for their own sense of joy and connection.

    Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve been with us since the small beginnings in 2004 or are discovering Homestead Emporium for the first time here in 2025, I invite you to explore our collection, share your story, and join the movement toward mindful living.

    Explore our full range of reusable cloth products  at Homestead Emporium’s Etsy Shop.
    Let’s work together to create a future where handmade comfort, beauty, and sustainability go hand in hand, every day!

  • About me- Why did I make the switch to cloth pads?

    Why did I make the switch to reusable cloth pads?

    Over twenty years ago I first heard about reusable cloth pads.
    Believe it or not, my initial reaction was “YUCK! That is SO gross!
    I left it at that, for a little while…

    My mind kept mulling over this question;
    Why would ANYONE use reusable cloth pads???

    It was time to do some research! I am a researcher extraordinaire!
    I LOVE to learn, and I do not like to settle for second hand information!
    I have a great need to find out the truth for myself.

    I had experienced issues with ‘irritation’ every month during my cycle and I began to wonder if perhaps cloth pads could help with this problem?
    Through research, I was amazed at my findings, and also sad that I had not researched this earlier.
    The materials and chemicals used to create reusable pads and tampons was an eye opener!
    I was really quite shocked!

    At this time in my life my eldest daughter was at the age where her period would be starting at any time.
    I realized that I owed it to her, and to my other three younger daughters, to find out as much as I could about alternatives to paper, plastic, and chemical laden disposable period products. I didn’t know better before, but NOW I knew and there was no unknowing what I had learned.

    During the course of my years with a period from the time I was 12, and now nearing menopause, my cycle has not been a pleasant one. It’s always been very heavy, and I often spent hours in the bathroom throwing up and even passing out on the bathroom floor on occasion. In my early 20’s I had two children, and then I experienced two miscarriages.

    After my second miscarriage, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and was told that I may never have a full term pregnancy again. Thankfully I was blessed with three more babies, including twins. But in my research, possible links to endometriosis due to the chemicals in disposable products kept showing up. I needed to try cloth pads! If not for myself, at least for the opportunity to offer options to my four girls in hopes of possibly helping them not experience as many issues as their mom.

    At this point I still found the idea of washing cloth period pads rather gross.
    BUT, I was using liners daily to keep myself feeling dryer (sensory issues-if you know you know!)
    It occurred to me that washing cloth liners really wouldn’t be a whole lot different than washing underwear. I decided to whip up some simple flannel liners in a shape similar to the disposable liners I was using, and at least give cloth a try.

    Well… to make a long story short, as they say, the rest was history!

    If you would like to research for yourself, and I highly recommend that you do, go to any search engine and type in “dangers of chemicals, menstrual pads”.
    I am sure that you will be as surprised at the information you find as I was!

    If you’d like to know more about my story, read on below.

    Once I had used cloth liners daily and my next period began, I put on a plastic & paper disposable pad ‘as usual’ but NOTHING was ‘as usual’ ever again!
    The sensory overload I experienced was unbearable! As I mentioned before, if you know-you know!
    I could not get that horrible disposable pad out of my underwear and away from my body fast enough!!! It was SO odd that something I had been totally accustomed to using since I was just 12 years old had suddenly became absolutely intolerable compared to the comfort of my cloth liners!
    Now that I had experienced cloth, there was just NO going back!

    I could not get to my fabric and sewing machine fast enough!
    On that day I created my very first period pads and I NEVER looked back!
    First, they were just for me. Then online friends began asking if I’d be willing to make them some. Then they told their friends… and so began my business of reusable cloth pads. Since 2004 I have been creating, using, selling and shipping my reusable cloth pads worldwide!

    Over the years I have tried to branch out my business to so many other products, hoping that something else I created would become just as popular.

    But nope!
    No matter how creative I get, my reusable cloth pads just keep selling like nothing else that I can come up with. I believe my success is due to the fact that I do have sensory issues so I am EXTREMELY particular about the quality of fabrics I use plus the design and the fit of a pad. It MUST be COMFORTABLE, but it must also be functional and practical!
    Bringing beauty into regular everyday items is a passion of mine.
    Combined with my love of high quality, colour, artistry and creativity, I just can’t help but create the best, beautiful, unique, hand dyed reusable cloth pads that I possibly can!

    Since I began my business in 2004, many other pad makers have come and gone. There have been many who have copied my work and/or the work of other popular pad makers. Sometimes even admitting that they saw the success and they wanted that too. I’ve always told myself that there is room for any and all and I don’t let it bother me. *But a little shared recognition for the one who inspires someone is always nice, and some have done just that, and it’s appreciated!
    As much as I’ve heard the excuse for copying as, “there’s only so many ways to make a cloth pad”, I feel that I’ve proven time and time again, that it’s still possible to have a niche one-of-a-kind product even in a market such as reusable cloth pads. There’s more to a successful business than simply creating a good product. Those who stick with it, through the hard times and all the ups and downs are those who are most passionate about what they do. I am VERY passionate about my products, and my business. I am very proud of the quality and beauty of the products that I offer. I feel that shows in my work and my attention to detail.

    This business, and all my MANY wonderful worldwide customers *(see just a small portion of them in the photo collage above!) have blessed me more than I ever could have imagined! It has allowed me to be home to raise all five of my children and as they grew, my children were able to come alongside in the business to learn and create wherever their hearts and talents led them, from selling their own creations alongside mine, to helping with things like cutting fabrics, packaging, adding snaps and more!
    One of our daughters still works for the business cutting most of the inner and backing fabrics.
    Neither of us has any desire to stop what we’re doing any time soon. 🙂

    So there you have it, the story of how Homestead Emporium first began!

  • Reusable Cloth Pads – Why do you make so many different styles & sizes?

    Reusable Cloth Pads – Why do you make so many different styles & sizes?

    This question is asked quite often.
    If you are new to using cloth pads, all the choices can be quite confusing. To answer the question very simply, I create so many styles & sizes, because all of us are so very different and unique!

  • Cloth Pads How To – I’ve decided to make the switch, but now what?

    I’ve decided to make the switch, but now what?

    I am asked this question VERY often because making that first step into the wonderful world of reusable cloth pads can be very confusing! I’ve written this article in hopes of helping you make those first steps. If you have more questions, or would prefer to discuss your needs specifically, I’m here to help.

  • Why should someone use cloth pads?

    This is the question I’ve asked a few times on my FB & IG pages.

    I thought I’d share the answers here on the blog because there’s close to 100 comments!
    If you ever wondered why anyone would want to make the switch to cloth pads, here’s a whole bunch of answers from those who did indeed make that switch!

    Some answers are short, other answers are more detailed. If you’ve been curious about making the switch but just aren’t quite sure, perhaps these comments can help you decide for yourself.
    And then once you’ve decided it’s worth a try, send me an email at HomesteadEmporium(AT)gmail.com so we can discuss exactly what pads would work best for your own personal needs!

    After over 18 years of creating and shipping cloth pads around the world, believe me, there’s no ‘too much information’ questions or comments when chatting with me. I’m here to help you make that first step, and to make it a successful one!

    ___

    It’s comfortable and they’re super absorbent and soft and you can get cool patterns and different fabrics and sizes and they’re just so much better.

    Latex free = rash free

    Yes! ^^^^what she said….no rashes!

    I LOVE my mama cloth.

    I noticed with cloth pads my periods were lighter and my cramping majorly decreased. With having PCOS and speaking with my doctor they agreed it was from the switch away from all the harsh chemicals put into disposables

    Less cramps BY FAR! It’s incredible.

    Never run out

    Health, comfort, safety, responsibility

    No itchy or sweaty feeling

    No more chafing. You never need to make an emergency run to the store.

    For the environment because I have light flow for days. I still use disposable during heavy flow times. But after that I use cloths.

    If you have sensitive skin it’s a GAME CHANGER. I’ll never go back to anything other than cloth.

    Better for the environment, and very comfy. Easy to wash. Saves you money.

    Yes! All of these!

    Savings 

    They don’t really reek too much 

    Gentle on the yaya

    My cycle doesn’t kill me like it used to (lighter flow, almost no cramps anymore, consistent flow, and sometimes shorter week)

    In the beginning I bought them to be more eco friendly. But now, I cramp more with store bought. And my ph doesn’t get out of balance with my reusable pads. I’ll never go back if I can help it.

    definitely comfortable. after many years of using cloth pads, in time of emergency and disposable ones are available, you will realise how it scratches your skin.

    Savings, no chemicals and you have the cutest patterns available.

    More comfortable, healthy economical and eco-friendly. No more hot, sweaty, smelly crotch; no more adhesive pulling out hairs; no more gross trash can full of waste; no more buying bulky, wasteful chemical junk. Plus, they’re cute and soothingly comfy on my lady parts.

    Comfy on my lady bits

    Because the “regular” pads started causing ingrown hairs and heat rashes even with frequent changes.

    It’s not just saving the planet and my body. To me, using reusable menstrual products in my life is about fighting back against “the man” lol. The big companies that think it’s okay to destroy the planet, your body, your wallet to say they know what you need. To tell you they tested for what is safe when their tests have proven again and again to be incorrect and their products continue to test for pesticides and other severe toxins. Even organic brands. I’m tired of supporting the same 5-10 companies that own the whole world and the more research you do, the more disappointing it becomes to see how much they truly own and control. Reusables and cloth to me equal freedom, and often times supporting small business if you’re doing it right 🙂

    I started off with a cup, then started using cloth liners, and now I have a big stash that lasts me a whole week. 

    My reasons: I feel like I am taking back control and ownership of my body by using reusable products, especially because I make a lot of my own stash. 

    I have saved so much money, and I feel a lot less gross at that time of the month.

    I was allergic to disposable diapers and had to be cloth diapered. My teenage years were hell because I would get rashes from the pads and tampons. I was shelling out loads of cash for organic cotton. Then I watched my cousin cloth diaper the baby and it struck me that if there’s a bunch of ladies making cloth diapers on Etsy surely someone has made cloth pads. And I have never looked back. I’ve come to feel like the reusable menstrual product Jehovah witness because I tell everyone about cloth pads and cups.

    The chemicals in disposables alone can cause infertility.

    I save so much money. I have the same ones I bought in 2012/2013.

    Cloth diapering my daughters led me here! I love the sustainability and comfort. Hoping my cramps will improve, too!

    I started for many (most) of the mentioned reasons. However, my favorite…I bought your pads 9 or 10 YEARS ago. They are just now starting to have wear along the seams. They are still as absorbent as the day I got them. Talk about money saved!

    I have noticed a huge difference in my period,  as in little to no cramping. Shorter periods, more comfortable periods. Then for the environmental standpoint to how easy it is to care and clean the pads.  I never knew these were an option until I saw one of my sister in laws pads and I was like omg I have to try these and they seriously have changed my period and overall health.  

    So comfortable, along with my cup. No going back.

    So comfortable, and you get so much more adept at managing your own flow.

    I was tired of throwing money away on something that didn’t work worth a crap anyways so I did some research and when i found out about all the chemicals they release omg I was stunned I switched that day and my cycles have been better ever since and A LOT less cramping I’ll recommend cloth to anyone 🙂

    To not leave a plastic trail of our sanitary products long after we have turned to dust.  Plus I find my flow is more even.  

    Environment, price, and comfort!

    Save money in the long run, no unknown chemicals.

    They are beautiful! 

    I look forward to using them.

    No waste from disposable pads/tampons.

    Because all the cool kids are doing it

    Something in disposable pads always gave me terrible rashes. No problems with cloth!

    Much more comfortable, economical, environmental.

    To avoid toxic chemicals used to make disposable pads. Lessen the amount of plastic we use.

    I have had a vulvectomy, cloth is the only comfortable safe product for me.

    Less heavy bleeding and cramping. Also, no rashes!

    I began having itchiness/rash every cycle due to the materials and chemicals used in disposable pads, and needless to say that was extremely uncomfortable. Cloth pads solved that problem, and I also only bleed for 4-5 days now instead of 6-7.

    Reduced waste, reduced shopping, and the savings. They’re also much more comfortable.

    Latex allergy, but they’re better for the environment, way more comfortable and so much cuter!

    Shorter and less heavy periods, cheaper! Eco friendly,, comfortable, easy to use

    I have an IUD, so I don’t get proper periods, but I’ll have spotting at semi-random times. It feels so wasteful to wear a disposable liner for a few spots–cloth is much more sustainable!

    It helps Endometriosis.  Shorter less painful cycles.

    Saves money and the environment! I haven’t bought tampons or pads in years since I switched to a cup and cloth liners.

    Better for the environment, easier to use, they look pretty so you don’t feel so gross when it’s that time, can make periods shorter (it did for me by 2 days), also heard it makes some flows less but I didn’t experience that. They overall are just nicer and comfier

    I have used a lot of the same ones for 7.5 years now! I say I have saved so much money!

    My periods have lessened in heaviness, and my prolapse symptoms have seriously decreased as well since starting to use cloth.

    No nasty chemicals, personally I have experienced lighter periods, where as before when I used “conventional” pads, my periods were ridiculously heavy

    I use cloth for comfort. Disposables gave me rashes and Burns. I thought that was a normal part of period pains.

    Cloth is worth it for comfort alone

    Way way more comfortable than disposable ones.

    Comfort and cost … I have not bought pads in over 5 years

    So soft! Never buy pads again; mine have lasted 15 years so far. No chemicals. Comfy!

    cause they’re soft on your foof, yours were my favourite post partum and they were snapped up when I put them up for sale!

    Because conventional ones leak and feel like your wearing plastic. Cloth is like one small thing we can control during our period.

    They don’t have adhesive that sticks to your lady bits.

    Less chemicals next to your body. And good for the environment.

    Comfort. Environmental factor. Money savings.

    because in short: 10 day periods?? NOPE! CLOTH GAVE ME 3-4 DAYS! I just finished my period and it was barely 3 days!!!

    Reduces severe cramps!

    It’s healthier and more comfortable.

    Money saver!   Absolutely!

    Comfort, no chemicals and $

    Less skin irritations

    1. Supporting WAHM business. 
    2. Super Cute and often one offs. 
    3. Once I tried a few I was able to find out exactly what I needed shape wise. Now perfect protection. 
    4. So comfy. No chemical drag. Reduced cramping as nothing drawn out of the body.
    5. They stay in place. None of that awful misshapen squashed pads. I genuinely feel that disposable products are inferior to the point of not adequate for my needs. 
    6. You never run out. 
    7. I learned to make my own and got my ‘sew-jo’ back. I’m still a pad-a-holic though so keep buying them 
    8. Joined a lovely community. 
    9. I may be silly but I look forward to choosing my prints. I love seeing them drying. My boys love them and it’s really opened up the conversation about periods in a way that I hope will make my boys better informed allies to their girl friends / girlfriends. 
    10. I came to cloth after losing a twin then my waters early in pregnancy. To say that they saved my sanity is no exaggeration. They brought me happiness during an awful time (unable to use any tampons due to risks). My surviving twin is here but left me with a weak bladder. Having a gorgeous collection of pads I can choose from daily makes me feel confident to go out, that improves my health and quickens my recovery. 
    Yay cloth pads.
    10.a) oh and for some reason they make me feel empowered and liberated. I have become aware of the changes in my flow. I understand my body more. I also feel so much more open talking to my husband about it.

    Faaar less period cramps, they feel good, they look good, it´s fun to buy them. 🙂 Less waste.

    Oh so comfy!

    Comfort and cuteness lol

    Way more comfortable.
    ___
    Now that you’ve had a chance to read that whole long list of reasons why someone should make the switch to cloth pads, if you’re even more curious about making the switch, send me an email at HomesteadEmporium(AT)gmail.com so we can discuss exactly what pads would work best for your own personal needs!

  • Autism, ADHD and Etsy

    Autism, ADHD and Etsy

    What do autism and adhd have to do with Etsy?
    In my previous post I shared for the first time that I have autism and adhd. One big reason why I finally decided to share is because I really need to begin advocating for myself, and others like me, online. My business is online and I deal with customers from all around the world on a daily basis.

    I started my business over 17 years ago, and began selling on etsy in 2010.
    I’ve always liked what etsy stands for:

    Explore one-of-a-kind finds for one-of-a-kind people
    There’s no Etsy warehouse—just millions of people selling the things they love”

    Etsy’s newest thing is to encourage sellers to become what they call, Star Sellers. Sounds great right?
    Well I’m here to say that I don’t think so.

    I would directly tell Etsy this, I’d explain all my reasons why I don’t agree with this new program, but no matter how hard I look I just can’t find any kind of contact info for my complaint. Maybe I’m just not seeing it, but when I go to the contact button I get directed in a hundred different ways and none of those ways fit my complaint and I can’t even find a direct contact button. So I’m going to air my complaints here and then hope that some how, some one at etsy will read my complaint and consider it. Because I know I can not be alone in my thoughts regarding this.

    With Etsy’s new Star Seller plan, they’ve forgotten one important thing. Not only is etsy about one-of-a-kind finds for one-of-a-kind people, but one-of-a-kind people are the ones CREATING those finds.

    Each etsy seller is one-of-a-kind, and etsy is trying it’s darndest to fit us all into one very small box!

    If you’re an etsy seller and you have autism, or adhd, or you have both like me, or perhaps you have another learning disability, or a physical disability, or maybe you have lots of kids, or you have a full time job along with your etsy side hustle, maybe you suffer from anxiety, or perhaps you are battling a sickness, or you live rural and have to drive to the nearest town to ship package (also me!), or any other number of things that causes you to not be able to be to meet the push created by this new program.

    If you’re one of those people you’ll likely never become a Star Seller on etsy. Or even if you do, maybe you agree that it’s not a good idea for etsy to be pushing things in this direction. The direction of speed=best rather than quality is number one.

    Here’s the link to the information about becoming a Star Seller: https://www.etsy.com/starseller

    Even though I have been successfully selling on etsy for over 12 years, have shipped out over 12,000 orders and received more than 2,600 five star reviews I will likely never make the cut to be considered an etsy Star Seller and I don’t even care to because this push goes against every reason I am a handmade seller.

    However, if I am not a Star Seller, even though I’m paying the same as anyone who is, I miss out on rewards from etsy. This isn’t right.

    Why?

    As a creator, and for the reasons I stated above for all of us who do not fit the regular mold, I really don’t think it’s a good idea to create a feeling like we’re being pushed to behave like machines. It leaves behind those who simply can NOT work like machines.

    Besides, that isn’t what handmade, creativity, artistry, and unique one-of-a-kind is all about.

    Is it?

    I’m very confused as to why etsy felt this was a good idea. I realize they probably didn’t considered that a system like this would be overwhelming and even punishing to some of their sellers, but I’m here to say that it is. And I’m sure I am not alone.

    So this is me letting etsy know better, so that etsy can do better.

    No matter our abilities or disabilities, each one of us are hard working individuals trying to make it in OUR business the best we are able. We deserve to be judged for the quality of our creations, for our QUALITY of customer service, and NOT for our SPEED. Why is etsy expecting it’s artists and creators to work this way?

    We are not factories or manufacturing plants.

    Leave us to be individuals who will have differing customer response times, different shipping speeds and different UNIQUE ways of customer service between each one of us and our customers!

    Be a SAFE space for sellers and trust the customers to decide for themselves with their reviews who deserves to be a STAR seller! I bet there are plenty of very unique individuals with very unique amazing creations who will never be the fastest to reply to a message or the quickest to ship an order (or to think it’s ok to add shipping costs into the price costs just to give the ‘appearance’ of free shipping… but that’s a whole other complaint for another time…) that plenty of customers might miss out ever meeting simply because they’ll never be a Star Seller according to this program.

    If you agree with my thoughts on this, please share this post and tag etsy.
    Maybe together we can bring about change and help etsy to hear our voice and get back to what’s important, one-of-a-kind finds for one-of-a-kind people CREATED BY one-of-a-kind people!

  • Adult Autism & ADHD

    Adult Autism & ADHD

    I was going to title this post as per usual, Homestead Diary February 28 2022, but today’s post is more than a daily diary post. Today’s post is not about the homestead.

    I’ve shared many times about our middle child, Elsa, who has Aspergers/Autism.
    The road that led us to finding out that Elsa has autism was a long windy road over the course of years full of side trips and rabbit trails and many bumps along the way. I won’t go any further into that, because this post isn’t about Elsa, it’s about another member of our family who has autism.

    This post is about me.

    I figured out years ago, some years after Elsa’s diagnosis, that I too likely had autism.
    Unfortunately, like adhd, autism is typically diagnosed in young boys. Girls, who grow up to become women, often don’t get diagnosed until much later in life. If they get diagnosed at all.

    This is my story.

    Growing up, no one ever suspected autism. No one even really heard of autism. I was born in 1971, a long time ago, over 51 years! Times have changed, thankfully. We know much more now, but we still don’t know enough, and that is why I have chosen to finally share my story. Elsa has always been happy to allow me to share her story, and I’ve been grateful for that, but I’ve also felt guilty each time I shared her story without sharing mine. I always made excuses as to why I shouldn’t share about me. I have a business to run, what would people think? Would they automatically have misunderstandings about me because they would just see AUTISM and no longer the business woman? Would I lose customers? Would I lose income? Would they look at me differently? Would customers shy away from purchasing from me? Would people believe me? What would friends and family think? Would I lose friends, would family disown me?

    I asked Elsa several years ago if she thought I should be as open about having autism as she is. Her response, “No, why bother, look how people treat me.”

    I knew when she said this to me, that it was actually MORE of a reason that I needed to share my secret, BUT I also knew she was right. She has put up with a lot. A lot of misunderstandings. A lot of negativity. A lot of comments… oh the comments she’s received, and that I’ve received behind her back and even right in front of her, about her being autistic, through the ignorance of people in their spoken words.

    It’s been hurtful. It’s been difficult to hear and watch and to have to constantly try to explain to others.
    Try to explain to someone that they aren’t actually understanding, when they truly believe they understand all about autism perfectly well…
    There’s been many times I’ve felt like whacking my head on a brick wall.

    When people are so sure they know it all, there’s no telling them they don’t seem to really know anything, actually. They make their assumptions about autism, and the person who has autism, and to be quite blunt and honest, at that point they typically just walk away. If not physically, you can just about see them walking away mentally. They are no long there in the conversation to converse or to learn… because they already know it all. They’ve made up their mind about what autism is and what it looks like and to them it does NOT look like Elsa, and it most certainly does NOT look like me.

    A 51 year old successful business women who has been married for over 30 years, raised five children and even homeschooled them all right through to graduation.

    Nope, that’s not what autism looks like. So how could I be autistic?

    But I am. I also have ADHD.

    It was at the appointment where I was diagnosed with adhd that I told the dr that I had not been open about being autistic except with my husband and children. I told him I wasn’t sure how others would react and that I didn’t know if I was able to deal with it. He told me that I was probably right not to tell others because most people don’t understand autism.

    Hearing him say that actually made me realize exactly why I DO need to tell others that I have autism.
    I couldn’t stop thinking about how if I don’t share, this cycle of misunderstanding is never going to end. Not that misunderstanding autism will suddenly end with me sharing, but… maybe it could end some misunderstandings in one or two people who know me?

    Maybe those one or two people will then help end the misunderstanding of autism for one or two more people? Maybe another adult with autism who’s been nervous to share will read my post and in turn decide they want to share too. Maybe then one or two people they know will better understand… and so on.

    If I desire for autism to be better understood, doesn’t it need to start right here, with me?

    And that is truly my desire.
    To help put an end to misunderstandings and misconceptions of what autism ‘looks’ like.

    Because Autism looks like me, it looks like Elsa, it most likely looks like someone else you know too. Maybe even a friend, a family member, a co-worker or a casual acquaintance.

    If you’d like to know more about adults and autism or you have autism and you want to know better how to share about it, here’s an article about sharing an adult diagnosis:
    https://adultautismcenter.org/blog/sharing-an-adult-autism-diagnosis-with-family-and-friends/

    I will likely share more soon, but for now, this post was a very big step that I have been putting off for a very very long time. It feels good to have finally written it. I have no idea how people will react, if people will change their minds about me, or my business, or about who I am as a person. I am finally at a place in my life where I’m ok with the not knowing. I guess I’m finally at a place where I am completely ok with me.

    So many times in my life I have not shared my stories, I would always think, “This isn’t just MY story to share, there are other people involved here.”

    I read a quote that said something like,
    “If we never share our story, all we will ever be is a part of someone else’s.”

    I have my own story to tell. I don’t want to just be a part of someone else’s story.

    And with that, I’m adding one of my favourite winter photos from the homestead, hitting the “publish” button and letting go of worrying about what will be once people know this part of my story.


  • Homestead Diary February 15 2022

    Homestead Diary February 15 2022

    It has been a very long and very busy day.
    I am ready for a bath and bed and it’s early yet!

    The hubs and our two daughters went to the city two hours away today so I was home alone all day. I cherish these home alone days. However, today I woke up at 4:16am! That was a bit early to start my day, but I enjoyed the quiet before everyone got up and ready to leave.

    It’s been difficult to sleep lately. Our country was just put under the Emergency Measures Act, and I won’t bother going into it, but suffice it to say, it’s been worrisome what’s happening in our country and it makes it difficult to rest.

    However, here on our homestead, life is good and life is busy and today I decided I was going to stay away from the internets and focus on home.

    I did the farm chores, visited with all the animals, made sure everyone was enjoying this warmer weather even it if was snowing lightly. I know I’m enjoying it not being -40, even if I do find it invigorating. Who needs that much invigoration?? lol

    Once done the chores, I caught up on some kitchen work. Cleared the fridge of any old foods, cut up and froze the left over roast chicken from last nights dinner. It was HUGE. Eight pounds! This was a locally raised chicken we purchased from awesome farming family friends.

    Once that was done, it was time to wash up the eggs and cook some up for the barn cats. They’ll enjoy a nice bonus feast for dinner tonight.

    Josie, my 2 pound longcoat chihuahua needed a bath and a blow dry, so I dealt with that, and brushed her teeth while I was at it. May as well get all the torturing done in one session right? Lucky for her, I didn’t need to trim her nails.

    After that, I headed to the basement to play with some COLOUR!
    Anyone who knows me knows how much I love playing with colour.
    Today I needed to get some custom order fabrics dyed. A real nice variety too.
    Pink and grey (I did two, because I wasn’t sure which grey was going to turn out the nicest with the pink), blues and greens, purples and blues, red with orange and yellow.

    Let’s see if I can add a short video here.

    I think they will all turn out great!
    Time will tell when I rinse and wash them out tomorrow.

    I took the dogs out for yet another walk after I had a bite to eat, and got in a walk for myself too. I’m needing to build my stamina back up after being sick over Christmas. Still not back up to 100%, but getting there. Being outside helps!

    Shipping time, lots of orders to package up and ship this week. It’s a great problem to have!
    I am so very blessed to be able to work from home, all the craziness of these past two years has not affected me much in that regard thankfully. In reality, it’s caused a lot of people to realize that reusable products are really great to have around, and has boosted business because of it! It’s good to be prepared for anything and everything and people are really understanding that now more than ever!

    Now it’s time to take the dogs out again, feed them their dinner and then have a nice hot soak in the tub!
    The girls will be doing the evening chores, so I’m clocking out for the day after that!

    Goodnight all!

  • Homestead Diary February 14 2022

    Homestead Diary February 14 2022

    It’s Valentine’s Day!

    My husband and I have celebrated 32 Valentine’s Days together.

    Today I thought I’d share a bit about the two of us.
    Just a short story as the day has been busy, and long, so I’m short on time!

    Just over 32 years ago, I had recently moved back to White Rock, British Columbia, Canada from spending a year in my birthplace, the Netherlands. I was 18, almost 19 at the time.
    Graydon, my husband, was currently in the Canadian Navy, he was 23, almost 24.

    A mutual friend of ours invited several of us to come for a ships tour while they were docked nearby in Vancouver. It was during that ship visit Graydon and I first met. I knew that first meeting that he was the man I would marry. It was as though a voice whispered it to me as I watched and listened to him explain all sorts of parts and workings of the ship to us during that tour.

    That first meeting was February 2nd 1990.
    By March 10th he asked me to marry him. Mid September he was finished his stint in the Navy.
    We married on September 22nd of that same year. I was 19, he was 24.

    Through the years we’ve had many ups and downs, and persevered through many trials and tribulations. We both grew in maturity, together. We raised five children, including twins, homeschooled all of them from kindergarten through to graduation in 3 different provinces, through many moves, and during a time when homeschooling wasn’t considered ‘normal’. Mind you, not much of what we’ve ever done has been ‘normal’. We do a lot of things VERY well, but ‘normal’ is not one of them!

    Just look at the business I’ve successfully run for the past 17+ years… creating reusable cloth pads and shipping them worldwide. Most wouldn’t consider that ‘normal’. lol

    All we’ve been through, everywhere we’ve been and all that we’ve done, has led us to where we are today.
    Still married and we would still choose one another today. It hasn’t always been easy, but both of us have always known that going our separate ways would never be easy either, so we may as well stick it out together, and continue working together towards a better life for ourselves, for our family.

    And that’s what we’ve done!

    We both know that neither of us is perfect, but we’re perfectly suited for one another because neither of us ever gives up. We continue to learn, to grow, and to strive to thrive in our marriage, not just survive.

    We’ve both seen a lot of ‘surviving’ marriages.
    I’m sure we all have. Seek to thrive instead. It’s a much better goal!