How are you creative?

Creativity on the homestead doesn’t always look like art hanging on a wall or something perfectly polished. More often, it shows up in small, practical, meaningful ways—the kind that keeps daily life moving forward and makes the work feel deeply fulfilling.

In our household, creativity takes two very different forms, and together, they are what allow our homestead to not just function, but truly thrive.

The Kind of Creativity I’m Drawn To

My creativity tends to live in the things that bring comfort, beauty, and connection. These are the projects that slow me down and remind me why I love homesteading in the first place.

Some of my favorite creative outlets include:

• Making goat milk soap, experimenting with scents, textures, and seasonal combinations
• Pouring candles from leftover beeswax, turning a byproduct of our honey harvest into something warm and useful
• Learning to crochet, one stitch at a time, embracing progress over perfection
• Creating homemade homestead gift baskets for friends and family, filled with items made right here at home

These projects may seem small, but they’re rooted in intention. They transform raw materials into something thoughtful, and they carry pieces of our homestead into the hands of people we care about. They also keep me off of my cellphone!

My Husband’s Creativity: The Kind That Keeps Us Going

Then there’s my husband’s creativity—and it constantly amazes me.

His creativity is less about crafting and more about problem-solving. It’s the kind of ingenuity that ensures the homestead survives and adapts, especially when challenges arise.

His creative mind shows up in:

• Winter-proofing the chicken coops to keep them safe during the coldest nights
• Finding efficient ways to retain heat in different rooms of the house
• Working through tractor issues, often with limited tools and a lot of determination
• Seeing solutions where others might see roadblocks

This type of creativity doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s essential. It’s what keeps animals safe, systems running, and plans moving forward—even when things don’t go as expected.

Two Types of Creativity, One Strong Team

I’ll be honest—sometimes it feels like my contributions don’t add up to what he’s able to accomplish. His work is often physical, technical, and immediate in its impact. Mine is quieter, slower, and more behind the scenes.

But homesteading has taught me something important: creativity isn’t a competition.

We’re a team.
His problem-solving and my creating.
His efficiency and my intention.
His fixes and my finishing touches.

Together, our collective creativity and ingenuity are what keep the homestead moving forward day after day.

Why Creativity Matters in Homesteading

Homesteading demands flexibility. Plans change, weather shifts, animals surprise you, and equipment breaks. Creativity—of all kinds—is what allows you to adapt without giving up.

Whether it’s crafting something beautiful or figuring out how to make something work with what you have, creativity is at the heart of a resilient homestead.

And that, to me, is one of the most rewarding parts of this life.