Part of a Charlotte Mason education and part of Orthodox Life is teaching children to work with their hands  honoring the act of creation and the development of the skill of beautifying. Below are a few ideas for specifically Orthodox projects and skills that would incorporate well even as whole-family activities.

Handicraft Links (free unless otherwise indicated)

12 ideas are provided here and could be used as one subject a month for a calendar year or else for a typical 36 week/ 3 term school year one handicraft topic could be covered for 3 week segments.

• Rolled Beeswax Prayer Candles (easier) or Dipped Beeswax Prayer Candles (Rolled Candles link is an Orthodox kit for $31)

• Baking Prosphora or here

• Cooking Koliva for the Departed

• Folding Palm Crosses

• Tying a Prayer Rope  or Prayer Bracelet

• Decorating a Pascha Candle for vigil

• Wooden Icon Carving ($170.00 course for older students or Mother Culture)

• Decorating Pysanky Eggs 

• Flower Arranging for home or church altars (more here)

• Embroidery Kit (easier) or Embroidery Course  (Orthodox kits for $38 each) Maybe someday ecclesiastical embroidery for vestments!  

• Byzantine Mosaic or here