The Handmade Things That Live in My Kitchen

A little bit of handmade magic to keep the kitchen humming along.

All Natural Leather Conditioner: Nourishing Simple Ingredients (2 and 4 oz) from Four Peaks Soapery

My kitchen is the heart of this house, and with five children, it is often a bit of a whirlwind. Between the morning rush for breakfast and the evening cleanup, there are always crumbs on the counter and a stack of dishes waiting for me. I have always preferred things that feel grounded—things I can make with my own hands or that come from the earth around us here in New Mexico.

I find that when I use things I have made myself, the chores feel a little less like work. There is something about the weight of a handmade soap bar or the scent of beeswax that makes the routine feel more intentional. I wanted to share a few of the things from my own shop, Four Peaks Soapery, that I keep tucked away in my drawers and on my counters to get us through the day.

Keeping the Counters Clean

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the kitchen sink. I love a clean counter, but I do not love the waste that comes with plastic bottles and disposable sponges. I have moved toward tools that last longer and feel better in my hand while I am scrubbing the pots from dinner.

We use these for everything from the heavy cast iron pans to the delicate glasses. It is a simple shift, but it makes a difference in how much we throw away each month.

• Using plant-based options for scrubbing
• Reducing waste at the kitchen sink
• Keeping soap bars from getting mushy

• Sisal Soap Saver Pouch: Plant-Based Body Scrubber, Zero Waste – $0.75
• Eco-Friendly Scrubbie (for Body or Kitchen) – $4.39

Caramel Apple 8 oz Tallow and Beeswax Candle – Gift Ready from Four Peaks Soapery

Setting the Mood

As the seasons shift here in the desert, I find myself wanting different scents in the house. In the autumn, when the air gets that specific crispness, I love to fill the kitchen with smells that remind me of harvest time and warmth.

I make these candles with tallow and beeswax, which gives them a lovely, steady burn. I often have one going while I am prepping vegetables or baking for the kids. Sometimes I just want a quick burst of fragrance without a flame, so I use the wax melts in a small warmer on the side table.

• Bringing autumn scents indoors
• The steady glow of beeswax and tallow
• Fragrance for the cozy corners of the home

• Oh Pumpkin! Tallow and Beeswax Candle – $5.89
• Caramel Apple 8 oz Tallow and Beeswax Candle – Gift Ready – $12.39
• Pumpkin 8 oz Tallow and Beeswax Candle – Gift Ready – $12.39
• Desert Chaparral Wax Melts – $8.00

Desert Chaparral Wax Melts from Four Peaks Soapery

Tending to the Family

The kitchen table is where we do more than just eat. It is where the kids do their homework, where we plan our garden, and where I often sit to do a bit of grooming or tending to the family. I keep a few of my personal care items right here within reach because life happens fast.

Even the dog ends up in the kitchen more often than not, usually hoping for a scrap of something. When the pups get muddy from running around the yard, I have my shampoo bars ready to go. It is just easier to have these things in one central spot.

• Simple grooming tools for the vanity
• Keeping the family pets clean
• Minimal ingredients for daily use

• Natural Eyelash and Brow Serum – $5.69
• Nourishing Dog Shampoo Bar – $6.79
• Natural Solid Conditioner Bar: Unscented, Minimal Ingredients – $12.00

Eco-Friendly Scrubbie (for Body or Kitchen) from Four Peaks Soapery

The Little Extras

There are always those odd jobs that pop up in a busy household. Maybe a leather bag needs a bit of attention, or I am putting together a small gift for a neighbor. I like to keep these supplies on hand so I do not have to go hunting for them when the inspiration strikes.

I have found that the simplest ingredients are usually the best for leather, keeping things supple and looking good for years. And when it comes to gifting, a little handwritten touch goes a long way.

• Caring for leather goods in the home
• Adding a personal touch to handmade gifts

• All Natural Leather Conditioner: Nourishing Simple Ingredients (2 and 4 oz) – $5.99
• ​Soap You Know How Special, Loved, Appreciated You Are! Printable Gift Tags – $2.59

It is a quiet joy to look around my kitchen and see things that I have crafted myself. It reminds me to slow down, even when the house is loud and the to-do list is long. I hope you find a few things that bring that same sense of peace and practicality into your own home.

Whether it is the scent of the desert or the feel of a sisal pouch, these small changes make the daily rhythm of motherhood feel a little more grounded. I am grateful to be able to share them with you.

You can browse all of these and more at my own shop, Four Peaks Soapery, right here.