Graphics Toolbox

Graphics Toolbox is a graphics program that was created by a team of software designers with over 20 years experience in graphics programming. I was sent this program to review for you all. I’m not going to lie to you. I got the cold shivers when I downloaded this program. Let me start by saying I’ve been using some Print Shop type program I bought at Walmart about 10 years ago for $5. That is what I use when I want to make a greeting card or do something silly to a photo or create address stickers. It is simple and basic and easy. Granted, it can't do this...



I do not like complicated when it comes to computers. I am a BIG fan of the easy, intuitive, drop down, drag and drop type programs. Graphics Toolbox is most definitely NOT easy and intuitive. The thing is, it’s really cool. You can change colors on pictures with this thing, you can create amazing photos and documents and posters and projects. I think it will even link up and control the international space station if you work it right! That was kind of the whole problem for me though. It was too much. I watched the first two training session videos and got it a little bit more, but honestly it’s a really complicated program. I think if I could figure it out, I would love it, but it’s a lot to figure out.


Here are the pro’s

There is nothing quite like it on the market, so specific to graphics (not just photos).

It can do just about anything you can think of as far as graphics goes.

The creators have spent much time and effort creating detailed tutorials to help their customers use their product.

The Con’s

Honestly, it was just really complicated. I’m not sure how many regular Jane Homeschool Mom’s are going to want to spend so much time learning something so detailed and complicated, and then teach something so detailed and complicated to their kids. But maybe that’s just me. And really, what do I know? My graphics program is from 1999 (did we even have internet back then?)



If you have someone who is ‘into’ computers and programs and graphics and speaks that language Graphics Toolbox is your thing. If you’re looking to make a greeting card or two, try going back to 1999 and head to Walmart.

You can go here to read more about Graphics Toolbox and check basic FAQ’s like price and minimum system requirements, and you can click on the icon below to find out what others had to say about this program.

Happy Homeschooling!

ARTistic Pursuits

Let me begin by telling you if you are an artist, you might want to just click on over here to the TOS Crew and read some of the other reviews because I am a total artistic novice. This review is being written by a mom who failed Arts and Crafts. However, I will do my best to give you my impression of this curriculum.

ARTistic Pursuits is an art curriculum created by a homeschooling mom, for homeschooling families. I really appreciate this and feel that not only am I supporting another homeschooler, but only another homeschooler would understand the unique needs of the homeschooled student.

When I received the book in the mail I opened it and got a little twitchy. I am not artistic. I cannot state that strongly enough. The thing is…I have a daughter that is.

So I did what any homeschooling mom would do. I delegated. I handed the book off to my 11 year old daughter and let her loose.

She really liked it. She read over several lessons and even came to me to show me some of the ways the author showed you various art techniques in actual paintings. She did not do many of the activities as she is currently working on something for her art class, but she did ask if I would be willing to allow her to work on this curriculum this summer.

Um, really? I think a hearty yes was the answer!

So while I don’t know much about art or art curriculum, I do know that my daughter wanted to work on this in her spare time. Is there a better endorsement?

Now, if you want to find out about this yourself go here. There is a great deal of information on the website for you to find out more about this curriculum. Also, and this I thinks speaks volumes, if you order it and you look at it and decide it’s not for you, you can send it back and get a refund.

Remember that thing called customer service? I think I’ve found it.

Happy Homeschooling!

Spears Art Studio

I’m going to be honest with you. Art is not my thing. I can, if pressed, draw a stick figure, and occasionally, it can be recognized as such.

The problem is, my children seem to be be artistically inclined, especially one of my daughters. When I was given Spears Art Studio to try out, I was equal parts anticipation and trepidation.

At first I encountered some technical difficulty, the CD Rom in my laptop died. Not at all related to the Art curriculum, except it is the reason this review is later than it should be!

Once I got everything up and running, I loaded in the CD Rom and was amazed. I have to say I LOVE the way this is laid out. There is an overview page, a scope and sequence page, an introduction page and then the art lessons are broken down by month. Inside January’s folder, you will find separate pages for how to complete the project (one per week) based on the age of your student using the same materials. So you can be teaching the same art concept to a 1st grader, a 3rd grader, and an 8th grader, but the project they are actually working on will be age appropriate. Not to mention the step by step instructions and the suggestions for appropriate art for the students to look to for examples.

I am really not very eloquent in the vocabulary of the art programs, so I don’t feel this review is doing this program justice. It is an entire year’s art curriculum, for students from K – 8th grade. (There is also a High school program, but I have not seen that one). If you scroll about halfway down this page you can see some samples of the monthly modules.

Personally, I feel like this is a winner. The price ($35 for the CD Rom) cannot be beat. I encourage you to pop on over to Spears Art Studio’s website and check it out for yourself. You might really like this art curriculum, even if you can barely draw a stick figure, or perhaps I should say especially if you can barely draw a stick figure!

By the way, if you want to read what some others who are reviewing this product thought of it, you can go here to read about 100 more reviews.