Charm School For The Heart & Soul
Kelly Bangs’ new kit helps us root our worth in faith, joy, and grace
I have a fascinating story for you. Seven years ago, on Father’s Day at church, my pastor read a list from a magazine article titled The Good Wife’s Guide, supposedly published in Housekeeping Monthly on May 13, 1955. The list was full of “expectations” of what a good wife should be and how she should act around her husband.
The Good Wife’s Guide, Housekeeping Monthly, May 13, 1955
Now, to be fair, my pastor wasn’t endorsing it—he was using it as a sermon illustration. But as I sat behind the production booth, tears welled up in my eyes. I was certain I would never measure up to that impossible standard. In my defense, I was pregnant with Angelina and didn’t know it yet (hello, hormones!)—but still, the weight of those words stung.
Here’s the kicker: guess what I recently found out? That article? Totally fake. It never existed in 1955. Most likely, it was created in the 1980s as satire. That “standard” I was holding myself up against that morning? A total lie. And the enemy knew exactly how to use it to get in my head. I had myself completely worked up, doubting that I would ever be a good enough wife. I let Satan whisper lies about me without ever stopping to consider that God didn't make any mistakes when me made me.
That’s why I love Kelly Bangs’ new Charm School sets for Illustrated Faith. They are gorgeous, whimsical reminders designed to push back against the lies we tell ourselves and replace them with daily acts of worship that keep our eyes focused on what really matters. Kelly knows it’s not about a spotless home 100% of the time or wearing pearls with the right heels. Those things may have their place, but what truly matters is the heart.
What’s Inside the Charm School Sets
The collection comes in three parts:
Charm School Cards – 5 pages of cut-apart cards with scriptures and other charming tips and reminders for every aspect of your day.
Charm School Frames – 3 pages of framed ephemera, perfect for layering into your journaling spreads. Available in PDF and PNG formats.
Charm School Papers – 6 coordinating patterned pages that give you endless options for layering and adding to your Bible or other paper crafting.
The Charm School Cards are my favorite. I’ve already started cutting them out and scattering them around my house—on the fridge, in my planner, and even taped to the bathroom mirror. Each one is a little nudge to pause, reflect, and whisper a quick thank-you to the One who made me beautifully unique.
It reminds me of God’s words in Deuteronomy 6:6–9:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
That’s the heart of this kit—filling our homes with reminders of truth.
Even More to Explore
These sets also pair perfectly with the Charm School Digital Collection and the Custom Admission Kit available at kellybangscreative.com. Don’t forget to take the Charm School Free Quiz to find out which “House” you belong to!
God created each of us with unique gifts and personalities—and the Houses are such a fun way to celebrate that. Take the quiz, find your house, and discover a community of women ready to cheer you on, point you back to truth, and walk with you in grace. Be sure to tag us #kbc_charmschool and #if_charmschool.
Makes to Inspire You
Sherri B. (@sherriluvsles)
Take a look at Sherri’s Proverbs 31 Bible journaling spread. She documented a heartfelt moment with her husband where God reminded her of exactly who He made her to be. She layered the Charm School Frames with Kelly’s florals and created a perfect place to tuck her verse and journaled thoughts.
Dani (@artlinda.danigarcia) created a beautiful mixed media layout in her journal with one of the Charm School frames and some of the background pieces. The florals added such a whimsical touch peeking out from the page.
Ready To Enroll In Charm School?
Charm School isn’t about pearls and posture—it’s about filling your heart and home with reminders of who God says you are. Grab the kit today and start creating your own daily reminders of faith, joy, and grace.
