Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Handmade Spotlight -- Needle, Hook and Yarn

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tuesday Tutorial ---- Easy Little Bow Making

Are you bow challenged? See this cute technique for making small, perfect bows every time.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Organizing - Clever Uses for Clothespins

Ever wonder what else you can do with clothespins besides hang up laundry? I've found some clever organizational uses... take a look.

First, a shelf to hang in your kitchen to keep your aprons, towels and potholders handy. This was found at www.countryliving.com I'd love to have one in my kitchen.




How about these cute magnetic fridge clips? If you like them, there's a tutorial so you can make your own. www.angieasplund.blogspot.com



This is a great idea for keeping your threads and yarns together. See more at www.naturallydyeing.blogspot.com




The holidays are right around the corner. This is a clever idea for displaying your cards and there's still plenty of time to make it. Instructions can be found at www.janelkaden.blogspot.com


Thanks for joining us today!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.com

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Blog Party Sunday ------ Show Us What You Have Made

It's blog party time. It is your time to share what you are skilled at making with your hands. Are you a good cook, love diy projects, a professional crafter? Do you craft for your own enjoyment or like to handmake your gifts?
Show us your handmades.


The rules are simple:
1. Follow our blog
2. Handmade items only.
3. You may list up to 3 items.
4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.
Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.
And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.









Friday, August 26, 2011

Today's Featured Shop ---- Paintspots and Splinters

Today's featured shop is Paintspots and Splinters.     You will find lots of adorable painted goodies here to help you get ready for the holidays.

Ginger Family



Autumn Word Block



Halloween Witch with Frog


Halloween Ghost Lollipop Holder


Be sure and visit Vicky's shop to see more of her work.   >http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintspotsnSplinters

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Giveaway Blog Party --- Add Your Giveaway

Our weekly giveaway link opportunity is a way for you to share your giveaways with our readers.


This is a continuing link party and giveaways are removed as they end.   Please don't forget to add the end date of your giveaway to the name of your giveaway.

The rules are easy:
You must be a follower of our blog.

Add our logo to your blog sidebar.  This is very easy to do.   Save our logo below to your computer,  select add gadget in your blog settings,  choose add picture and select our logo from  your computer and then link it to http://www.byyourhands.com





When you enter the title of your giveaway, please add the end date of your giveaway.  

Be sure the url is the direct link to your giveaway blog post.

Family friendly giveaways only.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Handmade Spotlight - Hello Books


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Tuesday Tutorial ---- Halloween Costumes

I am seeeing a lot of Halloween things around the internet so I thought I would share some cute costumes you can make. No excuses cause you have plenty of time to get them done.

This cute bat costume can be found on The Lazy Homesteader.



Easy spider costume tutorial on >Crafts Kaboose.


This is a no-sew Popcorn Box costume from >Amazing Moms.


And finally,  a Super Hero Cape how to on >Georgia Leigh.       This can be used for any super hero.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Mission Reorganization: Fabric Storage

We have a guest author today. Please welcome, Stef of Girl Inspired as she shares her ideas for fabric storage.


Finally!  I'm making my way through the disorganized mounds of sewing and craft supplies that have been littering our bedroom floor since we had to move everything out for the floor redo.  I've never had a great system for storing my fabric, but now that I am sewing on a regular basis, I need a workable system more than ever!  There is quite a bit of work left to be done, but I was so excited about my weekend fabric accomplishment that I thought I'd share!  It's looking so pretty! 


I first saw these Fabric Organizers on Lindsay's blog, The Cottage Home.  As soon as I saw this post of Lindsay's studio, the fabric organizers went on my list, but I wasn't able to purchase them until last week!  They are made from a lightweight material with little tabs to secure your fabric to the organizer.  It wraps up into neat little bolts which fit perfectly on my old desk.  I grouped the fabrics by color as I went along, moving them around until I found the color progression visually appealing.  Once I lined them up on my desk, I made a couple breaks in the row with large jars that I have filled with ribbon.  I may not keep the large ribbon jars, but I do like the groupings.  It makes me so happy to have all my pretty fabric out where I can stare at it!  Kind of like my very own fabric shop.


It's a small dent in mission reorganization...

Thanks for joining us today Stef!

Deena Davis



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Blog Party Sunday ---- What Are You Making

It's blog party time. The kids are starting back to school and fall shows are coming up. Are you getting ready to sell for the fall and winter seasons?
Show us what you are working on.

The rules are simple:
1. Follow our blog
2. Handmade items only.
3. You may list up to 3 items.
4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.
Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.
And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.







Saturday, August 20, 2011

Time Saver Recipes - Green Pepper Tomato Salad

Do you have extra tomatoes in your garden?... or maybe someone has given you some extra home grown vegetables. This recipe sounds like a great way to use up some of the extra veggies you may have.

Photo by user phllyfn2 at AllRecipes.com

Green Pepper Tomato Salad
(serves 6)



  • 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, green pepper, celery and onion. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir into tomato mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring several times.

Serve with a slotted spoon.

Recipe Source: www.allrecipes.com

Enjoy!!
Deena Davis

Friday, August 19, 2011

Today's Featured Shop -- Sassy Mini Dolls

Today's featured shop is Sassy Mini Dolls.         Eclectric creations by Marsha Mees.


Art Doll -- Pumpkin Head, Burt





Whimsical Halloween Doll

A Miniature Art Doll

 Be sure and visit Marsha's shop to see more of her wonderful creations.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sassyminidolls

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Thursday Giveaway Link Party --- Add Your Giveaway

Our weekly giveaway link opportunity is a way for you to share your giveaways with our readers.


This is a continuing link party and giveaways are removed as they end.   Please don't forget to add the end date of your giveaway to the name of your giveaway.

The rules are easy:
You must be a follower of our blog.

Add our logo to your blog sidebar.  This is very easy to do.   Save our logo below to your computer,  select add gadget in your blog settings,  choose add picture and select our logo from  your computer and then link it to http://www.byyourhands.com





When you enter the title of your giveaway, please add the end date of your giveaway.  

Be sure the url is the direct link to your giveaway blog post.

Family friendly giveaways only.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tutorial --- Easy Pincushion and Spool Holder

I found this pincushion on The Chickadee Feeder and thought how useful it is for a handsewer.





If you do a lot of handsewing like I do,  it is a perfect holder for your threads and pins.    And it is so simple to make from two 9 1/2 inch circles of quilted fabric and some seam binding.   

You can find the directions here.   http://thechickadeefeeder.xanga.com/734796052/item/


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Handmade Spotlight -- Win This Handmade Treasury

The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy team is having a fantastic giveaway.    One lucky commenter will win everything in this treasury of handmade Thanksgiving goodies.   Last day to enter is August 31, 2011.

The winner will be notified on Sept. 1.   All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on the treasury.
Good luck!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjIxMTI3NHw1NzMxNzA3Nzc/win-this-treasuryturkey-trot-with-the


Monday, August 15, 2011

Organizing - Clearing Clutter in Your Drawers

We have another Marilyn Bohn video today... she's going to inspire us to clear out some clutter.

Take a peek.



Hope you feel inspired to part with a few unused things, like I did.

Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Blog Party Sunday -- Share Your Handmades

 It's blog party time.    The kids are starting back to school and fall shows are coming up.   Are you getting ready to sell for the fall and winter seasons?    Show us what you are working on.


The rules are simple:

1. Follow our blog

2. Handmade items only.

3. You may list up to 3 items.

4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.

Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.

And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.







Saturday, August 13, 2011

Time Saver Recipes - Cucumber Salad

I have always loved cucumber salad. My parents are farmers and always have fresh produce in the garden in the summertime and extra help to feed. It seems like this dish was always on the table when I was growing up and probably still is today. I don't know that my mom uses a "recipe" for this, but I was able to find this one at www.allrecipes.com





Cucumber Salad

  • 4 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill, or to taste



Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl. Combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and pour over the cucumber and onions. Stir in dill, cover, and refrigerate until cold. This can also be eaten at room temperature, but be sure to allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour.


Enjoy!
Deena Davis

Friday, August 12, 2011

Today's Featured Shop -- 'Tis Design Works Bear Shoppe

Today's featured shop is 'Tis Design Works Bear Shoppe.   Nancy Walker makes whimical,  handmade bears that are just adorable and so tiny they would fit in the palm of your hand.

Flower Power


Summer Time Witch


I Love A Parade



To learn more about Nancy's bears,  visit her blog.  http://tisdesignworksbearshoppe.blogspot.com/