We Have A Winner For The Snowman Painting

Congratulations to Judy from Indiana  on winning the Snowman Painting from Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes.
Meet Judy on her blog,  http://prim2pink.blogspot.com/

The winner was picked using the true random number generator on Random.org. We want to thank ALL of you who took the time to enter and for all the wonderful comments.

Be sure and come back again on Sunday for our first giveaway in the new year.

Would you like to be a sponsor for one of the giveaways on our blog? It is a great way to get your craft business noticed. For information email us at byyourhandsblog@gmail.com

Today's Featured Business ---- Online Business Junction

Today's featured business owner is Tina  from Online Business Junction. 

What inspired you to go into this business?
 
I have several online businesses and blogs. Online Business Junction is my business resource site, which I created in order to help other online business owners.
It's full of lots of helpful tips, resources, and information on running  an online business.

I also have two country primitive marketplaces, Crows Creek Crossing and Primitive Square, which are advertising venues for country primitive business owners. 

I have an art blog, Art Chick Studio, which is where I post all of my art and craft creations; I also have a personal blog, Tinalicious, which is where I indulge my love of writing. And I just started another blog, Tattered Sisters Primitives, where I am sharing my love of all things country and prim.

When did you start your business?
 
I began in business online back in 2006. All of my online ventures have begun since that time.

Do you have plans for growth?
 
My plans for growth essentially revolve around continuing to do the things that make me happy and that I have a passion for...whether it's creating art in various forms (painting, photography, graphic design, stained glass, altered art, etc), crafting country primitive goodies, writing, or adding to my business resource site in hopes of continuing to help others reach their goals for business success online.
I find that as long as I focus on the things that make me happy, those things flourish and grow as I'd like for them to.

Do you have set hours that you work since you are a WAHM business owner?
 
I don't really work set hours, per se. I actually take care of my baby granddaughter 4 days per week, 9 hours per day. So on those days, my work  can only be done after she's gone home and after I've taken care of dinner for the Hubs and myself. Much of my work ends up being done in the evening and on weekends. I squeeze in what I can, whenever I can.

What do you like most about your work?

No matter what online business I'm working on at a given time, what I like  most is the ability to be creative in everything that I do, and to help others whenever I can. Those are the things that feed my soul, inspire me, and motivate me to keep going.

What would you like everyone to know about your business?
 
For anyone wanting lots of good information about running an online business, I hope they know that I have tons of great resources and information on my business site.
If they want to advertise a country or prim business, hopefully they'll look into my marketplaces.
And if they're interested in checking out my art, writing, or country and primitive crafts, I hope they'll check out any of my blogs. My business site, art blog, writing blog, and country and prim blog are all on Facebook so they can be followed that way. 
They can also follow using Google Friend Connect, or they can subscribe to any of my blogs via RSS feeds or via email--so there are lots of ways to get the information I share.

You can find Tina online,  here:

OnlineBusinessJunction.com
ArtChickStudio.com
Tinalicious.com
TatteredSisters.com
CrowsCreekCrossing.com
PrimitiveSquareMarketplace.com

Tuesday Tutorial ---- Notebook Cover

Today's tutorial is for a composition notebook cover.

Supplies Needed:


Three co-ordinating fabrics
 Warm N' Natural batting
Notebook
27 inches of 1/2" wide lace
27 inches of 1/4 inch wide ribbon
3 - 4" circles of fabric
1 inch circle of felt
2 buttons
matching thread

Directions:



My notebook is 9 3/4 inches x 7 1/2 inches and the fabric is cut to fit this size.   If your notebook is a different size you will have to make adjustments when cutting out your fabric.

Cut the main fabric, lining fabric, pocket fabric and batting 27 inches wide by 11 inches tall.

Fold the pocket fabric in half lengthwise and press.   Stitch your lace to the folded  top edge of the pressed edge.

Lay the pocket fabric on top of the main fabric lining it up with the bottom edge.

Stitch the pocket to the sides and bottom of the main fabric and stitch the pocket seams from left to right at theses intervals,  5 1/2 in, 8 in., 8 in. 2 in. and 3 1/2 in. 
Black lines on the pictures indicate sewing lines.

Sew the front, lining and batting together.   Lay the batting down first.   With right side up,  lay the lining on top of the batting and with right side down,  lay the front on top of the lining.     Sew all around the edges in a 1/4 inch seam,  leaving open 3 inches at the middle of the bottom edge for turning.   Black lines indicate where to leave open.

Trim excess batting away from the seam line.

Turn cover right side out.    Pin the opening closed.   Fold the right and left sides over 5 inches on the left and 4 1/2 inches on the right.    Pin.    Stitch across the top and bottom edges.   The opening will be sewn closed as you sew across the cover and the notebook holder sleeves are sewn at the same time.

Black lines on the pictures indicate sewing lines.

The cover is now finished.
To make the flower decoration,   cut the 3 - 4 inch circles in half.   Fold the half circles in half and stitch across the open edge in a 1/4 inch seam.  Repeat for all six petals.
Black line on the pictures indicate sewing lines.

Turn the petals right side out and gather across the open edge.

Gather the edge tightly and tie a knot.   Without cutting the thread,  continue to gather the petals and tie a knot until you have all six petals strung together.

Stitch the last petal to the first one to create a circle of petals.

Sew the flower to a one inch circle of felt.

On the front of the flower,  sew a button on.    Sew or glue the flower to the top of the cover.

Handstitch the ribbon along the edge of the front,  just above the pocket,  with 6 inches of the ribbon to the left and the rest of the ribbon to the right.    Make sure you stitch only through the front of the cover.

Sew a button to the left of the ribbon.

Now insert your notebook into the sleeves of the cover.    Pull the long ribbon around the back to the front and wind it around the button to hold the notebook closed.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial.
 Bette

How To Clean Your Iron

I have two irons, one for clothes and one for craft projects. The one I use for craft projects really takes a beating.

I honestly didn't think it could EVER be clean again until I saw this video. Quickly, I tried her tips on my cold iron and you know what? It actually started to come clean. I think with a little time and some elbow grease, it might be nice enough to use on clothes again.



Thanks for joining us again!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Christmas Treasure

Dear Lord, we're here at Christmas timeTo honor your sacred birth,
Dear Savior, thank you for bringing all
Your precious gifts to earth.


As we delight in this holiday
With its bright and special pleasure,
We pray to remember all year round
That You are the only true treasure.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs

Holiday Side Dish Recipe --- Sweet Potato Casserole

This is one of our favorite holiday side dishes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

1 40 ounce can cut sweet potatoes or 3 lbs raw sweet potatoes
1 C. white sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c. butter
1/3 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Topping:

1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. chopped pecans
1/3 c. flour
1.3 c. melted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 2 quart baking dish with Pam.
2. Place the canned sweet potatoes and their liquid in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 15 min. or until tender. Remove from heat, drain and mash.
If you are using raw sweet potatoes, skip this step and instead,  wrap them in tin foil and bake at 400 degrees F for 1 hour or until soft.  Peel the skins off and mash.
3. In a medium bowl mix the mashed sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, 1/3 c. butter, milk and vanilla. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour and melted butter. Sprinkle over the potato mixture.
5. Bake 35 minutes in a preheated oven.

 Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Merry Christmas
Bette

Last Minute Gift Idea

Need a last minute gift and no more time or money to buy one?   How about a gift in a jar?

Just take a quart size canning jar and layer the ingredients in the jar.    Add a recipe card or tag with the directions for making the food item.   Tie a bow around the lid.   


Here are a couple ideas for you but you can find tons of gift jar recipes if you search the internet.


Double Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Brownies

Layer in a quart jar: 
1 C & 2 Tbsp flour 
3/4 tsp salt
2/3 C brown sugar 
2/3 C sugar 
1 tsp baking powder 
1/3 C baking cocoa 
1/2 C chocolate chips 
1/2 C mini marshmallows

Attach to jar:   
Brownies Directions: 
beat together: 
3 eggs, 2/3 C oil and 1 tsp vanilla. add brownie mix and stir together. Spread in 9X9 greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 34-38 minutes (or until toothpick tests clean). 

Crazy Cake Mix In A Jar

Layer in Jar:
2 cups flour 
2/3 cup Cocoa Powder
3/4 tsp. Salt 
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder 
1 1/3 cups Sugar 
I
Layer ingredients in jar in order given in a 1 quart canning jar. It is helpful to tap jar lightly on a padded surface (towel on counter) as you layer the ingredients to make all ingredients fit neatly.
Use scissors to cut a 9 inch-diameter circle from fabric of your choice. Center fabric circle over lid and secure with a rubber band. Tie on a raffia or ribbon bow to cover the rubber band.
Attach a card with the following directions:

  Crazy Cake
This is a crazy cake because you mix the cake all together in the pan that you bake it in. Pour contents of jar into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, and then add the following ingredients: 3/4 cup Vegetable Oil 
2 tsp. Vinegar 
1 tsp. Vanilla 
2 cups Water 
Stir cake ingredients together using a wire whisk or fork, making certain that all ingredients are completely mixed together. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. Frost as desired or serve sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Thanks for visiting today.
Bette

Tuesday Tutorial - How To Make a Pillow Box

Today, we'll show you how to make this cute pillow box using a free printable from www.ewenmeprintables.com The printable file can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

Things you’ll need:
Pillow Box Printable PDF File  (click here to download free printable file from www.EweNmePrintables.com)
Card Stock or Heavy Weight Paper to print on
Printer with Ink
Bone Folder (or household butter knife)
Scissors
Cutting Mat (optional)
Glue or Double Sided Adhesive Tape


Let's Begin:
Print the pillow box printable on cardstock or a heavy weight paper, and trim the pillow box image with scissors so none of the unprinted edges show.

Once the image is printed and trimmed, lay the unfolded printed box on a hard surface or cutting mat.
With your bone folder or the BACK SIDE of your butter knife. Score the oval and straight edges of the pillow box.

Crease the edges where you scored so the folds are folded inward.

Add glue or double sided tape to the printed edge of the straight flap.

Attach the flap to the other side of the box. Make sure the flap is on the INSIDE.

While holding the box on the straight edges, with thumb and forefinger, gently push to "puff up" the box.
 Fold the oval flaps inward to close the box on both sides. It's not necessary to add adhesive to the oval flaps, however you can if you desire.

That's it!! Your pillow box is now complete. Be sure to put something special in you box before you fold in the flaps.

Content and Photos ©2010 Deena Davis, www.EweNmePrintables.com


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

Holiday Organizing - Getting It All Wrapped Up

Do you have your gifts wrapped yet? If you dread the task, here is a video with some ideas for gift wrapping you might find inspiring.

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

Christmas Recipe --------- Candy Cane Cookies

Here is a christmas cookie recipe for you today.   Fun to make and they can also be used to decorate the tree.

Candy Cane Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
red and green food coloring

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla extract. beat until smooth. Mix in flour and salt.
3. Divide dough in half.   Set one half aside.   Divide one half of the dough in half again.   Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half and green to the other.
4.Break off about a tablespoon full of red dough and oll into a 5 inch strip.   Do the same with the white dough.  Place them side by side and roll together like a rope. ( You can also do them with red and green dough)
  Pinch the ends together, place on baking sheet. Curve top down to form the handle of cane.
5.Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. 

Today's Featured Artist --- Tins and Treasures

Today's featured artist is Natalie Geffre from Tins and Treasures.

Natalie is a wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, crafter and also is a full time Family and Consumer Science teacher in South Dakota.
Natalie likes to make a variety of crafts.

She started crafting when she was about 8 years old. She started making doll clothes by hand, and her mother taught her to embroider on dishtowels.
She learned to sew on a machine when she was 10 and her 4-H leader taught her to knit.
In college she majored in Textiles and Clothing, where she took every class possible in Clothing Construction and Fiber Arts.

  She started her craft business locally 15 years ago,  calling it Tins and Treaures partly because of the unique tins she makes.    Treasures encompasses a  variety of other handmades.    She started selling online when she opened her Etsy shop over two years ago.

Her husband,  Scott helps her in the business and makes their popular bottle necklaces.

Their wood items are a joint effort with Scott cutting them out,  staining and assembling them and Natalie does the painting and embellishing.

Natalie's inspiration came from her grandmothers. She  says, "The women of their generation had large families and no convenience foods or appliances available to them.   They milked the cows, gathered the eggs, tended their gardens, kept the fire going in the stove, picked berries and made jelly, baked bread,  washed clothes on a washboard.....need I say more?    But yet they found time to make beautiful quilts and crocheted bedspreads and even embroidered the days of the week on their dishtowels."

Natalie can be found online here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinsandtreasures
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nataliesnotions
http://www.tinsandtreasures.blogspot.com

Handmade Spotlight - Handmade Stockings!

Hang Your Stockings... Say Your Prayers

Curated By: ewenmeprintab...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts