Friday, February 28, 2014

Today's Featured Shop -- Willow Hollow Creations

Today's featured shop is Willow Hollow Creations.  Susie specializes in designing and handcrafting painted floor cloths and tablecloths.

Barn star and berries floor cloth





Spring Chicken Make-Do


Reversible Candle Mat - sunflower and pumpkin



 Hip Bag in green




Be sure and visit Susie's shop to see all she has to offer.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowHollowCreation

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Witches Stiches - Container Gardening

This is one cold Feb. and it seems to be dragging on forever. Spring is just around the corner, I promise you. I know in some parts of the country it sure does not feel like it. My middle daughter is in NY State and they had snow today. Here in NC it is cold, so cold!! Anyway…we will have spring before we know it, or at least I keep telling myself that.  When spring comes the first thing I think of is my gardens. Even though I have raised beds, I still love to container garden. You can do it in just about anything and no matter how cramped for space you are you can have a container garden.

The only issue with it is watering all those containers. They dry out so easy and who has time to water them every day. So here is a solution.  Use a plastic bottle for an “In Container” water system. So easy, here is how:
Step 1 – Choose your container and also get an empty plastic bottle that will fit in the center of your container.

Step 2 – Leave the cap on, cut the bottom off the bottle and punch 12 tiny holes, (and I mean tiny), all over the bottle.
Step 3 – Fill your container halfway with dirt. In the center of the container place the bottle cap side down keeping the bottom of the bottle even with the top of the container. Now fill in around the bottle with plants and dirt. Make sure you do not get dirt in your bottle. I place a piece of paper over the bottle bottom until I am done.

Step 4 – You now have your container with plants and a bottle in the middle. Fill the bottle with water. It will seep out of the bottle slowly and water your container.  As the plants grow you will not even see the bottle. All you have to do is to fill the bottle every week. How easy is that!!! Happy planting!!
Here is a link to my pintrest board with lots of container gardening ideas  http://www.pinterest.com/faithconroy/ideas-and-how-to-for-the-garden/

Enjoy, Faith

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Handmade Spotlight - New Beginnings Spring Celebration

Are you ready for Spring? The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team has been thinking Spring!
 
 
Everyone has been busy putting together spring related creations. You can CLICK HERE to see all of the items that are included in the New Beginnings Spring Celebration, or visit etsy.com and search the letters nbcofg.
 
 
Below is just a small sample of what's being offered, if you like what you see you'll want to take some time to check it out.
 
 
Happy Spring!!
Deena Davis
 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Recycling Old Jeans

I am sure all of us have old pairs of jeans sitting in the drawer and we have been wondering what to do with them as you can only have so many "cutoff" shorts. Well here is a way to recycle those old jeans. Sandra over at Sew In Peace has a neat way of turning those old jeans into a quilt. I know I have some jeans I could use to do this. Maybe just a small quilt for one of my grandkids...hmmmm.....gives me an idea. :)

Recycle Jeans to Make a Quilt




Did you know jeans make great quilts?
If you try this, you'll want to use heavy duty scissors like the one pictured above.
The spring loaded handle makes it easy to cut through heavy fabrics.


After the seams have been removed, the fabric can be easily cut into blocks.


Generally, I cut my blocks into 7" squares, 5" squares, and 3" x 7" blocks.
I have found these sizes to work best for me.


This pile can now be made into a quilt.
If you decide to make a quilt be sure to purchase a denim needle
It will save you a ton of grief!


This raggy edge baby quilt was made with denim on one side and flannel on the other.


Here is a peek at the back of the quilt.


This picnic size quilt was also made with the raggy edge method.
The squares have jean fabric on one side and cotton print on the other.


The squares were laid out in a pattern where some cotton blocks
 faced the front and others the back.


This denim quilt was made with the trip around the world pattern.



The back of this quilt was lined with flannel.


So get those old jeans out of the drawer and closet and make something useful from them! 


Enjoy sewing! 

Colleen :)














Monday, February 24, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Spare Parts

Funny how life can turn on a dime.  Last week I was reupholstering a couch and thinking there couldn't be anything more difficult.  This week I am at my husband's side in the hospital after he was struck on his motorcycle by a hit and run driver. Today's Up-Cycle Nation post is dedicated to him as he heals.

Often gifts for the motorcycle enthusiast seem limited to nationally branded items.  It doesn't take long for logo-gear-overload to occur around holidays and birthdays. These Etsy up-cycle artists offer unique alternative treasures for the rider in your life.
 

Striking clocks made from recycled motorcycle parts will thrill those with the need for speed! reCycleClocks are crafted by an artist who is also a motorcycle safety instructor. Perhaps these works of art are infused with a smidge of guardian angel.
 
 Metal sculpture captures the imagination at ScottHerman's shop. Desktop motorcycles constructed of up-cycled household bits are perfect for the home, workshop, or office.  ScottHerman also has a fabulous line of garden stakes just in time for spring.
 
Rugged style allows the bike to go everywhere with this Ducati chain bracelet from GemstoneBikeJewelry.  Check out this Etsy artist for biker themed jewelry.
 
 Bring the bike inside with stunning lighting from ClassifiedMoto.  Worthy of the most elegant showroom, these lamps are built with old motorcycle parts and come with bragging rights that Jay Leno shops here as well. 
 
 
Above every bike should hang a dream catcher from ForgottenAncestors.  This up-cycle artist uses only discarded items, vegan leather, and cruelty-free feathers for truly pleasant dreams.
 
 
For more motorcycle inspired up-cycles search recycled motorcycle on Etsy.
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Blog Party Sunday -- Show Us Your Handmades

Welcome to our Blog Party Sunday. We would love to have you show us what you are crafting.

You are allowed to add 3 links to your shops or your blog.

The rules are simple:
1. Follow our blog
2. Handmade items only.
3. You may list up to 3 items each week.
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 below and add your items.
And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.






Friday, February 21, 2014

Today's Featured Shop --- Break It Up Designs

Today's Featured Shop is Break It Up Designs.

Anita's products are all one of a kind, handmade pieces. She uses a variety of glass including hand cut mosaic tiles,stained glass, glass and stone tiles, re-purposed china and glass beads in a variety of styles.

3 1/2 x 5  Blue and White Mosaic Car Frame

Lazy Susan -Brown and Copper tile with Gold streaks



Set of 4 Blue Glass and Stainless Steel Coasters


Firefly Tray





Be sure and visit Anita's shop to see all she has for you.    https://www.etsy.com/shop/breakitupdesigns



Thursday, February 20, 2014

Witches Stitches - Chalk Paint


Ever see a great piece of furniture at a yard sale or thrift shop and love the look, but hate the finish. I have found a great way to fix that…chalk paint. This paint is wonderful. It covers in just about one coat and it can be distressed easily. You do not need to do any prep work to the piece you are painting except getting the dirt off. The only problem with this paint is the price. It is $35 a quart. That would be $140 a gallon. WOW!! I am sorry I am sure the name brands are great but I simply am not sending $140 a gallon for paint. So I made my own. It was easy and the results are wonderful.

Here are the things you will need:

Acrylic paint any color you choose

Brush for paint

Plaster of Paris

Water

Clear paste wax

Colored paste wax

Lint free cloths (I just cut up an old t-shirt)

2 good stiff brushes for the wax

Containers for mixing your paint - I used my old friend the solo cup. It is the perfect size.

Step 1 – How to make the paint.  Mix 3 parts paint to one part Plaster of Paris. You will also add water to mix into the Plaster of Paris. Put your Plaster of Paris into a cup now add a tablespoon of water and mix. If it is enough water to make it smooth, then you are good. If it is to thick add a bit more water. It should be kind of like super smooth applesauce. Now after it is completely mixed add your paint to the Plaster of Paris mixture. Mix it making sure it is completely mixed with no lumps. You know have chalk Paint.

 Step 2 – Paint your piece. You may only need one coat for this. After you are done let dry. When dry touch up or add your second coat if needed.

 Step 3 – Go over your piece with clear wax. Use a stiff brush to get it in all the little places and corners. If you like the look you can stop here. For those of you who want a distressed look go on to the next step.

Step 4- Distress your item. Use a medium grit sandpaper and sand the corners, edges, around the handles and anywhere the piece would have received wear over time.  Do not sand the body of the piece and all the flat surfaces too much, just spot sand them.

Step 5 – Staining the item. This is the scary part. When you put the colored wax on it will look dark. Work in small sections and put your wax on and rub it in and off. Take more off in some places than others. Keep doing this until you have covered the entire piece. Make sure you get the wax in all the details on the piece. If you find you got to much colored wax on one spot, take some clear wax on a cloth and rub it over the place where you have to much colored wax and it will come off. After you have finished this step you are done. Let the piece sit for 48 hours before you use it.

Tips:

1 - Do not make too much paint at once and work quickly. This paint will dry fast and it will thicken in the cup as time passes.

2 – Do not make too much paint at once, you cannot store it.

3 – Once you have added Plaster of Paris and or water DO NOT pour any leftover back into your original paint can. If you do you can cause it to mold.

4 – Wear plastic gloves to protect your hands

5 – If you over sand a spot, you can go back and paint over it even if you have waxed it.

6 – Work outside with the wax or in a well-ventilated place. This stuff does not smell all that great, but don’t worry the smell goes away after a few days.

Here is a link to my pintrest board with examples of what you can do with chalk paint


You can paint furniture, kitchen cabinets and just about anything else you can think of. Give it a try; I am sure you will become a fan.
Thanks for reading!! Faith

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Handmade Spotlight - The Color of Art


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Still Time For Soup

Even though the days might be warming up where you are some of us are still in the joys of winter so there is still time to have that bowl of soup. I saw this recipe the other day on Pinterest and the website Polish The Stars and thought it really looked good and that I needed to try it. I remember my mom made the best chicken and dumplings so maybe I will give this a whirl and see if it comes close to hers. Looks pretty good....makes me hungry just looking at it and the best part it looks pretty easy too. 


Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings.  This turned out great!  I added a bag of frozen peas and carrots, and used 8 Pillsbury crescent rolls cut up small instead of the biscuits.
Ingredients:
1lb of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2-3)
2 cans (10.5oz) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can (14oz) Chicken Broth
1 medium White Onion, diced
4 Large Flaky Refrigerator Biscuits (half a can)

Place thawed chicken in crock pot.  Top with cream of chicken soup, chicken broth and diced onions.  Cook on High for 4-6 hours or Low for 8 hours.  Do not stir while cooking. 

Cut each uncooked biscuit into 9 small pieces and stir into the chicken mixture.  Continue to cook on High for 30 minutes.  Remove chicken from slow-cooker and shred with a fork.  Return to slow-cooker and stir everything together.  Serve hot.


Makes about 6-8 servings.


Enjoy your bowl of soup!

Colleen :)


Monday, February 17, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: A Good Seat

Two days ago I bought a Victorian couch at a local thrift store.  Armed with a staple gun, awesome fabric, and a dangerous amount of amateur skill, I began to skin the beast of its once-pink velveteen.  I have reupholstered furniture before but none as stubborn as my latest project.  Let's just say it's a plethora of exotic scents and angular challenges that have me vowing to surrender all future projects to the experts.
 
These Etsy up-cycle artists are experts with the knack for creating instant-heirloom furniture for every décor style at prices way below average offerings of big box furniture stores . 
 
Pristine seats from yesteryear can be found at ModernVintageMixHome.  Vintage elegance and mid-century design meet up-cycling sensibility at very attractive prices!
Old snowboards get a second chance at jrydevisuals where old skates and boards become stunning durable chairs.  Described by the artist as urban minimalist, these chairs are perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Add instant conversation to any room with this knit-covered chair from KnitsForLife. Her colorful shop is a welcome sight for winter weary eyes! Buy any handmade item from this artist and she will return the favor by planting a rainforest tree. 
Classic designs get a sassy up-cycle at Urbanmotifs!  All discarded chairs secretly wish to land in this artist's workshop to be made new with vibrant fabrics and expert craftsmanship.  If you're lucky enough to be local to Atlanta you can have a custom piece made specially for your home.
To find more fabulous up-cycled furniture search recycled furniture on Etsy.
 
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Blog Party Sunday -- Show Us Your Handmades

Welcome to our Blog Party Sunday. We would love to have you show us what you are crafting.

You are allowed to add 3 links to your shops or your blog.

The rules are simple:
1. Follow our blog
2. Handmade items only.
3. You may list up to 3 items each week.
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 below and add your items.
And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.






Friday, February 14, 2014

Today's Featured Shop --- RI Designs Fun Stuff

Today's featured shop is RI Designs Fun Stuff.   Ri Noel's passion is painting animals and nature.

"My approach to this subject matter is sometimes traditional but often whimsical. I paint on multiple substrates and have been accused of 'painting anything that doesn't move away from me fast enough!"


Hand Painted 100% Cotton Sweater 'RED IN SPRING' design Art to Wear


Custom Pet Portrait on Cotton Sweater


Hand Painted 100% Cotton Sweater - Art-to-wear- 'What a Hoot!'-design


100% Cotton 3/4 Sleeve 'V' Neck Tee-'Peeping Toms!'



Be sure and visit Ri Noel's shop to see all her wearable art.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/rinoel