Monday, June 30, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Primitive Summer

Artists working in the primitive tradition are natural up-cyclers.  Inspired by Early American needlework,  primitive designs employ naturally dyed threads, cast off notions and fabric often cut from old garments.

These Etsy primitive shops are fully stocked with summer-perfect projects and finished pieces.

Inspired by life on the farm, Not Forgotten Farm offers a variety of folk art needlework projects, fabrics, and wooden notions perfect for use and decoration.
Delight in magical dolls and scrap-tastic creations with a nod to natural themes at Baggaraggs.  With item descriptions that read like bedtime stories, shopping here is a treat for the imagination.
Welcome to the world where every day critters become big time personalities! The Goode Wife offers easy to follow patterns that perfectly blend primitive and whimsical! 
 
Travel through time with Vermont Harvest. Beautiful punch needle designs, nostalgic ornaments, and dreamy prim doll patterns reside here! Treat yourself to a complete kit and skip that trip to the craft store.
Don't forget the pin keep!  Penny wool takes on a summer vibe at Ragged Revival.   Check out this artist's store for penny wool jewelry, table runners and so much more!

 
For more whimsical prims search primitive on Etsy.
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Blog Party Sunday - Show Us Your Handmades

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

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.


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Witches Stitches- Fast and Inexpensive Curtains


Between my gardens and work I have been so busy, so this is a quick and easy tip.

I like the finished look curtains can give a room but I am not always thrilled with the heavy look and the expense involved. I decided I needed some curtains in the living room but just wanted to add a little something without a lot of fuss.  I went to Dollar General and I picked up 3 sheer panels for $4.99, (I have one small window and one larger one in my living room) each. They are 84” long. All I did to hang them was to hammer in a nail on each side of the window frame. I then strung my curtain on a piece of twine.  Made a loop at each end and hung them on the nails. I then put another nail about half way down the window frame and pulled back the curtain with another piece of twine. I used twine because my living room is primitive. If you have a cottage chic room or something a little more formal you can do the same thing and instead of twine you can use a pretty ribbon. I used tan, but sheers come in all kinds of wonderful colors. You can even use two different colors on one window. Use your imagination and have fun.

So that is my curtains on the cheap. All it took for my living room was 6 nails, some twine and 3 curtain panels. So for $15 I have curtains that finish the room and I did not break the bank. Have a great evening, Faith
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Sewing Tips


Today I think I will give you a few sewing tips and information on needles and bindings. I know all of us do different kinds of sewing and crafting so today I would like to touch on a few different things like information on needles and bindings. 

First......have you ever really looked at your sewing machine needle? I never did until one day when I saw this chart. I new the different sizes, but never realized the different types of needles. This needle chart from Feathers Flights shows the parts of a needle, kinds and sizes. Nice to have this chart in your sewing room. 



Do you need a quick way to determine the yardage needed for that quilt binding? Quilting Tidbits has this chart to show you how to do that. 




I do a lot of embroidery also when I make my little stitchery pillows and embroidering on my pot holders. For all of you embroiders here are some basic stitches from Tip Nut. Most of these stitches I have used, but there are actually a few I didn't know and have never used! I will have to try them out. :)




Now....how many of you buy bias tape? I use to until I started making lots of pot holders for my markets and craft shows and thought I needed to come up with a way to make my own. Now you can buy machines that does this like this one.......





 or little bias tape maker clips.............




But me.....being "cheap" ( I call it "thrifty", but my kids call it "cheap") I make my own by just cutting and ironing them. :)  I do so many of them that I have this down to a routine so it is very simple to do. 




First I cut a 2 inch with of fabric strip. 



Then I fold both ends to the middle. 


Iron it flat.


And whalla..................bias tape!! :)


Well I hope some of these tips are useful for you. I always seem to find tips that I have never used or didn't know about. So excited when I do! :)

Have a good day!! 

Colleen :)





Monday, June 23, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: The Great Outdoors

Summer is a time of relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors! Time for exploring, observing, and lingering with laughter.  For summer essentials turn to the vast resources of Etsy up-cycle experts to make this a summer to remember.
Take a first class seat  under the sun with a custom chair from
TCBarrelWorks. Made from up-cycled California wine barrels, each chair is expertly hand-crafted. So elegantly simple, nature will envy the owner.
Don't miss a single thing with ultra cool binoculars! From bird watching to fireworks to woodland walking, this vintage pair from  OddandFound helps maintain the path with a built-in compass.
Turn routine summer lunch into a backyard expedition!  Classic peanut butter and jelly tastes like fun on vintage trays in rainbow hues. Pick up this colorful picnic basket and tray set at vakvar.
 Summer learning can be fun with the right tools!  Grab these vintage Native American books at injoytreasures at take the kiddos on an educational hike.  Teach them about recycling after the hike by up-cycling the books into summer scrapbooks.
Fun for kids of all ages are these wee bug collection bags from bethmoscreations!  Okay, okay.... these are not up-cycled or vintage but oh my goodness are they cute! Affordable and oh-so-adorable, they even look like tiny camper tents! 
For more up-cycled summer wonder search recycled summer on Etsy.
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Blog Party Sunday - Show Us Your Handmades

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

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.


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: The Perfect Porch

I love my back porch. I spend as much time out there as I can just enjoying the quiet and sounds of the birds and nature. It isn't a real big porch, but I can put a few flower pots out there and put my chair out and sit in the sun. Living up in the north country we soak up as much sun as we can so when the sun is shining I try to take a little time to sit on my back porch. 

This article from The Country Register of Minnesota is on having a screen porch, but some of the ideas could work for an outdoor porch also. 

A porch is a quiet place to sit and relax. It is a place where people often sit and read the morning paper, or perhaps their favorite decorating magazine, while enjoying a cup of coffee. If offers the sights, scents and sounds of the outdoors along with the comforts of indoor living. A three season room or screen porch is an extension of your home. Decorate this space with the same gusto and creativeness that you would when decorating any other room of your house.



ADD ACCESSORIES

Use outdoor furniture with indoor features, such as pillows and throws. Toss a quilt over the back of a chair. Yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores are perfect places to find these items.



REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Make sure your patio fits your personal style. Treat it like any other room of your home. If your home is decorated in the primitive or country style, be sure to incorporate those tastes into your outdoor patio.



BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Potted flowers bring the elements of the garden up onto your porch or patio. Choose coordinating colors to go with your furniture or theme. Place potted flowers inside crocks and wooden boxes. Add garden-themed items such as vintage watering cans, birdhouses and gardening tools.



DON’T HAVE A PORCH OR PATIO?

Create your own special space by placing furniture in a secluded area in your yard. It will create the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your favorite magazine!





 Reprinted in part with permission from The Country Register of Minnesota


So if you have a screened porch or just an outdoors porch and area have fun decorating it to your style and enjoy it while we can before the winter comes again. 

Have fun decorating! 

Colleen :)






Monday, June 16, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Time Travel

Summer time is travel time!  Along with the sand, seashells, and snapshots, souvenirs also will be collected to keep adventure memories fresh throughout the year.  This summer go retro by collecting vintage souvenirs from your vacation destinations.  Though they may be hard to source out locally, Etsy vintage sellers have just the city or state you need.

Vintage postcards capture the original spirit of the destination in summer hues.  Perfect for display, scrapbooks, and mailing, postcards like this Mississippi set from KitschyVintage  can be scored at reasonable prices.
 
Show off that travel style with boho chic wear from EvieandLiv.  Crafted from an up-cycled souvenir tablecloth, this women's bolero vest gets the conversation started!

Looking for something unusual to commemorate a recent trip to Florida? Head on over to 3floridagirls for kitschy vintage mementos of the sunshine state. 
Souvenir pennants are perfect decorative reminders of summer vacations!  Line the back porch, family room or the kids' rooms with happy memories. Start your collection at Thebeezkneezvintage

The king and queen of kitschy travel souvenirs are the salt and pepper shaker! Functional fun and whimsy advertising a state's popular product or attraction are still the rage toady.  Scoop up this vintage California pipe set from Banksville79.
For more kitschy travel fun search vintage souvenir on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Sunday Blog Party - Show Us Your Handmades

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

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.


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Witches Stitches – Dried Carrot Pumpkin and Snowman Noses

I know it may seem early in the season to be working on Fall and Halloween items, but in the world of crafting for sale you always have to be one season ahead. I have used many things for my pumpkin and snowman noses. The thing I find works best is an antique square head nail or a dried baby carrot. It may be hard to find old nails, I am sure you can find them on etsy or ebay. Dried carrots are easy to make and look great. You can just stitch them on and they stay perfect.

Here is how to make them – Preheat your oven to 170 degrees

Step one – Buy a package of baby carrots. Put a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and place the carrots on it. Make sure they are all spread out, don’t let them touch.

Step 2 – Put them in your preheated oven and let them sit in there for 12 to 14 hours. I know this seems like a long time, and they might even take longer. But you want to get all the moisture out of them. If they still have moisture in them they can mold. Every couple of hours or so you might want to flip them over.

Step 3 – Once you are sure they are done, (they will be stiff and all shriveled and dried up), A good test is to take one or two of them out of the oven wait till they cool and press them onto a paper towel. If you see moisture, pop them back in for a bit, sprinkle some cinnamon on them, (not to mch), and then flip them and do the other side. Let them sit on the cookie sheet until they are good and cool. Know you have noses to use on you fall and winter items.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Handmade Spotlight - Sweet Love for Coral

Check out this lovely collection coral colored handmade items. They're so pretty! To see each item up close, CLICK HERE.


Monday, June 9, 2014

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Beach Time!

The school year is winding down and parking spots along the boardwalk are filling up! Whether it's a fresh water lake, salty sands, or the backyard pool; these Etsy up-cycle artists have the perfect summer accessory for sun-kissed days!

Custom messages surrounded with soft sea glass add instant whimsy to any summer décor.  Contact ScrabbledMessages to custom order a cottage sentiment of your own!
Carry the beach wherever you go with a wristwatch up-cycled to display wee sea life treasures. Pick up this cutie and browse more sea-inspired gems at SeaShellsCreations.
Lighten the load by gathering all those swim necessities in one bag.  This oh-so-beach burlap bag from BackAlleyChic is stylish, environmentally conscious, and a do-gooder.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the ALS foundation to help find a cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease.
 Every summer needs a good project!  Try out a vintage pattern from CreationsbyMESHELL.  Instant downloads mean no waiting for the mail! 
Round out the summer beach day with a luxurious natural sponge!  These bathing beauties do double duty as décor and indulgence! Choose the perfect size from TropicalSeaSponges. Use the coupon code DadDeal20 to receive 20% off all sponges until June 15!
 To find more fabulous up-cycled beach fun search upcycled summer on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Sunday Blog Party - Show Us Your Handmades

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

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.


Thursday, June 5, 2014

Handmade Spotlight - Lets Get Ready For the 4th

July 4th is probably my favorite holiday. I love summer. I love red, white and blue. It's just fun.

Today I'm sharing some handmade items to help us decorate for the 4th. You can see everything a little more closely by CLICKING HERE.


Enjoy!!
Deena Davis
byyourhands.blogspot.com
www.ewenmeprintables.com

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: New Recipe

We were getting tired of the same old things for dinner so I went on a mission for new recipes and was overwhelmed by the amount of recipes you can find on the web! I have been trying a lot of them and hubby keeps asking "why are we not repeating any of the new one's...we just keep trying new one's".....go figure!

I thought I would start sharing some of the recipes I have found and have been making. Today is Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak. I will give you the recipe as it is suppose to be. Since there are only the two of us, I usually have to cut the recipe down for us. 


cooking

Ingredients:


  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 package Lipton's French Onion Soup Mix
  • 1/2 cup cracker crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 (.75-ounces each) packets of brown gravy mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can mushrooms (I use fresh mushrooms sliced)
  • Egg noodles, rice or mashed potatoes, as the side ( I use hunk boiled potatoes)


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Make hamburger patties using ground beef, cracker crumbs, egg and soup mix.

hamburger


Fry or grill until patties are browned on both sides.


cooking


While the hamburgers are cooking; in a bowl mix together the dry gravy mix, water, as needed on the back of gravy instruction, and sour cream. Mix to combine. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray and lay cooked patties in the pan.


cooking

Cover the patties with the sour cream and gravy mixture. Bake covered for 30-40 minutes, turning patties halfway through.

cooking


Now mine don't look near as nice as they do on the original recipe, but they are very good. Maybe as time goes I will get better at making the pictures look more appetizing. :)


Happy eating! :)


Colleen