Friday, September 10, 2010

Trash to Treasure --- Shutters

Today I am sharing some nifty ideas on what to do with old shutters.

I love this first idea from She's Smart.

 The shutter is side ways,   add decorative brackets and a shelf across the top and hooks on the bottom.   Great for an entry way.

Here is an unusual use for shutters.   Learn how to make an earring holder on Eating, Etc.


Make a plant stand out of them.    Instructions on Ehow.


Here is an altered art note holder from Altered Artworks.


Then of course you can always restore them and use them indoors,


or outdoors.


Thanks for visiting today.
Bette
www.byyourhands.com

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Today's Featured Artists --- The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team

Today's featured artist is actually a group of artists that belong to an Etsy team,   The Old Farmhouse Gathering.


It is a talented, professional group of artisans who create everything from Primitive to Shabby Chic, with an old fashioned flair!

Here is just a small sampling of some of the team's handmade items you can find on Etsy.

Beautiful hand painting from the Fox Glove Folkart shop.     http://www.etsy.com/shop/foxglovefolkart

Adorable handmade mice from the Warmth shop.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/Warmth

Awesome handmade wood furnishings from the Firecracker Kid shop.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/firecrackerkid

Lovely handwoven baskets made by Rose.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/basketsbyrose


The OFG Team is having a Halloween celebration on Etsy right now.   Just search HCOFG under handmade on Etsy to see all the wonderful items for sale.

Here is a treasury I put together of some of the items in the celebration.  If you click on a picture it will take you to that artist's shop.

'Halloween Celebration' by HandmadeByBette



Halloween Primitive Spooky S...
$12

PRIMITIVE GRUNGY HALLOWEEN C...
$33

Primitive Stitchery HALLOWEE...
$9.99

Primitive Folk Art Halloween...
$25

Washcloth - Crochet- Purple,...
$4

By Pumpkins Fat Pillow
$15

Wool Appliqued Pillow Pumpki...
$14.95

Fall Floral (Terrye French) ...
$49.95

A Tiny Bit of Halloween
$12

Handpainted Scarecrow -Harve...
$21.95

Pumpkin Head Tucks Set of Th...
$14.99

A Touch of Sunshine - Wicked...
$22

Primitive Red Rooster Poultr...
$10

Folk Art Halloween Witch Spi...
$30.98

Mouse, Jack-o-Lantern, Bucke...
$20

The House Of Spooks Sign, HC...
$16.99
Some places to find the Old Farmhouse Gathering.

The Old Farmhouse Gathering will soon be having their annual  Holiday Gift Basket giveaway.   Details will be available on the team blog in a few weeks.
http://oldfarmhousegathering.blogspot.com

You can visit most of the individual shops on the OFG Artisan Blog.
http://oldfarmhousegatheringartisans.blogspot.com/

There is also the team cooking blog with recipes from the members.
http://oldfarmhousecooking.blogspot.com/

Thanks for visiting today.
Bette
www.byyourhands.com

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial - Pets

Do you sew for your pets? Pet products can be very expensive and this is a good way to save a little money and pamper our furry family members.

How about learning to make a collar and leash. This tutorial is by Sew 4 Home.


Here is a cute dog bed tutorial on BHG.


Having 5 cats I know that litter boxes can be a real problem sometimes.    Here is one you can make yourself from a rubbermaid container.  Use it with or without a cover on it.   Pet Project Blog


Look at this unusual cat bed made from a couple of carpet samples.   It looks super simple to make.   I can see my cats having a great time scratching on this!



And lastly,   here is a cat toy I drew up.    Download the pattern HERE.

Cut the fish from doubled fabric and sew around in a 1/4 inch seam,  leaving a small opening in the tail.

Clip the curves and turn right side out.   Stuff with fiberfill and add some catnip in the middle.    Stitch the opening closed.   

 
You could also sew a piece of jute in the seam and tie it to a stick and play with your cats with it.   I know my cats love trying to catch anything you dangle in front of them.

Thanks for visiting today.
Bette Shaw
www.byyourhands.com

Monday, September 6, 2010

It's Labor Day...

...Enjoy the day! 

May it be spent with family, friends and good times.