Blog Party Sunday, Show Us What You Made

Welcome to our Blog Party Sunday.   The fall/winter crafting season is in full swing.   We would love to have you show us what you have been making.

You are allowed to add 3 links to your shops and you don't have to be a selling crafter to show off your art.    Even if you only craft for your own pleasure we want to see it,  so don't hesitate to join in.

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 below and add your items.

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

Time Saver Recipes ---- Golden Split Pea Soup

Here is another time savor recipe that my family loves.    It is super easy to make,  too.   Golden Split Pea Soup made in the crock pot.   Toss the ingredients in the crock pot, set it and forget it until dinner time. 

Golden Split Pea Soup

1 1/2 cups of dried yellow split peas,  cleaned
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 cups of unsalted chicken broth or water   (I use 2 c. of chicken broth and 4 c. of water)
2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/8 tsp. ground white pepper

Toss everything in the crock pot and set it on high.   It takes about 5 or 6 hours to cook.

Use an immersion blender right in the crockpot and puree it.  

I freeze leftovers in small containers for lunches.  

Bette
www.byyourhands.com

Trash to Treasure --- Makeovers

Trash to treasure can be as simple as repainting or refurbishing a chair, lamp, table,  etc.    But today I want to share some unique makeovers.  

Would you recognize these from what they started out as?

I think this first one could have started life as a bed headboard.

And here is the transformation.   Directions found at Faith's Place.

Here is a doll cradle that can be found at Junk Blossoms.

Transformed into a shelf.

This was a gun cabinet in it's former life.

But look at this beautiful pantry transformation by Pepper Towne.

And finally these two doors at the hands of Brendan Carpenter

became this beautiful trunk.

I hope today's post sparked some creativity in you.   If you have a makeover you would like to share with our readers,  please email me at byyourhandsblog@gmail.com

Today's Featured Artist - Snugglebug Prim Blessins

 Our featured artist today is Cathy  from Snugglebug Prim Blessins.

Tell us a little about you?

I have been crafting and creating dolls for about 15+ years now and have never stopped loving it. My doll making has been on many journeys where I have worked in primitive, mix media, vintage, whimsical, art dolls, paper crafts and now have landed back into primitive doll making and folk art dolls which is my true love. Sometimes its good to venture into other venues, you learn so much and can take it back to the craft room and see how you can incorporate what you have learned into your own art form. It's a wonderful experience.

How long have you been in business?

I have had an on-line business for about 4 years now.

How did you get started?

When my daughter was a wee little thing, my brain ached for something to fill it besides barbies and stuffed animals. I found a magazine called the "Country Marketplace" and that changed my life forever. I never looked back and am thankful for such a creative magazine.

What is involved in making your craft?

When I am designing a pattern you will find sketches of my dolls everywhere, several proto types of doll bodies, (sounds like Dr. Frankenstein doesn't it, LOL), misc. fabrics here and there, and notes on how I made this or that. As we all know, lots of time and effort go in to creating a piece but it is always worth it.

What is your favorite thing to make?

I love anything folk art. Especially Santa's and I also love Halloween pumpkins and witches

Do you have set hours to work?

Mainly when my son is at school, but I have been known to work into the wee hours of the night, I am a night owl for sure.

What are your future plans for your business?

Recently, I have been learning to make soy tarts and soaps and am hoping to have them on my site and in many local shops soon.

What does handcrafting mean to you?

Now this is a loaded question. Anything handmade well (at your level of experience), not a China item embellished, but created by me, from scratch. One of things that drives me crazy is embellished China made products. Handcrafting is exactly that a well made hand crafted item.

Where do you sell your crafts at?

Mostly on the internet:

www.snugglebugprimblessins.com
www.snugglebugblessings.etsy.com
www.artsaflutter.com

but I do sell at these local places:

D.S. Griffith and Co. (the oldest general store in WV)
Contactin Colorfest Oct. 9 and 10
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival Oct. 16 - 17

Handmade Spotlight - Cuddle Up!

When my alarm went off this morning, I did NOT want to get out of bed. I just wanted to curl up and go back to sleep. Unfortunately, duty called and I couldn't do that, but it did inspire me to make this treasury.

'Cuddle Up' by ewenmeprintables

I would love to cuddle up under one of these afghans. Don't they look cozy?

Traditional Granny Afgh... lulaveggie $55.00	Colorful Afghan Blanket AtelierAfra $150.00	Vintage Crochet Pattern... toknittowoo $3.00
CROCHET HANDMADE BABY /... JayDeeCreation... $59.99	New Crochcet Granny Squ... Gmaladybug6 $35.00	Crocheted Squares Baby ... murandabarker $90.00
Couch Blanket sakkennedy $35.00	Crochet Blanket Winchestergems $40.00	Crochet Ruby Red Hearts... BeadedBundles $1.95
Baby Blocks ForeverFavorit... $40.00	Granny Square Baby Blan... allthingsgrann... $40.00	Granny Square baby afgh... misslulubell $25.00
Newborn Afghan Blanket MicciDESIGNSkn... $8.75	Pink Granny Afghan/Blan... OohAahBaby $50.00	Pink Eyelet Afghan juliannadw $40.00

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