Sunday, March 13, 2011

Blog Party Sunday --- Show Off Your New Handmades

It's blog party time again. It's your time to share your handmades. We would love to see what you have so don't hesitate to join us today.


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 at the end of this post and add your items.


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










Saturday, March 12, 2011

Handmade Sampler Giveaway - Crocheted Dishcloths DONE

Today's giveaway is sponsored by The Dishcloth Shoppe.

About me and my shop:
My name is Deon, better known as The Dishcloth Shoppe. I create
luxurious, 100% organic cotton dishcloths to suit you and your home
decor. I'm passionate about being eco conscious which is what led me
to start using, then selling my cloths. I live in Eastern Ontario on
my own little slice of heaven tucked away in the middle of nowhere
with my hubby and two kids.

  Enter to win this set of handmade dishcloths from Deon.
This  100% organic cotton dishcloth set is not only gorgeous, it's
incredibly useful and ecofriendly! It is handmade in a style that
creates little "nubs" that are great for scrubbing and practically
eliminates the need for a store bought scrub pad. The bright colours
are a wonderful way to brighten your kitchen, so you'll be able to do
your dishes with flair! Who said dishcloths can't be beautiful?

You can earn up to three entries by doing the following...

1. Visit Deon's Etsy shop, 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDishclothShoppe  and come back here and post a comment with your favorite item in her shop. Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

2. Earn one extra entry by becoming a follower or reader of this blog. Already a follower? Just let us know so we can give you credit.

3. Earn an extra entry by posting this giveaway on your blog along with a link to this blog. Be sure and let us know you have done this.

Open to USA, Canada and International.

The giveaway will start today, Saturday,  March 12. The last day to enter will be March 31, 2011  and the winner will be announced on Apr. 1, 2011. We will announce it here and contact you by the email address you have left.


Have fun and good luck!


Would you like to sponsor a giveaway? Are you interested in promoting your store or blog. If so, just email us.
We would be happy to send you the details. byyourhandsblog@gmail.com

Friday, March 11, 2011

Let's Celebrate Spring!

Are you ready for spring? I think the most common answer we get when asking that question right now is a whole-hearted YES!



The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team is getting ready for spring too. Now thru March 25, 2011 the OFG Team is having a Spring Celebration. This talented group of professional crafters have created all new items just for this celebration. You'll find everything from primitive style easter eggs to hand-woven rugs.

Simply visit etsy.com and enter SECOFG in the search bar, or CLICK THIS LINK to find the items. Be sure to visit often as items will be changing throughout the celebration.

Happy Spring!!

Deena & Bette
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Today's Featured Artist --- Attebery Design

 Today's featured artist is Preston Attebery of Attebery Design.

Tell us a little about you.

Well my name is Preston Attebery, I'm fifteen years old and I live in the Atlanta metro area. Yes, I'm still in high school yet running a business named Attebery Design and I love it. I get so much joy by creating, talking, and doing business for my customers. I wake up early on my Saturday mornings getting a head-start on my busy business day.


How long have you been in business?

December of 2010 marked a year in business. That first year is always tough when your fourteen and have no idea what your doing, but I made it out alright.

How did you get started?

In the 6th grade I starting selling one dollar drawings to classmates. The official beginning of Attebery Design started when a friend referred me to webs.com. Since then I've been selling my art to wonderful customers from Atlanta to London.

What is involved in making your craft?

First comes inspiration, thank God for all He gives. Once I get a spark of inspiration I create the general concept in my mind and before you know it, the pen hits the pad. (sometimes it takes a little more planning) You don't know what you really are going to create until its finished, and that's what I love about art.

Now that the easy part's over, I have to market, photograph, describe, and post my new creations. I take a short trip over to Kinkos, then to my deck to photograph my drawings giving a nice wood-tone background. Now to the computer where I edit and post my drawings to etsy, facebook, and twitter.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I can't narrow it down! Of course for me its drawing, but I just love drawing roses and hands. The stunning natural beauty of an elegant red rose is just so great to capture in a drawing. I use a pencil, a sharpie, and a ballpoint black pen to turn a blank page into a shining beaut. Also, hands really capture my attention. I make sure the little wrinkles and curves of the hand are apparent to give the drawing such a life-like feel.

Do you have set hours to work?

I sure dont. Whenever I get time, I work. Whether that's between classes (or during classes neglecting my work) or before and after school. The time when I get the most work done, as I said before, is on Saturdays.

What are your future plans for your business?

I plan on unveiling a completely new, fully-functional website to accommodate my customers better. So that will be a load of work for me to cram in on my Saturdays.

What does handcrafting mean to you?
It means plainly making things with your hands no matter what that is. Its expressing yourself creating things beautiful. Its knitting, drawing, woodworking, taking pictures, and painting.

Where do you sell your crafts at?
I sell my crafts on etsy! Thanks so much for etsy.com!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/patteberyAlso, I sell my art on my website: http://www.atteberydesign.webs.com
and at craft shows in Georgia.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Handmade Spotlight - Spring Cleaning

Find all your spring cleaning supplies at ArtFire. Here are a few featured items to get you started.


Thank you for joining us!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com