Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: What Do Colors Mean

So for all of you artists, quilters and sewers out there have you ever wondered why people pick the colors they do for the projects they make? If you do there may be a reason why they pick what they do. According to psychologytoday.com there is reasoning to this madness. Here are some colors and why people may pick those colors to work with. It is very interesting. :)






Black: People who choose black as their colors are often artistic and sensitive. While these people aren't introverts, they are careful with the details of their lives and do not share easily with others.

White: People who like white are often organized and logical and don't have a great deal of clutter in their lives.

Red: Those who love red live life to the fullest and are tenacious and determined in their endeavors.

Blue: If blue is your favorite color you love harmony, are reliable, sensitive and always make an effort to think of others. You like to keep thinks clean and tidy and feel that stability is the most important aspect in life.

Green: Those who love the color of green are often affectionate, loyal and frank. Green lovers are also aware of what others think of them and consider their reputation very important.

Yellow: You enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others. Finding happiness comes easy to you and others would compare you to sunshine.

Purple: You are artistic and unique. You have a great respect for people, but at times can be arrogant.

Brown: You are a good friend and try your hardest to be reliable and dependable. Flashy objects are not something you desire; you just want a stable life.

So this may be why you pick greens, blues, blacks, etc in your projects. :)

Colleen :)










Monday, July 22, 2013

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Weathered Wood

Summer is a time when weathered wood takes center stage along the coastal waters and in woodland cabins.  The naturally weathered surfaces, smooth grooves, and sun bleached lines call to mind all those dreamy summer memories of the great outdoors. As I am still traveling and on vacation from my studio, I have assembled a group of Etsy artists who work in nature's trashed wood to restore, re-craft, and recycle it into treasured works of art.  Use the links to swing by their shops, be inspired and show them some By Your Hands love!
 
Summer is all about beachy teals and cool water blues so reach out for instant color that just feels ooooh sooooo cool!  Focus Line Art makes counting the rings on these trees easy and visually mesmerizing!
Ever wonder what happens to all those pallets piled high after retail shipments? Chic Pallet Boutique out of Tampa, Florida reduces pallet waste by recycling them into functional works of art for the home. 
 John Birdsong has been a favorite of mine since I joined Etsy years ago.  His whimsical creations from old fence boards add humor and instant conversation starters to any space, indoors or out.
Rustic gets real with Red Maple Run! These up-cycled wood products are elegant simplicity that would make Mother Nature proud! 
Keeping time is easy with these handsome clocks from Terra Firma 79.  With many styles and colors to choose from, Terra Firma 79, has just the right timepiece for the up-cycler in your life! 
Need a coffee table that will pull double duty as an attractive storage solution?  Head on over to the Looney Bin Trading Company and go crazy with love.  Dreamy colors, romantic hardware, and classic lines make these up-cycled pallets a timeless treasure!  And you should see what they do with wine corks!
Next week I will be back in the studio with my own trash to treasure projects.  But until then I will day-dream that the wooden goodies here are all gathered together as furnishings in my imaginary beach house.
 
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION 
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck

Sunday, July 21, 2013

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.






Saturday, July 20, 2013

Recipe - Crockpot Blueberry Cobbler

It was so hot this week here in Ohio. We kept the A/C on and the curtains closed most of the week to keep it cool inside. I used my crockpot for about 3 meals this week just so the kitchen didn't get heated up.

I've never made dessert in the crockpot until a couple of days ago. After the success of this recipe, I will DEFINITELY be doing it again, I think I'll try peaches or apples.

The recipe I used was from www.moneysavingmom.com

Crockpot Blueberry Cobbler

  • 1 1/4 cup flour (white, whole-wheat, or a mixture of both)
  • 1/2 cup sugar or raw sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 3 cups blueberries
  • 1/3 cup sugar or raw sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter to make a smooth batter.

Grease crockpot thoroughly with butter or shortening. Pour batter into greased crockpot and spread around to evenly coat the bottom of the crockpot.

Sprinkle the blueberries over the batter, sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup sugar and drizzle with vanilla.

Bake in crockpot on high for two to three hours until done.

Serve warm with ice cream.

Makes 8-10 servings. Recipe adapted slightly from Get Crocked.

Here are photos of the finished product...



Enjoy!
Deena Davis

Friday, July 19, 2013

Today's Featured Shop -- Early Threadwork

Todays' featured shop is Early Threadwork.   Ronda specializes in recreating the look of primitive handwork that might be found in your Grandmother's attic.

Primitive Cross Stitch Schoolgirl Sampler Sewing Pouch



Primitive Punch Needle Home Tweet Home Pin Keep




Primitive Cross Stitch Turkey Hill Schoolgirl Pocket


Primitive Cross Stitch 1820 Sewing Pouch



Be sure and visit Ronda's shop to see all her handmade items.   https://www.etsy.com/shop/earlythreadwork