Sunday, December 29, 2013

Blog Party Sunday -- Show Off 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.






Friday, December 27, 2013

Today's Featured Shop -- My Lady Of Gourds

Today's featured shop is My Lady Of Gourds.

In Sue's shop you will find unique handmade gourd and glass art, jewelry and home accessories.


Rustic Gourd Bowl, Southwest Gourd Bowl, Natural Bowl, Planter Bowl


Gourd Pin, Yellow Daisy Gourd Brooch



Birdhouse Gourd Ornament, Holiday Red Gourd Bird House


Rustic Sunflower Pendant, Fused Glass Flower Pendant


Be sure and visit Sue's shop to see all her handmades.   https://www.etsy.com/shop/myladyofgourds

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas



All of us at www.byyourhands.com would like 
to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Legend Of The Nutcracker

I think most of us are familiar with the Christmas icon of the Nutcracker. But do you know how the legend of the Nutcracker began? According to the Nutcracker's Collector's Guide this is how the legend of the Nutcracker came to be. So in the realm of the Christmas spirit here is the legend:





Long ago, in the Erzgebirge of Germany, there lived a wealthy farmer who was miserly and lonely. His heart was as hard as the walnuts on his trees! As he had no time for foolishness, the farmer was unable to crack the walnuts and enjoy their tasty meat. So he offered a reward to anyone who could find an easy way to crack the nuts. An old soldier said that he would shoot the nut. A carpenter recommended sawing through the nut. A veterinarian suggested placing the walnuts under a chicken. Surely the walnuts would hatch! Of all the unusual ideas, none were acceptable.

One day, an old puppet carver traveled from Seiffen and presented the farmer with a beautiful wooden puppet. It was painted in bright colors with a large mouth and powerful jaws-big and strong enough to easily crack the hard walnuts! Extremely grateful, the miserly farmer rewarded the entire village. Each year at Christmas, he treated everyone to German fruitcake and painted his walnuts gold to decorate the Christmas tree. And for the puppet carver, the farmer created a special workshop where he could make the most beautiful nutcrackers in the world! Because not only did the beautiful nutcracker crack the walnuts, but it also broke the hard heart of the farmer….so that kindness and generosity would come forth for all.

I have seen Nutcrackers at Christmas time all the time, but I never knew there was actually a legend about them. So now I know...and for those that didn't know before....now you know. :)

I also want to take this time to wish everyone of you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Best wishes for all of you in the new year!



Colleen :)







Monday, December 23, 2013

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Quick Holiday Vignettes

Oh the excitement and joy!  Families are gathering and tables are almost ready for festive feasts, laughter, and new memories to be made.  Why not take a few minutes to create centerpiece-worthy table toppers from left over decorations.
Every year the decoration bin bottom grows deeper with broken ornaments, figurines without a village and random offbeat menagerie. It's a sinkhole of misfit décor! But how can one throw sweet pieces in the trash?  Everything has a bright side, right?
By using simple household items the cast-offs can be up-cycled into jolly new holiday vignettes.  
 
Salt, or sugar, in small jars makes a perfect base for glittered candles.
Sculpt large snowdrifts using wool roving, fiberfill, or batting. And any household mirror can be transformed into an instant skate pond.
These wee snow babies lost their original lighted snowscape to one unsupervised pet many holidays ago.  They are so happy to be up and skating again!
Place up-cycled vignettes in the entry, a side table, alongside the appetizers, or anywhere compliments are sure to gather.
 
A very Merry Christmas to all and to all a good up-cycle!
LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck