--

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas


Christmas isn't showy gifts


Or glittering decoration;

It's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ

In humble adoration.


It's serving those less fortunate,

Meeting their needs before our own;

It's making sure at Christmas time

That no one is alone.


It's taking what we would have spent

On things that no one needs,

And using it to help someone

With service and good deeds.


Our Savior showed us how to live

With charity, faith and service.

It makes the holidays a joy,

More peaceful, and less nervous.


So let's remember Christmas is

About our Savior's birth;

That's the way to happiness,

The way to peace on earth.


By Joanna Fuchs

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Holiday Special and a Free Tutorial

It has been awhile since I posted here.  It has been a crazy busy time lately.

I have a holiday special to tell you about today.   From now until Dec. 20 I have free shipping on everything in my Etsy shop,  http://www.handmadebybette.etsy.com/

I just finished up this christmas rag quilted table runner yesterday.   The tutorial is posted over on the By Your Hands blog.     http://byyourhands.blogspot.com/2010/12/tuesday-tutorial-rag-quilted-christmas.html


Thanks for visiting.
Bette

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Christmas Giveaway at the Old Farmhouse Gathering Blog

The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team is having it's annual Christmas Giveaway.


Hop on over to the http://oldfarmhousegathering.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-that-time-of-year.html  and enter.

Some lucky person is going to win over 20 great handmade goodies from OFG members.   Here is just a small sampling of what you can win.   The drawing will be held Nov. 15 so hurry on over and enter.



Sunday, October 3, 2010

Holiday Shoppes

Would you like some low cost advertising that will carry you through the holiday season?

Check out the Holiday Shoppes on the By Your Hands Blog, http://www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Place your shop logo on the By Your Hands blog dedicated to the promotion of handmade for the low cost of $12 for all three months. Click here to visit the signup page.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Fall Fabric Basket Winner

And the winner of the Fall Fabric Basket is Maria W.  from PA.      Congratulations,  Maria
  Meet Maria on her blog,   http://primitiveseason.blogspot.com/


Thank you to everyone who entered and for all the wonderful comments.   


Bette

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Fall Giveaway -- Halloween Fabric Basket ------DONE

It looks like fall is finally here though it is still pretty warm in the afternoon in SE Arizona.     Today's giveaway is for this handmade fabric Halloween basket.    It is reversible so you can turn it inside out and use it after the holiday.

It is quite large so will hold a lot of Halloween candy.     It makes a nice apple basket,  too,  but really not limited to what you can use it for.    Organize toys,  yarn,  guest towels,  etc.


Rules for entering are pretty simple:


  To enter my giveaway post a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win and become a follower of this blog if you aren't already. (USA and Canada entries only, please)

The giveaway starts today,   Sept. 15, 2010 and ends Sept. 30, 2010.    Winner will be announced here on Oct. 1, 2010.

Fall Happenings on my Website

I have some fall promotions on my website this month that I would like to share with you. 

All feedsack pillows have free shipping added to checkout.


Starting today,  buy two epatterns and you will receive one free epattern of equal or lessor value.   Just add the name of the pattern you want to the comments section of the sales invoice and it will be emailed to you after payment.    

Be sure and sign up for my mailing list when you visit my website.    I will be sending out a newsletter once a month with specials you will only hear about in the newsletter.

http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com/

Saturday, August 21, 2010

New Pattern Released - Hanging Pod Fabric Baskets


I love these small storage pods.   They can be hung on a pegboard in your craftroom or office and can hold all kinds of tools.    But they could also be used in a kitchen,  bathroom,  bedroom or baby's room.
The pattern contains instructions for all three sizes with lots of pictures of the steps to make them.

Pattern is available on my website or TomorrowsTreasures etsy shop.    And for those that don't sew,    I have some finished pods available in my HandmadeByBette etsy shop.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

We Have A Winner For The Sock Basket Giveaway

Congratulations to Carol Anderson of Ohio on winning the sock basket.


You can meet Carol on her blog,   http://firecrackerkid.blogspot.com/

The winner was picked using the true generator on Random.org.  I want to thank all of you who took the time to enter and for all the wonderful comments.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Autumn Celebration at the Farmhouse


The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team is having an Autumn Celebration on Etsy.    There are so many wonderful handmade fall items ready for your fall decorating offered by the talented members of the OFG team.
To see all the celebrations listings,  Click here.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Lost Sock Basket Giveaway and Sale-------DONE

Welcome to my combined website/blog giveaway and sale. Thanks for stopping by.


To celebrate the Grand Re-opening of my website where you can now instantly download my epatterns after purchase with paypal I am giving away this fabric basket and you will receive a 20% discount on all purchases from my website.   http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com/
The winner will receive this handmade fabric Lost Socks Basket.


This is made from a pattern for Print and Sew, a collaborative pattern business I partner with Deena Davis of
Ewe N Me Printables



Rules for entering:

1.To enter my giveaway  post a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win and become a follower of this blog if you aren't already. (USA and Canada entries only, please)



2. Join my mailing list on my website.   http://www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com/





My giveaway will start today,  July 16, and the final day to enter will be August 7th.   Winner will be announced on August 8, 2010.     I will announce it here and contact you by the email address you have left me.

Have fun and I wish you all luck!
Bette

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July



227 years ago...on July 4th, 1776


This great nation, the United States of America,

In a struggle for what was right and free,

Was proudly born...

May we celebrate that precious freedom

For which our forbears fought so bravely...

The freedom that is inherent

In the Stars and Stripes, our revered flag...

Celebrate Freedom

This Fourth of July!
 
 
And please,   everyone,  get out there and vote in the primaries and in November and take back our country from those who are doing everything to diminish our constitution!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

New Giveaway on the By Your Hands Blog

By Your Hands is sponsoring another collaborative giveaway from these great shops.

http://byyourhands.blogspot.com/2010/07/handmade-sampler-giveaway-huge-summer.html


1.http://www.PriviesAndPrims.etsy.com
2.http://www.teresasprimtreasures.etsy.com
3.http://www.etsy.com/shop/kklprimitives
4.http://www.artfire.com/users/EasterHillPrims
5.http://www.artfire.com/users/CraftPatch
6.http://www.ewenmeprintables.etsy.com
7.http://www.pioneerloft.etsy.com
8.http://www.motherloadtoad.etsy.com
9.http://www.handmadebybette.com
10.http://www.valleyprimitives.etsy.com
11.http://www.harvestmoonprims.etsy.com

Monday, June 21, 2010

Monday Marketplace --- Irish Corkies

Today I am featuring another one of the talented members of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy group. Grab a drink and get comfy and read about today's featured artist and then check out the shops of some other members along the sides of my blog.


Todays' Featured Artist is Amy of Irish Corkies.


1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?


I named my shoppe Irish Corkies Primitives for my yellow lab Corkie, her full name is Bailey’s Irish Cork.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I have been on Etsy since 2006, but really started selling there about a year ago.



3. What type of items do you offer?

I offer hand-crafted primitive signs, primitive shelf-sitter blocks, and peg racks. I hope to expand into more furniture items in the future.



4. How long have you been crafting?

I have been crafting for the past 10 years or so but have really focused on my primitive signs for the past 6 years.



5. Who or What inspires you?

I love the olde look and feel of times gone by and I just love how prim signs and decorating can make your home feel like it is from the 1800’s with a few modern throw ins.



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

My favorite item in my shop is the Thomas Jefferson quote sign…I made one for my husband and it is proudly displayed on our Americana wall in our great room.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

http://irishcorkiesprimitives.etsy.com

http://irishcorkieprimitives.artfire.com

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Sly-Pond-Primitives

http://irishcorkiesprimitives.blogspot.com/

http:/slypondprimitives.com/


Saturday, May 22, 2010

Huge Pattern Giveaway on By Your Hands Blog

Are you a pattern collector? Love to sew? This is the giveaway for you.

By Your Hands blog has a huge pattern giveaway that started today. But hurry and enter because the winner will be chosen on June 4th.

http://byyourhands.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-sampler-giveaway-huge-pattern.html

12 Patterns have been donated by these 10 designers.
Giveaway is open to USA and Canada.

1 - www.twodancingcrows.com
2 - www.mamawscreations.com
3 - www.homespunfromtheheart.com
4 - www.catandthefiddledesigns.com
5 - www.saveourhooters.com
6 - www.myprimraggedies.net
7 - www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com
8 - www.bettestomorrowstreasures.com
9 - www.whimsicalendeavors.blogspot.com
10 - www.snugglebugprimblessins.com

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Blog Party at By Your Hands

By Your Hands is having a blog party starting today.    You can add your favorite item from your Etsy or Artfire shop.   Great way to show off your shop. Click on the image to go to the party.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!    Pamper yourself today,  you deserve it.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Pattern Giveaway at the Old Farmhouse Gathering Blog

Hop on over to The Old Farmhouse Gathering blog and enter the giveaway to win all these designer patterns.


The drawing which will be held May 28th. All you need to do is post a comment and a winner will be selected in a random drawing

Friday, April 16, 2010

Spring Cleaning at the Farmhouse and Mucking Out the Barn SALE

The Muck Out The Barn Sale started today on Etsy.  

Click here to find all the items listed in the sale.   OFG Sale

You will find lots of craft supplies and marked down handmade goodies on sale.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Monday Marketplace - The Old Cupboard Door

Today I am featuring another one of the talented members of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy group. Grab a drink and get comfy and read about today's featured artist and then check out the shops of some other members along the sides of my blog.

Todays' Featured Artist is Willa from The Old Cupboard Door
1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?

The Old Cupboard Door. I love looking in old cupboard doors; discovering what treasure might be hidden there. I love the beauty of vintage cupboard doors and the history they hold. Just today I opened the doors to an old Hoosier cabinet in a local antique shop to see what was there. There was nothing there but I could imagine all the goodies it once held. The sugar and flour with their modern labels of that era. Sweets for the children and maybe even the old can that held mad money for the lady of the house.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since August 2009

3. What type of items do you offer?

I offer hand painted items painted on vintage pieces or wood cut outs.



4. How long have you been crafting?

Oh my goodness, it seems like forever. I have been painting in oils since 1979. I’ve been involved in decorative painting since 1992.

5. Who or What inspires you?

I’m not sure what inspires me. Ideas pop into my head that I can’t wait to try. It may happen in the middle of the night or while I’m driving down the road. I’ve even taken my note pad out during church and written down ideas and sketched out pictures.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I really like the “Sammy’s Letter” that I painted on a sewing machine box. It takes me back to my childhood and the “Night Before Christmas” story. The thought of even a mouse like Sammy writing Santa his letter with such a child like hope is so precious. It reminds me of the innocence and trust of a child.
7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

PLACES TO FIND ME.....

I own my own pattern business called Aly’s Room at alysroom.com. I also have a blog, http://www.theoldcupboarddoorblog.com/. I hope to see you at some of these places too.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Greetings

Easter is not just for the Bunny,


                               With goodies and treats that he brings,

                               Easter is when we must celebrate

                              And alleluia is the song that we sing!



                              Easter is really for Jesus,

                             Who died and then rose from the dead.

                             We must always remember the love Jesus showed

                            And all of the things that He said.



                           So, remember this Easter when you go to Church,

                          And this message you tell everyone.

                         That easter is all about Jesus,

                         The Bunny and treats are just fun!


Wishing you all a blessed Easter with your family and friends,   Bette

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Free Shipping Promotion -Handmade By Bette

I have a free shipping promotion going on right now in my Handmade By Bette Etsy shop.    Free USA shipping on any feedsack pillow or bag.   

I make these pillows using printable feedsack images from http://www.ewenmeprintables.com/

Monday, March 29, 2010

Monday Marketplace ---Painted Panache

Today I am featuring another one of the talented members of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy group. Grab a drink and get comfy and read about today's featured artist and then check out the shops of some other members along the sides of my blog.

Todays' Featured Artist is Joann Wheeler of Painted Panache
1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
Painted Panache by Joann Y Wheeler. I choose that name because that's the name I have had my business under since I began painting porcelain in 1986. Panache is defined as distinctive and stylish elegance.The word seemed to fit especially with my handpainted porcelain.
2. How long have you been on Etsy?
Since February 2007
3. What type of items do you offer?

My shop features handpainted porcelain (china painting), decorative painting on wood and glass, and miniature art (ACEO's) in various mediums.

4. How long have you been crafting?

For at least 30 years.

5. Who or What inspires you?
Nature. I love to paint flowers and animals. God inspires me. I enjoy doing religious paints as well. And i'm one of those people who cannot paint unless inspired by something.
6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I can't say that I have one thing that is my absolute favorite. Every time I get one, it seems like someone buys it! However, I do tend to favor my handpainted porcelain because I believe it's one of those things that you can pass down for generations to come.
7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

PLACES TO FIND ME.....
Blog: http://www.jywheeler.blogspot.com

Ebay: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=heylucy1

Bonanzle: http://bonanzle.com/eclecticspirit

Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/ArtByJYWheeler


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Neck/Back Wheat Bag Tutorial

  Here is the wheat bag for your back/neck that I promised you.   It has been a busy week so I am a little late with it but finally here it is.   Enjoy!

                                      Neck/Back Wheat Bag Tutorial




I designed this wheat bag to fit over my shoulders and back to ease my back pain from sitting over my sewing machine or spending long periods of time sitting at my computer. I have even used it while sewing and not only does the heat feel good but the weight of the bag makes me sit straighter. My friends who have fibromyalgia find this soothing for their back/neck pain, too.

**This warning bears repeating because occasionally you will hear of someone starting a fire in their microwave or burning themselves with a too hot bag.

Never heat this bag for more than 3 minutes. Microwaves vary so start with 2 minutes and add up to another minute if it doesn’t seem warm enough. Also, let it cool completely before reheating. This is not intended for use by children.



SUPPLIES:

¾ yard of cotton muslin for the bag

7/8 yard of cotton flannel fabric for the cover

18” of velcro

6 cups of cleaned wheat (I found mine at the feed store)

DIRECTIONS:

Print out the patterns and tape them together. Add extra inches where indicated on the pattern.

The inner red lines are for the wheat bag and the black lines are for the cover.

Cut two bag pieces on the fold out of muslin.

Press a ¼ inch hem on the bottom of the muslin pieces. With the hem on the outside, pin the two sides together and stitch all around leaving the bottom hemmed edge open. Turn right side out and press.

Now you need to press in the seam allowances for the bag. Fold the bag at each point where you see the red lines and press a seam line in to follow when you stitch the individual pockets of the bag.



Fill the shoulder flap with 2/3 c. of wheat. To keep the wheat from moving around while you sew the seam, pin right next to the wheat using a lot of pins so no stray wheat moves into your sewing path. Now sew that section closed along the pressed seam line. The red arrow points to the pressed seam line to follow.

( If you sew over any wheat kernels it will break your needle so sew slowly and check for stray wheat kernels as you sew.)

Repeat for the other shoulder flap.





Next you will sew the three seam lines running up and down on the bag. You will now have four sections in the bag.



Working with two of them at a time, add 2/3 c. to each section. Pin against the wheat as you fill each section. Then you will stitch across the pressed seam line.



Repeat for the other two sections. You now have one row finished.



Continue to fill the bag two sections at a time with 2/3 c. of wheat, pin and stitch across the pressed seam line.

On the last row you will be stitching the opening across the bottom of the bag closed.



Here is the finished bag.



BAG COVER:

Cut two cover pieces out of flannel on the fold. The back will be cut 2 inches longer than the front cover.


Fold over the bottom of each piece of fabric ¼ inch and then again ¼ inch to form a hem.

Stitch across the hem.



Lay the two pieces right sides together and pin around the top section to hold it together. The longer section will be on the bottom.

Fold the top section back about an inch so the right side is facing up. Pin one section of Velcro evenly across.

The back section is folded up so the wrong side is showing. Pin the other section of Velcro evenly across here.

Stitch the Velcro to the cover.



One piece of Velcro is now stitched to the outside of the cover and the other to the inside.

Fold the back piece up and then press the other side down so the Velcro meets. Pin the rest of the cover together and stitch along the sides and around the shoulder flaps. Open the Velcro bottom and turn right side out and press. Put the wheat bag inside the cover and you are done.



I heat this size bag for 2 ½ minutes in my microwave. Microwave times can vary depending on the microwave size so you may need a bit longer or shorter time.


Pattern Pieces
Click on the pictures and print them out.
©Bette Shaw   All rights reserved.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday's Marketplace ---Pioneer Loft

Today I am featuring another one of the talented members of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy group. Grab a drink and get comfy and read about today's featured artist and then check out the shops of some other members along the sides of my blog.

Todays' Featured Artist is Denise of Pioneer Loft

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?

Pioneer Loft is my name. It's a name I came up with for my business years ago. We have a small farm and there is a plaque on the house that says "PIONEER HOUSE", since the house was built so long ago (1860). We have a barn, and I always had a liking of lofts in barns, so I put the two words together from that. (Plus I hope to have a store in our barn & loft one day!)


2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since August of 2009

3. What type of items do you offer?

Mostly primitives, but some cottage items, too. I sew, stencil, and tole paint and my hubby makes small furniture with a prim finish. I love to make dolls the most, but do a lot of things from old quilts like tablerunners, candle mats, pillows, check book covers, ornaments & more.

4. How long have you been crafting?

I started sewing in 7th grade (that would be 1968) and made most all my clothes for years. When I stayed home after having my daughter in 1982, I did stitching crafts, but I didn't sell anything I made until later in the 80's. I also took quilting classes in 1987, but have only made quilts for personal use.

5. Who or What inspires you?

God. (Also seeing other great handmade prims!)

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?


Dolls & bears. I just love to create charater & life out of fabric.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
PLACES TO FIND ME.....


Etsy ---http://www.etsy.com/shop/PioneerLoft
Website --- http://www.pioneerloft.com
Blog --- http://www.pioneerloft.blogspot.com

I sell on ebay infrequently, but my user name is thepioneerloft there.






Monday, March 15, 2010

Wheat Bag Tutorial

Wheat Bag Tutorial




I have been making wheat bags this past week and thought I would share how to make them with you.
I have found the wheat to work better than other fillings I have tried. They work wonderfully for aches and pains, pulled muscles, and would you believe they even help to break up chest congestion. Freeze a small one to relieve headaches and bumps and bruises.


First I want to issue a warning because occasionally you will hear of someone starting a fire in their microwave or burning themselves with a too hot bag.
Never heat these bags for more than 30 Seconds to 2 1/2 minutes, depending on their size. The smaller the bag the less time it needs to heat. Also, let them cool completely before reheating. If you are going to use this on a child, test it on yourself first. You would be surprised on how hot a bag can get in just 30 seconds.

SUPPLIES: for an 8 x 10 inch bag:
You will need two 8 ½ x 11 inch pieces of cotton muslin for the bag
Two pieces of cotton flannel fabric, one 9 x 12 inches and one 9 x 16 inches, for the cover
4 cups of cleaned wheat (I found mine at the feed store)
This is what the wheat should look like:



DIRECTIONS:
Press a ¼ inch seam allowance over on one short side of the muslin for a hem on both pieces of fabric. This will be the top of the bag.



With the right sides together, pressed edge on the outside, sew down one side around the bottom and up the other side.



Turn the bag right side out. Fold the bag in half lengthwise and press the folded edge to create a stitching line to follow.
Stitch on the line, creating two long pockets in the bag.



Now fold the bag the other way in half and press the folded edge to create a stitching line across the bag to follow.

Insert one cup of wheat into each side of the bag. To keep the wheat from moving around while you sew the seam, pin right next to the wheat using a lot of pins so no stray wheat moves into your sewing path.



Sew across the pressed seam line. ( If you sew over any wheat kernels it will break your needle so sew slowly and check for stray wheat kernels as you sew.)
Add a cup of wheat into each of the last two pockets. Pin along the edge of the wheat to keep it contained. Sew along the top edge to close the bag.



Here is the finished bag.



BAG COVER:



Fold over one short side of each piece of fabric ¼ inch and then again ¼ inch to form a hem.
Stitch across the hem.



Lay out the longer piece right side up. Fold the hemmed side over 2 inches to the right side.
Lay the shorter piece on top with wrong side up.



Pin sides and bottom and then stitch together along the sides and across the bottom in a ¼ inch seam.



Turn right side out and put the wheat bag inside and fold the flap over. I heat this size bag for 1 ½ minutes in my microwave. Microwave times can vary depending on the microwave size so you may need a bit longer or shorter time.

Next week I will have the tutorial for a back/shoulder Wheat Bag I devised for myself because long hours of sitting over a sewing machine leaves me with back pain.
Here is a sneak peak of the finished bag.



©Bette Shaw All rights reserved.
 

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