By Hand Boutique

Featuring: Blackflipflops Designs (Virginia Tillery)

2011-11-18T06:49:00.001-08:00

This is Virginia's fourth year participating at By Hand Boutique. She looks forward to it all year long!

Here is a sampling of a few of her items she'll have for sale:

Each morning when you wake up, the first thing you should do is sit on your front porch

and enjoy the quiet, for the day will be full of noise!

While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to your favorite playlist! This is my current favorite one: My "introvert" playlist! (Or sometimes I listen to my favorite shows on Hulu.)

To get your creative juices flowing, you should read a good book. Look at the beauty of the world God created. Listen to some good music. Notice the little things and take joy in them.

Make sure you take regular breaks to take a hot bubble bath or get on Pinterest to be inspired!

You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Featuring: Hopeful Creations

2011-11-18T06:22:00.001-08:00

This is Jennifer's first year participating in our show and we are so excited to have her! You can see more of her beautiful handmade items on her facebook page!

How long have you been creating your art?

I have loved making things by hand since I was a young girl. Now I enjoy working with my young daughter on some projects as well.

What are you favorite colors to work with?

I'm a fan of warm tones, but really just love colorful projects in general.

How do you find inspiration?

The beauty in God's creation is my main source of inspiration. My love for family and friends and knowing their personal taste encourages me to create with them in mind. Making beautiful things that are also useful keeps me motivated.

What time of day do your creative juices get going?

I ponder ideas throughout the day usually, but end up working at night when my four children are sleeping.

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet?

I enjoy music and many times work with an eclectic mix of fun tunes varying from Christian praise music or acoustic favorites or southern rock.

Is there a special meaning behind your work?

This past year and a half, I've created items mainly with the goal of donating a portion of the profit to a precious family's foundation named in honor of their two year old who was killed in a back-over accident. Abigail's Legacy of Hope aids others in giving life to orphans who desperately need the hope of a family. Our name "Hopeful Creations" is inspired by the legacy of this child and her impact on so many of us.

Has your work been featured anywhere?

In other local craft shows and charity events

Featuring: Shelley Burkett Jewelry

2011-11-17T15:49:00.001-08:00

This is Shelley's second year at By Hand Boutique! Her jewelry was a big hit last year!

How long have you been creating your art?

I have always been crafty and artistic,
and over the years my various hobbies have included scrapbooking,
paper crafts, stamping, and most recently, jewelry-making.
I have been creating and selling jewelry for a little over a year now.

What are you favorite colors to work with?

I love working with antique brass, because of it's vintage look.
I also love natural gemstones, especially turquoise and agate.

What time of day do your creative juices get going?

I am more of a morning person, but I can *force* myself to be creative any time of day :)

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet?

My ideal working conditions: A quiet house, early in the morning while my family
still sleeps,with Christy Nockels or Hillsongs playing on Pandora Radio.

Has your work been featured anywhere?

You can find me and my jewelry on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=1191511559

Featuring: Wizzel's Whimsies

2011-11-16T06:34:00.001-08:00

I'm creating hand-made ornaments and pumpkin rolls. Sadly, there are no pictures of the pumpkin rolls.

How long have you been creating your art? I began my adventures in crafting with my mom and grandma. My first memories of crafting would be coloring Easter eggs each year with my grandma. I always enjoyed designing and coloring Easter eggs. I've done other crafting in bits and pieces.

What are your favorite colors to work with? I love color! Usually what inspires me is the color involved in the craft. I'm also not ashamed to admit that at 29 years old I still enjoy a new coloring book and a box of new Crayolas.

How do you find inspiration? Typically with the colors or patterns involved in the craft. The ornaments this year were inspired by the individual fabric patterns. Each component of the ornament works together to create the finished product.

Do you listen to anything while you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? I listen to all kinds of music, it depends on my mood.

Is there any special meaning behind your work? Sometimes. This year's crafting is inspired by my mother. It is something she made when I was in elementary school for my teachers. I've added my own twist to the idea.

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where the creativity leads? I create with an end product in mind. In order to create I need to have an idea in mind. For the boutique I was mindful of the fact that I wanted to create something shoppers would purchase and enjoy.

My crafty work hasn't been featured anywhere, but my pumpkin rolls have made appearances at a local Friday night gathering. I recently tested a gluten free recipe. After receiving rave reviews I have decided to include a few gluten free pumpkin rolls. Pumpkin rolls will be sold by the slice on Saturday only.

Bivins (Dave): Bivins Bottles "Let there be light..." Gen. 1:3

Bivins' Rules for Creating: "Since when do they put rules on creating?"

Bivins has been re-purposing bottle into lamps for about a month now. There are several bottle designs that will be available for sale at the boutique. Bivins will be taking custom orders throughout the boutique, but you will need to supply the bottle. At this time we do not have access to a bottle surplus. Please feel free to stop by our table with your bottle to talk to the man himself to see what he can create for you.

Featuring: Newton's Law of Creativity

2011-11-16T06:29:00.001-08:00

This will be Jill's first year at By Hand Boutique! Make sure to stop by and see her wonderful personalized gift items!

You can also see more on her facebook page, here!

Featuring: Badge Clips!

2011-11-16T06:25:00.001-08:00

How long have you been creating your art? I've been creating name badge clips since this past summer, and jewelry for about 5 years. I started making jewelry when an artist friend taught me a few techniques, and it just sorta took off from there. Then this summer, while working at a hospital, I saw some cute name badges the nurses were wearing, and became inspired to create my own designs.

What are you favorite colors to work with? I like to work with all colors, and my personal fav color is blue, so I always wind up with more blue pieces..

How do you find inspiration? My inspiration comes from many different places...scrapbooking websites, jewelry, bead websites...mostly the internet; but also in life around me: nature, my surroundings, people--I am always having ideas run through my head...

What time of day do your creative juices get going? My creative juices are flowing all the time! Sometimes I can't get them to stop--I always have WAY more ideas in my head than time to get them all out into actual creations...

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? Sometimes I like to listen to music while I'm crafting; other times I prefer peace and quiet. Right now I am really liking the new Coldplay album. But crafting is therapeutic for me and a good outlet when I need to get away and just be for a while.

Is there a special meaning behind your work? Crafting is therapeutic to me and I try to make time for it; helps me decompress. There is also joy in creating something beautiful, fun, interesting, etc; and watching someone else like/enjoy your work. A little piece of me goes with every piece of jewelry or name badge clip I sell. And a lot of times it is fun if I create a specific piece, and then a friend or acquaintance picks the piece and I feel like they picked the one I made just for them!

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where creativity leads? I like to go with the flow; you never know where it will lead you...

Has your work been featured anywhere? You can find some of my jewelry pieces at The Antique Mall in Springville, AL on Hwy 11. Also, my name badge clips are featured on just about all the employees at St. Vincent's East Hospital, where I work. My co-workers have been very supportive in my endeavors to reach the health care community with cute name badge clips!

Featuring: Handmade Gifts by Misty

2011-11-16T06:17:00.001-08:00

This is Misty's second year of attending By Hand Boutique! Make sure to stop by her booth to check out her adorable gift items!

How long have you been creating your art? I have done various crafts as long as I can remember. I started with rag quilts as Christmas gifts about 5 years ago. Then 2 years ago began making the paci clips, some hair bows, etc. Things have progressed over time as I have added more products to my work.

What are you favorite colors to work with? I enjoy earth tones a lot. Though since a lot of my stuff is girly I tend to use a lot of pinks, purples, etc.

How do you find inspiration? Most of my ideas to start making a product have been either an idea for a gift for a child in my life OR something that would be nice to have for my own children.

What time of day do your creative juices get going? I typically work whenever i can squeeze time in around raising 3 children. For this reason much of my work is doing fairly late at night.

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? I typically watch a movie/show with my husband while working, unless it's a rare opportunity to work while they are awake then I listen to the sounds of little ones playing. :)

Is there a special meaning behind your work? Just to be fun and/or useful for little ones and their moms. Some of my items I feel I have been able to keep more affordable than similar ones out there so I like the idea of being able to offer fun items to those who couldn't get them at higher prices.

Has your work been featured anywhere? Just my facebook page, Handmade Gifts by Misty.

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where creativity leads? Usually have an end in mind, on occasion though I will actually meet an end that looks a little different than I thought.

Featuring: Michelle Quinn

2011-11-16T06:12:00.001-08:00

Michelle Quinn has been a vendor at By Hand Boutique for 4 years- we are so blessed to have her return every year with her wonderful mixed media art.

We asked Michelle a few questions and here are her answers!

1. Each morning as soon as you wake up the first thing you should do is be grateful for the day.

2. While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to the sound of rain if possible (create a playlist for back up).

3. To get your creative juices flowing try lighting some candles and writing in your journal.

4. Make sure you take regular breaks to make some hot tea.

5. You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of satisfaction.

Featuring: Lou's Handiwork

2011-11-14T14:25:00.001-08:00

This will be Lindsey of Lou's Handiwork's second year of participating in By Hand Boutique! Read below more about her artwork. All items featured will be available for purchase this weekend!

(bath sets: washcloth, face scrubbie, soap saver - will also have dishcloths & hotpads)

How long have you been creating your art? I learned how to knit when I was little from my Grandma Rose, but I was very impatient and always had lots of holes! About 5 years ago on a business trip with Jonathan to Tennessee for a week (which meant a lot of time in a hotel room!), I decided to pick up a crochet book and materials. It didn't click immediately. A friend, Kim Moore, showed me where to put the hook to get started and everything made sense after that!

(fingerless gloves)

(hats)

Is there a special meaning behind your work? My other grandmother, Darlene, was an amazing crocheter. She made snowflakes, wonderful dolls and stuffed animals, and lace angels. She didn't read patterns, but she would see something and figure out how to make it. She passed away before I began crocheting. I would love to share the craft together with her.

(Lindsey of Lou's Handiwork)

(scarves)

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? It's never quiet in this house with a 3 1/2 year old, a 2 year old, and a 4 month old! Crochet is portable and easy to set down. I crochet anywhere with all the noise!

McClain of Hodge Podge

2011-11-14T14:18:00.001-08:00

McClain will be participating this year in our Junior Market. Please make sure to come by and check out these fresh young artists! She'll be sharing a booth with her sisters... we'll be featuring them later this week!

How long have you been creating your art? I feel like I've been creating art all my life. I love learning new crafts!

What are you favorite colors to work with? Pastels

How do you find inspiration? I find a lot of inspiration from my Mom and Grandma. They always teach me new crafts. I also surf the internet and get ideas from other creative people.

What time of day do your creative juices get going? It's random times that I get creative. When I'm bored I usually find a craft to do to avoid my mom finding me something to do (like cleaning).

Do you listen to anything why you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? I like to listen to music and sing while I'm crafting.

Is there a special meaning behind your work? No, not really. I just create thing because I want to.

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where creativity leads? I just go with the flow.

Has your work been featured anywhere? Just in my mom's room.

Featuring: Margarita & Lucy Lunsford

2011-11-14T14:11:00.001-08:00

The Lunsfords have participated in By Hand Boutique for several years;

we're so glad to have them back! Please read a little more about their creative process

and their products.

For our doll clothes we find inspiration by looking through our scrap pieces of fabric

and the outfit just unfolds from there.

For our pressed flower pictures, it is much the same. We press tons of flowers (especially in the spring and summer) and then keep them in files for whenever we're ready to make something with them. Very seldom do we make the flower pictures with the end product in mind, or if we do it never ends up being what we intended, because the flowers have a way of leading you. Especially the flower fairies, I really truly think they have minds of their own.

As for inspiration, I think the flowers themselves are inspiration. In our pressed flower arrangements we are using God's art (flowers, leaves, insect's wings, etc..) to make art. It's kind of like recycling! Almost everything we make is a form of recycling. With our doll clothes we use the scrap fabric from things we've made for ourselves to make the outfits. In our paper artwork we use leftover pieces of scrapbook paper, and in our newest craft, we've started using candy wrappers to make bracelets!

So stop by our booth and buy some hand-made, recycled, eco-friendy gifts for Christmas (or for yourself)!

Featuring: Holidays By Design, Camille's Colorful Bracelets, Lily's Joyful Scents

2011-11-14T13:59:00.001-08:00

How long have you been creating your art? Four months

What are your favorite colors to work with? Green and red! I love love love Christmas!!!

How do you find inspiration? In everything that is around me at stores and in nature.

What time of day do your creative juices get going? The evening after five but I work before then. :-)

Do you listen to anything when you create, or do you prefer peace and quiet? Actually sometimes I like peace and quiet when I am trying to brainstorm but when I am working I usually have the music on.

Is there a special meaning behind your work? I do everything that I do for the glory of God.

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where creativity leads? I usually have an end product in mind. I don't always create the same things. All of my creations have their own special touches.

Has your work been featured anywhere? No, not yet.

Camille's Colorful Bracelets- bracelets that are never the same with vibrant colors that usually have a special holiday, scheme, or sports team in mind.

Email: camille_stanek2008@hotmail.com

Camille will not be there in person, I will be representing her and her wonderful products.

Lily's Joyful Scents- soaps, bath salts, etc. that tame the soul and bring out your inner peace.

Motto: The smell of Christmas brings the joy of Christmas.

(Lily of Lily's Joyful Scents and Ashley of Holidays By Design)

Featuring: Top Cat Jewelry Designs

2011-11-14T13:52:00.001-08:00

This week we'll be featuring our lovely vendors on our blog and facebook page. This is just a peek at what you'll find this weekend at By Hand Boutique! Make sure to join us Friday night at Community Presbyterian Church from 7pm-9pm and Saturday, 9am-4pm.

How long have you been creating your art? I have been designing jewelry for about three years.

What are you favorite colors to work with? I don’t have a favorite color. I particularly love to work with gemstones of all colors and shapes.

Do you create with an end product in mind, or do you just see where creativity leads?

I usually just take a bunch of beads and start moving them around my design board. After a while, a design style comes to me.

You can keep up with her work at Top Cat Jewelry Designs.

Why Art Should Matter to Christians

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

By Hand Boutique is coming along... we are contacting vendors, organizing booths, and putting all those small touches on the even to make it the inspired weekend that it is.

We will begin featuring our artists on this blog and on our facebook page soon, but in the meantime, I thought I would share with you an article I recently read.

" It focuses our eyes on the pain around us, the injustice in front of us, the joy abounding within us, and the pull we feel towards meaning and significance. Music moves us. Poetry connects us. Paintings shout at us. Dance energizes us. Art draws us back into the fold of humanity when we wander out full of pain, discouragement, and bitterness. It whispers, “You are not alone.” "

To read more, click here: http://www.neuemagazine.com/blog/6-main-slideshow/1320-why-art-should-matter-to-christians

We'll be back soon with more encouragement for the artists and features of some of the beautiful work we'll be hosting at our event!

Now accepting vendor applications!

2011-10-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

The long awaited time is here- we are now accepting applications for vendors at our 2011 show! If you are interested in being a vendor, please email us at byhandboutique@gmail.com for more information.

The By Hand Boutique Market of Homespun Goods will be November 18th and 19th. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

We'll be featuring vendors here on our blog over the next month and a half so you can get an idea of what items will be selling this year. Keep an eye here and on our facebook page.

We're looking forward to a fun event!

Thank you!

2010-11-14T17:10:00.001-08:00

I am so very, very thankful for all the support of the shoppers, the creativity of the vendors, and the hard work of the team that made this event such a beautiful success.

Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart.

To Him goes all the glory! May we remember how we reflect the amazing creativity of our Creator!

*Please keep our blog & facebook page bookmarked for future events!

Meet the Artist: Michelle DeLoach

2010-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Michelle DeLoach!

Michelle specializes in creative glass etching.

You can see more of her work on her Facebook Page.

Michelle also has an Etsy shop www.WhiteIceEtchings.etsy.com . However, there are no items for sale at this time because she will be bringing her work to By Hand Boutique.

"Most of my items are customized or one of a kind, so I don't keep a large inventory."

We asked the vendors to fill out a madlib so that we could learn a little more about them. Here is what Michelle said:

MICHELLE'S RULES FOR CREATING:

1. Each morning as soon as you wake up the first thing you should do is start your day with a tall, nonfat, white chocolate mocha and a reduced-fat turkey bacon sandwich. In a pinch, a banana and cup of hot tea will do.
2. While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to the rushing waters of your fish tank, cats purring, or the traditional Cd's such as Casting Crowns, Third Day, Tobi Mac and Michael W Smith, but make sure to throw in some 80's and early 90's music.
3. To get your creative juices flowing try talking with family and friends, riding your Harley with your main squeeze (I LOVE being a back rest), reading a good book (or THE good book), walking outside or even a stroll through Hobby Lobby.
4. Make sure you take regular breaks to hug your daughters, tell your husband you love him, call your Mom for the daily update-- do not use this time to pull your hair out in frustration. However, kicking and mumbling under your breath at inanimate objects may help with the creative juices mentioned above.
5. You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of amazement and a need to just pause and stare. You have done exceptionally good if you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Did I really do that?" Note: If you say "we" instead of "I" in that statement, and you don't have a mouse in your pocket, you may be a little too creative...

Please stop by and say hello to Michelle!

Meet the artists: Elise and Skye Bartz

2010-11-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

Meet Elise and Skye Bartz!

Elise Bartz is 13 and Skye is 11. They both enjoy creating things.

Elise can be found in the kitchen often creating scrumptious treats for her family or others. She has enjoyed cooking from a very early age. She has raised money for missionaries as well as for people devastated last year by the Haitian disaster. Recently she has begun to crochet hats. She plans to donate her proceeds to Dana and Scott Jennings; missionaries in England.

Skye loves creating also. She loves mixing and making things blow up. Since this did not seem the place for that talent, she decided to just MIX. She has made home made hot chocolate that is sure to be a hit as a gift or for yourself. It has been a family favorite for years. She has this coupled with cute mugs sure to be just the right gift this holiday season. She has also spent months creating custom cards that can be used for any occasion. They are cute and whimsical. Part of her proceeds will be given to Michael and Michelle Davis as they head off to Seminary.

Please be sure to stop by and say hello to Elise and Skye Bartz!

Meet the Artist: Deanna Misner

2010-11-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

Meet Deanna Misner!

"I started scrapbooking around 2001 right after my husband and I got married. Since then I've learned to carry over my love for scrapping into other types of mixed media artwork. It all boils down to I really love to create stuff no matter what it is. Recently, I've also started a small photography business, and so I sell photo cards as well. They're the combination of my love for photography and simple card making."

Deanna finds inspiration all over the place! In magazine ads, kids clothing, from inspiration online. She said, "Inspiration is everywhere!"

We asked Deanna what time of day her creative juices usually get going. she responded, "Usually LATE at night only because the house is finally quiet and I can think better." She likes to listen to music or just enjoy a quiet house.

"Most of my work is necessity driven or stuff I want to decorate with. For example, my girls needed some headbands, so I thought I'd try and make some. I needed thank you notes after the baby arrived, so I made them. But also, I wanted a home-y Christmas calendar to countdown the days til Christmas, and wanted a homemade feel to it, so I just made one."

"I usually have a rough idea of what I want the end product to look like, but if creativity takes me to a different place, then I'm okay with that too. Usually."

"I love color and brights are my favorite. Right now my favorite color combo is red and teal."

Deanna has had some altered mailboxes featured in Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbooks Etc. magazine and a handful of scrapbook layouts featured in that same publication as well as Creating Keepsakes.

You will definitely want to stop by and say hello to Deanna Misner!

Meet the Artist: Pam Caldwell

2010-11-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

Meet Pam Caldwell of Pam Caldwell Pottery!

Pam makes beautiful hand built stoneware pottery. She specializes primarily in entertaining pieces such as trays and bowls. She also makes a variety of crosses with Lily and dogwood flower embellishments.

"When I grew old, I always wanted to learn clay art. So that is just what I did, seven years ago or so."

"The inspiration for my hand-built creations comes from nature, and my colors of choice are earthy tones like gold, green, and turquoise."

"Many of my pieces are intended for entertaining: appetizer trays, salsa bowls, and finger-food plates."

"Some of my crosses feature the dogwood blossom, whose petals themselves are in the form of a cross with a crown of thorns in the center."

People love to buy the small crosses for baby shower and baptism presents.

You will not want to miss Pam Caldwell at By Hand Boutique. Please be sure to stop by and say hello!

Meet the Artist: Deborah Kelly

2010-11-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Deborah Kelly!

Deborah creates art out of driftwood.

Her work is featured at O'Fells Family Restaurant.

She is inspired by nature and loves to use it in her work.

Make sure to stop by and say hello to Deborah Kelly!

Boutique Bucks Winners!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Wow!

I was BLOWN away by the tremendous response for our Boutique Bucks contest! Thank you so much for your awesome support in helping spread the word!

Now- to the winners!

Each eligible entry was put into the drawing, and the two winners who will each receive $25 Boutique Bucks are............

Ginger

and

Misty

Congrats ladies! I know you will have so much fun spending your Boutique Bucks at By Hand Boutique! Please email us at Byhandboutique@gmail.com for instructions on how to receive your prize!
See you next weekend!

Meet the Artist: Misty Tipton

2010-11-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

Meet Misty Tipton!

Misty makes handmade children's items including tutus, small hair bows and clips, head bands, hair bow holders, paci clips, bib creators, crayon rolls, taggie blankets, rag bags, decorated flip flops and more.

"I began making most of the items I am selling now within the last year or so, with the exception of the rage quilts/rag tag blankies, which I have been working on here and there for about 3 years."

"A majority of my items are for little girls so there is obviously a lot of pinks, but I like working in other colors as well. I really like greens and other earth tones in general. Though I think purple and teal are also a good break from the usual pinks for little girls."

"Having been interested in making things with my hands most of my life, the majority of my products now have been inspired through being a mom and looking at things that are useful or just plain fun to have for little ones."

"I enjoy working anytime my three little ones are content enough for me to have some time. This usually ends up being during nap/quite time or after bed time."

You can also check out Misty's work at her Facebook page, Handmade Gifts by Misty.

Please come come on out to By Hand Boutique and say hello to Misty Tipton!

Meet the Artist: Kim Jennings

2010-11-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Meet Kim Jennings!

Kim makes unique dried florals, wreaths, and hand pressed floral cards and pictures.

She also does fresh flowers for weddings.

In fact, Kim's work has been featured on Birmingham's Perfect Wedding Guide!

Kim has always been artistic but she said she never thought floral work would end up being her medium.

We asked if there was a special meaning behind her work. She said, "Its just doing something I love and knowing that God gave me these natural talents that makes it spiritual to me."

She said she usually has a hard time getting started because daily life gets in the way but that once she gets started she doesn't want to stop.

"I love putting on a Mercy Me CD to get started and then any other Christian music will keep me inspired."

She said she especially likes to work with a monochromatic scheme.

"With floral work, you usually have an end product in mind and you are very limited by the amount someone can spend but by being creative and using the natural products in your own back yard that God provides, you can create something greater than the customer expected for the same price."

"I usually begin with an idea and it just evolves from there and often the finished project is not what I started with."

Please stop by and say hello to the very talented Kim Jennings.

Boutique Bucks Contest Extended!

2010-11-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

You guys know this awesome contest we're having? The one to win $25 Boutique Bucks? You know, this one?

We have had a few requests to extend it, and we've decided to let you guys have a few more days for entries! It has been so exciting to see the word spread!

You now have until Thursday, November 4th at midnight to get your final entries in! We will do the drawing on Friday. This is the last chance to win some Boutique Bucks! :) Good luck!

More details here.

Meet the Artist: Tabitha Grace

2010-10-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

Meet Tabitha Grace of Polly Wolly Poodle Boutique.

Tabitha makes hand made closet organizers, baby diaper cakes, unique baby gifts, pillowcase dresses, hand-painted children's outfits and tutu's.

Visit the very talented Tabitha Grace at her website Polly Wooly Poodle Boutique to see her unique gifts. You can also visit her Facebook page here.

We asked Tabitha to fill out our madlib and here are her results...

TABITHA'S RULES FOR CREATING:

1. Each morning as soon as you wake up the first thing you should do is have SOMETHING with caffine in it.
2. While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to the sound of silence! or in my case the dogs wrestling in the background!
3. To get your creative juices flowing try going outside! There is always something going on in God's creation to bring on inspiration!
4. Make sure you take regular breaks to catnap!
5. You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of a gift or product that will be unique, and everyone will remember it!

Make sure to say hello to Tabitha Grace at By Hand Boutique!

Meet the Artist: Lisa Tanner

2010-10-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

Meet Lisa Tanner!

You can visit Lisa's blog at wellhownice.blogspot.com. You can also shop online at her etsy shop.

These photos are only a small sampling of what Lisa will have at By Hand Boutique. She said she will have some more fun stuff and "Lots of Glitter!"

(Alabama A's in silver and red available in two different sizes.

Perfect for door wreaths, or tree toppers!)

(countdown to christmas wall hangings)

We asked Lisa to fill out a madlib to learn a little more about her. Here are her results...

LISA'S RULES FOR CREATING:

1. Each morning as soon as you wake up the first thing you should do is grab a plastic cup and fill it with crushed ice and Diet Dr. Pepper, then log into Google Reader, Gmail and Facebook.

2. While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to Glee, or old reruns of 90210, sing along with Glee and don't even act like you don't know all the words when Brenda and Kelly argue over Dylan.

3. To get your creative juices flowing try browsing blogs online, or flipping through your favorite magazine or just adding glitter to your current unfinished project - glitter always helps.

4. Make sure you take regular breaks to DVR more episodes of Glee while munching some mini vanilla wafers with white chocolate peanut butter (seriously the best peanut better ever invented)!!

5. You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of warmth and charm that makes you smile and your carpet is covered in scraps and, you guessed it, glitter!!

*Please make sure to come to By Hand Boutique November 12th and 13th and stop by Lisa's booth to say hello.

Meet the Artist: Debbie Rich

2010-10-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Debbie Rich of Designs Through the Wardrobe.

"I'm Debbie Rich (Designs Through the Wardrobe), and I enjoy creating things from paper and fabric in particular."

"Years ago, girls in junior high school were required to take a semester of home economics. Since my mother didn't sew, this was new to me; I learned to sew a straight seam and put in a zipper. (I also learned that I didn't care for boiled spinach or boiled okra!) My parents gave me a portable sewing machine for Christmas one year, and my love for sewing was born! I've made everything from baby clothes, curtains, baby quilts, prom dresses, and bridesmaid and flower girl dresses to theatre costumes. I seldom use a real pattern anymore but take something that fits properly and use that to create my own pattern."

"I became interested in paper crafts several years ago. My sister-in-law had become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and she brought some of her things with her during a Christmas visit. I decided to place a small order with her just to encourage her, started using the items I'd ordered, and discovered that I really liked making things with paper as well! I make cards in particular as part of the ministry of our two churches, Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church in Clay and Evangel Presbyterian Church, our church plant in Oneonta."

"I particularly like rich, deep colors, although I really like most colors. Greens and blues and earth tones are particular favorites."

"Sometimes when I work, I'll listen to music, but mostly everything is quiet . . . or as quiet as it can be in a busy household! I really enjoy listening to songs by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, although sometimes I've gotten so involved in the music that I'll discovered I've just been zipping along and have forgotten some part or step that I was planning to include and have to either change my design or rework something. As Christmas draws closer, I'll be adding Mannheim Steamroller to my listening list. :)"

"I'm something of a perfectionist, which isn't really a good thing. I really prefer things that are both beautiful and functional, although beauty can win out over function sometimes. :)"

"I often make something because of a perceived need in our family or church family for a particular thing. For example, I designed a jumper for little girls because my granddaughters needed dresses. I wanted something that was easy to care for, easy to put on, easy to customize with different shirts for different occasions, and pretty to look at. My daughter needed a purse, so I started making purses. I make lots of greeting cards to give out to church visitors, people that we've visited, or people within our congregations."

"I have a couple of blogs that I've started recently; one of them is for posting craft information in particular, and the second one is more for personal reflections.

http://designs-through-the-wardrobe.blogspot.com/

http://reformedsinger.blogspot.com/

You are welcome to visit me at either or both locations. :)

I also have a Stampin' Up! website: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/designs-through-the-wardrobe/

an Etsy page: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReformedSinger

and a Facebook craft page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designs-Through-the-Wardrobe/100704113316770

The pictured samples are of actual items that will be available for purchase at the By Hand Boutique craft fair.

I hope to see you there!"

-Debbie

(Designs Through the Wardrobe)

Meet the Artist: Amanda Taylor

2010-10-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Amanda Taylor!

Amanda makes all kinds of gorgeous wreaths!

Amanda first started creating her wreaths last year.

"My husband lost his job of 10 years, and I wanted a pretty wreath for my front door. As I was going through a Pottery Barn magazine I saw some wreath's that were around 80-150 bucks... (did not have the money for that at all). So, with my sister Wendy's help I created my own. Everyone loved it and begged for me to make them and sell. So I did. Not only did I have the very wreath I couldn't afford hanging on my door but I also funded an entire Christmas with the sales. At a time when we needed it most! Since then I have branched out a bit, I create from what I like...if I think it would be cute for me, then I try my best to make it. I like to add my own touch to things. Sometimes I will think I am finished with something, and then later go back and add a new touch that I just didn't think about before."

Amanda loves to work with red, black, pinks, and lots of hounds tooth patterned things...

Keep a look out for the very talented Amanda Taylor. One of her wreaths will be featured in the winter edition of a national magazine called Phyllis Hoffman CELEBRATE!

"I am so excited, they contacted me this month for the photo shoot!"

Please stop by and say hello to Amanda Taylor at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artist: Michelle Whitlow

2010-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Michelle Whitlow of 24 Olive Street. You can check out her online etsy shop here or visit her blog at Me and My Scraps.

Michelle started with scrapbooking nearly 9 years ago. That evolved into cardmaking, then sewing and eventually into creating of all kinds!

"Green is my favorite color so you will usually see that color in a lot of the crafts I'm working on. But I love working with all types of colors & patterns."

"Although I love creating in the afternoon I usually work on things at night after the kids have gone to bed. That's when I have the most quiet time to get things done!"

Michelle's work has been featured on Tatertots & Jello & Ucreate. "I am currently on the design team for Noel Mignon and was featured as guest designer earlier this month for Jillibean Soup."

Please make sure to stop by and say hello to Michelle Whitlow of 24 Olive Street.

*Also be sure to check out how you can win $25 in Boutique Bucks HERE. Hurry time is running out quick!

Are you ready?!

2010-10-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

We are getting so excited for By Hand Boutique, and because of this, we want to offer you guys an amazing contest! You have been such great supporters of our event, and we are so grateful. :)

Here's the deal:

We want to spread the word to as many people as possible about By Hand Boutique. So this contest is going to be based around that.

You get one entry for each item below. Please leave a comment EACH time for each entry. We will draw from the comments!

Suggest to your facebook friends to "like" our facebook page. (And they can come here and enter the contest as well!)

Post a status on facebook about By Hand Boutique including a link to our blog & the dates/time.

Blog about By Hand Boutique and leave a direct link to your blog post in your comment.

Tweet about By Hand Boutique and link people back to our blog or facebook page.

Subscribe/follow our blog.

Spread the word some other way not mentioned above, and let us know how you did!

So, what can you win? $25 of Boutique Bucks to shop with at By Hand Boutique! You can definitely get some Christmas shopping done with that!

And because we really want to spread the love, we are giving away TWO of these prizes!

So get to spreading the news and leaving comments!

Contest ends one week from today, October 30th at midnight. We will do a drawing on November 1st and the Boutique Bucks will be available for pick up at the Hospitality Table at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artist: Virginia Tillery

2010-10-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Meet Virginia Tillery of Blackflipflops Designs. Virginia creates home decor & stationary items with a papercrafts flair.

Virginia is a designer for several scrapbooking companies: Tim Holtz, The Girls' Paperie, Lily Bee Designs, and NoelMignon. She has been featured on many blogs including Apartment Therapy and Dollar Store Crafts.

Keep your eyes open for this very talented artist.

"I'm so excited about my very first magazine publication in Scrapbook Trends December/January issue!"

We asked the artists to fill out a madlib to learn a little more about them. Here are Virginia's answers....

VIRGINIA'S RULES FOR CREATING:

1. Each morning as soon as you wake up the first thing you should do is grab your favorite green cup and fill it with some diet Dr. Pepper and sit down to peruse your favorite blogs.

2. While creating your masterpieces, you should listen to peace & quiet... or your favorite shows on Hulu (depending on your mood!).

3. To get your creative juices flowing try sitting on your front porch in the fall, reading a new book or listening to some music..

4. Make sure you take regular breaks to have a massive bubble bath or snuggle up in bed with a good book.

5. You will know you have succeeded when your creation invokes a sense of whimsy, comfort, & home...

You will not want to miss Virginia's booth at By Hand Boutique November 12th and 13th.

Meet the Artist: Michelle Darling Quinn

2010-10-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Michelle Darling Quinn of RSVP to me.

Michelle specializes in mixed media paintings with original poetry, and miscellaneous home decor.

"I have always had an incredible urge to create since I was a little girl whether it be art, poetry, a garden, or even brownies."

"I like to work with hopeful, happy, peaceful colors (what ever I feel like those are in the moment)."

"I find inspiration in books, poetry, music, and nature. However, my passion is really stirred by extreme kindness, loving compassion, and a God who tenderly loves his own beautiful creation."

"I usually wake up first thing in the morning with an idea that I can't wait to try and create. Although, most of the time my day doesn't allow the time or worse, my talent doesn't allow me the capability ;)"

Please stop by and say hello to Michelle.

All of the items featured and many more will be available for purchase at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artist: Michelle Davis

2010-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Meet Michelle Davis of Making the Frugal Life Fun.

Michelle started sewing when she found out she was pregnant with her daughter a few years ago. She makes purses and all sorts of creative baby gift items.

Michelle gets her creative juices going early in the morning. "My daughter likes to get up with the sun, so we typically get up and turn on some fun music and sew some if we don't have somewhere to be."

"I love using bright colors in my work. I don't tend to do the typical 'baby' colors. I think baby gifts are so much fun when they are different and use funky fabrics."

Please be sure to come out to By Hand Boutique and say hello to Michelle.

Meet the Artists: Becky DeRamus and Terre Davis

2010-10-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Meet Becky DeRamus and Terre Davis of Unique Chic.

Our Mission Verse and Statement: We take used and discarded furniture,
accessories, materials, and restore them into something beautiful and
purposeful.
Psalm 23:3 "He restores my soul".

Becky and Terre have been in business together for five years and
best friends for many years. Becky said, "We sell our wares at a local antique mall. I
have a degree in interior design from Jefferson State College. I have been
sewing and crafting ever since I was a child. I have fond memories of my
grandmother teaching me how to sew when I was just a small child. Sewing,
embroidering, painting and just creating pretty things has been a passion of
mine for many years."

"Terre is an avid 'picker'. She enjoys the hunt and
has developed an eye for planning recycled projects. She has found an
undiscovered talent for refurbishing her finds. Together we make a great
team and get to share our different talents that God has given us."

"We are both looking forward to meeting new friends at the "By Hand Boutique"
show."

Please come by and say hello to Becky Deramus and Terre Davis at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artist: Maja Clayton

2010-10-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Maja Clayton of Maja's Heirlooms.
Maja sews hand crafted aprons, Christmas stockings, smocked items and more.

She has been sewing for 43 years and her work

has been published frequently in Sew Beautiful magazine.

We asked Maja if there was a special meaning behind your work. "I feel my talent is a gift from God to be shared with others. It also provides us with additional income to support friends on the mission field."

Some of her favorite colors to work with are brown, teal, blues and greens.

These are just a few of the items that will be available for purchase at By Hand Boutique. Please be sure to stop by and say hello to Maja Clayton.

Meet the Artist: Shelley Burkett

2010-10-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Shelley Burkett of Shelley Burkett Handmade.

Shelley creates gorgeous handmade jewelery.
She says that she has been artistic her whole life, but that she has only recently started creating jewelry as an artistic outlet. "My first pieces re-purposed some of the jewelry left to me by my grandmother."

"I enjoy making pieces that incorporate mixed metals with pearls or beads. Almost all of my pieces have at least a little antique brass. That's my favorite medium these days."

"I love to peruse fashion magazines, websites, and of course, etsy, for inspiration. I might find a piece that I want to re-create, but I always end up going in a different direction and making something completely unique. Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind."

You can visit Shelley's blog: Whatever Is Lovely

And, of course, you can stop by and meet her in person at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artist: Melissa Mohr

2010-10-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Featured Artist is Melissa Mohr.

Melissa says she has always been interested in drawing and painting, from as far back as she can remember. "My mother used to buy me notebooks and I would fill them with drawings. I was fortunate enough to major in Graphic Design when I attended college. I may stray from it for a while but I always come back to it in some shape or form. I think creating is just part of my soul."

Melissa likes to mix colors that compliment and contrast with one another. She loves earth tones matched with bold bright colors.

"I like pairing colors with things you might not think go together. For example when I look at a tree I don't see just different shades of green. I see blues and purples as well. I find mixing colors together is more pleasing to the eye."

"I'm heavily inspired by nature. I love the perfect "imperfections" found outside. I'm in awe of what our heavenly Father has created here on earth. It is mind boggling to think of what beauty will be found in heaven if what He has created on earth is so amazing."

Please come by and say hello to the very talented Melissa Mohr.

All of the featured pieces will be available for sale at By Hand Boutique.

Meet the Artists: Margarita and Lucy Lunsford

2010-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Margarita and Lucy Lunsford.

Margarita and Lucy create Pressed Flower Pictures, Art Deco Furniture, Doll Clothes, Jewelry, and Crocheted items.

They have been creating their art since 2007 when a local boutique started selling their doll clothes. We asked if there was a special meaning behind their work. Here was their reply, "In our pressed flower arrangements we are using God's art, flowers, leaves insect's wings, etc., to make art!"

Please be sure to stop by and say hello to Margarita and Lucy Lunsford.

Meet the Artist: Carissa Wright

2010-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Carissa Wright of Wright Art Graphic Design.

Carissa is a Graphic Designer and Fine Artist. She specializes in custom oil and acrylic paintings as well as photography and some custom designed Christian T-shirts.

"Ever since I could hold a pencil in my hand I have been drawing and began painting classes when I was 13 years old. I attended the University of Montevallo and majored in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. Over the years, while working as a graphic designer, I have painted murals and custom art pieces for friends, family and even a few clients. In the spring of this year I finally gave up on the perfect dream studio and began painting in my garage among the garden tools. I guess you could say I have been creating some form of art whether it be graphic art, photo collages, sculpture or paintings my whole life."

"I am most inspired by nature. I love everything organic. Just taking a walk and snapping photos I find beauty and ideas in everything I see from the colors and textures in rocks, flowers, moss on the ground to the driftwood around my gardens."

"I am a planner so I go into a project with a pretty clear idea of what I want the outcome to be but I do enjoy challenging myself and getting out of my comfort zone and just letting the end result be a surprise sometimes. I think some of my favorite pieces have been happy accidents."

You won't want to miss out on other great works of art by Carissa. Make sure to stop by and say hi!

Meet the Artist: Hannah Robertson

2010-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! We will be introducing a new By Hand Boutique artist each day. Check in often to preview their work and some of the great finds that can be purchased at the market Friday and Saturday, November 12th and 13th.

Our first By Hand Boutique Featurette is Hannah Robertson.

Hannah makes gorgeous handmade jewelry with interesting themes.

"Vintage Chic"

Hannah has been making jewelry in some form since she was about 13 years old. Some of her favorite colors to work with are earth tones or rich mysterious colors such as black or purple. However, she says it really depends on the piece. We asked Hannah if there was a special meaning behind her work. She answered that she just likes to create beautiful things, and each piece does not necessarily hold a particular meaning, but that she is heavily inspired by fantasy and folklore. She said, "I really enjoy making pieces that make me dream of fantastic places far away."

"Aurora Borealis"

"Mysterious Moon"

"Sassy Sakura"

Make sure to come by and meet Hannah in person. All of the pieces featured will be available for purchase at By Hand Boutique!

We're getting closer!

2010-10-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

And as we get closer, we are going to begin showing sneak peeks of the work of our vendors... I have been watching the applications come in and there are so many cool, beautiful items that are going to be at By Hand Boutique!

Make sure to subscribe to this blog and to our facebook page, because on Monday, we will begin introducing you to our vendors & their work. As of today, we only have one spot left and then we will start going to a wait list.

Mark your calendars!

"Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:11

We are now accepting applications for our 2010 Fall Vendors!

2010-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Creative. Community. Collaboration.

Please join us at our 4th annual By Hand Boutique Market of Homespun Goods. We are so excited & thankful for how this has grown and become a favorite part of the fall traditions in our community.

We are looking for vendors to sell at the Autumn Market! Check out our mission statement and then apply!

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Have a question? Leave us a comment, email us at byhandboutique@gmail.com, or chat with us on our facebook page!

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Please help spread the word (and keep an eye here for some fun rewards for helping us out!).

Why buy a cookie cutter product from the local Super Center when you can buy an original item from a local artist for around the same price?

Support your Community.

Support Creativity.

Welcome to By Hand Boutique Homespun Market

2010-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the last few years' events. It's just a very small sampling of what you can expect this year!

Face painting!