What is the CPSIA all about?

I'm sure many of you have heard about CPSIA and like me have a lot of questions. Especially if you are a seller or buyer of handmade items for children. The law is set to protect children from harmful chemicals in toys, clothing and bedding and in light of the recent scandals we've seen with lead paint and tainted baby formula, regulations are deperately needed. But from all that I've seen, CPSIA is taking the sampling requirements to an extreme and this could prevent many small businesses from providing toys and clothing for children. When in reality, the crafters and local businesses aren't to blame for the recent scandals - its actually the big businesses!

There are great resources already on the internet for information in this potential regulation. With that in mind, I am not going to rehash it all, but instead I am going to share with you some of the best (in my opinion) sources of information.

1) Fellow EtsyNJ member Greco Woodcrafting has several articles on his blog about this topic. Here are links to them:
National Bankruptcy Day: http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/national-bankruptcy-day/
CPSIA Hearing Cancelled: http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/cpsia-hearing/
More on CPSIA: http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/more-on-the-cpsia/
Directly From the Source: http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/directly-from-the-source/
Possible CPSIA Exemptions: http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/12/28/possible-exemptions/

2) Fellow EtsyBlogger Joey & Aleethea:
CPSIA of 2008 + you = change: http://joeyandaleethea.typepad.com/blog/2008/12/cpsia-of-2008.html

3) Change.Org
Save the Handmade Toys from CPSIA: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

4) Etsy.com Storque:
Handmade Children's Items & Unintended Consequences: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act: http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/

5) Facebook Groups:
Handmade Toy Alliance: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=49551386833
Rally Against the CPSIA legislature: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=38306568596

That is just a small sampling of the information that is available about this pending legislation. Read about it, educate yourself, see if and how it will affect you and then make your voice heard.

~Melissa~

Merry Christmas from Made By Melissa

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year filled with happiness and crafty goodness!

Photo Challenge Groups

Way back on Friday, May 2, I started the One Object, 365 Days photo project using my first crochet hook as my one object. Today, I have posted picture number 235! Woo-hoo, I rock!


On day 139, I discovered my "one object" for round two. It's been staring me in the face for years and I really can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. I debated doing two objects at the same time, but then opted to just finish up with my hook and save the little plush pup for later. So, in just 130 days, this little guy will be posing for a daily photo:


I also joined a second group called 30 Days, One Object, this group was created for those with short attention spans, committment issues or those who just have way too many cool objects to pick just one and stick with it for a whole year. For this project, I chose my magnetic Stitch. I am currently on my sixth day, and so far, photo #4 is my favorite.


Feel free to follow my progress on Flickr!

Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA

Wordless Wednesday

Dean's new hat
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Christmas Blog Carnival! Ho-ho-ho!

Ho-ho-ho! Its almost Christmas! I can't believe how time flies! The EtsyBloggers have two very good Christmasy questions for this month's blog carnival.

1. Christmas traditions & recipes - Share Christmas traditions or your favorite holiday recipe.
2. Christmas spotlight - Show & tell of a Christmas item in your shop or your favorite gift idea in someone else's shop.

I can't decide which theme to go with, so I think I will have to address both of them.

Christmas traditions: When I was growing up, my family ALWAYS went to the children's mass on Christmas eve. We'd have antipasto before we went and then my parents would cook dinner when we got home. Well, my sister and I would be FAMISHED!! In order to pass the time while they were cooking, I would read my sister The Polar Express. We would sit on the couch in the living room with facing the Christmas tree with just enough lights on so that we could see the book without dimming out the tree. Then after reading it a few times, I'd go to the record player (yes, that's right, record player) and put on the Sesame Street Christmas Album. We'd lay under the tree and sing along until dinner was ready. Then right before bedtime, we'd get to open our Christmas pajamas.

Christmas Spotlight: I made two dozen pairs of these adorable jingle bell earrings last year. I sold about half of them last year and this year they were a big hit at my craft shows. This is the only pair I have left:

For now, they are in my shop, not sure if they will stay there, I might decide to keep them for myself!

Happy Holiday Shopping!
~Melissa~

EtsyBlogger Featured Member - Spotted Cow Soaps

Wow, can you believe its almost Christmas already? I'm way behind on everything this year, including the EtsyBlogger featured member blog post! December's featured member is Spotted Cow Soaps. Spotted Cow Soaps is an adorable shop chock full of 100% natural handmade soaps.

There are some great limited edition holiday soaps that look good enough to eat (although its not a good idea to do so). This candy cane soap is by far my favorite, its so pretty!


If anyone out there is considering getting me a gift but is totally stumped on what to get, you can send me this lemongrass holiday gift set.


Spotted Cow Soaps is really a one stop gift source, there are even soaps specially made for men and kids! And don't forget to check out the blog to keep up to date with all the soapy happenings!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Wordless Wednesday

200/365 11/17/08
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Wordless Wednesday

Set of 4 round washcloths
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Cyber Monday Sale!!!

EtsyNJ is hosting its first ever team wide sale and what better day than Cyber Monday!! With all the great EtsyNJ shops that are participating, you can easily finish all your holiday shopping without even leaving your seat!

Visit my shop any time during Monday, December 1 and buy any two items, and get the third 50% off! (discount will be refunded via Paypal on the lowest priced item)

Enter code "EtsyNJ Cyber Monday" in the notes to seller at checkout to receive your discount. Sale code is valid Monday, December 1, 2008 only.

Visit http://www.etsynj.com/cyber-monday for all of the participating shops!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

EtsyNJ Cyber Monday Sale!

EtsyNJ is hosting its first ever team wide sale and what better day than Cyber Monday!! With all the great EtsyNJ shops that are participating, you can easily finish all your holiday shopping without even leaving your seat!

See the list below for participating shops. Please be sure to enter “EtsyNJ Cyber Monday” in the notes to seller at checkout in order to receive your sale. Sale code is valid Monday, December 1, 2008 only.

AbbieRoad Artful Designs - AbbieRoad.etsy.com
Screenprinted Clothing, Art Prints & Accessories
Free Mirror or Magnet (you pick) w/ any $20 purchase

Abelee’s Handcrafted - http://abeleeshandcrafted.etsy.com/
handcrafted earrings made from sterling silver, gemstones, antiqued brass, and unusual glass beads.
Free shipping, and 10% off any item made with pearls (glass or natural), refund via PayPal.

AJK Artistry - http://www.ajkartistry.etsy.com/
Greeting Cards, Custom Invites, Fine Art and more!
Free shipping on every item in both of my shops! Shipping fees will be refunded through paypal.

amarie by andrea maiolano - http://www.loveamarie.etsy.com/
handbags made of beautiful fabrics - hobo totes, wristlets, clutches, keychain wristlets and more!
Buy ANY 2 items and receive free domestic shipping and a FREE WRISTLET KEYCHAIN!

Azaiez Designs - http://www.azaiez.etsy.com/
Jewelry
Buy two or more items and get free shipping on the entire purchase!


Baobab Love - http://baobablove.etsy.com/
Jewelry that brings Joy - Timeless, Unique, Hand crafted
Free Earrings custom earrings with any purchase of $50 or more.

Bella Mental - http://BellaMental.etsy.com
15% off all items, excluding custom orders

Beachchiik - http://beachchik.etsy.com
Beachy Art & Gifts, Accessories for your home. Seashell Dining Accessories. Goodies for your Gromets (aka- your little surfer kids) and Custom Kids Tote Bags for all occasions.
10% off Your Total Purchase and Free Shipping in the US .

Beeb Designs - http://beebdesigns.etsy.com
Beaded jewelry and ornaments
10% off Your Total Purchase
FREE Gift with purchases of $30 or more

Berd & Bee - http://berdandbee.etsy.com
Handmade Candles, Handpainted Mugs and Unique Gifts
20% off any Cyber Monday purchase

Capital City Crafts - http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com
Sterling silver jewelry with freshwater pearls & semiprecious stones
All orders in the shop are discounted as follows:
$50 to $99 -10% discount
$100 to $199 - 15% discount
over $200 - 20% discount
Cyber Monday- bonus gift with purchase of $50 of more.

Collective Elements - http://collectiveelements.etsy.com
Ultimate Paper Love! Cards, Journals, Bookmarks, and more Paper Goodness!
Buy 2, get 1 free (lowest priced item) Will receive refund via Paypal.

Copabananas- http://copabananas.etsy.com
Sock monkeys, repurposed products, holiday items, and more!
Free gift with any purchase.

CreationsByRobin - http://creationsbyrobin.etsy.com
Handmade Jewelry, Inspired by Nature
CYBER MONDAY SALE- Free shipping (refunded via Paypal) & Gift w/ Purchase

Deirdre Ryan Photography - http://blackbird72.etsy.com
Fine Art Photography and Gifts
Buy any 5×7 Set of Prints and receive 2 FREE 4×6 of Your choice from any 4×6 listed!

DesignDolcezza - http://designdolcezza.etsy.com
Scrapbook, cards and so much more!
Free Domestic Shipping!

Dhara Holistics - http://dharaholistics.com/
Free Shipping on all orders

Dictioncanary - http://dictioncanary.etsy.com
Free shipping on all orders

EmptyHeartCreations - http://emptyheartcreations.etsy.com
Pendants, Handmade Guitar Straps, Jewelry
Free holiday gift bag and tissue paper with your purchase

Fisheye & Fishlegs - Fisheye.etsy.com & fishlegs.etsy.com
Unique Accessories and Vintage Finds.
10% off all orders, refund via PayPal

Happiknits - http://www.happiknits.etsy.com
funky handknit accessories.
FREE US shipping with purchase of 2 or more items.

Heart of Nature - http://heartofnature.etsy.com
Fine art photography, greeting cards, and other nature inspired creations by Kitty Wilkin
5% off all greeting cards and sets & 20% off all matted fine art prints!!
Free recyclable greeting card for all orders over $50!!

Jtat Music - http://jtatmusic.etsy.com
Hair clips, Hair Clip organizers, and more!
1 FREE Hair Clip (of my choice) with any Cyber Monday purchase!

Jewelry Designs By Me - http://www.jewelrydesignsbyme.etsy.com/
Eclectic jewelry designed with glass, shell, wood, acrylic, resin, metal beads, & semiprecious stones beads matched with Swarovski.
20% off ALL ITEMS + FREE SHIPPING. Please convo me for a revised PayPal invoice

KameKnits - http://kameknits.etsy.com
Crocheted and knitted items - blankets, scarves, hats, and custom items!
10% all items and free shipping in the US for purchases of 2 or more items

Lil Dab Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6116978
Swarovski Bracelets,Holiday Cards,6×6 Themed paperbag Albums all Handmade .
Free Shipping in U.S.A only, on every item in shop , plus free gift with purchase

Little Bit Crafts - http://littlebitcrafts.etsy.com/
Crafty creations made with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Great holiday decor & gift items!!!!
FREE Gift with each order and 10% Off Total Order of $40 or more!!!

LizArti - http://www.LizArti.etsy.com
Fun Selection of Handmade Jewelry at Reasonable Prices
20% off anything in the shop!

Made By Melissa - http://madebymelissa.etsy.com
Beaded Jewelry, Crochet, Vintage, Destash
Buy any 2 items and get the 3rd half off (refund issued via PayPal)

Marjorie’s Cracked Plate Jewelry - http://www.marjoriescracked.etsy.com
Broken china jewelry, sea glass jewelry, shell jewelry
Free shipping on both US & International orders

Melia's Creations - http://meliascreations.etsy.com
FREE Gift with any purchase of $5 or more

Meribella - http://meribella.etsy.com
One of a kind fine silver and sterling silver jewelry made to love.
FREE SHIPPING. (shipping will be refunded via Paypal.)

Orange Slice Art - http://www.orangesliceart.etsy.com/
Paintings , pillows, bags, coasters, tiles, dolls, prints
Free shipping on any order over $50

Quizzlebob - http://quizzlebob.etsy.com
Affordable and fun novelty and geek accessories, plus a little bit of everything else
FREE Shipping on any purchase $10 or more
Buy two keychains, get the third one FREE
Buy an item for charity, get a keychain or piece of jewelry half off
Refunds issued via PayPal

PurpleLicious Designs - http://purplelicious.etsy.com
Handmade Fabric Headbands, Ribbon Belts and More!
Free Shipping on all US orders and special sale section.

Seahorse Designs - http://seahorsedesigns.etsy.com/
Fun Knitted Scarves, Neckwarmers, Fingerless Gloves, Jewelry and Beaded Accessories.
10% off Your Total Purchase of $25 or more
FREE Gift with purchases of $30 or more
FREE Shipping to US, Canada and UK on purchases that total $50 or more
Shipping and the 10% discount will be will be credited back via Pay Pal.

ShutterKate - http://shutterkate.etsy.com
Original Knitted and Crocheted Accessories
Every purchase gets you a free knitted key fob as a gift!

Strand and Toggle - http://strandandtoggle.etsy.com/
Beaded jewelry that’s fun and fancy
Free icicle earrings with the purchase of any necklace

Suebeebuzz - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=110805
Free comfrey lip balm with every order

SusanItkinBatik - http://www.susanitkinbatik.etsy.com
Batik clothing, wall art, home decor and greeting cards.
20% off all items.

The Spinning Hand - http://thespinninghand.etsy.com
Handmade knitted delights for women and children; unique vintage finds.
Free knitted gift with any purchase of $20 or more

Third Floor Designs - http://thirdfloor.etsy.com
Unique accessories for your every mood
20% off all orders (excluding shipping) and free US shipping for orders over $50

Yinsouciant - http://yinsouciant.etsy.com
Go green and get free shipping with every custom order!
Just for Cyber Monday all buyers will receive a pair of X’mas gift tags free, handmade from vintage song sheets

Enter "EtsyNJ Cyber Monday" in the notes to seller to get your sale or send a convo to the seller if you have any questions.

Happy Shopping!

Photo Tag

I was tagged by Julie from http://rosalindea.blogspot.com/2008/11/photo-tag.html to participate in this cute game of photo tag.



This is my puppy Mae on the first day we brought her home over two years ago. She was just 8 weeks old and weighed less than 8 pounds! I gave her a soft shawl that I had started knitting but finished it off when I realized exactly why I preferred crocheting. She still has it buried in her crate along with a gagillion other toys.

Here are the instructions:

* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Post it on your blog.
* Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

Feel free to participate, even if I haven't tagged you.

Also, remember, EtsyNJ is hosting a massive Cyber Monday Sale on December 1. Visit http://www.EtsyNJ.com/cyber-monday for all the details!

~Melissa~

Wordless Wednesday

Mega Long Beaded Necklace
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Important Info on Fraud Protection

EtsyNJ member Greco Woodcrafting wrote a great blog post on how to protect yourself as a small business owner from getting tricked into accepting false credit cards, checks and cash. It's a must read! http://grecowoodcrafting.wordpress.com/2008/11/16/fraud-protection/

Thanksgiving Traditions

The EtsyBloggers pose an interesting question for this month's blog carnival - "What is your favorite tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday?" Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday, we have so many traditions that I am sure I will miss some.

My father, sister and I always make our Thanksgiving stuffing from scratch - ALWAYS. We toast the bread and cut it into chunks, saute celery and onions, brown the sausage, measure out the spices and moisten the whole thing with turkey stock that my father boiled the night before. And we always get a rather larger turkey, I'm talking 25 lbs of turkey! So, in order to have the bird cooked and cool enough to carve by 2 PM we have to start making the stuffing quite early. In fact, we start so early that we are often pretty much done by the time the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade starts.

My mom always makes pumpkin pie and chocolate pudding pie, my aunt always brings apple pie and mince pie. Although, my grandfather was the only one who ate the mince pie so after he died a few years ago, we replaced the mince pie with blueberry pie. Sorry, Grandpa!

My sister always gets one turkey leg, my father always gets the turkey wings, someone always spills the gravy, and I always get the first slice of pumpkin pie.

The traditions have changed slightly since my sister and I got older and I am sure as my son grows up they will continue to evolve. I just hope he enjoys the madness of Thanksgiving as much as I do!

Happy Thanksgiving!
~Melissa~

As a thank you to those of you who read this silly little blog post, I offer free shipping on any purchase in my shop, just put "TG Blog" in the notes to seller and I will send you a refund via PayPal.

Wordless Wednesday

Pink Crystal Dangle Earrings
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

EtsyBlogger Featured Member - Storybeader

Can you believe that its November already? Wow, time really does fly these days. Anyway, being that its a new month that means its time for a new featured EtsyBlogger and this month its Deb from Storybeader. Deb makes unique jewelry and each necklace comes with a haiku, written specifically for the piece! How cool is that?

This fancy jasper cabochon is my favorite item from her shop.


And don't forget to click on over to her blog at http://storybeader.blogspot.com.

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Meet them TODAY at Om Baby!

Read this blog post and then RUN, RUN, RUN to Om Baby Yoga Studio in Pt Pleasant, NJ. TODAY is the big day! We'll be there from noon to 5 PM and this is your chance to get gifts for each and every person on your list. Here are three more EtsyNJ shops who are waiting for you to visit us this afternoon.

Copabananas has a unique assortment of goodies in her shop. She has cute sock monkeys, adorable gLove dolls, upcycled totes and reusable lunch bags and so very much more. You simply have to take a look to see everything. Since I feel like I always feature her sock monkeys whenever I get the chance, today I am going to show you something that I just noticed in her shop - glasses cases! I love this one made with cute kawaii fabric:


Seahorse Designs has handknit scarves and fun, funky, wearable art & accessories. Her shop also spans the creative spectrum with items ranging from shawls to jewelry to lip balm cozies to stitch markers and more! I know someone who would love this Wizard of Oz crystal charm bracelet:


Max Scent Soy Candles is a new member of the EtsyNJ street team and she has soy candles in really unique containers! Who would have thought to put candles in wine glasses, vintage tea cups and even an old fashioned sundae cup! I can't decide which is prettier, the candle or the containter!



See you this afternoon!!
~Melissa~


EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show!
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Meet them on Saturday at Om Baby Part 2!

OK, so in my effort to feature as many sellers as possible who will be at the EtsyNJ craft show at Om Baby Yoga Studio in Point Pleasant NJ THIS SATURDAY from noon to 5 PM I present to you three more fabulous EtsyNJ sellers!

Dragon's Den makes awesome candles, soaps and lotions and donates a portion of each sale to the Cancer Research Foundation. Get gifts for everyone on your list who likes to smell pretty and help find a cure for cancer at the same time - that's a double gift!! I simply love this Christmas Candy Chunk Pillar Candle, I think it would be a great gift for my mother.

Also be sure to check out her beeswax candles, I think they are so incredibly cool!

Capital City Crafts makes stunning sterling silver jewelry that really makes a statement. And her photography skills are awesome! These round midnight earrings are sure to make a statement at this season's holiday parties!

Also be sure to check out the Jet Holiday Sale section, but make sure you do it before 11/8!

Heart of Nature has gorgeous photography and Saturday will be her first ever craft show! Check out her shop for greeting cards, matted photographs and so much more. I simply love her 8x10 muscle love photo:


See you Saturday!
~Melissa~


EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show!
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Meet them on Saturday at Om Baby!

I had wanted to feature one artist each day over the last two weeks who would be selling their awesome handmade goods at the EtsyNJ Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show in Pt. Pleasant this Saturday 11/8 from noon to 5 PM. But, then I got bronchitis and all that went to h*ll in a handbasket. So, to keep my promise to myself I will feature three artists who did a great deal of work to make this event happen and they are Kim from Beach Chik Designs, Yin from Yin Vivio Weddings & Photography (and 2 other shops) and Danielle from Creations by Danielle.

This whole thing was Kim's idea and she made it happen by getting in touch with the owners of Om Baby Yoga Studio. She's done a ton of work organizing and promoting the event. Her painted and personalizeable tote bags are great for kids and adults to lug around all the things we must lug on a daily basis! I've been loving her Son of a Hot Mom ringer tee forever now and I really think my little guy would look charming in it!


Yin did an amazing job designing our flyer and postcard which I am sure you have seen plastered all over this blog, the EtsyNJ blog and EtsyNJ.com as well as all over Facebook! Yin has three shops on Etsy where she offers a plethora of handmade goodies. She has stunning photography, extemely popular curry popcorn sample packs and lots of eco friendly goodies. I've been eyeing up her Voila buiness card holder for quite a while now, perhaps I'll pick one up on Saturday!


Danielle was kind enough to take on the task of collecting promos from the entire EtsyNJ street team and organizing them into juicy swag bags which will be distributed to the first 70 shoppers. Danielle has a little something for everyone in her shop including vintage, jewelry and crochet scarves and toys. I think Danielle's Om Earrings will fit in very well at Saturday's show!


See you Saturday!
~Melissa~


EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show!
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Wordless Wednesday

EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show!
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby!

The EtsyNJ street team is organizing its first craft show! We've hooked up with the fabulous owners of Om Baby in Point Pleasant and have rented the studio for a Saturday afternoon of shopping bliss! Get a jump on your Christmas shopping and get a one of a kind made in New Jersey gift for every person on your list!



The following awesome vendors will be showcasing their 100% handcrafted items:
Dragon's Den: http://dragon06.etsy.com

Made By Melissa: http://madebymelissa.etsy.com

Yin Souciant Accessories & Bags: http://yinsouciant.etsy.com

What's Eating Yin: http://whatseatingyin.etsy.com

Yin Vivo Weddings & Photography: http://yinvivo.etsy.com

Beach Chik Designs: http://beachchik.etsy.com

Blue Pie Designs: http://bluepiedesigns.etsy.com

Heart of Nature: http://heartofnature.etsy.com

Copabanans: http://copabananas.etsy.com

Creations By Robin: http://creationsbyrobin.etsy.com

Kit Kat Quilts: http://kitkatquilts.etsy.com

Capital City Crafts: http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com

Creations By Danielle: http://creationsbydanielle.etsy.com

Seahorse Designs: http://seahorsedesigns.etsy.com

Lemoncholy's: http://keeshagirl4.etsy.com

BK Designs: http://bkdesigns.etsy.com

Madeleine Bake Shop: http://madeleinebakeshop.com

Carol's heART Creations: http://CarolsheARTCreations.etsy.com

Max Scent Soy Candles: http://maxscentsoycandles.etsy.com

Abbie Road Artful Designs: http://AbbieRoad.etsy.com

The Celebration Boutique: http://www.thecelebrationboutique.com

Visit us from 12 - 5 at Om Baby Studio on 726A Arnold Ave, Pt Pleasant, NJ! The first 70 shoppers will get an EtsyNJ swag bag - so come early!

Wordless Wednesday

Made by Melissa & Friend
Originally uploaded by AbbieRoad

I love handmade!

I didn't realize how many handmade items I use everyday until recently. I get up every morning and use some nifty crocheted cotton face pads made by yours truly! After I get dtressed, I accessorize with a bracelet I made myself that has the birthstones of myself, my son and my hubby and I put on the super cool star earrings I bought from Capital City Crafts. I take care of my dry skin with some tasty vanilla bean hand lotion from Lollibomb and protect my lips from getting chapped with some equally tasty coconut lemongrass lip balm from You Stink Soap.

Then I grab the tote bag I got from Bugga Love aka ALaine Designs this past Christmas and I pack my son's bag for daycare, next I grab my totally awesome hooker tote bag from Trashed Clothing and pack my lunch.

Once everything is packed and everyone is dressed, I rummage through my bag from Tracy Joy and look for my car keys which are attached to a fabulous wristlet keychain from PurpleLicious.

I finally then scoop up my son and walk to the car. His sweet little neck and cheeks are protected from the stiff car seat straps by blue fleece protective covers from Handcrafted Baby Accessories by Georganne (bummer! I see that she's closed her shop! How sad!) and since its been so cold latey, I toss the blanket on his lap that I made for him when I was just barely pregnant.

And that sums up all the handmade items I use on a daily basis. Have you taken the handmade pledge yet??




Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Spooky Fun for Halloween

I was sitting here thinking, I feel like writing a blog, but what should I write about?? Do you ever feel that way? I'm almost positive I'm not the only one because otherwise there would be no such thing as the Etsybloggers Blog Carnival!! So, the topic this time around is this: Spooky: Tell a spooky story, real or made up. Or present a Halloween crafting project or something in your shop that will give us the creeps .

I don't really have a spooky story, I was never much into telling tall tales of ghosts, goblins, aliens, wolfman or whatnot. But, I did love to read them way back in my pre-teen years. I particularly enjoyed Christopher Pike and Lois Duncan.

Now though, there isn't much time for reading, although Halloween is still lots of fun! This skull necklace would be a great accent to any spooky costume:


And these cute purple spider earrings would be perfect for us who can't get dressed up in costume for work, but still like to show a little Halloween spirit!


Remember, you have to jump on these soon in order to be sure to get them in time for Halloween! And if you visit my shop between Friday night 10/24 and Saturday night 10/25, there won't be much there as I'll be packing up for the Handmade Faire.

Have a spooky day!
~Melissa~

Wordless Wednesday

Poster
Originally uploaded by AbbieRoad

Handmade Faire : Halloween Edition 10/25 Medford, NJ

The Handmade Faire: not your average art and craft show...

A new generation of nearly 100 original, unique indie artists and crafters will be selling their creations at the Handmade Faire in Medford, New Jersey this Saturday October 25 from 10-4. You'll find amazing Handmade finds such as handmade soaps, unique jewelry, paper crafts, metal sculptors, clothing designers, basket weavers, painters, organic pet treats and much more - everything you need to start and finish your holiday shopping! It's no coincidence that the Faire is exactly 60 days until Christmas! It's best to get your shopping done early and this is your perfect opportunity! All items are being represented by the artist that created it, it is truly a wonderful thing to buy a one of a kind item directly from the hands that created it! Check out our vendor list!


The first 100 visitors will receive our signature treat bags, chock full of free goodies from local artists. This Faire is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping, too!

The Handmade Faire
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Flying W Airport Resort
Medford, New Jersey; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
for directions, click here


The ambiance at the Faire will be be festive so if you have been waiting for a reason to put on a costume, now is your chance! Many of the vendors will be in costume and we encourage you to do the same! Abbie Galie and Mother in Law, Pola, the event coordinators will be in costume as well!

Similar to our April Handmade Faire, Abbie has some very special giveaways planned for our shoppers and the vendors have really outdone themselves in the goodies that they are offering. Some of these freebies are special presents all in themselves. Not to mention the amazing Treat Bags that will be given to the first 100 shoppers!

Admission and Parking are both free and abundant! Come do your Holiday shopping and save on shipping AND gas by shopping all in one place!

Shopping not your thing, but your spouse loves it? Don't worry - you can grab a bite and watch the flat screen tv's in the on location Flying W Bar, while your better half is shopping! Or have a scenic lunch while watching the airplanes fly in and out! There's certainly lots to see! Make the whole day a Halloween Extravaganza by checking out the Medford's Annual Halloween Parade after the Faire at 7, on Main Street. A fun day for the whole family!


Top 5 Reasons to Buy Handmade and do all your Christmas Shopping at the Handmade Faire!
#1. Support Local Independent Artists
#2. Be an Individual, not some brand
#3. Own or Give something that is completely unique
#4. Better Gift Giving - no chance of doubles!
#5. Think Green - Not Factory Made
read more about why it's better to shop handmade!


★ Contact ★ About ★ Directions ★ Vendor List ★

Wordless Wednesday

Etsy -- Treasury List (20081012)
Originally uploaded by AbbieRoad

Who's on Facebook?

OK, so here I am hanging out in Facebook and I find all these cool things that I can set up to promote my Etsy shop. So, if you are a fan of me and are on Facebook, I ask that you please visit the links below.

Be my fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mahwah-NJ/Made-By-Melissa-Handcrafted-Jewelry-and-Fiber-Goodies/29078617330

Follow my blog: http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blogpage.php?blogid=59304

Follow the EtsyNJ blog: http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blogpage.php?blogid=52761

Thanks a million!
~Melissa~

EtsyNJ Street Team: EtsyNJ Om Baby Show Featured on The Storque!

EtsyNJ Street Team: EtsyNJ Om Baby Show Featured on The Storque!

EtsyBlogger Featured Member - BFBeads

As I am sure you are aware by now, every month a different team member from the EtsyBloggers street team is selected to be the featured member and their prize is that we all blog about them! How totally cool is that? Anyway, October's featured blogger is Jen from BFBeads (that's baby friendly, by the way) and Mama's Magic Studio.

Jen has some really awesome baby friendly jewelry. And believe me, its hard to wear jewelry when you have a curious little one tugging at you with the fear of those pudgy little hands snapping your necklace and tiny beads going flying everywhere! Oy! What a disaster! Well, thanks to Jen, not only can you wear stylish and pretty jewelry, but you can let your little one tug on it all they want (so long as they aren't hurting you) without fear of it breaking. Take a look at some of these stunning necklaces:



So, check her out! Oh, and by the way, Jen featured me on her blog last October! http://mamasmagic.blogspot.com/2007/10/friday-feature-madebymelissa.html

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Wordless Wednesday

Me w/ my whole display
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Help find a cure for cancer....

.... and smell great doing it! My fellow EtsyNJ team member Amanda of Dragon's Den is currently donating 10% of all of her sales to the Cancer Research Foundation. Please visit her blog for more details.

Wordless Wednesday

Pretty sunset
Originally uploaded by Jedi Photographer (May the focus be with me)

Visit me at the Ridgewood Fabulous Fall Festival!

I'll be at the Ridgewood Co-op Nursery's Fabulous Fall Festival on Saturday 10/4 from 10 - 4:30. Its located at Graydon Pool (which is off Linwood Ave and Northern Parkway) in Ridgewood (duh). There's stuff for kids too, looks like it will be a fun outing.

http://www.ridgewoodcoop.org/index.htm
http://www.ridgewoodcoop.org/GraydonMap2008.jpg (I'll be in space C-1)

Wordless Wednesday

142/365 9/20/08
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Wordless Wednesday

138/365 9/16/08
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Favorite Color?

The EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival theme this time around is: "pick a favorite color, and show it in your work". My favorite colors are red and black, but you'd never know it by looking at my shop. If I sent you to my shop and said "Guess my favorite color", you'd probably feel pretty confident saying PURPLE!!! There are 21 purple items in my shop at this given time. I'll highlight a few of my personal favorite purple items.

1) Purple Glass Beaded Dangle Earrings


2) Purple Heart Bracelet


3) Purple Shell Beaded Earrings


4) Deep Purple Fancy Bowl - Upcycled T-shirt


5) Lavender Baby Blanket


So, there you have it! Pretty purple, deep purple, light purple, shiny purple.... all purple! Do you have a favorite color?? Do you see something in my shop that is your favorite color? Simply put "My favorite color is...." in the notes to seller at checkout and I will refund you 15% of you total purchase, excluding shipping, via PayPal!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~