Crafty Childhood Memories

The Etsybloggers posed this question for the current Blog Carnival: "What Is Something You Did When A Child That You Will Always Remember?" Well, there are lots of things that I remember from childhood - like family vacations to the beach, the local roller rink, walking my dog around the block over and over and over again because I wasn't allowed to cross the street yet.... But, I figured I would keep this loosely related to the general theme of my blog, which is making things. So, here it is....

Every year, as soon as school let out and summer began, my mother would take my sister and I to the closest craft store which happened to be the Rag Shop in Bergenfield (may you rest in peace) where we would stock up on craft supplies for the summer. Then we would haul them all to the town pool every day where we would sit with our friends and craft during the adult swims or on days when we just didn't feel like swimming (I know, I know, hard to believe, but sometimes we did get tired of swimming all day long every day for three months). Each summer it was something different and as we got older our crafts got more and more sophisticated and sometimes, the craft of the summer would be picked up during the following school year once homework was completed.

Here I will list for you the evolution of Made By Melissa - it all started with embroidery floss friendship bracelets. First they were just braids, then I learned how to knot them and I got some pretty fancy bracelets. Then we ran out of room on our wrists and they became anklets and keychains. Even my dad had an anklet!!

A couple of summers later I discovered beads!! I mostly made bracelets and anklets and soon I learned how to weave seed beads into flowers. Too bad I forgot how, I must try to jog the old memory!



Then we picked up crocheting! Now, sitting in the sun under an umbrella by the side of the pool crocheting blankets wasn't exactly the smartest thing in the world. So, my friend's mom taught us how to make granny squares. What a fabulous invention!!



And there you have it!

Happy Crafting!!
~Melissa~

EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale!

Visit these EtsyBloggers shops from Wednesday 8/13 thru Sunday 8/17 and celebrate our team's 1st Anniversary with us!!

We are the official street team for those who love to blog abut their craft, the creative process, and other Etsians! In the EtsyBloggers team you will find a global group of talented artists who offer a wide range of items which are handmade, vintage, and supplies.

http://madebymelissa.etsy.com
Buy any two items and get the 3rd half off! (Valid on all items except blankets, item of lowest price will be discounted)
Refund to be issued through PayPal, if paying by money order, convo first to confirm total price.
Buy any 4 items and get either 2 half price items or 1 free item!

http://www.abracapocus.etsy.com
Original Digital Illustrations, Photography and Note Cards
FREE SHIPPING

http://AKeepersJackpot.etsy.com
All items except custom orders:
Spend $10-19.99 save 10% on your order
Spend $20-29.99 save 20% on your order
Spend $30 or more save 30% on your order
Free domestic shipping (US) on all orders over $50
*If paying with PayPal, I will refund your savings after purchase.

http://aprettyrock.etsy.com
Handcrafted Limited Edition Jewelry
But One, Get One 1/2 half off (of equal or lesser value - no custom items, please)

http://aromaticbodyoils.etsy.com
20% off all orders

http://beadedtail.etsy.com
Jewelry for animal lovers!
10% off all items (excluding shipping) with code "Bloggers sale!"

http://bfbeads.etsy.com
Breastfeeding jewelry, necklaces & bracelets
Free priority mail shipping on orders over $25

http://CandyStickLane.etsy.com
See sale section for specials.
Free shipping on all orders

http://www.chicycreations.etsy.com
A free gift with all orders over $10.00 (before shipping)

http://colorfuldayz.etsy.com
25% Most Items
Pillows, Cases, Cards and other Fabric Goodies

http://cozy.etsy.com
I will refund 20% of purchase price to all sales from August 13th to August 17th.
(excluding shipping which is flat rate fee by Priority Mail no matter how large the order)

http://CraftyChefGraphics.etsy.com
250 free business cards with a pre-made or custom design package.

http://dizzydragonflies.etsy.com
Free shipping and an extra 10% refunded if you mention that you heard about the sale from etsy bloggers!!

http://donnapool.etsy.com
All Pocket Mirrors and Puzzle Ball Toys & Christmas Ornaments
50% off

http://www.dorsethillbeads.etsy.com
Unique handmade lampwork beads
FREE SHIPPING on all purchase...
Special SALE section with already Reduced Priced items

http://FaerieRebecca.etsy.com
Natural dolls and playthings
10% off items in sale section

http://FaerieWaldorf.etsy.com
Inspiration and supplies for the homeschooling family
Free shipping on all items

http://goldtonedesigns.etsy.com
Accessories, Luxury Lounge Travel Wraps
10% off all items with code Bloggers10%

http://homemadeoriginals.etsy.com
See special sale section in my shop

http://impawsibletoresist.etsy.com
See Sale section in my shop

http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com
Super cool baby and children's clothing...monster onesies, monster jeans, Ankle Biters...
FREE SHIPPING plus 10% OFF everything in our shop!!

http://julieantinucci.etsy.com
"Handmade Items for Everyday Use."
See My Special Sale Section.

http://LazyTcrochet.Etsy.com
Many items on SALE now, plus get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $40.00 or more.
(Custom orders not included.)

http://www.lieblingdesigns.etsy.com
jewelry
25% off in SALE section, free shipping on orders of $50 or more using promo code EB08 in notes to seller!

http://macaroniandglue.etsy.com
Take $2.00 off any boxed blank note or thank you card set!
See SALE sections in my shop for all the designs to choose from

http://mamasmagicstudio.etsy.com
"Fraternal earrings" and dragonfly suncatchers
Free priority mail shipping on orders over $25

http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com
Buy one Custom Name/Word Album, get $5 a second album.
Buy two Custom Name/Word Albums, get $15 off a third album.

http://miesmama.etsy.com
10% off everything in my shop, to be refunded through paypal.

http://www.pinetreedesigns.etsy.com
Hand Stitched Paper Art for You and Your Home
Free Shipping!

http://www.rockababyclothingco.etsy.com
Vintage inspired clothing for kids and their dolllies too
FREE SHIPPING

http://rockstash.etsy.com
Gemstones, beads and more!
Free Shipping on orders over $20

http://roseworksjewelry.etsy.com
Free Shipping and 10% off - jewelry.

http://scottieacres.etsy.com
10% off on all orders.
Discount will be refunded or you can convo to have price adjusted prior to checkout.

http://shellmitchell.etsy.com
cute fingerless gloves
free shipping!

http://spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com
Handcrafted soaps & toiletries, Crochet Bath Accessories, Soy Candles & More
Check out our sale section for reduced price items.

http://storybeader.etsy.com
Special EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale
Great jewelry and beaded items, ½ off regular price
Look in Section: Anniversary Sale

http://stormydesigns.etsy.com
FREE shipping on orders of $10 or more.
Your choice of a FREE pair of earrings with order of $20 or more.

http://sugarlovehoney.etsy.com
10% Off

http://thefabmissb.etsy.com
Free shipping on all greeting cards

http://thejumpoff.etsy.com
See sale section for specials
Free shipping on all orders

http://theophany.etsy.com
Original art, photography, hand painted bags, and more..
Free shipping during sale!

http://ToteNTots.etsy.com
Free domestic and international (Australia, Canada, Europe) shipping on orders $40.00 and more.

http://TulipsTreasureBox.etsy.com
See my EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale Section
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5508373§ion_id=5417430

http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com
Free shipping on all items
Specializing in all things zany for babies including: blankets, bibs, stuffies and clothes.

http://weeoneslittlethings.etsy.com
Boutique Baby Essentials, Blankets and Baby Carriers
Buy one item, get the 2nd of equal or lesser value for 50% off!!!!

http://wylesstyle.etsy.com
See special sale section in my shop
I have an assortment of items on sale, including purses, totes, wristlets and clutches.

That's 40+ shops having a SALE!

Something Extra Special

As you, my loyal blog readers recall from this post back in March, I dabble in amigurimi every now and then when I feel like counting stitches. I made two sweet bunnies at Easter time - one for my little guy and one for my 5 year old cousin.



Sadly, we never saw them at Easter time and even though we saw each other since then, I kept forgetting her Easter present. We saw everyone this past weekend as we were helping them move. My sweet little cousin was feeling a little sad about the move and the stress mom and dad were feeling was obviously rubbing off on her. When everyone took a break for lunch, I happily announced that I had her Easter gift with me and presented her with her very own diva bunny. Here is my best recollection of the conversation.

Her Mom: Oh wow, Melissa did you make that?
Me: Why, yes I did!
Her: You made this?!? *whispers to mom* no one ever MADE me a stuffed animal before.
Her Mom: I know, isn't it pretty?
Her: Yes, its extra special.

Wow! That's the best compliment ever! My diva bunny is extra special, I couldn't ask for a better reception for her. She proceeded to carry the bunny around all day, giving it hugs and having it give me hugs. There's nothing better than a hug from a stuffed animal when the sweetest little girl is behind it! I believe the timing on this was the best, she got a little something made specially for her at a time when things are kinda crazy and stressful. Watching her play with diva bunny made my day!

On an unrelated note, please keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming sale! Its the EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale! *5 DAYS ONLY* Starting Wednesday 8/13 and ending Sunday 8/17. Buy any two items from my shop and get a third one half off!! (Half price item is the lowest price item. Valid on all items except blankets. Item refund via PayPal) Check back here on Wednesday for details on how to find other participating shops!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

EtsyBlogger Featured Member - Tulips Treasure Box

This month's featured EtsyBlogger is Lily from Tulips Treasure Box! Lily has some really amazing jewelry in her shop, but in my opinion, the most amazing of all are her handmade Peyote beaded bracelets. Just look at how intricate and delicate they are!




Visit Lily's Etsy shop here and her blog here. And don't forget to visit the Etsybloggers site!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

I've Been Featured By AlexLadyDesigns!

Check me out! AlexLadyDesigns featured me on her blog!!
http://alexladydesigns.blogspot.com/2008/07/featuring-madebymelissa.html