Wordless Wednesday

Adventures in Potty Training!

Hello blog land! Its been quite a while since I posted something here and I feel terrible. Life has really gotten hectic! This weekend we started the wonderful process of hardcore potty training. That's right, after over a year of waiting for him to decide on his own to do it, I put my foot down and got the ball rolling. It wasn't pretty... 7 accidents, lots of threats, I even started taking toys away. We've had some success, but the little man decided that he wants to sit on the potty every ten minutes! Yes, every ten minutes... we went 7 times this morning before I dropped him off at daycare and I say we because he makes me sit in there with him. I'm going to need to get up half an hour earlier tomorrow!

Now, onto some crafty news! Saint Patrick's Day is almost here, so I decided to offer free shipping (US Only) on this cute shamrock necklace from now until midnight on St. Patrick's Day. Order soon to be sure you'll get it in time for the big day!


I'll need the luck of the Irish to get me through potty training!
~Melissa~

Twitter Hop Thursday

Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The King’s Court IV, Little Yaya’s, Kelly's Lucky You and Dear Crissy.

Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!
1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).
2. Click on the Twitter for the four hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.
3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they’ll know where to follow you!
Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you’ll see “Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code”. Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!
We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is Coupons Equal Cash! They will be in the #6 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.
Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!

Shop 'Til You Drop - TODAY!

Its time to Shop 'Til you Drop! Stop by TODAY and say hello!


"Shop 'Til You Drop" Holiday Extravaganza!
Hosted by the St. Francis Youth Group
Sunday, November 28 · 10:30am - 3:00pm
St. Francis Lower Church
110 Mt. Vernon Street
Ridgefield Park, NJ


Check out the event page on Facebook to RSVP!

Green for the Holidays!

Red seems to get all the attention during this time of year, but green is just as important (I'm not talking about cash here, folks, I'm talking about the color green). This one of a kind beaded necklace would make a great holiday accessory plus, you can wear it again on St. Patrick's Day and during the spring too!



Don't forget the matching bracelet! Get 15% off when you buy both!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want it - Lemongrass & Sage Soap

Look at this pretty lemongrass and sage soap by Sweet Sally's Soaps! The only thing better than a nice hot shower after a long day is a nice hot shower with pretty handmade soaps after a long day!!



PS: Check out Sweet Sally's Soaps on Twitter and Facebook!

Get ready to Shop 'Til You Drop!

Its time to start thinking about holiday shopping. And what better place to shop than a local craft fair?!? This will be my first and only show this season, so if you want to save cash on shipping, stop by and see my items in person. I will also be debuting a new product line! Curious? Well, you'll have to stop by and see what it is!


"Shop 'Til You Drop" Holiday Extravaganza!
Hosted by the St. Francis Youth Group
Sunday, November 28 · 10:30am - 3:00pm
St. Francis Lower Church
110 Mt. Vernon Street
Ridgefield Park, NJ


Check out the event page on Facebook to RSVP!

Trim the Tree with Fish?

Looking for an adorable and unique Christmas decoration? Well, look no further! Holly the Holiday Jellyfish will look simply stunning hanging from your Christmas tree this year!



Holly is versatile though and would look great hanging from your car's rear view mirror, a door knob on your dresser or pantry, hanging out next to the mistletoe or anywhere else you need a little holiday cuteness!

Don't want a Christmas themed jellyfish? Have no fear! I can create a custom jellyfish in any color of the rainbow! Just send me a convo in Etsy and let me know what you are looking for!

I Want it - Scorpio Charm Necklace

Feast your eyes on this awesome necklace by Dolphin Moon Creations!


Scorpio Zodiac Initial Charm Dangles Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace


I'll take mine with an M please!

Treasury Fun!

Its holiday shopping time! That means fun gift guide treasuries! My favorite person to shop for is my 3.5 yr old little man. Knowing what a little boy wants is very easy - but finding it among the dresses, flowers, hair bows, baby dolls and endless sea of pink can be quite challenging!

My little guy has been asking me to make him another turtle and a snake for quite some time now, so I better get hopping on it!

Of course, I will likely give it to him as soon as its done, since he loves to watch me make toys. Maybe I'll pick up a few things from my Gift Guide for Little Men treasury to save for Christmas morning!

I've also been included in two great treasuries
A gorgeous Pink & Black treasury by BBlonski Designs featuring my hot pink make-up remover pads


And a fun treasury featuring other great EtsyNJ artists by KIRWEN1004 which includes my adorable Mandy the Octopus!


Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

Super Family

Is your family super? Show it off with these fun buttons from The Angry Robot!

Super Dad:


Super Mom:


Super Kid:

Octopus Giveaway Winner

It's that time! Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway! I loved reading all of your comments. I selected a winner using the random number generator at Random.Org. The winner is lucky comment #19!

Congrats to Daph! Her comment: Abby the spunky rabbit needs a squishy hug!! I love all of your little animals sweeties!!!

Daph will be the proud new owner of an adorable octopus and a set of hand crocheted cotton washcloths.

Giveaway - Last Chance to Enter!

Have you entered my plush octopus giveaway? There are many ways to enter, you can get up to 13 entries! The giveaway closes at midnight tonight, so get your comments in now!!

Scarves for Special Olympics

Last year I found out about a great charity called Scarves for Special Olympics. Crafters all over the planet knit or crochet scarves and donate them to the athletes, coaches and family members that participate in the Special Olympics. Sadly, I found out too late to be able to participate. I am ready for this year!! The program has gotten so much attention and so much love that they have expanded and now there are several states participating in the program. New Jersey has requested 1,000 scarves for their participants!! I put in my pledge and already have two completed.



Want to learn more? Want to join in on the fun? Check out their website, Facebook Fan Page and Twitter

It's November!

November is here and the fall season is in full swing. November is my favorite month, the fact that my birthday is in November probably has a little to do with that! This necklace fits the feel of the month perfectly with its coffee and caramel colored beads paired with gorgeous glass topaz!



As a special deal for all of my blog readers, get free shipping on this necklace now through the end of November, just by putting "Happy November" in the notes to seller at checkout. I will refund the shipping cost via PayPal!

Wordless Wednesday

Check out the new Wordless Wednesday HQ!!

I Want It - Sky Blue Eco Headband

Ever since I cut my hair and had the brilliant idea of getting long side bangs, I've learned that I don't like my hair poking me in the eyes and falling in my face while I am working. What's the best way to avoid that? Headbands!! Check out this super cute and eco-friendly headband by Jaydemia:


If you like what you see in Jaydemia's shop, don't forget to check out her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter!

Wordless Wednesday

Plush Octopus Giveaway - Closed!

The giveaway has ended! Thanks to everyone who entered!

I've been debating doing a blog giveaway for the longest time, but couldn't decide what the prize would be. I love making plush animals and the animal that is the most fun to make is an octopus - they are cute and friendly and they have 8 legs! What could be more fun?!?

Anyway, this giveaway is for one blue plush octopus hand crocheted by me using 100% acrylic yarn and stuffed is hypoallergenic polyester filling. This little guy measures 4 inches tall with 4 inch long tentacles. His eyes and face are hand sewn making him absolutely adorable and safe for children of every age. I will also include a hand crocheted 100% cotton washcloth, dish cloth and pair of face scrubbers in surprise colors!



How can you win this fabulous prize? Simple! The first step is to visit my Etsy shop and come back here and leave a comment telling me which item is your favorite. (this step is mandatory)

Here are some optional things you can do for extra entries, each one gets you one entry and you must leave a separate comment for each one.

1) Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect
2) Heart my Etsy shop
3) Heart any item in my Etsy shop and include which item you've hearted in the comment
4) Follow me on Twitter
5) Like my Facebook page
6) Tweet about the giveaway and post a link to the tweet in the comment. (can be done daily)
Plush octopus #giveaway by @madebymelissa, get up to 13 entries! http://bit.ly/9W4GSJ, ends 11/7
7) Post a link to the giveaway on Facebook and tag my Facebook page.
8) Write about the giveaway in your blog, include a link to the blog post in your comment.

For an extra FIVE entries, make a purchase from my Etsy shop between now and midnight on November 7. Come back here and tell everyone what you bought! (note, you must leave 5 separate comments)

Contest ends on midnight, Monday, November 7. Please be sure that you include a way for me to contact you if you've won (email, Etsy shop, Twitter, etc). The winner will have 48 hours to reply and send me their mailing address. I will ship to anywhere in the world!

Just a note, comments need to be approved before they post publicly on the blog, I will be checking in daily to read and approve comments, just because you don't see it publish, it doesn't mean that it didn't go through!

Good luck!!