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~

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!

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!

I want it - Golden Citrine Fine Silver Earrings

I love New Hope Beading! I have a custom mother's peapod necklace and gorgeous freshwater pearl earrings from her shop. Now I'd love to add these Golden Citrine Fine Silver Earrings to my jewelry box!


After you check out the New Hope Beading's Etsy shop, hop on over to the Facebook fan page, and let her know that Made By Melissa sent you!

Halloween Fun

It's almost time for Halloween! This is the first year that my little guy "gets" it, so he picked out his own costume this year! My little man will be Batman, the main question is - will he actually wear the mask/hood? Time will tell...



There is still time to order some fun Halloween accessories from my shop, I have cute pendants and an adorable Halloween star baby blanket.


And wouldn't Abbie be an adorable Halloween surprise for the little ones (like my son) who don't eat candy?!?


Have a happy and safe Halloween!
~Melissa~

Gifts for You Treasury

I made a brand new treasury filled with great items from the EtsyNJ team that remind me of a special someone. Please check it out!

Get Ready for Summer!

The warmer weather is here and that means it's almost time for capri pants, shorts and swimwear! What goes with all of those things? ANKLETS!!!

Feeling beachy? Try a shelled anklet:


Feeling blue for someone? Check out this cute heart charm anklet:


Just want to have some fun? Check out this bright orange and hot pink anklet!


Click here for the anklets shop section!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

EtsyNJ Team Tuesday - Baublettes

It's Team Tuesday time again!! This week, I'd like to feature Beth from Baublettes. Beth's shop has a great mix of unique and funky jewelry and accessories with a vintage feel to them. My favorite from her shop is the Swanky Swank Bib Necklace:


I recently met Beth in person when she stopped by to visit me at my last craft show and she was wearing this necklace! It looks amazing and really pops. I noticed it, even though she still had her coat on. So, if you are looking for jewelry that stands out, definitely visit Baublettes by Beth!!

Please take a few moments to visit the other EtsyNJ blogs in the blog hop (see below), and if you'd like to participate in this blog hop, visit the EtsyNJ blog for all the details!

Item of the Week - Guardian Angel Bracelet

Good morning blogland! I apologize for not posting a featured item last week, my day job was hectic all week and my little guy was sick, so add them together and I had no free time for blogging or creating.

This week's featured item is an adorable guardian angel bracelet that I've made in various sizes over the years. I bought several fimo clay angel and heart beads and decided to pair them with red bicone plastic beads and oxidized metal spacers. This bracelet is great for any occasion - hearts for Valentine's Day, angels for inspiration and comfort - and it can be made to fit any wrist size from 5 inches up to 8 inches!!



Purchase this bracelet anytime between now and midnight on Sunday, February 7, 2010 and put "I believe in angels" in the notes to seller at check-out and you will receive a super cute surprise magnet. Please also include in the notes to seller if you would like the bracelet in a specific size, if you do not, I will select one for you.

Happy Shopping!!
~Melissa~

Ring in the New Year with a SALE!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! Was Santa generous? Did you get everything you asked for?

I'd like to ring in the new year with a SALE! From now until Midnight on January 1, 2010, get a FREE GIFT with every purchase from Made By Melissa. And, as an added bonus, get 10% off orders over $10 or more! And, just in case that isn't enough, FREE US SHIPPING on orders over $30 or more! Simply put Happy New Year in the notes to seller to receive your free gift and your discounts!



(10% off and free shipping given as refund via PayPal, or send a convo for a revised invoice or special listing)

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - EtsyNJ Style!

It's almost time! Almost the day that little kids spend all year waiting for. The big man is getting ready. That's right folks, Christmas is just 5 days away! Let's see some Santa Claus!

Broken china Santa pendant by Marjorie's Cracked Plate Jewelry


Snow Santa, 5x7 Fine Art Photograph by Brief Moments Photography


Ho Ho Ho Santa Card by AJK ARtistry


Christmas Eraser Necklace by The Tote Trove


Merry Christmas!
~Melissa~

Let's Talk Colors

The EtsyBloggers have asked an interesting question for this Blog Carnival. They ask "What are your favorite color combinations? What do you create using those colors?"

There are lots of colors that I like to work with, so I decided to look through my shop and see what I have the most of. There is a lot of red and a lot of black, but it could be bacause I have many Christmas and Halloween items lingering around in my shop. I also have a lot of blue, blue beaded jewelry, blue winter themed ornaments and blue toys, blankets and scarves. Blue is a fun color to work with because there are so many lovely shades.

This beaded snowflake ornament has royal blue and light blue glass beads:


Blue also compliments a lot of other colors - it can be patriotic, funky and soft.


So, you see, having the blues isn't really a bad thing!

Featured EtsyBlogger - CalKat

It's time for me to introduce you to the featured EtsyBlogger for the month of December. This month, things are a little different in that the Etsy shop is run by two people - Kathy and Carrie - CalKat!

The CalKat shop features one of a kind jewelry made with sterling silver, components, gemstones, semi-precious gemstones and Swarovski crystals.

Take a look at this Starfish Necklace:


Kathy and Carrie also have a blog and three more Etsy shops - Yoga Fairies, The Clay Shoppe, Ametista Artistic Offerings.

All four shops are offering free world wide shipping from now until the end of December. That's a deal that you won't want to miss out on!

~Melissa~

Thanksgiving Sale - LAST CHANCE!

The EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale ends tonight at midnight! Get a free gift with every purchase in my shop!

Your free gift could be a keychain, a ponytail holder, a pair of earrings, a pair of facial scrubbies or a washcloth! The bigger your purchase, the better your gift!


Take me home, please!

Visit the EtsyNJ blog and EtsyBloggers.com for more details and a list of participating shops!

Tis the Season to Accessorize!!

The holiday season is upon us and many are beginning their gift buying. Not feeling the Christmas cheer yet? Well, then you need a fun holiday themed accessory (or two or three...) to get you in the mood!!

Jingle Bells Beaded Necklace


Santa Claus Charm Earrings


Let It Snow Glass and Crystal Snowflake Bracelet


Also available are festive ornaments, scarves and plushies!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~


PS - Don't forget about the EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale and the EtsyBloggers Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale! I will be including a free gift with every purchase!

Thanksgiving Sale Starts Today!!!

The EtsyNJ and Made By Melissa Thanksgiving sale starts TODAY!! From today until midnight on Cyber Monday, November 30, get a free gift with every purchase, simply put "EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale" in the notes to seller.

There are over 50 shops participating in this year's event. There is so much to choose from, you can complete all your holiday shopping while comfortably sipping a cup of coffee or tea in your cozy slippers and pj's!

Search "EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale" at Etsy.com.

Reminder: Check each shop description for more details. Sale ends Monday 11/30 at midnight, unless otherwise specified by the individual shop owner. You must pay each shop individually, contact shop owner with any questions.

To browse participating shops by sales promotion, click on the following links:

Free Shipping

10% - 20 % off entire purchase (not including shipping)

Free gift with every purchase

BOGO - Buy One Get One Half Off

Let's Go Yankees!

I really just couldn't resist... I am a Yankee fan... I like to search for things on Etsy.... so.... Here's some of the awesome stuff I found!

NEW YORK YANKEES PILLOW by HowardAvenue


Yankees Magnet logo DIAMOND SHAPE by BackGlass


NEW YORK YANKEES COASTERS Hand-Carved Natural Slate by BlythHouseCreations


NY Yankees Scrabble Tile Pendant by PENDORA


These are all great ways to support your team and to support local independant crafters!

GO YANKS! :-)

I Want It - Don't Panic Pendant

I randomly like to type "42" into the search box in Etsy and see what happens. If you don't know, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. And, if you knew that already, then you know how perfect this necklace is!!

Don't Panic the Answer is 42 by LaPetiteFleur:



It says "Don't Panic" on the front and has the number 42 stamped on the back. How awesome is that?!?!



Now who is going to buy it for me???

Halloween BOGO Sale - Starts NOW!!!

Get ready for Halloween with my BOGO sale!! Buy any Halloween item and get the second Halloween item of equal or lesser value for 50% off! Most Halloween necklaces and all Halloween earrings are just $5 each! That means you can get two for just $7.50 plus shipping!



All purchases will ship the next business day after payment is recieved via USPS first class mail leaving plenty of time for them to get to you before Halloween!



(Refund will be given by PayPal. Send me a conversation in Etsy if you would prefer a revised invoice or listing)

Featured EtsyBlogger - Designs By Vanessa

The featured EtsyBlogger for the month of September is Designs By Vanessa! Vanessa's shop is stocked with unique jewelry and cards.

I love this swallow necklace:


I also like these cupcake note cards:


Once you are done shopping, be sure to stop by her blog as well!