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!

Handmade Shower Favors

One of my best friends is getting married this weekend! YAY!! Her shower was a couple of weeks ago and she asked me to be in charge of the favors. I happily accepted the task and tried to think of something that would be unique and useful. I browsed through the shops of some of my EtsyNJ friends and came across this listing by Dragon's Den. Amanda is awesome to work with and her list of scents is amazing. I knew I needed the soaps to be orange, I just needed to select a scent that matched the color, I finally settled on a scent called summer kisses and ordered 60 soaps plus layered votive candles for game prizes.

Now, my friend asked me to make something for the favors, so what could I made that goes with handmade soaps? Hrm... I know, washcloths!! It took 4 one pound cones of white cotton yarn and about 2 months of nonstop crocheting, but I did it! 60 washcloths, all hand crocheted by yours truly! I have a photo somewhere of the piles of all 60 washcloths, just in case you were curious what that many washcloths looks like. I'll look for it and post it later on.

Here is the photo of the finished product arranged on a table at the shower


And a closeup shot:

(Photos courtesy of Scott Evans Photography)

The favors were a big hit! People were commenting on how they couldn't believe that they were 100% handmade and how they were so pretty and useful. Two thumbs up for Dragon's Den and Made By Melissa!!

Team Tuesday - Pomgegranate Vanilla Soap!!

It's really no secret that I LOVE handmade bath and body products, its also fairly obvious that the EtsyNJ street team is loaded with great B&B artists. So, let me show you a delicious (although not edible) creation from sublimedragonfly!

Pomegranate Vanilla Soap - just look at those layers!


Once you are done drooling over this delicious soap, check out the other entries in this week's Team Tuesday! If you'd like to join in on the fun, just choose your favorite EtsyNJ seller or item and write about them! It's that easy! :)

Team Tuesday - Dragon's Den

Welcome to the fourth edition of the EtsyNJ Team Tuesday blog hop!! This week, I would like to introduce you to the Dragon's Den! The Dragon's Den features handmade candles, lotions, soaps and lip balms in both traditional and unique scents.

I recently purchased a set of 3 creamy lip balms from Dragon's Den and I love them! They are creamy and moisturizing and make your lips feel soft for hours (even after eating). My favorite is the creamy coconut and I can't wait to try the chocolate!!


Please check out the EtsyNJ Team Tuesday blog hop below to learn about more great EtsyNJ shops!

Giveaways!!

I was surfing about today and came across http://twitter.com/etsygiveaways, they compile a list of blogs hosting giveaways for handmade goodies. Here are a few good ones for today:

Hosted by Insanity & Bliss
Prize from So Stinking Sweet (soaps!!)
Link: http://www.kimnfam.com/2010/02/valentines-day-giveaway-full-of-hugs.html

Hosted by Wee Share
Prize from Cinnamon Toast Designs (baby/toddler washcloths)
Link: http://weeshare.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-giveaway-cinnamon-toast.html

Hosted by women-prenuers galore
Prize from Pink Parchment Soap
Link: http://women-prenuergalore.blogspot.com/2010/01/feature-with-trish-herndon-from-pink.html

Hosted by Healthy Dog=Happy Dog
Prize from Healthy Dog=Happy Dog (doggy treats!!)
Link: http://healthydog-happydog.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaways-contests.html

Hosted by Much More Than Mommy
Prize from Barefoot Bath & Body (soap!)
Link: http://www.baptistness.com/2010/02/my-high-maintenance-giveaway.html

Good luck!!
~Melissa

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - EtsyBloggers Style

Woo-hoo! Christmas is just four days away! Santa and his elves are putting the finishing touches on the gifts and wrapping them up, the reindeer are getting ready to fly! The excitement is in the air. The EtsyBloggers have some awesome Santa Claus items to get you in the holiday spirit!

Retro Santa Claus Pom Pom Ornament by AForestFrolic


Candy Cane Elf Hat with Holly Berries and Bells by RagamuffinDesign


Santa Claus Goat Milk Handmade Soap by Sweet Sally Soaps


Santa Claus Is Coming To Town -- Sassy Vintage-Inspired Christmas Cards by macaroniandglue


Merry Christmas!
~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~

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