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! :)

I Want It - Chocomint Soap

I love the combination of chocolate and mint and I also love handmade soaps, so, it's a pretty safe bet that I will love this Chocomint Soap by Spotted Cow Soaps!

"Cool and refreshing peppermint drowning in a pool of chocolate is exactly what this soap is all about."

Now that sounds fabulous!!!

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

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

For My Man

Let's be honest, it can be hard to find gifts on Etsy for the men in your life, the site is overloaded with jewelry, hair accessories and other girlyness (is that a word?). Anyway, I have found two absolutely perfect gifts from two fellow EtsyNJ shops that would make my husband quite happy.

Genuine Leather Belt in Beautiful Brown by HawkLeather because every man needs a nice belt (and because the dog chewed up his brown belt. What? It's not her fault, he shouldn't have left it on the floor overnight)


And Balm for Sore Muscles by urbbody because he always has sore muscles (perhaps from working out, but more likely from falling asleep on the couch)


What are you getting your guy for Christmas???