Item of the Week - January 12, 2010

Well, here it is week two, and I am already behind on posting the item of the week! Forgive me, as I was a little distracted by my interview with Matt Pinfield from 101.9 WRXP. Anyway, the item of the week is this set of seven make-up remover pads.



Some info on the set:
This set of seven 100% cotton facial scrubbers/make-up remover pads measures just under 4 inches wide.

These are super soft and provide gentle exfoliation. They can be used with any type of soap or facial cleanser. Stop throwing money away on cotton balls! These guys are 100% machine washable and dryer safe.

And for the bonus - just put "seven days a week" in the notes to seller at checkout and I will refund you $1.00 via PayPal, that's 7 face scrubbers for just $4.50 plus shipping!

Make-up revmover pads can be made in any color and number, so please feel free to contact me via Etsy or via Facebook if you'd like a custom order. The same $1.00 discount will apply to all orders for 7 or more pads placed and paid for between now and midnight on Sunday, January 17.

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

I've Been Featured!

Thanks to Rose Works Jewelry's Treasury Blog for including my white make-up removers in their blog post "Featuring the Etsy Bloggers Team"
Rose Works Jewelry's Treasury Blog: Featuring the Etsy Bloggers Team

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!

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale!

All weekend long, I will be including a free gift with every purchase. Simply visit my shop, make a purchase and put "EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale" in the notes to seller.





Every blanket purchase will include a free pair of washcloths or set of 4 make-up remover pads!

Sale ends Monday, November 30 at midnight. Visit the EtsyNJ blog for a list of other participating shops.

A Pat on the Back!

The EtsyBloggers have an interesting question for this biweekly blog carnival. They ask the following:

What was your most successful sales event or product, and why do you think it was?

Hands down, my most successful sales event was my Earth Day sale from earlier this year. I offered free shipping on all eco-friendly items - washcloths, make-up remover pads, dishcloths and upcycled jewelry.



During that period, I sold several sets of white make-up remover pads. I'm not sure why white was so popular, but I really should get my butt to the store and get more white cotton yarn!!



I think the sale was popular for two reasons:
1) My washcloths/make-up pads/dishcloths are very reasonably priced, and in some cases, by offering free shipping, I cut the total price almost in half.



2) Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to eliminate waste, save money and keep their families healthy. My washcloths and make-up remover pads are machine washable and last a very, very long time (I am tempted to say that they will last forever, but I can't be 100% sure of that) and the dishcloths replace stinky sponges that can hold mold and bacteria. All of them are pretty and give the sense of luxury while still being good for the environment and helping to save money.

I was surprised at how well the sale went, up until that point, I had little success with sales. Will this be an annual event?? You'll have to keep reading my blog to find out! ;-)

Earth Day Sale!

Earth Day is April 22 - all dish cloths, wash cloths and eco friendly items will ship for FREE from now until April 22. Show your love for Mother Earth by reducing your waste and showing off how cool recycling can really be!

Washcloths, Dishcloths, Make-up Remover Pads:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=28859§ion_id=5165195



Don't see a color that matches your style? Shoot me an email or an Etsy conversation, custom orders placed before April 22 also ship for free.


Upcycled T-shirt bowl:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13851874



Upcycled Plastic Pendant:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22313597



Go Green!
~Melissa~

Extra Large Facial Pads!

A new item is available now in my Etsy shop - extra large facial pads/make-up removers. These guys are about an inch bigger than my regular pads and just as soft. This set is made with cheery yellow and white yarn.



As an added bonus, they are even big enough to use as dish cloths. So, with this set of three, you can keep one in the kitchen, one in the bathroom and have a spare to use until laundry day!

What? You said yellow isn't really your color? Have no fear! I'll make you a custom set! Simply send me a convo and let me know your color preferences and I'll make you a set that will compliment your home.

Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

One World One Heart Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED - WINNERS WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY!! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.



I discovered the One World One Heart Giveaway thanks to a fellow EtsyNJ member and decided it would be fun to participate. Its a way for bloggers around the world to connect and to possibly win some cool stuff along the way.

I am offering a sampler pack of my reuseable cotton crocheted cloths - it will include one washcloth, one dishcloth and two make-up removal pads. These are a great way to reduce the use of paper towels, sponges and cotton balls - saving you money and eliminating waste. Depending on the number of entries, I may give away two or three sampler sets.

The images below are not the actual items you'll receive (because I haven't made them yet) but they are fairly close to what you will get.


All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post and give me some way to contact you if you win (either your blog address, your email address, your website, Etsy shop, something). The winner (or winners) will be announced on Thursday, February 12 and will be contacted directly.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the other participants here - One Worls One Heart 2009 .

I love handmade!

I didn't realize how many handmade items I use everyday until recently. I get up every morning and use some nifty crocheted cotton face pads made by yours truly! After I get dtressed, I accessorize with a bracelet I made myself that has the birthstones of myself, my son and my hubby and I put on the super cool star earrings I bought from Capital City Crafts. I take care of my dry skin with some tasty vanilla bean hand lotion from Lollibomb and protect my lips from getting chapped with some equally tasty coconut lemongrass lip balm from You Stink Soap.

Then I grab the tote bag I got from Bugga Love aka ALaine Designs this past Christmas and I pack my son's bag for daycare, next I grab my totally awesome hooker tote bag from Trashed Clothing and pack my lunch.

Once everything is packed and everyone is dressed, I rummage through my bag from Tracy Joy and look for my car keys which are attached to a fabulous wristlet keychain from PurpleLicious.

I finally then scoop up my son and walk to the car. His sweet little neck and cheeks are protected from the stiff car seat straps by blue fleece protective covers from Handcrafted Baby Accessories by Georganne (bummer! I see that she's closed her shop! How sad!) and since its been so cold latey, I toss the blanket on his lap that I made for him when I was just barely pregnant.

And that sums up all the handmade items I use on a daily basis. Have you taken the handmade pledge yet??




Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~

Another Successful Trade on Etsy!!

As if you didn't already have enough reasons to love Etsy, here is one more - TRADING. I've had successful trades in the past with ScrapTrendz (I traded a pair of earrings for some cute botte cap pendants for my little cousin) and PurpleLicious (I traded some earrings and bracelets for some key fobs for Christmas gifts).

My most recent trade happened on a whim. Every Monday through Thursday I start the daily promotion thread on Etsy for the EtsyNJ team. Purseonality Bags posted a link to her gorgeous Hi Ho Cherry O Purse and I instantly fell in love with it. But, like many people, right now, funds are tight and I can't justify spending money on a new purse. So, I contacted her to see if she'd be interested in trading. I was totally prepared for a polite no, since two of the last two people I contacted said no and I also turned down a couple of trade offers myself. She said yes!! Woo-hoo! So, I got this purse:


For these washcloths, facial scrubbies and kitchen items:

And of course, she couldn't resist this adorable ladybug bracelet:


Purseonality Bags snatched up my entire inventory of crocheted washcloths and cleaning cloths, but have no fear, I am busy creating more and will have them listed as soon as my son allows me to take some photos after dinner. You see, he always tries to get in the shot... I'm not trying to sell him! Feel free to convo me if you are looking for something specific and I'll do my best to get it made for you!

So, if you are a seller and interested in trading, I would put a note in your profile or in your shop policies, since I tend to look there before I contact a seller to if they are interested. Also check out the Etsy Trade-a-holic Team’s blog for a list of trade friendly shops. Here are the guidelines they offer for a successful trade:
♥Don't be offended if someone isn't able to trade with you, it's okay - someone WILL need your stuff
♥Try to heart sellers & items as you go, show some love!
♥Shop
♥Have fun & see you in the stores
♥Remember to leave prompt feedback as a buyer & a seller!

If you would like to initiate a trade, be polite and offer an out, I usually say "Hi! I simply love your ________. I was wondering if you would be interested in trading for something from my shop. If not, I understand. Thanks for looking!" And remember, always be polite to someone who asks you for a trade. Even if you say no, they may still buy from you, but not of course, if you are rude to them.

If you are interested in trading with me, please keep in mind that I typically don't trade for anything that I can make myself, such as beaded jewelry or crocheted/knit items. I am not into scrapbooking and I don't know many people who would appreciate the crafts(wo)manship of handmade cards and I am not much into vintage items even though I do occasionally sell a few. I am interested in toys or clothes for my one year old boy, sturdy toys or treats for my 2 year old black lab/basset hound mix, crochet patterns, bath & body (not candles though), purses or totes, handspun worsted or bulky weight yarns, hair accessories for grown-ups, men's clothing, jewelry supplies and candy or baked goods (yum!).

Happy Trading!
~Melissa~