For My Grandma

My grandmother loved the fact that I am crafty and not only found a way to keep up with crafting while working my full time job and caring for my family but also managed to keep open an online shop and vend at multiple craft shows every year. My grandmother passed away early this year and as her birthday approaches, I think of things that I know she would love.

I always remember my grandmother wearing pearls, multiple strands of classic pearls. This necklace by Capital City Crafts would have been a perfect fit in her jewelry box!


I can picture these Gold Metal Dragonfly Magnets by merritthyde adorning her refigerator!


Brown and leopard print were two of her favorite colors, she would have loved this hobo tote bag from amarie.


I always remember my grandma being chilly, she would have a scarf or a shawl with her most of the time to ward off the shivers. This Bohemian Knit Shawl by Happiknits would have been the perfect accessory to keep her warm.


Happy birthday, Grandma! The heavens are rockin' today as you party with Grandpa and the rest of our family.

Meet them TODAY at Om Baby!

Read this blog post and then RUN, RUN, RUN to Om Baby Yoga Studio in Pt Pleasant, NJ. TODAY is the big day! We'll be there from noon to 5 PM and this is your chance to get gifts for each and every person on your list. Here are three more EtsyNJ shops who are waiting for you to visit us this afternoon.

Copabananas has a unique assortment of goodies in her shop. She has cute sock monkeys, adorable gLove dolls, upcycled totes and reusable lunch bags and so very much more. You simply have to take a look to see everything. Since I feel like I always feature her sock monkeys whenever I get the chance, today I am going to show you something that I just noticed in her shop - glasses cases! I love this one made with cute kawaii fabric:


Seahorse Designs has handknit scarves and fun, funky, wearable art & accessories. Her shop also spans the creative spectrum with items ranging from shawls to jewelry to lip balm cozies to stitch markers and more! I know someone who would love this Wizard of Oz crystal charm bracelet:


Max Scent Soy Candles is a new member of the EtsyNJ street team and she has soy candles in really unique containers! Who would have thought to put candles in wine glasses, vintage tea cups and even an old fashioned sundae cup! I can't decide which is prettier, the candle or the containter!



See you this afternoon!!
~Melissa~


EtsyNJ Presents Handmade @ Om Baby Craft Show!
Originally uploaded by madebymelissa

Get cozy for fall!

Fall is almost here!! I love fall, its my favorite time of year, the temperature is getting into a more comfortable range, the leaves are turning colors, craft stores have yarn on sale and all the best holidays (like my birthday) are coming up!

As the fall days get cooler, we all start thinking about keeping warm. Some, like myself, start thinking about that in July and August and start hooking up blankets, shawls and scarves. So, if you need some cozy new things this fall, I am more than happy to help you out!

I just finished this pretty pink, blue and white blanket. I've had these yarns in my statsh for quite some time. In fact, the rosy/pink yarn has been used in many projects - a pound of yarn truly does go a long way!! And the pink, blue and white variagated yarn has been calling out to me for some time, but I love it so much, I couldn't use it in just any old project. So, finally, they come together and make this soft and cozy lap blanket. Perfect for cuddling up with a good book, snoozing on the couch or for watching a movie with a bowl of popcorn!


I've been wanting to make a shawl for some time now and I had the perfect white yarn in my stash. I tried a really cool waffle pattern and I love the way it came out. This shawl is great for a sunset walk, a fancy dinner out or even to throw over your shoulders when you grab the mail or walk the dog!


The most important fall and winter accessory is a good warm scarf. I love making scarves and right now I am really having fun digging through my stash and putting together some really great scarves. This brand new navy blue scarf is classic and simple with some fun fringe!


And this colorful cotton scarf is so soft that you won't want to take it off!


This pretty glittery purple scarf is perfect for the little lady who wants to look fashionable while keeping warm:


Happy Shopping!
~Melissa~