Come Blog Hop With the EtsyMom Team!

Check out all of the fabulous holiday-themed projects, gift ideas, and more from our wonderful EtsyMom Blog Hop Contributors from around the world!!

www.crazyadorable.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop-giveaway-with-ornament.html

http://signature-sterling.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://allyouneeddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop-with-etsymom-street.html
http://tctliebel.typepad.com/life_as_we_live_it/2010/12/its-a-holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://rikrakstudio.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop-sweet-salt-dough.html
http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsy-mom-holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://camelotstreasures.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-holly-day-blog-hop.html
http://homemadebyamanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-hop-holiday-inspiration.html
http://annavirginiafashion.blogspot.com/2010/12/piggy-peeps-baby-shoes-pattern-holly.html
http://mylavenderave.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-days-blog-hop-delicious-fudge.html
http://babyjives.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-silhouette-ornament.html
www.babyswank.blogspot.com/
http://babysindulgencebyjocelyn.blogspot.com/2010/12/rocky-road-fudge.html
http://handmadewhimzy.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-blog-hop-from-etsymom-team.html
http://katekatenyc.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-blog-hop.html

http://caramagic.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsymom-holly-day-blog-hop-pleated.html
http://onlyterrastreasures.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-make-your-own-chinese-takeout.html
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-do-some-holly-day-hopping.html
http://quirefly.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-day-fun-cranberry-pudding-with.html
http://cinnamonspicecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/come-blog-hop-with-etsymom-team.html
http://handprintlady.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-tutorial-gift-from.html

Here's how it works:
1. Hop through each of the blogs listed above to get fabulous holiday inspiration and leave a comment. If you are starting at a blog in the middle of the Hop, start back at the EtsyMom Blog. You may have to scroll down a bit on the blogs to find the Blog Hop posts as the week progresses.
2. Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
3. Enter to win our giveaway by doing any of the following. For each thing you do, you will be entered into the drawing one more time:

~Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
~Leave a comment on the Holly Day Blog Hop posts for any of the blogs listed above between Dec 5 and Dec 11, 2010.
~Join the EtsyMom Blog email list (fill out the form in the right hand column).
~Become a follower of the EtsyMom Blog! Just click the "Follow" button in the lower right column.
~"Like" the EtsyMom Facebook Page.

Share about this Blog Hop on your own blog, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on Facebook, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on a message board or forum, posting a link to this page.

To let us know you've done these things, please come back to the EtsyMom Blog post and leave a comment for each thing you did.
Sorry - you cannot enter the giveaway here on my blog.

On December 11, 2010 we'll choose a winner using the Random Integer Generator from random.org. The winner will receive this super sweet gift basket full of handmade holiday goodies, including:

a pair of Turquoise Earrings from
http://www.stoneymistdesign.etsy.com/

a greeting card from
http://www.homemadebyamanda.etsy.com/

a lampwork bead bracelet by
http://handmadewhimzy.etsy.com/

sterling silver and Swarovski pearl/crystal holiday earrings by

http://www.etsy.com/shop/signaturesterling

a cream colored cotton scarf given by
http://www.zoegirldesigns.etsy.com/

a raincloud ornament from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyjives

a matching splat mat and baby bib from
http://www.babysindulgence.etsy.com/

two pair of earrings from
http://quirefly.etsy.com/

a gift pack of over 30 pages of vintage paper ephemera by
http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage

a lovely sustainable stocking from
http://www.rikrak.etsy.com/

a set of holly jolly gift tags from
http://cinnamonspice.etsy.com/

a set of toddler pajamas in a style of the winner's choice from
http://heatheregley.etsy.com/

a $15 gift certificate from
http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com/

A gift certificate from
http://babyswank.etsy.com/

A Custom copper heart necklace from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ct2designs

Today I'm sharing one of our favorite holiday recipes: yummy Peppermint bark.

We love adding a handmade touch to all our gifts, and this is one of our favorite holiday goodies to make:yummy Peppermint Bark. Preparing the Peppermint Bark is something fun the whole family can do. It's quick and easy and keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. We bought pretty glass canisters from the local craft store and added a holiday label to give as gifts to our friends. Below is the recipe for the Peppermint bark with a few modifications:

Makes about 2 1/2 pounds


2 12 oz. bags of Nestle's premium white chocolate morsels


12 large candy canes


1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil (you can find at local craft store)


1. Line an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
















2. Follow instructions on package for melting chocolate. (I was able to pour both bags into a pyrex dish and heat for 2 minutes at 70%; stir and heat for an additional 10 seconds at 70%.


3. While the chocolate is melting, with a chef's knife or kitchen mallet, cut or pound candy into 1/4-inch pieces. I recommend putting the unwrapped candy canes into a plastic bag and placing it onto foil to contain the mess!







4. Stir candy and peppermint oil into the melted choclate. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet; spread evenly with an offset spatula. Refrigerate until firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Break into pieces before packaging (or serving). Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

And now, hop on over to the next blog for more wonderful inspiration, the HandPrint Lady's Blog!

EtsyMom Blog Hop Starts Sunday Dec 5th

Pssst...did you know EtsyMoms are having a Blog Hop? From Dec 5-11, over 20 of our team members will share their own brand of holiday inspiration in the form of a recipe, a tutorial, or some type of handmade goodness on their personal blogs and here. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get around to all the blogs to see what our EtsyMoms are creating for the holidays! Check back often for more details to come! And you don't think we'd leave you without some blog candy, do you? Check back here tomorrow to find out all the HANDMADE
GOODIES one lucky winner will receive!

EtsyMom Street Team: Team-wide Black Friday Sale - A Sneak Preview

EtsyMoms are opening the season with a Black Friday sale from November 26th through November 29th. Avoid the crowds and shop handmade! Over 90 shops will be offering fabulous deals on their handcrafted wares. You'll find a little of everything from eco friendly + modern felt stockings, boutique-style children's clothing, cute Japanese handmade fabric button accessories, Twilight inspired jewelry, photography, handstamped cards, stationary, holiday decor, and more! To shop the sale on Etsy.com, search "EtsyMomSale."

Here's a sneak peek at some of the participating shops!
lavenderave.etsy.com * petitetuques.etsy.com * mimimarie573.etsy.com * AngelLeighDesigns.etsy.com * louloututu.etsy.com * countrychiccottage.etsy.com * sykin.etsy.com * nwwonders.etsy.com * zoegirldesigns.etsy.com * allyouneeddesigns.etsy.com * guzanito.etsy.com * yjennings.etsy.com * LauraElainedesigns.etsy.com * miatortilla.etsy.com * PinkStripe.etsy.com * thelittleredwagon.etsy.com * anhoki.etsy.com * RockefellerJewelry.etsy.com * PeriwinkleJazz.etsy.com * ninabonita.etsy.com * monstermeng.etsy.com * woodenhive.etsy.com * meeabee.etsy.com * silverrosedesigns.etsy.com * http://www.rikrak.etsy.com/ * bellerosedesigns.etsy.com * twistedribbonsbows.etsy.com * lisamicheleproducts.etsy.com * twolovebugs.etsy.com * stoneymistdesign.etsy.com * camelotstreasures.etsy.com * cr8something.etsy.com * scperkins.etsy.com * kitkatcreationsinc.etsy.com * homemadebyamanda.etsy.com * shopannavirginia.etsy.com * twosugarpeas.etsy.com * acheekymonkey.etsy.com * sreneedesigns.etsy.com * anasbabycouture.etsy.com * monkeypoddesign.etsy.com * loveyoumoredesigns.etsy.com * Terrbear37.etsy.com * momscrafts4u.etsy.com * boutiquelittlepeople.etsy.com * theavidbeader.etsy.com * etsy.com/shop/USCGwife *babyjives.etsy.com * http://www.babyswank.etsy.com%20/* natortiz23.etsy.com * nume.etsy.com * www.etsy.com/shop/NewCreatioNZ * oceanbelle13.etsy.com * OrchidLaneDesigns.etsy.com * lifesoapsimple.etsy.com * peaceloveandkids.etsy.com * beyondwords12.etsy.com * TamsyTrends.etsy.com * nellaboos.etsy.com * babysindulgence.etsy.com * DaisyandLilly.etsy.com * DYEnamite.etsy.com * rockpapertekla.etsy.com * MommysDream.etsy.com * addybscakes.etsy.com * LoisAndLinnea.etsy.com * shoprhubarb.etsy.com * elizabeth71080.etsy.com * starknits.etsy.com * elisaann.etsy.com * feltedkitten.etsy.com * 2sproutsandalilvoice.etsy.com * HandmadeWhimzy.etsy.com * lilprincessbow.etsy.com * cinnamonspice.etsy.com * katekatenyc.etsy.com * lilybugboutique.etsy.com

Why I Love What I Do...................

I enjoy creating;
but I absolutely LoVe making something for someone else to CHERISH...

You know how you receive that perfect gift and your eyes light up and
your heart feels warm and fuzzy

because someone cared enough to give you something that MEANS something special to you.

I recently received a request from a customer to make some type of scrapbook for her daughter's pen pal in the U.K.

First off, how SWEET that pen pals still exist! 2nd, even if I was up to my eyeballs in work I couldn't turn down this request because it was from the HeArT!

So, here's what I created and the customer was so tickled with it she ordered another for her daughter.


That's why I do what I do!

Fall into Autumn Giveaway!

Dear Scrappy Friends,

I know it's been quiet around here lately but I'm back with a fabulous
Fall into Autumn GIVEAWAY!

To win this lovely (handmade of course) hanging acrylic photo frame, simply visit my Facebook page here and leave a comment telling me what your favorite thing about fall is. Comments will close tomorrow night, 2 Nov. at 11 pm eastern standard time and the winner will be announced Tuesday morning.

I know the kids and I enjoy going to the PuMpKin PaTcH and getting the house all dolled up,

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Dear Daughter, Please Stay on Task!

I don't know about your little one,

but when mine is supposed to be getting ready for school in the morning,

I just might walk in her room and find her lying on her bed reading!

Since she is so easily distracted I decided to hang an

old chalkboard in her room where we could write a to-do list.

Last year this helped tremendously!!

This year, I came across a cute little digital stamp by Digi Stamp Characters which reminded me of my little Blueberry Sprite, so I decided to update the board. It was also perfect timing for a "Back to School" challenge on the MPTS forum. Here's how she turned out! Hope you like her.

Love how the Bazzill Swiss Dot Cardstock gave the perfect "texture" for her hair! The ID tag was attached to a box of chipboard letters I bought a few years ago (that's why I never throw anything away; I never know when I might need it!). I've been trying my hand at handmade flowers; these seemed perfect for this project.

And my dear daughter requested the sequined butterfly; it matches the lampshade in her room. I got the mini clipboard as a freebie a while back.

Thanks for taking a peek!

More Paper Than Shoes Mid-Week Challenge

I am lovin the MPTS forum; it is truly a dream come true!

There are so many challenges, one can always find something to SpArK your creativity.

I saw this month's mid-week challenge colors and thought of a layout I've been working on for a custom 20-page album.

The challenge motivated me to finish it off...so here is... "Adorable".

So scrappy people, what are you waiting for??? Get on over to our forum. Can't wait to see what you're working with for our next challenge!

Welcome Baby Miles!

I know, I have been MIA!

Now that school is back in session, I have resumed my duties as
official shuttle bus driver for the kiddos

but I am slowly transitioning to squeezing in a few minutes of work
here and there throughout the day!

Wanted to share my latest custom order, an acrylic scrapbook.
I have had this cute little scalloped edge number just waiting to be dolled up!

and finally had the perfect chance when a friend needed a baby shower gift. You know I love creating all things "baby" and sweet, so this is to welcome little Miles!

I loaded the pages up with bling (in brown of course) and cut the page titles from upcycled chipboard (from a pack of rub ons) and added white stickles. I used stickles to embellish the album pages themselves as well.

Rub on graphics, like these glittery ones are the perfect accent for acrylic albums because they show through on the other side!

Introducing...ME!

Happy Saturday!

Wanted to share what I made for the latest altered art creative team challenge on More Paper Than Shoes (MPTS). Each team member had to create a piece that best represents our style and personality. Well, if you've been following my blog for any amount of time you know that I have quite the eclectic tastes; a little bit shabby, a little bit chic, vintage mixed with the new, so it was really challenging for me to pick a style. I decided to make something for ME, which is long overdue...something I could hang in my craft room. And to let people see aspects of my personality that they don't normally see...


Bet you didn't know that I love to travel and Asia is one my absolute favorite places!! Believe it or not, my degree is actually in East Asian Languages and Cultures! So, I included lots of memorabilia that I picked up from my travels. I love all things cute and sweet, so I made the Japanese paperdoll from a framed art piece.


A page from a Japanese travel guide is tucked inside a sheer envelope from my Japanese stationary collection, and it is layered over a Chinese postcard and a Korean bill. I layered these over a vintage-feel sheet music because I grew up playing classical music. I included this postcard because babies are my favorite subjects to scrapbook. The board is topped off by a set of pretty red chopsticks. The board is protected by an acrylic seal. This was so much fun you just might be seeing more Asian-inspired crafts from me!

Heaven Sent!

Isn't she lovely? This little cutie is the subject of the custom order I'm finishing.
She's my son Baby Hulk's bestie, GRACE,
and I have the pleasure of doing her 1st year scrapbook album.

Being a die hard mini album lover, a 20-page 12 x 12 album
is challenging and at times nerve-wracking.

But oh, the Pure Joy when a layout comes together is like no other!

I've been experimenting with making my own flowers, these are just the paper version of the rolled fabric flowers accented with pearls. I'm tickled with how the Maya Road scalloped edge envelope turned out. Let me know what you think of my sneak peek!

Back to School with a Giveaway

Hey there! My mini lunchbox notes/mini notecards were so well received I decided to give away a set on my Facebook page.

A couple of years ago I started leaving notes in my kids' lunch

and they loved it!

I think it helped them

feel like I was thinking of them even though we're apart.

Of course these mini notecards can be used for just about anything, gift tags, thank you notes, gift for the teacher and on!

It's really easy to win; all you have to do is visit my page here and leave me a comment telling me which of these notecards you like best and what you would use them for.

That's it! Not asking anyone to jump through any hoops or put out a fire with their bare feet...lol! Have fun and happy crafting!

Back to Basics for Back to School

Is it that time already?

I don't know about you but I will miss the lazy summer days spent with

all 3 of my kiddos

as they return to the classroom.

Let yours return in style with these one-of-a-kind finds!

And the best part is these goodies are all handmade by EtsyMoms.

Your little one will be stylin' in this sweet little circle skirt from TwirlAway.

I love the details on this pair of handcut and hand-stitched apple hair accessories which are available as clips, brooch pins or magnets from Pammy Dawn.

For a personalized touch, try lillifeeboutique's

monogrammed apple swing top.

And I thought this handcrafted charm bracelet from Butterfly Gem
was just too clever and cute!

My First MPTS Challenge!

Now I can see why people say they love challenges...

and how easy it is to become addicted to them!

The July Challenge over on More Paper Than Shoes (MPTS) is

to create a tag using the following guidelines:

-vintage

-use a stamp somewhere on the tag

-make one of the images pop off from the tag

Sooooo...here's what I came up with!

Isn't she bright and cheery?

I decided to go retro with the
vintage children's illustration from Mable Lucie Attwell.

The girl pops off the page and I used my
"antique" typewriter font stamps for the words.

And the little posy is not fabric but ribbon!

There are several challenges going on at the forum, so if you love stretching your creativity, join us here.

I'm on a Design Team!!!!

I am doing the "Happy Dance" and I just had to share

the EXCITING NEWS
because you've all supported me with feedback, suggestions, love and more love!

Anna Fearer, fellow etsian and the guru behind

More Paper Than Shoes (MPTS) ,

contacted me last week
and asked if I'd join their brand spanking new forum!

I am so thrilled because I love the look and feel of the forum and it's an opportunity not only to share what I've learned through paper crafting and scrapbooking, but to also learn from some extremely talented artisans!

Each month, I'll be sharing tips on altered art techniques.

In addition to altered art, there are scrapbooking, card-making, paper-piecing, and mixed media teams;

AND

ChAlLeNgEs, member showcases,GiVeAwAyS, blog candy, and InTeRaCtIvE FuN.

So, what are you waiting for??? Join us here and show off your latest creations!

Find us on fb here.

EtsyMom Monday Cupcake Freak

Yeah!!! It's EtsyMom Monday!

I dedicate each Monday to all the fabulous EtsyMom creations I've found during the week so I can show off their often one-of-a-kind, beautiful and eco-friendly work and give you great gift ideas.

If you didn't already know it, I am a total Cupcake FREAK!!! For special occasions, I do cupcakes, not cake. Unless of course it's for hubby. I love lemon, chocolate, strawberry...

So this week's feature is, yes, you guessed it!

This Pretty at the Party Blank Notecard from HappyDayStudios makes me want a cupcake right now!

iecreations can dress up any cupcakewith these beautiful
Butterfly Bloomers Holders.

And Kute Klipboards by Amy always has a sweet clipboard to suit any occasion and her Cupcake Vintage Inspired Clipboard is no exception!

This Cutesy Cupcake Clip by Lexi Lou Design U Love
is such a sweet and creative use of ribbon!

Which cupcake is your fave???

For Dad with Love from the NCTriangle Team

Today is a special Father's Day feature
with great ideas if you're still looking for a one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift
for that special father in your life.

The talented Etsians residing in and around the NC Triangle area have just what you need:

What could be better for the golfer in your life than
these Golf Ball Soaps by KarensSoaps ?

Made with a gentle natural soap base, they are so realistic-looking it's hard to believe they're soap!

For the die-hard Blue Devil fans in your life,

this set of

4 Krzyzewskiville Cards from OrangeCatArt is perfect!

Oh my goodness, FancythatCookies has

tasty treats for your sweets!

These dark chocolate brownies, are filled with creamy chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts in each bite.

I love a chunky bracelet on my hubby and this Chainmaille Bracelet in Stainless Steel for Him from NewByzantiumDesigns is no exception!

This Byzantine Weave piece is fashioned out of heavy gauge, stainless steel,
square wire jump rings.


Shopping for a antique car aficionado? Then you'll love this

Vintage Car - 8x10 Original Fine Art Metallic Print Chevy Bel Air

from HopePhotoArt.
Happy Shopping!

EtsyMom Monday ~ For Dad with Love

Yeah!!! EtsyMom Mondays are back in full effect!

I dedicate each Monday to all the fabulous EtsyMom creations I've found during the week so I can show off their often one-of-a-kind, beautiful and eco-friendly work!

If you're still looking that Perfect Gift for that special father in your life,

the talented etsians who are also dedicated mommies have just what you need (Be sure to check ordering deadlines to ensure timely delivery):

With Father's Day right around the corner, this
Patchouli Natural Perfume by AquarianBath is perfect for your scent-wearing man! Don't the ingredients like high-quality, aged Patchouli essential oil and golden joboba oil, lightly tinted with cocoa powder sound divine?

Give a gift with a personalized touch; I love the manly look of this
Custom handstamped keychain by sugarsalt!

This Black Amber Musk Handmade Soap from peapodcrafts is a warm blend of black amber, clove and nutmeg, it's perfect for men and women alike, so if hubby doesn't like it then you can use it!

meandmatilda will have your man styling at the next formal affair with her Black Freestyle Bowtie in black Dupioni Silk.