Grow Your Business with Social Media

Hi lovelies!

Wanted to share an exclusive event my EtsyMoms team is hosting over on our team blog. It's a 4-week blog series on Social Network Strategies for Building Your Business, from the perspective of mommies like you and I. We've invited some hugely successful women, both on-Etsy and off to talk about how they use the Etsy Forums, Facebook and Twitter to build community recognition of their brand. Our guest bloggers will cover a new topic each Wednesday. Whether you've been on these networks for awhile or are wanting to test them out, you'll surely find some nuggets of wisdom for your use! Follow the EtsyMom blog to stay up-dated: http://www.etsymom.com/.

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 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.

EtsyMom Monday ~ Show Some Love

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As part of my Handmade Baby Shower Series, I've highlighted some of my favorite EtsyMom gift ideas for baby as well as
expectant parents.

This week I found some wonderful ways to thank the shower guests for participating!

Moddiapercakes has a cute twist on the diaper cake idea with
these chocolate and blue "cupcakes".

If you're just looking for packaging, try ShabbyNChic's assortment of
handmade patterned paper boxes to hold your treats!

Your guests are sure to "oooh" and "ahhh" over these
gorgeous glass tile pendants by laktjohnson. She has several styles to choose from and
offers a "buy 3, get one free" special on some.

Or give your guests one of these
jumbo clips by kuteklipboardsbyamy to hold baby's photo!

And sweetdreamsboutique has something special for the sweet tooth! Send guests off with some of these gourmet cookie bites available in flavors like Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon and many more!

Etsymom Monday ~ Name that Baby!

ONE more week until the big baby shower I'm co-planning!

For my three-week Handmade Baby Shower Series,

I'm sharing not only what I'm creating for the event

but also the best baby boy accessories

Etsymoms are offering this spring.

What a special touch personalization can add!

This week's finds can all be designed with your child's name in mind.



These wonderful wooden letters just speak to me!

KissMeKatie will handpaint these custom 8-inch letters

to adorn your child's walls.

Letters grow with child and can help with name recognition as they mature!

Let sobrightdesigns create a matching monogram pillow for the

little man's room decor from one of several designer fabrics.

These 8 Letter Iron-On Decals from alphabulous

can be used in a variety of ways to personalize

baby boy's room! Need help getting started?

Search 'alphabulous' on photobucket for project ideas.

The briliant blue buttons really pop against the chocolate fabric

on this personalized pillow by letterperfectdesigns.

Hang girlfriendstx's wall hooks at just the right height and as

baby gets older he can hang up his own jackets!

Etsymom Monday ~ Splash of Spring Color

It's EtSyMoM MoNdAy! This week we're taking a peek at

what the lovely mamas have created for SPRING...

who needs CaNdY when you have

all this SWEETNESS!

Poetically Speaking

I was inspired to write a little poetry today! In honor of National Poetry Month, an awesome Etsymom, Daisycreekdesigns, posted the weekly promo theme asking us to promote other Etsymoms with a poem. I got such a kick out of it I decided to post my promo here!!! Alright, my poetry might not be that great, but these shops sure are!

Take time to enjoy the morning sun

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=23098358&ga_search_query=etsymom+and+sun&ga_search_type=tag_title_description&ga_page=&min=&max=&order=

Laugh out loud, it's great fun

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_14&listing_id=23349371&ga_search_query=etsymom+and+laugh&ga_search_type=tag_title_description&ga_page=&min=&max=&order=

Treasure your days, one by one

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=21669188&ga_search_query=etsymom+and+treasure&ga_search_type=tag_title_description&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=

EtsyMom SUPERGIVEAWAY is coming!

The EtsyMoms Street Team is prepping for the holidays by taking the time-honored tradition of gift-giving to another level! Riding the wave of unity, harmony and excitement inspired by the Etsymom Trunk Show in September, our team tossed around a few ideas about our next team event. A little idea of having a giveaway, where Moms would donate an item to be given away each day of November on our blog has morphed into a SUPER GIVEAWAY!! When the call for volunteers went out we had an overwhelming response of over 60 shops willing to donate a $10.00 in value item to this cause. Two winners will be randomly chosen everyday to receive one of over 50 prizes. Donations will range from an assortment of hand embroidery, vintage finds, hair clippies, baby accessories, paper crafts, earthenware pottery and more. Perfect for gift-giving! There is a little bit of everything, so whether you like trendy, shabby chic, traditional or retro styles, you're sure to find something! Don't miss this ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA. Visit us here beginning tomorrow, November 1st for contest rules and deadlines!

Etsymom Giveaway during November

The EtsyMoms Supergiveaway is coming! All I can tell you right now is that there will be a month-long giveaway of over 50 prizes beginning November 1st!!! More details to follow soon!

Spotlight on Eco-Friendly Etsians!

As promised, here's the 1st in a series I'll be doing which will highlight the creative ways some of my NCTriangle and Etsymom Street Teams are making eco-friendly products by recycling, upcycling and using natural, biodegradable materials. Erin, of DinnerTimeChimes, always seems to keep her ideas fresh and innovative as shown here by her whimsical stationary set. She used envelopes from bills and creatively covered them with designs from magazines. The paper is made from recycled card stock. Aren't they fun? I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Speaking of fun, Mojo Trashion has designed this pocket-sized Mini Oreo Cardholder perfect for keeping important cards and a little cash on hand. Made from a recycled Mini Oreos package that's sandwiched between heavy duty vinyl and felt, it's super durable. It would also make a great gift!

And Donnapool makes us smile with these charming vintage multicultural button magnets. She used original images from a vintage magazine to create these one-of-a-kind magnets. They could be used as a cute way to show off your kids artwork, pin up important notes or a number of other possibilities!

FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 15, 2008

Father’s Day Trivia:

Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, hailing from Spokane , Washington is acknowledged for promoting the idea of Father’s Day as a holiday.

President Woodrow Wilson officially approved the idea of Father's Day in 1916.

The third Sunday of June is generally observed as Father's Day throughout the United States . In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation that Father's Day be observed on the third Sunday in June.

This is just a reminder for all you that haven’t purchased your Father’s Day cards and/or gifts. Father’s day is set aside to honor all fathers and father figures in our lives…. FATHERS ROCK!!!

Etsians Making a Difference

Members of the Etsymom and NC Triangle Street Teams pulled together to make the art show/silent auction a resounding success at the school of Cinnamon's daughter this past Wednesday, April 30th. The donations of these fabulous teams were auctioned off as part of a charity event to raise funds for the parent's council, which has used its resources to purchase items such as this outdoor group art easel, to enrich the children's educational experience.

The night began with a spaghetti dinner and slide show of the children in action throughout the school year. After dinner, guests were free to browse and bid on the silent auction donations as well as "ooo" and "ahhhh" over their children's art displayed throughout the school.

Thank you to the Etsians for contributing merchandise worth over $140.00 in retail value to this worthy cause. The beautiful "Bucket of Spring" bag was contributed by ReVamped Creations. Hair Bow Diva donated two gift certificates for an adorable customized magazine cover. Cinnamon & Spice Crafts provided two mini "Pillow Kids" and the "Sweet Baby Girl" frame.

Orange Cat Art provided the scenic notecards featuring wonderful images of North Carolina's Outer Banks coastline and lighthouses. Again, kudos to these Etsians for their appreciation of the importance of early childhood education!

Passion for Pink and Brown

Yummy pink and brown goodness!!!! All of these wonderful finds are brought to you by the incredibly talented and creative mommies of the Etsymom Street Team. I had a hard time choosing so looks like there will have to be a part II. Go on...take a closer look! Click the photo above to shop. Also visit us here: http://etsymom.com/ Happy Easter to all of the fabulous Etsymoms!

An Afternoon of Salt Dough Fun

A couple of weeks ago my 5-year old daughter and I had fun in the kitchen with one of my new favorite materials, salt dough. More and more I'm finding out what a multi-talented little artist she's becoming. Art classes here we come! The turtle is her creation. All I did for her was color the dough and here you have it. She's even asking me if she can sell her work, looks like we have another Etsian on the horizon! I made some bunnies, just in time for Easter and I have big plans for the rocking horse. I was just experimenting but I think it turned out well and will match the baby shower favor tins I made a while back. I had been baking the pieces but experimented with air drying for these figurines and it's fabulous. No more worrying about how long the pieces have been in the oven and overcooking them. Instead of the triple thick glaze I've been applying to pieces, I opted for a polyurethane finish on the turtle (other pieces are not sealed). A couple more coats and it will be lovely! Sculpting with salt dough makes for a great afternoon arts and crafts project for the wee ones (not to little because they'll eat the dough!). There are too many websites to count, but here's a fun one. Check out salt dough and creative hobbies in Provence: http://pateaselenprovence.free.fr/visiteuk.html

Best of Etsymom Auction

This is an Etsymom Promotional Auction starts March 3rd ~ half of the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House Charity, so you are bidding for a good cause! Etsymoms entered their best and favorite for spring, and you have a chance to win it all! Please visit EtsyMom.com for more information, and thank you for looking at our Etsymom Auction!
The Auction will take place on Mommyauctions.com in HappyHouseQuilts Shop

Rosie's Cozies has a cute toddler tote, cute bunny on the front
Happy House Quilts presents Threadabilities Craft kit, design and make your own spring flower clip!
Buttercup Corner has another craft kit, felt an egg and a chick to go inside! It's absolutely darling, and a perfect activity for the family.
Andrea Baker provides a fun library tote, with fun spring critters in pastels
Aebaby makes these *adorable* tag toys. This is a minky rabbit with colored ears. Really cute!
GreenBeanBoutique makes little fruit babies in various colors
Caelista sent this adorable fried egg catnip toy. Something for everyone in the family!
Peek-A-Boo Studios made little Suzy Zoo spring hair clips. Custom designed just for Etsymom!
NightOwlStudios contributed these adorable spring hair clips. Made from imported fabric, these are way cute! Love the hedge hog.
WylesStyle made this super cute egg pouch. Perfect for a teen's Easter, you know how hard they can be to buy for!
BeadedSocks makes cute doll diapers and... beaded socks! The doll diapers are a favorite among the toddlers, and they hold up to rough toddler play much better than disposable dipes.
Sassy Stitches made this totally cool clutch! Fun 3D flower on the front. Perfect for mom for Easter!
Mommy3Jesse put together this beautiful diaper cake! How fun would this be at a baby shower? A useful gift that is guaranteed *not* to be returned to the store for sure!
AllGrownUp2 made this sweet spring charm bracelet. Bunnies, eggs, and chicks!
Minefull made this cute pendant featuring a cute little chick! Nice and simple, classy moms would love to wear this this spring.
Thumbelina Creations made an amazing pendant with lampwork beads, buttons, and wrapped wire. Be sure to check this out in more detail (click her name) to see it 'up close'.
Mellberry4 made this beautiful pendant, reflecting Easter.

Cinnamon and Spice, Inspiration from a Budding Artist

Funny how you never know where your inspiration will come from! I was decluttering the other day and came across this beautiful piece my daughter did when she was three! I don't have to say much, I think the picture speaks for itself. So, after looking at her work and Spice suggesting I try incorporating fabric into my scrapbooks, I designed one of our newest scrapbooks: "Sugar & Spice". Pictures of this paper album bag to follow...

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

I love discovering new, creative ways to craft with paper. I also wanted to make some really cute but stylish baby boy shower favors. You can fill them with your favorite sweets or leave them empty. Later on they make great craft storage or containers for small home or office supplies like pushpins or safety pins. Decorative details on these tins include embossed baby blue scrapbook paper, chocolate brown satin ribbon and a precious pale blue or green paper rocking horse on the lid.

Tins come in sets of 12 and measure 2 in. diameter x 7/8 in. high each. Candy is not included.

Available on Etsy starting February 23rd.