Christmas in July Sale!

Hello, all my fantastic readers!  My new Pattern by Etsy shop is having a Christmas in July sale, from 7/25-7/31 25% off, plus free domestic shipping.  If you click the link below it will take you to a video showing all items.  If you prefer to go right to my store, click here. 

Are you having a Christmas in July sale?  Check out the banner available from Amazon, below.  I love Christmas and it is time to start shopping.


https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=858cd298-6b7d-4efa-a568-3d3b1bd77809&sbid=3463&d=1563404593259&fbclid=IwAR2DqQUhIichjStQ8X3n3dOF6-VgHEZ-QuP6WxvrtLDyIw7DoOH7cDKp_OM

Tis the Season for Joy

Tis the season for Joy. Don't let people tell you can't do something. That will steal your joy. This sweat shirt features my original art with the Nativity, the true meaning of Joy. This art is on other items as well, in my Redbubble store. This is a great gift for all of your Christian family and friends. Click here, to see the sweatshirt, and find other items as well.

Another Sale Via My Awespme Layaway Plan!

I am so glad customers are taking advantage of my awesome layaway plan, for my Etsy store.  My second item, this month, was one of the Raspberry Rhodolite Garnet rings.  I still  have one left in inventory.  The Orange Garnet ring also sold  I am so happy for these lucky buyers. 

Be sure to check out my Etsy store, for all my crochet, wood burning,  and jewelry items.  Yes, I do not have more than one shop, they are sold in one eclectic shop. 

Plus, I am slowly adding all my art work, and photography to Society6, where you can get prints, canvas, note cards, pillows, mugs, duvets, fleece blankets, wall hangings, tees, leggings, and so much more.  Be sure to visit and check out my store, Missy69.  Below is one of the items you can purchase. 

Get Ready for Garnets!

January has one of the most versatile birthstones, of any of them. The Garnet, which comes in every color possible, even blue, though that is a color shift gemstone not a true blue, but still! I do not own one of those yet. I love Garnets! They are durable, great for every day wear, and can be cut into all the popular shapes. I will be doing quite a few posts, on Garnets. Don't forget I still have a BOGO sale in progress. Buy one item at full price, get a second item of your choice at equal or lesser value. This will end January 1st, as will free shipping. USPS is raising shipping rates, by quite a bit, so I can no longer offer free shipping after January 1, 2016. So, take advantage of both of those deals while you still can. I have had several sales, since it started, so if you want something be sure and get it. I offer layaway if you need it. BTW many Etsy sellers told me a BOGO sale would not work on Etsy, and that I should just stop doing it. It has been plenty successful for me, and I think I will do it again next year at Christmas. A once a year BOGO sale, I like it! I might do an after Christmas sale, but don't take a chance, because I have not decided, and I am not sure it will be jewelry. I offer crochet items, too! Plus, my art work, and photography items, are now being offered on Society 6. So, be sure to check that out too~! I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas! I hope to get some new inventory created soon.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

I love football, but mostly just the pros. My hubby watches it all, but the NFL is my preference. I also love peacocks. So, I drew out a peacock, then painted it in the colors of my beloved Buffalo Bills, red and royal blue. I will be doing one painting in each team's colors. A more feminine football painting. If you are interested in one of these, contact me through my Etsy shop, and I will do your colors next. Each will be available in my Etsy store. I also will be making redneck wedding glasses, they are so cute, and am finishing up a Fairy Queen crochet infant Halloween costume, in purple and black. Not much jewelry making, just not in the mood for it. Check out my Etsy shop for all my cool items. I offer layaway! I just sold out of the soft pink resin butterfly keychain. So, if you wanted that, it is gone. This peacock painting will be available tomorrow, 8/14 in my Etsy shop.  Most renewals, and new items are listed on Friday through Sunday, so keep that in mind. 

Nothing Says Christmas in July Like Flip Flops!

All of the flip flops shown below are available in my Etsy shop. What a unique gift for the flip flop lover in your life. They are all hand drawn and hand painted by me. I am always adding new ones, and I take custom orders. I am already thinking of Halloween and Football season. I won't do team logos, but I could do team colors. Check back often, or ask me if I can make you a pair. Only today, and tomorrow, are left to use my coupon code, christmasinjuly, to get 10% off. Click here, to visit my Etsy shop.

My First Newborn Diaper Cake

I finally finished my first newborn baby diaper cake. I have wanted to make one of these forever. I think I will do more of these. Though challenging to figure out how to get it all together, so is stays together, it was a lot of fun! All the items, with the exception of the Huggies Pooh Bear diapers, and the baby toy, were hand crocheted by me. The set includes 35 size 1 Huggies diapers, one white and orange baby blanket, that makes up the outside of the cake, 2 bibs, two hats, and four wash cloths. Plus the toy rattle. The items are either white, orange, or white and orange together, so it is definitely a unisex item. To see more images, or to purchase, please visit my Etsy store.

Hot Pink and Neon Blue 3D Spider Key Chains Now In My Ebay Store

I will get to the beautiful spiders in a second. I mentioned in some previous posts, that last year I donated some of my handmade items, and the places I donated them. I have not made one of the new items to be donated, yet, so I won't share that yet. I don't have the correct color yarn. Anyway, yesterday I was going through my Facebook likes, and found tons that I have no idea why I ever started following, lol. I did find a page called SHARE. They donate stuffed animals to children who have come out of a tragic event. I messaged them to see if they accept handmade items, and they do. So, I will be sending them off some goodies. I also decided that I will be doing no more baby cocoons. Once the listings end on both Ebay and Etsy, I will be donating them to Newborns in Need. Time to move on to other things.

 I really love creating with resin. It is challenging, and I have created so many pieces, with limited time to finish them, and get them listed. Taking pictures always takes the longest. I did get to sit down last night, and get together some chains, and beaded necklaces to go with some of the many pendants I made. I have so many more to do. I also got these key chains finished. I just had to add the key chain component. They were already drilled by me, and wire wrapped. I ran out of key chain components, but finally got some more. These are 3D, spiders made with resin neon blue glitter, hot pink glitter, craft wire and the key chain component. They are not super heavy, and look awesome in person. Great gift idea, for spider lovers, insect fans, boys, men, first time drivers, or my favorite gag gifts for girls afraid of spiders. LOL just kidding, well maybe. They are available for purchase in my Ebay store. You can always find my Ebay store at the bottom of this blog, or just click the link. My Etsy store link is in previous posts. Also I sell Jewelry in Candles, and that is on the sidebar. Those are nice, free jewelry in every candle.

Team Support and Promote Blogs With Me

This is a new feature that I have started on the Team Support and Promote threads on Etsy.  If you would like to join the group, just click the link and apply to join.  This week I have three lovely, handmade products to share with you.  Great for gift giving, or treat yourself.  I will be doing this team thread, for bloggers, at least once a month, and will try to get in two a month.  The first item would be awesome for back to school, those who like to buy and donate to Operation Christmas Child or maybe your local schools.  The second item, is actually a painting done by me of a Monarch butterfly.  Give it to the butterfly lover in your circle.  Shelley's adorable hand towel with delicious citrus fruits would look lovely in any kitchen.  Click the links below each product to visit their stores, and purchase, or window shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175737222/crabs-beach16-crayola-crayons-coloring?ref=teams_post

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158029022/original-monarch-butterfly-reflection?ref=teams_post

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194307180/kitchen-towel-summer-fruit-towel-crochet?ref=teams_post

New Baby Infant Boy Cocoon Golf Theme Brown and Green with Hat

I finally finished the infant baby boy cocoon, in a Golf theme. These are not hard to make, but they are kind of time consuming to put together, and I just have to force myself to do it. The color of this is Mocha Latte and Hunter Green. I have mentioned before that I am pom pom illiterate, so the hat actually looks like it has a golf ball up there. This would make an adorable photo prop for a baby boy born around Father's Day. Plus cocoons are warm and baby feels extremely safe inside. Check out this cocoon, and all my baby cocoons in my Etsy store. 

Handmade Resin Keychains Butterflies and Flowers

Here are three finished resin pieces, from my very first set, that I made into keychains. I have completed a second pour and tomorrow will be my third. So, I have tons of new things to share, lol. Plus I continue to paint and crochet. These are all made with clear resin. The first two are butterflies, one dark pink, and one soft pink. The third one is a blue flower with a coral rose bead in the center. These make awesome gifts for friends, and family, and are very affordable, and durable. Check out my Etsy store to see all my new resin pieces, and bookmark it, so you don't miss any of my new creations. I will be slowly adding all my pieces to my Ecrater store as well.

Making Resin Jewelry!

I was so excited to get my resin and one mold for Christmas. I have ordered a larger heart and some smaller heart molds. My first set of items, one mold with many openings makes a lot of pieces and shapes, came out really pretty good. This resin is awesome. It is clear and looks like glass. These are the only things listed in my Etsy store so far, and still need to go in Ecrater store. The butterfly keychain is my favorite. Then there are two heart cabochons. One has a pink flower embedded in it, the other has flat back pearls, pink on the outside and one blue one in the center. These are for wire wrapping or using them as the buyer would like to use them. Last is a Three Dancing Ladies cameo pendant. The cameo is black with white accents, and was embedded into the resin with a very tiny amount of glitter. I am not thrilled with the glitter, but maybe if I use it on the second layer, rather than the first, I will like it more. Also, some of these are quite thick and for jewelry I think thinner might be better. I will have to decide ahead of time what I will do with them so I know if I should make chunky or thin. I have many more pieces to share, once I have pictures and they are listed. I really enjoyed making the resin pieces. It is a several day process, and while this first set is affordable, I could see where they could get expensive depending on the time you put into it, and what you embed in them. I want a bangle mold, and a ring mold, but they can wait until I have a little bit more experience under my belt. I had my first sale of the new year, and it was an awesome sale. I don't share the sale item, until I know the buyer is happy and the sale is complete. Happy New Year! Happy crafting and jewelry making.

25 Days of Christmas Sale: Day One Amethyst Ring

There will be two links for the same ring, one for my Ecrater store, and one for my Etsy store.  Some people choose not to get an account on Etsy, so I offer Ecrater as well.  I am new to Ecrater selling.  The price is the same, and I only have one available.  This beautiful Amethyst ring will be at the 10 dollar sale price until 9 PM Eastern time on Nov 29th, 2013.  Get it while you can.  A piece of jewelry gift for only 10 dollars.  Click the links to see and purchase.  Don't miss this great opportunity!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/39844965/royal-purple-amethyst-ring-february?

http://melissasstuff.ecrater.com/p/19040086/royal-purple-amethyst-petite-gemstone

NOEL Handpainted Christmas Gift Bag, and Repeat Cedar Key Painting

Back in July, I painted a picture, the third painting down, of Cedar Key from when my Father in Law was here visiting in March. I liked that painting, but DJ and Craig were not satisfied, saying DJ looked like he was standing on his head. Apparently my eyes do not comprehend that, because looks like he is lying down to me, on a blanket. Because, I intend to give it as a gift, I painted it again today. The second painting down, below the bag, is the one done today. Everyone is pleased, so I guess that will be the one I give. Instead of trying to have DJ lying on the white Steelers blanket, I put him sitting in a chair in a white Steelers chair. I could not get the skin tone right for Grandpa Ed's arm and leg, but I guess I will have to live with it. He was pretty pale when here in March, lol, and as you can probably tell it was quite chilly for us since Craig had on boots, long pants, a jacket and a hat. Grandpa Ed was the only one with shorts on. That is what happens when you visit from NY. The first image is of my newest hand painted gift bag, Noel. Noel means Christmas in German. Did you know that? I really did not. It will be available in my new Ecrater store. I am working on a new banner, and hopefully a picture widget for the top of this blog, and others. You can visit my new store, by clicking here. I will be doing 25 Days of Christmas sales, starting on Black Friday, so be sure to check often. Each sale will only be about 12-15 hours long.

Veteran's Day Sale in My New Ecrater Store

I have only gotten nine things listed, but today, until 9 PM Eastern time all items are 25% off.  Since I don't know how their checkout cart looks, I will give several options for getting the amount off.  First you can checkout, using Paypal, enter code Vets13 and I will reimburse you the 25% off.  Second you can contact me here on this blog, email me at melissaruede@yahoo.com, or contact me on Facebook, tell me the item you want and I can deduct the 25% and then you can cash out.  Since this store is brand new to me, I am learning as I go, but rest assured that with a Paypal merchant account you are buying from a safe seller.  Just new to Ecrater.  Here is the link to my Ecrater store, just click it.  I have jewelry and crochet items right now.  More to get up soon.

White Peacock Art Painting

My very good friend, loves the White Peacock. She likes all peacocks, but especially the white peacock. I have been meaning to paint one, to see how it would come out. You know with white sometimes details are not going to show up well. I really like how it came out. I will be doing it again, on canvas, as a Christmas gift for her. I will adjust just a couple of things. This beautiful painting shown will be available to purchase in my Etsy store soon. It is not yet framed, but I can not wait to get it into a black frame. What do you think? Would you hang this on your wall? Oh, and from now until Christmas I am accepting offers on all my Etsy store items, even sale and clearance items. Be sure to click the widget at the top of this blog to visit my store.

Wire Wrapped Gemstone Angel Ornaments

These are so hard to get good pictures of. I just finished two of these adorable Angel ornaments last night. I have been looking at several different ways to make angel ornaments, using supplies I already have, that were left over from other projects. Since I had no luck, I decided to just work with what I had and come up with my own. I love the one with the green wings the best. Those green acrylic, I think they are acrylic, are just right for what I wanted. The body is a pear shaped, or tear drop shaped, White Magnesite gemstone, sometimes referred to as White Buffalo Turquoise. I then used a faux pear and a bead stopper as the halo. Then you just have to put it all together. I found that a very specific type of headpin works best to make the angel wings stay in place. The one with the wooden wings, was much more difficult to put together and is not as tightly wrapped as the other. I will be making more of these, so I need to either make my own headpins or find the ones I want. I still have a few left, so can whip up a few more soon. These are adorable and would make the nicest gifts for friends, teachers, or relatives even. They will be available in my Etsy store, once I get the final touches done on them. What do you think? I also painted white bengal tigers on some wooden beads and created a bangle bracelet.  That is not yet shown, but will be soon.  It is very hard to  hand paint on beads, lol!  Very tedious and difficult work.  Also working on a crochet dog Halloween costume.  It is so cute!

Purple and Yellow Table Runner and Dog Sweater Harness

I just finished crocheting a Fall table runner and dog sweater harness. Because I do not follow patterns well at all, I end up coming up with my own. I love the purple and gold color combo. The table runner measures 24x12 and the main color is the purple with yellow trim. This would look beautiful on any fall table. The dog sweater harness, I have been wanting to try, but just never got to it. I had some of the awesome purple and yellow yarn left, so decided to use it up. My dog is right about ten pounds, so that is the size for this harness. I made it for easy on and off, without too much fuss, especially with the legs. Easy loops to slip your dog's front paws in, and then ties around the belly. Also slip on collar type neck. This was very simple to put on and remove. It could just be a dog sweater and use your regular collar for waling purposes. I used single crochet for maximum warmth. Both of these items will be listed in my Etsy store within the next couple of days. Be sure to check out all my items, by clicking on the Etsy widget at the top of this blog. I offer a nice layaway service, so start Chrismtas shopping now. Today, I am painting the First Day of School, girl version, painting and some white Bengal Tigers on beads. At least that is the plan.

Birds As Artwork

Here is this week's theme items. I chose birds this week, because I love birds. Please visit each link to purchase the item you love. Owl girl's hairbow ,  
Peaceful Painting With Dove Painting 
Stained Glass Blue Bird Suncatcher  
All the items shown are handmade, and available for purchase on Etsy.  Give the gift of handmade. 
 

Waterfall Painting Attempt #2

This is my second attempt at painting a waterfall. I am very pleased with how this one came out. I liked the first picture, which had a waterfall in it, but was not the major theme of the painting. This one is all about the waterfall, and is done on a heart shaped piece of pottery. I added rocks and multi colors of wildflowers. It has a ribbon for hanging and would make a beautiful ornament, or just hung on the wall on a tac or nail. I am slowly getting all my new pieces into my Etsy store. If you see something on this blog, but don't see it in my store, the widget is above, please drop me a note. I may not have gotten it listed yet. I have lots of paintings, and crochet items to add. A couple jewelry pieces, but that has not been my focus as much lately. The other one of the puppy paw print was done by my daughter, but is for sharing purposes only. She does not want to sell any of her pieces, but she does enter them as a 4Her in the local fairs, and has done quite well.