Crafting with Clay Pots

Working with clay pots is one of my most fun Summer activities.  You can make adorable garden accessories, and can be housewarming gifts or used for graduation and wedding parties.  They are versatile.  Watch the video below for some good ideas, but remember not to copy other people's work.  Let it be a spark to your own creativity.  I am currently working on some new solar lights using clay pots.  The clay people are especially fun, but I don't find them to be all that durable, or easy to move around. 

Make It Monday: Love Is In the Air

Monday, and yesterday, I set out some time to make some items for Valentine's Day.  Since I think love should be celebrated all year, give these any time of the year to be cherished and loved.  These etched glass pieces, and the one clay pot, can be used as candy dishes, candle holders, fish, small plants, etc.


I am unsure which ones will go in my Ebay shop, and which ones will go in my Etsy shop.  So be sure to check both.  I am missy69 on Etsy, and Melissas Handmade on Ebay.  I am working on some new art for the topic of love, but it encompasses more of a pink theme.  My February theme is, love, red, pink, and hearts. 

The first etched glass piece is a squirrel holding a nut, and he professes I am Nuts About You!  The back side has a beautiful heart.  There is room on the sides where I could put a date and a name if desired. 

The second one, is two love birds, and it says Love is patient and kind, and says Happy Valentines Day on the back.  This one I showed with the clay pot to show how if both were purchased together, how adorable it would be.

The clay pot is a new  medium of decorating clay pots for me.  I found this adorable heart ribbon, and hot glued it all around the clay pot.  You can see at the very top of the pot there is room for words and names if so desired. 

All of these should be added to my stores within the next 24 hours.

Make it Monday: Bird Feather Doodle Art

I actually got called into work yesterday, so couldn't do any stuff on Monday. We have been in a deep freeze here in FL. It finally warmed up yesterday. I can't do glass etching when it is too hot, or too cold. Since, I missed Monday, and was pinched for time to do glass etching, I did some doodle art with the theme of birds, namely bird feather doodle art. I love doodle art, it is the best. Done with a variety of mediums, and will be available on Redbubble, probably tomorrow.

 I continue to work on the new crochet blanket, which doesn't have anything to do with birds, but oh will it be beautiful. I think I said my theme for February would be Valentine's Day, but actually it will be love. Don't forget to check out my January sales in both my Etsy shop, and my Ebay shop. Each has their own set of items, and different sales. Redbubble runs sales too, but I have no control over those.

Make It Monday: New Etched Glass Pieces

As promised my new Ebay store is open. It actually made me use from my old shop name, from years ago, Melissa's Menagerie of Stuff. That is way too long, so I changed it to Melissa's Handmade. I wanted Missy69. because that is the hashtag for my Etsy shop, but someone already had it taken.

 The first theme for January, is birds. Below you will see the beautiful etched glass vase, with hummingbirds, and a rose. This came out so lovely. Great Valentine's Day gift. It is available in my Etsy store. 

 The other item was actually started a couple of weeks ago, and I finally got it finished. It is a set of 5 mason jar style jars with nautical items etched into the glass. These are also quite lovely, and would make great decor for a nursery, camp, bathroom, etc. They are available in my Ebay store.

 Also, as promised, I will run a different sale each month. Neither shop has the same things in it, and the sales are different. For January, all rings are 50% off. Just in time to get your sweetie a nice piece of Jewelry for Valentine's Day. Click here, to go to my Etsy shop. My Ebay shop promotion for January, is 10 dollars off select items. 22 items are eligible for this deal, and are automatically marked down. To see my new Ebay store, click here.

Coming in January!

Since Thanksgiving to this past weekend, my life has been super busy. Not only was I not able to do my Make it Monday, posts, because I was working every Monday, but then I had a job opportunity fall into my lap that I had to get ready for. So, I haven't had a lot of time to blog, or create new items. I will be having some big changes in January of 2018. I have spent most of 2017 learning some new skills, and perfecting others. Along with evaluating how I wanted to sell those items. Etsy just is not working for me right now, and hasn't for this whole year. I did have 3 sales so far in December, but it really is not enough to sustain the amount of fees I am paying out to advertise said items. So, after much thinking, researching, and deciding what would be best for me, I have decided to open an Ebay store in January. I have some items listed there already. Once the store opens, I will add inventory that has ended on Etsy, and all new items. I will keep a few items on Etsy, but most of my inventory will be moved to Ebay. I have had naysayers say you can't sell handmade on Ebay, and make any money. I just don't believe that is true. If someone loves your product, they will buy it. If something isn't going to sell on Ebay, then I see no difference then if it doesn't sell on Etsy. In the long run it is about saving money, and making profit when I do sell something. I can also sell my art items on Ebay, where Etsy makes me go through some arcane process to have outside manufacturing. Just a big time hog. So, be sure and watch for my new Ebay store at the beginning of January. I will also be running a sale every month, or shipping deals. I will also be returning to Make it Monday items. I might do a monthly theme each month.

 I would really love to start collecting emails from fans who would love to see my new items, and follow for sales, and specials. I don't want to sign up for an email collector, but if you would like to receive a weekly email update, or monthly, not sure, with new items and specials, you can either leave your email in the comments, or email it to me at melissaruede@yahoo.com with newsletter in the subject.

 The two items below are as follows, and available for purchase. The first item is a new item added to my Etsy shop about a week ago. It is 3 terra cotta pots with Peace, Love and Joy painted on. They are on sale right now, until December 20th when my shop will go on vacation, as are most of my Etsy items.

The second item is one of my original paintings of a Zentangle elephant applied to a studio pouch bag.  It is available on Ebay via my seller account. 

My Etsy shop is going on vacation on December 20th.  So, if you want to get any of my items for sale there before the sale runs out, hurry and get them now.

Make It Monday: Getting Ready for Winter

As you can see, here in FL, it is no where cold enough for a scarf, still averaging 100 degrees, in October, bleh! Anyway it is cooler weather somewhere, and I just fell in love with the colors of the yarn I used to make this scarf. It is a real beauty, and perfect for Fall fashion colors. Still on the subject of cooler weather, I started a new project of a crochet ornament cover. I was at my Mom's the other day, and she had found a really cool vintage crochet pattern book at a yard sale. There were two different ornament cover patterns, and I started the first one today. Ooh those tiny crochet needles are a killer, but stay tuned to see how it comes out. The scarf is for sale in my Etsy shop, and it can be made in other colors, and types of yarn, very quick in two days, after yarn is found.

Make it Monday: Sunflower Fields Art

Redbubble now has Iphone 8 and plus cases. Buy your favorite art work, and put it on your phone. Like this new project from myself, Sunflower Fields. This is the subject for Make it Monday, this week. I am working almost every Monday, this month, so my posts may be earlier, or later than expected, for Make it Monday topics. This piece of art is done in paint pens, and Sharpie markers, creating this beautiful Fall/Autumn painting. This can be purchased by visiting my profile, Missy69, on Redbubble. Plus, if you really love it, you can purchase it on all kinds of products, decorate your whole home!

 I also am working on two new crochet projects, one I can not tell you how much I love the colors of that yarn. They will be available in my Etsy shop soon. Plus, I am running a free shipping sale, domestic only, on items marked Halloween. 21 items available for free shipping. The free shipping will end on 10/31.

Make It Monday: Garnet Topaz Ring, Reclaimed Pilgrim Glass Jar

Before I get to this week's new projects, I am working every Monday in Oct, so Make it Monday posts will be delayed. I finished one other project today, but didn't get pics of it yet. My Etsy shop started with jewelry that was made with gemstones from my personal collection. I got away from that over the years learning new things, and just being bored. I have added several new gemstone pieces to my shop, and will try to make a new piece each month.

 The one shown is most likely Red Garnet, and White Topaz, sterling silver, size 7, double stone bypass ring. I love red and white together, especially in the Winter months. Finally it is cool enough, here in FL, in the eves to be outside doing new etched glass pieces. The one below is a huge 11 inch reclaimed glass jar with Be Ye Thankful, pilgrims and pumpkins etched into the glass. I did the image so that the jar can be inverted with a solar light or flameless candle under it.

 Both of these items are available in my Etsy shop. Don't forget to check out my Redbubble account, where you can buy photography and original painting gifts.

Make It Monday!

So, I have missed a few Mondays, lol. I have been busy creating, just not necessarily on Monday. I did the rings before we evacuated for Irma, but could not get a blog post done. The others I did after we returned, sporadically, when I got a chance. Now that we are back to homeschooling, Mondays might be any day of the week.

 I finally got my crochet hooded poncho completed, and I love it. It is so warm. It is not for me, though, lol. It is available for purchase in my Etsy shop, and can be made to order in other colors. The rings are also listed in my Etsy shop, two Zandrite, and one Amethyst. You can always find me by searching Missy69 on Etsy, Mrr05 on Ebay, and Missy69 on Redbubble. Which reminds me the last item is my Halloween painting for 2017, Bat Kisses. This one is an edited version of the original painting, using photo shop features. I edited it several times, with some cool looks. All of them will eventually be available on gift items on Redbubble.

 I have started a new crochet project, which should go pretty fast, I hope. I have a new ring setting coming, and it is getting cool enough to start back up with wood burning projects, and etched glass projects. Just in time for the Holidays!

Make It Monday

The last two Mondays have been crazy, and this next one doesn't look any better. I have been making new products, but have not had time to do complete posts. Below is one of my new rings. I did a couple of paintings, not yet listed, and should finish the hooded crochet cape today. I am prepping for Hurricane Irma, so all these items will be stored, and hopefully safe. After is all good and clear, I will do a decent post. Stay safe if you are in the path of this storm, and pray, always pray.

Make It Monday: Owl Clay Pot, and Teach Love Not Hate Art

This week for Make it Monday, I made a lovely zentangle owl clay pot, that I just love. I am all out of the bigger clay pots now, again, but I have some little ones that I might make some cute Halloween ghosts or something. This will be for sale in my Etsy store, Missy69. I took a nice close up, so no pot was showing to see if I can upload to Redbubble items. We will see.

 The second items, is Teach Love Not Hate, and is hand drawn and painted. This is only my second time drawing hands, so it took me several attempts to get it right. I really love how this one came out too. This item will be available on various products on my Redbubble account, Missy69 

 I am finally almost done with the hooded cape. I have been really pushing myself to work on it. It is really quite lovely, and will be super warm too. Right now as I type this it is 101 degrees outside, so super warm is not something I need, lol.

Make It Monday: Halloween Fairy Garden Statue and Halloween Sugar Skull Clay Pot

Yesterday, was Monday, and that means Make it Monday.  Since Halloween is coming, I am trying to get some Fall/Halloween themed items done.  However, Thanksgiving and Christmas are also coming!  I would love to get some fairy garden houses done with a Christmas theme.  I have a homeschool evaluation tomorrow, and then church, so these might not show up in my Etsy shop until Thursday some time.

First up is this adorable pumpkin figurine.  I have never painted a figurine before, and I can already tell not all of the highlights are flattering, lol.  Also, I will sell with the blue eyes, and mouth, but if buyer wants them painted black I will.  I thought I would like the blue, but eh not so much.  It does have a string for hanging, but I would take that off and put it in a Fall Fairy Garden.

The second item is a 4 inch clay pot, with a Zentangle Sugar Skull face.  I left the yellow at the top for a name, or Happy Halloween, if buyer wants it.  Mums, Marigolds, or any other fall flowers would look awesome in this pot.


Visit my Etsy shop today.  I also sell on Ebay under the user name MRR05, and on Redbubble under the user name Missy69.  Redbubble has all my art, and photography over the years.  Well not all of it yet, takes a while.

Make it Monday: Halloween Fairy House and Clay Pot

Finally I got to do a normal Make it Monday, yesterday! I finished one fairy house, started another, plus started a clay pot head, and continue working on crochet wrap jacket.


 The completed fairy house, shown below, will be in my Etsy shop tonight. It is wooden, painted purple with silver ghosts. Above the door is two silver eyes, that my daughter says looks like baby ghosts. Perfect for Fall Halloween fairy gardens. I have another to finish that is orange with Wizard and Witch hats. When I bought the clay pots this time, I did not realize they didn't have holes in the bottom, so I can not put them together like my other clay people pots. So, they will be just clay pot heads with Fall/Halloween theme. One is started, shown below, and the other I have not begun yet.


 Visit my Etsy shop to purchase any of the items I have for sale.

Geometric Clock in Orange

Good morning! I didn't get a chance to complete a Make it Monday project last week, working on one for this week. For now, check out this beautiful geometric clock from my good friend, Shelleys Crochet Ole. You can click the image, which will take you to Polyvore, and then you can get to Etsy from there, or just click directly through to her shop, if you care to. Maybe see you later.

Orange Arrow Wall Clock (see more orange home accessories)

Make it Monday: Gentle Waves Crochet Baby Boy Crochet Blanket

For Make it Monday, this week, I finally finished my next baby blanket. This one is for a boy, but could be unisex if you wanted it to be. It is white with variegated blue border. The border is shell stitch and it just looks like gentle ocean waves to me. I love the border yarn, it is my first time using that brand. I am currently working on an owl backpack in that exact yarn. So, be sure to watch for that!

 To purchase the baby blanket, or see other items I am selling, go here. I am also now listing my art work, and photography on Redbubble. If you have never heard of Redbubble it is cool! I will share more about that when I get to the social media part of Redbubble. Just loading stuff now. You can search Missy69 on Redbubble, and you will find all my items.

Make It Monday: Swan Hand Towels

I actually did make this yesterday, which was Monday.  I just forgot to do a post.  They are listed in my Etsy shop.  This is a pair of off white flour sack towels, with hanging loop.  I added the image to the towels, then using acrylics and paint pens, painted the image.  There are two in the set, and if you want names and dates, contact me for pricing before ordering.

My fairy house, from Make it Monday, last week, sold already.  I made some strawberry furniture, but I will do a separate post on them.  I am hoping to tomorrow get some other fairy garden accessories done.


Don't forget I am now auctioning off older inventory on Ebay, plus kids toys, games, and books I might come across in my never ending decluttering adventures.  Check my items often, I am always adding new items.  I will probably open an Ebay store pretty soon.

Make It Monday Fairy House and Butterfly Napkins

Welcome back to Make it Monday! Happy Memorial Day to all the families that have lost loved ones in wars to protect the freedoms of the rest of us. We thank you!

 Today, I got a lot done. I got some plants transplanted. I love free plants! If you don't know how to propagate plants, you need to learn. Maybe I will do a blog post on that. Some are easier than others, but almost all plants can be propagated. Today I tried Hydrangeas, and Camellias. Last week I did some Azaleas, which so far don't look real great, but I am hopeful. I have one rose bush, that I have propagated at least 4 times. It was a pricier rose bush, at 30 dollars, but I would say I got my money's worth.

 I bought this tiny wooden bird house, at my local craft supply store, put it together, and then sat down to paint it today. You can see the results below. I totally love how it came out. I was researching prices others are charging, and wow I was amazed. Since, like with my jewelry, I want my customers to actually be able to afford the fairy gardens they create, I will try to keep my prices as low as possible. I will be adding more fairy accessories to my Etsy shop, as I get them made. I will eventually make one of my own, or two, lol, but they would be hard to ship, so I will just sell the parts for someone else to make one. So many ideas, so little time.

 The second item, is a set of four, reclaimed and upcycled linen napkins that I painted flowers and butterflies onto. They are a set of 4, all with the same design, but may have slightly different color schemes just to keep it interesting.

I also got into the garage to do some very late spring cleaning.  I will be listing all kinds of things on Ebay as auctions.  Some older inventory, plus kids stuff will be available there.  Be sure to check it out to get some awesome deals.

Make It Monday!

Today, for Make it Monday, are these lovely heart glass candy dishes with flowers. I painted the flowers in various team color options, one is purple and gold, and the other is orange and black. These can be made in any color choices, and can be made to order in larger amounts than one. Visit my Etsy or PatternbyEtsy shops for details.

 The second item is a flour sack decorative kitchen, or bathroom towel. It has been painted with God Bless Our Home. It actually will be a set of two, when I get the other one done.

 I have no idea what I will be doing for next week, so it will be a surprise for me too, lol. My garden turtle, from two weeks ago, is getting some tiny sprouts. I will be sure to share pics of the final result. What did you make, for Make it Monday? Please share.

Make it Monday!

Finally, after two very busy weeks, a new Make it Monday post. I had family visiting the first week, what a blast, and the second week I actually started a new job and had to do orientation, boring. So, today, I got quite a bit done, for Make it Monday.

 The first item, the turtle chia type pet planter, was actually an idea from Pinterest. I thought the method they used was a bit more expensive then it needed to be. I used a metal round planter hanging basket from the Dollar tree, to make the shell. then I filled it with dirt, put the seeds in the dirt, and then covered with leaves as a mulch to avoid having to water too much. The head and neck is just an old sock filled with dirt, and I painted on a little face with a sharpie. Total spent 2 big ones. I planted flowers that will attract hummingbirds. I will update when it actually starts to do something.

 Next, are three new etched glass pieces. 2 are glass olive oil bottles, or any oil or liquid really. The one for men, the pics didn't come out great, but I showed the side with the bear. There is also a deer head, salmon fish, and moose head on the other three sides. The one for the ladies has sealife images on it. A sea turtle, octopus, sand dollars, and a jellyfish. This one is my favorite.

 The third etched glass item is a beautiful vase that I found at a vintage store. It is heavy and well made. I drew on the dove and olive branch, and the beginning of the 23rd Psalms. This is a beautiful gift idea for a wedding, housewarming, or anyone who has faith.

 All three of the glass items will be available in my Etsy and PatternbyEtsy shops. hopefully tomorrow.    Plus, I am having a huge Mother's Day sale, with a brand new 10 dollar gift section. Don't miss it!

Make it Monday!

Welcome back to Make it Monday. This week I finished one project, started another, and am still working on another. I finished the painted swan ladies tshirt, today.

 This pink tshirt is done with acrylics and sharpie markers. It really came out quite beautiful, and is a size XL.

 Next, I started these flour sack towels. These are a little larger than I expected, 48x48 and are called flour sack towels. I applied the image, God Bless our Home, and then started painting it. You can see the start of one below. They will be sold in pairs.

 I am still working on my crochet shrug jacket. I might have it done by Winter, lol. It will be a made to order item in my shop when I get it done.

 Don't forget I am having an Easter sale, and starting the day after Easter my Mother's Day Sale will begin. You don't want to miss this one. There will be a whole section of 10 dollar items, perfect for Mom. Next week there may not be a Make it Monday, as I may be starting a new job. However, I have a project that I wanted to do today, and it has to do with gardening, but I thought it was going to rain so didn't do it. It is a cool one, so be sure to check back. I will explain how I did it, so you can make your own.