Giveaway

First giveaway....

What you will win is 3 Shroom Patches.

Shrooms are hand stiched applique and ready for you to sew on....WHATEVER. OOAK

Peachy one 8 inches tall and 5 inches wide on cap.

Pink in silver is 9 inches tall and 5 inches wide.

Cream Stem,Black cap with Blue/green/white spots is 8 inches tall and 4 inches wide.

~A $15.00 value

Made from Scrap Spandex,Felt. Wash on low temps

What customers had to say about my patches:

from http://tj620.etsy.com
I love the patch, its super cute:)

from http://thesapphiremoon.etsy.com/hesapphiremoon.etsy.com

GORGEOUS! I am VERY happy :)

Hope to get this sewn on a dress, skirt or bag soon!

from http://gggg.etsy.com

It's just wonderful and wacky!

I love it - can't wait to use it. thank you!

What you have to do is visit my etsy store http://thingsinstuff.etsy.com/

and pick out something that you like and come back here and post it and tell why you like it.

Thats it.

I'll have one of my boys draw the winner on October 5th. You can enter as many times as you like. More you comment the more chances you get to win.

*Leave your contact info. if you'd like to win.

Pieces

Pieces of Me in a Mosaic:

I stumbled upon this at InkSpotWorkShop's blog : http://inkspotworkshopblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/pieces-of-me.html

...here's what you do...answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question) Its pretty fun to see what comes up! Try it.

1. What is your first name? (Melissa)

2. What is your favorite food? (Mexican)

3. What high school did you attend? (Payson high school)

4. What is your favorite color? (Blue)

5. Who is your celebrity crush? (George Clooney)

6. Favorite drink? (Tea)

7. Dream vacation? (Islands)

8. Favorite dessert? (Pie)

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Peaceful)

10. What do you love most in life? (Being)

11. One word to describe you? (Simple)

12. Your Flickr name? (things in stuff)

Want your own mosaic? Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL’s into the Mosaic Maker (3 columns, 4 rows)... Enjoy!

Here's credit to all the Photographers:

1. Melissa, 2. Timmy at Mexican Hat, 3. blooming. 142:365, 4. When Waves Collide, 5. Untitled, 6. vintage tea set with cupcake, 7. wham:a different corner, 8. Deflating / Desinflando, 9. Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest, 10. That's, uh, some lightning you've got there., 11. i can taste summer! a.k.a. childhood summer! a.k.a. childhood reminiscence! a.k.a. those were the good times!, 12. I'm going on a bit of a health kick

ElderBerry!

Yesterday I got a call early in the morning. It was Fredman, down at the Farmers Market. Fredman is such a sweet man. He's got a neat booth, with the most beautiful gourds, and heirloom fruits. This is the 4th year he's gotten Elderberries for me. He had picked my Elderberries and had them with him. So I threw on my shoes and off I went. I got 10 pounds.

I went home and got out my bowl and fork and started to take the Berries off the stems.
It took awhile, but I plow threw it. Beautiful Berries. Ahh my Precious.



Elderberries are such a fantastic gift from nature. Elderberries are a member of the Honey suckle family. If you go out to harvest your own. Be sure you know what your doing. Do not pick the red Elderberries they can make you sick.

Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis.

Elderberries are especially high in Vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron content, and have a tart, rich flavor. Usually they are cooked into jam, jelly, pie, vinegar or made into wine although some people like to eat them right off the bush when they're completely ripe. They're rather seedy, but the seed is edible.

After I washed them. I put them into a pan. Slowly cooked them for 15 to 30 minutes. Allowed them to cool and strain and drain. I then added Raw Honey. I made Syrup with them. Put into sterilized canning jars and if I get time to can them I will. Or I can just put them into the freezer.
Keeps my family all winter from getting sick.

I did keep some to dry for tea. A few for making Muffins too. Here's that recipe:

Elderberry muffins

2/3 cup honey )
2 ½ tablespoons shortening )
cream together3 cups flour )
2 tsp. baking powder )
sift together and set aside pinch of salt )
1 egg - add to creamed mixture
1 cup milk - add to creamed mixture alternately with dry ingredients
1 cup elderberries - add to batter
Pour into greased muffin tins (yield 12 muffins), and bake in 350 degree oven approximately 20 minutes.

Yummy!

Aren't they just beautiful!

RED

Red is associated with heat, energy, and blood, and emotions that "stir the blood", including anger, passion, lust, beauty, and love.




$30.00 from http://serendip.etsy.com/


Red catches people's attention, and is often used either in a negative way to indicate danger and emergency, or in a positive way in advertising to gain more viewers, or in nature, as a ripe fruit announces its readiness with its red color.




Winter Solstice . Yule Votive Set of 6 for $10.00 from http://whitemagic.etsy.com/





$208.00 from http://devilmademedoit.etsy.com/


Red is one of the most common colors used on flags throughout the world. To have Red on flags has the meaning the blood, sacrifice, and courage of those who defended their country.





$80.00 from http://elze.etsy.com/



Red is a Powerful Color.





$175.00 http://sanchia845.etsy.com/


I've also heard that more people get speeding tickets in Red vehicles.


$15.00 from http://maticstudio.etsy.com/

I've always liked red, its vibrant. I never wore it before, but I'm starting to get more into it. How can you go wrong with all these beautiful Etsy Reds'
What does "Red" do for you?

"F" day

Friday Fall Finds day!
What you thought I was going to say something bad?

Well Fall is definitely here in Eugene. Leaves are changing colors. My Tomatoes are growing slower and slower. I woke up this morning to the Mystical Fog. (Which I love) It just puts me in the mood to bake, and drink apple cider. So here is the Friday Fall Finds on Etsy.

the feel of Beautiful Painting...ahhh

"I will keep you in my heart" $14.99 from http://bestartstudios.etsy.com/

Golden Glow Bookmark for $7.00 from http://esotericenchantments.etsy.com/

Earth Goddess Collection - SWAROVSKI Boutique Edition - Copper Delight for $185.00 from http://amberlightz.etsy.com/

Maia Hand Knit Scarf $59.00 from http://enchantedyarn.etsy.com/

A Poem to leave you with:

To Autumn

"Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness,Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;Conspiring with him how to load and blessWith fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shellsWith a sweet kernel; to set budding more,And still more, later flowers for the bees,Until they think warm days will never cease,For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells."- John Keats

Autumn is here enjoy it while it lasts.

Jewelery

Lots of Beautiful Jewelery on Etsy! I had to share a few that I found, I want them!

First one is "Green Glass Ring with Blue Spiral Detail " by http://elijahaller.etsy.com/




for only $20.00
This ring is made of borosilicate glass. This means that it is very tough and durable and will stand up to considerable wear-and-tear. Size 6


This second one is "TREE OF LIGHT" from http://theraveniron.etsy.com/





for $48.00
Its so ELEGANT! Golden rays over a warm coppery backdrop.Diamond-etched tree sparkles. Its 1 3/4" Long. (My Heart flutters, its so pretty)




Third piece is "Labradorite Sprout Sterling Ring" from http://panicmama.etsy.com/



for $100.00
Ring is hand textured with a hammer on the edges of the stone base & the band. Labradorite is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions. Oh I need this!

Last but not least find of the day is "Ancient Cuff "- OOAK by http://triz.etsy.com/

for $195.00

Cuff is bead embroidered with bronze and grey Japanese seed beads, Czech grey glass beads, and mother-of-pearl focal flat bead. The base is a blank brass cuff. The inside is ultrasuede. The cuff fits all sizes. One-of-a-kind!!!

What Beautiful workmanship on all this great jewelery! Don't you want them too! SO many Jewelery so little time!

Fantasy

These are the sweetest!

"Lil' Stinkers, Goblin Babies Custom ordered doll"

for $60.00

from http://jennifercarson.etsy/

Don't for get the Mermaids

"Mermaid Dolls"

for $50.00

from http://pixieskitchen.etsy.com/

and Dragons:

"Flying Dragon Wooden Mobile Toy "

from http://flyingzoo.etsy.com

for $29.00

Pounce

Thought that I go ahead and get that blog written. So what to write about. I'm busy making more recycled hats for a up coming show at the University in October. I'm sharing a booth w/ fellow etsians. Should be fun and hope we all get lots of sales.


I had to check my etsy this morning and then went to Pounce this morning and found Kati Errington from Toledo, Ohio. Her work is just beautiful! The colors is what caught my eye.





"Mariposa "
$125.00


In her profile she says, she's addicted to color! Her inspiration comes mostly from her life, things that are important to her and nature. Each piece has a story or memory attached. She could sit and tell you what every line, color and shape means, but would rather you create your own story from her work.




"Dreaming Child"
$90.00



"Direction of the Wind"
$275.00


Her store http://colorsofeden.etsy.com/
I can't believe she hasn't had a sell. Her work is so full of life and beauty. Please
Check out her other work at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6234319

Kale Chips

Kale Chips are so yummy. Why pay lots of $$ at the store when you can make your own. Go pick some Kale or get some at your farmers market, and enjoy this yummy treat!


Ingredients:

1-2 big bunches of kale*

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt (to taste) or favorite seasoning blend (I like Nutrial Yeast)

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.
Wash and de-stem kale. Chop or tear into "chip" size pieces and toss in a bowl with the rest of the ingredients to coat.
Spread kale onto baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.


Serve immediately.
Serves: 3-4
Eat, enjoy and pass on to your friends



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=15177398

Kale seeds on etsy from http://homegrownhealthy.etsy.com/
for $2.00

Get your Organic seeds and grow your own.

Awareness

Are you aware of the Breast Cancer Challenge on etsy? There raising money for the Susan G Komen Foundation. That's just one other reason I love the Etsy community. They care!

To learn more got to Miss Knits blog at:

http://missknitsetsy.blogspot.com/

also here's the Etsy thread as well:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5791552

Please search etsy for Breast Cancer Awareness. You'll find many cool things. Remember proceeds from any sales on etsy, made will be donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research!!

For your Pets

What can you get for your pets on etsy?
Well there is just so much to choose for those friends you love so dearly.




Pet Bed Eco-Friendly Fleece Olive Green Cocoa Brown
for $50.00
from http://anniessweatshop.etsy.com/















Pet Collars Necklace Swarouski crystals and glass pearls
for $ 16.00 from http://toshistreasures.etsy.com/










Check out this luxury Sandstone Colored Granite Raised Feeder for $175.00
from http://stoneycreekdogbowls.etsy.com/








This is cool, a kitty who's aware.
Breast Cancer Awareness Catnip toy for $5.00
from http://uxcritter.etsy.com/






Don't forget Halloween!
Fairy Dog Halloween Costume for $20.00
from http://miascloset.etsy.com/














How about a Custom Needle Felted likeness of your dog?
From http://ameliamakesart.etsy.com/
for $65.00




can't forget the treats!
Try these Peanut Butter Carob Chip Bones
you get 8 oz for $8.00
from http://doggydbakery.etsy.com/

Tincture is done

Well yesterday I got my Echinacea tinctures done! Yeah! I love growing my own medicine and its cheaper! My pointer figure were the knife was now there is a blister. I chopped and chopped that magical root. Now only six weeks till I can use it.

I'm sure you know about Echinacea by now. Its pretty much every wear. I found this bit of inflammation for you:

"Scientific studies now validate Echinacea's traditional usage as a topical agent to help the body repair skin wounds, and internally to enhance the immune system. The active constituents in Echinacea which are thought to bolster the body's defense are known as polysaccharides. Polysaccharides stimulate the activity of macrophages, white blood cells which destroy bacteria, viruses, other foreign invaders, and even wayward cells. It also activates the body's production of interferon, a specific protein which protects cells against the invasion of viruses."

As for Etsy there is Tincture and dried herbs on there as well.

You can get a 1 oz bottle of Echinacea Tincture for $16.00 from

http://lavenderdragonherbs.etsy.com/

Also a 2 oz Lemon Balm tincture for $12.95 from

http://dlwhelchel.etsy.com/

and don't forget the dried herbs and spices you might need as well!

Found a new to me shop

What a fun store!
The clothing is so vibrant and cheerful.

"butterfly"

for $30.50

They say: "Baby clothes should be fun! At dressme we make t-shirts and dresses for your little love ones. Each one is handmade from specially selected recycled materials and totally unique, original and eco-friendly!"

Tshirt vrooom

for $24.50

I love that, Eco-friendly! I want one in my size too! There from Den Haag, Netherlands. There shipping is such a great price. Go get you lil one some sweet wear!

http://dressme.etsy.com

"Sweet"

$28.50

Fall in to fall w/ etsy style

Leaves in the Fall come tumbling down,
Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown,
Leaves in the garden are swept in a heap,
The trees are ready for sleep.

A fallen leaf is nothing more
than a summers wave good bye

Heres some items on Etsy to get you ready for fall:

"Leaves in Fall Quilt"

From http://beauxjumeaux.etsy.com

for $475.00

"Thick'n Stranded Scarf is shades of Plum"

From: http://fray.etsy.com

for $50.00

"Autom Tree Mosaic Suncatcher"

From: http://mandolin2.etsy.com

for $52.00

"Upcycled top for fall"

From: http://deirdremcgeheedesigns.etsy.com

for $32.00