A peek at some fun little custom orders from the holidays...

I was so blessed to have many custom orders from all over the place over the holidays. There were several pieces I just love but have not (yet) listed as items in my shop @ HandstampedOriginals on Etsy, as they were situation specific (i.e., 7 grandkids, 9 grandkids, etc.). I'll probably be listing these or variations on these soon. I'm already working on Mother's Day ideas. I know it's not until May, but, well, you know...I have a problem. Just thought you might enjoy these. :D

First Snow Day of the School Year...

and there was much rejoicing!

Snow Days mean Pajama Days around here. And, lots of cartoons, books, Legos & Wii.

Any Snow Day traditions in your house?

New Year, New Handstamped Originals, New Savings!

Hey all. New pieces right & left & so many still in my head. I feel a marathon jewelry-making session coming on. Look for even more pieces this week!

Now that you've un-decorated from the holidays, the kids are back in school & you've got a grip on things, maybe you want to start thinking of the next gift-giving holiday... Groundhog's Day. Just kidding. That'd be Valentine's Day.

And for those of you wanting to get something for that special someone, have I got a code for you. From now through February 14, save 15% on any order from Handstamped Originals on Etsy with Coupon Code: VALENTINE. Go there now: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandstampedOriginals?ref=si_shop :D

What do you mean it's 2012???

Hey there. Long time, no blog. I know, I know, you're all like, "I kept checking the blog, but nothing new was posted. I started to wonder if you were still alive. Then I went on over to your Etsy shop and I noticed that your shop was in Vacation mode for Christmas... Then I just gave up checking."

I'm happy to report our Christmas vacation was wonderful--all sickness ended just in time for Christmas & we were able to spend lots of quality family time together & visit with so many of our friends & family. There were many games of dominoes & untold hours with Legos. :D We just finally took our Christmas tree down yesterday (after we took our annual family pic in front of said tree--because, better late than never) & our home has taken on that minimalist glow that follows a month + of rooms full of Christmas decorations. Things are getting back to "normal"--whatever that is. :D

Handstamped Originals on Etsy is once again OPEN for business, complete with some new goodies, just in time for Valentine's Day gift giving!

Holiday Savings For Blog Readers & Facebook Fans!

Still searching for that special gift for that special someone? From now through December 20, Handstamped Originals Facebook Fans & Blog Readers can SAVE 20% on any order from HandstampedOriginals on Etsy with Coupon Code: HOHOHO

Just go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandstampedOriginals?ref=si_shop and enter the coupon code upon checkout. Happy Shopping!

~Melissa

One of my favorite hassle-free decorating go-tos

Want an easy way to change your decorations for the season/holidays without having to dismantle or replace your decor?

My go-to is....

Wait for it...

Framed.Paper.

That's it, framed paper. Sometimes with a rub-on added, but usually not. Wanna see?

Here are the side-by-side frames in our half-bath (sorry for the picture quality--new camera is on my Christmas list!). I like the two simple frames in our half bath. I don't like the thought of taking them down, hanging something else, creating more holes in the wall/worrying about the existing holes. So, I just swap out the contents & viola, I mean voila.

This year I framed up some simple, graphic Christmas prints--Under the Mistletoe & Oh Christmas Tree.

Inside, they hold a history of seasons. At the back are the "everyday" prints. Then comes Halloween. Then, Fall/Thanksgiving. And, now it's Christmas.

I'm all for simple & hassle-free. Give it a try!

~Melissa

We were featured on BlogHer today!

I'm so excited! Today Handstamped Originals was featured on BlogHer's Holiday Gift Guide, in an article entitled Buying Blogger-Made This Holiday Season. Check it out here:

http://www.blogher.com/buying-blogger-made-holiday-gift-guide

Thanks, Justine, for the great article & for including me! You can check out Justine's blog, A Half-Baked Life, here: http://www.blogher.com/frame.php?url=http://ahalfbakedlife.blogspot.com.