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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

four years blogging and a giveaway

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Happy fourth birthday to my blog! I can't believe i've been doing this blogging thing most days for the past four years, but I love it and don't want to stop just yet. Thank you very much for visiting me and for all the emails and comments and real mail you send my way. This blog has really enriched my life. I mean it.

So, to say thank you, I thought I'd offer a small giveaway. I recently bought a copy of this book, The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin and it's great! It's so nicely put together (including illustrations by Emily Martin) and is chocoblock with ideas and advice about selling your crafts and artwork. Now i've finished reading it, I thought I should pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it. I'll package it up with a set of my newly-printed watercolour postcards and another small handmade something. 

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me something about yourself- anything you like but it would be interesting to hear what music you are enjoying these days. Thank you again for reading my blog and supporting my work over the past four years.

p.s. I'll send the parcel anywhere in the world, and i'll leave this open until Monday morning. Have a good weekend!

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316 responses to “four years blogging and a giveaway”

  1. Jodi Avatar
    Jodi

    Happy 4th anniversary of blogging! I always enjoy your projects and beautiful photos.
    Sounds like a great book, and your watercolour postcards are delightful.
    I’ve been revisiting some old favorites from the 90s (REM, U2, Wilco) lately, as I rediscovered a cache of CDs in our preparations to move house. In terms of new stuff, I highly recommend the Fruit Bats!

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  2. Funky Mommy Avatar
    Funky Mommy

    Congrats on your anniversary! blogging has enriched my life as well! I have been enjoying Ingrid Michaelson, Lisa Lobe and The Police lately.

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  3. heather Avatar
    heather

    Ooooh! I’ve seen this book and would LOVE to have a copy! Lets see….I’m a folk artist in the US and also mama to one girl and her dog. I like music with a good ol fashioned twang…Neko Case is my favorite, also love Gillian Welch. Been painting lately to Daisy Mae Erlewine…its always a pleasure to visit here!~ thanks for the giveaway chance!~

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  4. Clare Avatar
    Clare

    Ohh! I’d love that book! Happy 4th anniversary Melissa – congrats. You must have made many people smile all around the world you know with your words and your handwork, isn’t that amazing to think about! At the moment I’m listening to Iron and Wines double CD ‘Around the Well’

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  5. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    I’ve been reading your blog for the last two years and I love it! It is responsible for inspiring my own little blog too which I started this year. I found that being pregnant and not working I needed little projects to keep myself occupied and a blog is a good tool to keep you motivated.
    Recently I’ve been listening to ‘Astral Weeks’ by Van Morrison lots. It’s an oldie but a goodie. I used to listen to it heaps as a teenager but then didn’t for years and now like it again.

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  6. Felicity.lingle@gmail.com Avatar
    Felicity.lingle@gmail.com

    I love the Silversun Pickups and i’ve just been getting into Weezer lately. You have a really great blog!! It’s one of my top favorites, I love seeing your pretty flowers and fabric creations!! Cheers!

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  7. Tessa Avatar
    Tessa

    Hi.
    Have you listened to Bill Callahan? Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle has been getting regular play in our house.
    I’ve been enjoying your blog since stumbling across it a few months ago. Reading it has inspired me to pull out all of my grandmother’s “Silks” and start stitching again.
    I too was at the Wilco gig in Wellington – dreamy.
    Cheers

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  8. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Congratulations on four years! Thank you for all you do! Your blog brings great happiness.
    I listen to what my family chooses most days, but I have been hankering to get the Sigur Ros CDs back out and give them a good listen.

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  9. Joy Kelley Avatar
    Joy Kelley

    Congratulations on your anniversary! I really enjoy your blog. For some reason we’ve been playing a lot of Eric Clapton and Nina Simone at our house. Go figure.

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  10. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    wow four years!! That is really amazing Melissa. I can’t wait to have the opportunity one day to go back and immerse myself in your archives.

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  11. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    wow, what a lovely giveaway!
    we have a crown lynn dinner set with a wildflower (weeds??) illustration…it always make me think of you 🙂
    happy 4 years, Dee

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  12. Gail Avatar
    Gail

    I love your work (and your blog)!
    I’ve been listening to Zeppelin, Cake, Neko Case, Tom Jones (yes!), and in honor of the beloved Ronnie James Dio’s recent passing, some Black Sabbath, Rainbow and, of course, Dio.

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  13. Abraham Avatar
    Abraham

    Congratulations on four years Melissa. You inspire me not only to blog but to stop and smell the roses. Yayburgers.
    I am currently listening to Alice Coltrane which sounds like Cinematic Orchestra but without heavy drums. Very dreamy harp music. Also, I reccommend The Natural Yogurt Band for early morning get up and gos.
    Furthermore I love trains, lighthouses, The Big Lebowski and making things out of cardboard.

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  14. Patricia (Pollywog Creek) Avatar
    Patricia (Pollywog Creek)

    Happy Blogoversary, Melissa! I love the simple, natural beauty of your blog and the charming work of your hands. So very lovely. I listen to a variety of music, but if I picked up my ipod this very moment, I’d search for Brooke Fraser. Blessings!

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  15. Linh Avatar
    Linh

    Happy 4th birthday blog. I listen to Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), Antony and the Johnsons, Cat Power, Elliott Smith, Nick Cave, Kate Bush. Currently as i type: Beach House 🙂

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  16. Alison Gibbs Avatar
    Alison Gibbs

    Congratulations on 4 years. Blogland is such a fun place.
    At the moment I am likeing The Audreys and another Australian band called The Distance.
    Alison

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  17. JenMeister Avatar
    JenMeister

    Congrats on four fruitful years! Something about myself? I name my electrical appliances and can wiggle my ears independently 🙂

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  18. Luiza Avatar
    Luiza

    Hi. I’m from Brazil and my english isn’t that good, but I’ve been visiting your blog for a long time and it’s one of my favorites blogs. I’m even thinking to start my own craft blog, but in portuguese, for sure 🙂 Well, lately I’m hearing so much the album “Into the Wild”, by Eddie Vedder and brazilian/american band Little Joy (in case anyone doesn’t know: http://www.myspace.com/littlejoymusic). So, that’s all I can say in english without big errors!
    Congrats for Tiny Happy’s Birthday!

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  19. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Well I’ve just come across this site but I love it… I’ve gone back and read posts from at least the last two or three years. The most interesting thing about me at the moment is my plan of starting my own sewing business on Etsy this summer. Fingers crossed it is at least mildly successful. I have been really into Iron and Wine lately, especially the unreleased songs Two Hungry Blackbirds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvIxrYGnGq0) and Mary Anne (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ra177En–0). His lyrics are just fantastic.

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  20. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Happy 4th blogiversary Melissa! I’ve been following you since seeing the article on you in the NZ H & G. It was you who inspired me with all your vintage fabrics and repurposing!
    We are stuck on the old recording of ‘The Hunting of the Snark’, at the moment. The children know alot of the words, and sing along to it in the car! (extremely entertaining!)

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  21. elizabeth Avatar
    elizabeth

    Happy 4th! Love your blog and visit often. Glad to hear you’re not ready to give it up.
    As for music most of what I have been listening to lately is whatever my girls are. Young pre-teens, they have their music blaring almost 24-7. but I love it, keeps my young. And I am suprised how many of the songs I grew up with are being remade. The girls are always suprised that their old mom know the words.

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  22. jenny lee fowler Avatar
    jenny lee fowler

    Thanks for all your sharing & congrats on your anniversary! I like to listen to listen to Lisa Hannigan/ Sea Sew while I am up late snipping. And can’t get enough of Florence and the Machine’s You’ve Got the Love and cover of Postcards from Italy. With the kids, Pete Seeger songs and stories and Joan Jett (my 8yo is crazy for her right now).

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  23. wendy Avatar
    wendy

    Happy fourth anniversary!!!
    I’m not much of a music listener… but I do have rather eclectic tastes. Currently on my iPod are U2, Our Lady Peace, Santana, Jann Arden, Iona, a quartet of monks who sing acapella hymns, and the Simon Fraser University bagpipe band. 🙂
    Thanks for the chance to win the book!

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  24. Sarah S Avatar
    Sarah S

    Happy 4th blog birthday from me. I also found your blog from the NZ H&G article. Has got me delving further into the crafty world – who knows where it will take me (like Alice’s rabbit hole really…).
    Sounds in our house at present include the Great NZ Songbook CD (and as a result, the Phoenix Foundation), the Glee soundtrack vol. 1 (which my kids love) and Greg Johnson (long time fan from my varsity days). I have also just rediscovered the Barenaked Ladies CDs I have, good fun stuff.

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  25. Susie Dean Avatar
    Susie Dean

    Congratulations Melissa and thank you for 4 years of inspiration and happiness. Just love your blog: the way you express yourself in writing, photos and crafty skills is a joy. Hmm, I love Nelson Autumn’s and have a hankering for Donovan having seen a great doco about him lately.

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  26. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Happy 4 years of blogging! This blog is one of the ones I read daily and I love it! You make me wanna keep on being crafty 🙂 And hooray for a give away! I have never won a thing in my life so let if see if I can win this!
    One thing about me is that I really really really love the ocean and a warm climate (because I grew up around those things in Miami, Florida) but now I live in a place with neither of those (Columbus, Ohio) and it makes me so sad!
    As for music I am really loving Best Coast and The Middle East right now! Some laid back stuff!
    I Love you TinyHappy keep on keepin’ on!

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  27. Mary Beth Avatar
    Mary Beth

    Happy blogaversary, Melissa. I love your blog and am always inspired by your crafts. Listening to lately–it seems I’m always listening to my children’s music. Lately Rainer has been driving with me on part of my commute (on the days he stays with his grandparents) and he always chooses Elizabeth Mitchell–she’s the best.

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  28. La Tempete Avatar
    La Tempete

    How lovely 🙂
    Despite my best efforts, I can’t get some of the latest trashy pop hits off my brain. Ke$ha and Lady Gaga mainly. ARRRGH! Help.

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  29. Emily Moss Avatar
    Emily Moss

    Wonderful to hear Melissa that you love blogging and will keep it up! I love your blog – so enjoy following all the beautiful things you create with such love and care. I also relish the photos of nature and your family that you share. Congratulations on so many years of success and hard work! hugs to you from Emily

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  30. briar Avatar
    briar

    hey Melissa – Happy Blogday!! amazing how time flies huh!…hmmm, music, does the track to ‘Roary the racing car’ count as thats what I hear ALL THE TIME….I LOve Billy Holiday when I can get hold of the CD player tho – tricky with 4 kids! Oh and I LOVE listening to my hubby and nearly 13 year old jam the blues rifts they are getting SO good at.

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  31. Nelia Avatar
    Nelia

    Congratulations on your anniversary!
    I just love your photographs, pieces of art, your wonderful collection of books, and your adorable children. Thank you for sharing your little piece of the world with us.
    As for music, classical pieces for piano…so soothing…

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  32. Carole Avatar
    Carole

    Congrats on your birthday and thanks for letting me follow you round everywhere!
    I seem to have a lot of Gin Wigmore on my ipod at the moment, love her raspy voice.
    The book looks like it’s definately worth reading!
    Carole

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  33. Joi Avatar
    Joi

    Yay 4!!
    Let’s see.. Lately I have been listening to the new Tom Waits, Broken Bells, and the brand spakin new Bad religion. The combo brings me right back to college.

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  34. Valerie Avatar
    Valerie

    I read your blog every morning here in Luxembourg and I really enjoy it! Happy birthday and long life !

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  35. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    Wow, 4 years is a long time. I wish I had been onto your blog sooner! I too love the way that you express yourself here, and enjoy every new post you put up. I have never “met” anyone quite like you, who takes inspiration/idea to finished handmade treasure so readily and gracefully. Since I really am not listening to any music other than the birds these days I will tell you something I am reading instead… loving this book, and would highly recommend, “Garden Anywhere” by Alys Fowler. It is packed with useful information written in a clear and fun way, and I think is a great read for experienced and new gardeners alike.

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  36. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    Hey – congrats on 4 years! So – I listen to everything ut these days am partial to folk – iron and wine, carla bruni, etc. And the old folkies – joni mitchell, ritchie havens, peter, paul, and mary, etc.
    xo – erin

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  37. Always Sunday Avatar
    Always Sunday

    Well done for sharing your inspiring narrative with others, I have followed your blog for the past two and a half years and, i’m wondering if you might cut and paste some of your favourite bits to mark the celebration? I have been crafting for many years and am a mother of two wee ones and a part-time secondary school teacher. My music tastes vary, I really enjoy listening to Ella Fitzgerald, The Gorillaz (very clever) and old and new SKA bands. I also enjoy Vivaldi on occasion and a bit of Nick Cave who is a lyrical genius. Variety is the spice of life!

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  38. by night Avatar
    by night

    4 years of blogging! that’s impressing! Thank you for all the inspiration and the freshness of your universe! Connecting on your blog is pretty much the 1st thing I do every morning… And thank you too for the very sweet giveaway! I also love the idea of sharing everyone’s music tastes. What a nice way to discover new stuff! These days, I am really into Cocorosie’s last album: Grey Oceans, Fever Ray or a young belgian folk singer: Dan Miller but what I do when I sew is listen to all the LP’s (mostly 70’s and 80’s) I buy at flea markets or 2nd hand stores

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  39. Margarita Williams Avatar
    Margarita Williams

    Congrats on making the 4 year mark. I’ve been lurking via google reader for a while now and I enjoy your posts. Tid bit? I’m going nuts caring for a parent who’s aged prematurely. A tip for any parents out there: don’t move back in with your kids!

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  40. gretchen mornin Avatar
    gretchen mornin

    happy 4th birthday melissa and tiny happy!… something about me…I secretly want to study as a midwife but the commitment to the training scares me! also I am really enjoying the recent album by ‘the unthanks’ entitled here’s the tender coming. its beautiful traditional irish covers. x

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  41. tina Avatar
    tina

    happy happy birthday, tiny happy blog! the cd that i keep putting into my cd player these days is the away we go soundtrack. and then i sing along. xx

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  42. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    Congratulations for your blog’s 4th anniversary Melissa!
    The music that I mostly enjoy these days comes from the soundtrack of the movie “Love actually”. There are some particular songs there that my little ones like to dance to, it’s so much fun!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  43. Cinnamon Avatar
    Cinnamon

    wow! Four years is a long time, and none at all it seems. I’m so glad I found your blog and wish I had earlier. I just have to hope for another 4 years I think 😉 Lately I’ve been listening to the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Mumford and Sons. They’re sort of on repeat, and I can’t get enough.

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  44. madame craft Avatar
    madame craft

    OHH four year is just a great adventure, congratulations Melissa!! you have a super cute blog and your work is a very unique beauty simplicity these days.
    Something about me could be that i am a nomad, now living in Tokyo original from Venezuela.
    I have a blog too and other in colaboration with other gilrs from spain and colombia, where we take pictures inspired by a song, just for fun.
    Nowadays i am listening Sara Lov.
    Take care
    hugs

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  45. Jodz Avatar
    Jodz

    Ive been listening to ‘The great New Zealand sound track’ that has a variety of awesome NZ music.

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  46. Kelley Avatar
    Kelley

    Congrats on four years! That’s quite an accomplishment. I’ve been a long time follower of your blog, but I think this may be my first comment! What can i say, I’ve had my eye on that book…
    Lately I can’t stop listening to the Everybodyfields and Frontier Ruckus.

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  47. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Oh, well done on 4 years of blogging! You don’t read a day over 3 years! Anyhoo, I am currently listening to The Red Hot Chili Peppers after reading Anthony Kiedis’s autobiography (don’t bother unless you like hearing of someone’s glorified drug use and sexual prowess). I am a fan of theirs, though generally I only let people think I like Fleet Foxes and Andrew Bird!

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  48. Ms Lottie Avatar
    Ms Lottie

    Happy Blogversary! Wow, 4 years. I’ve been blogging for just one. I listened to The John Butler Trio this morning – but it’s rare that I get to listen to music, my kids don’t seem to like it (weird I know) and ask me to turn it off. They are 5 and 2 years old.

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  49. Lesley Avatar
    Lesley

    Hello Melissa,
    I have been enjoying your lovely blog since I came across your article in the Nz house and garden.I would love to win the book for my youngest sister Robyn, who is very arty and creative.I’ve been listening lately to the Wellington Ukulele orchestra..they are so much fun!…and teaching myself to play with hopes of one day teaching my two granddaughters(and any more grandies to come…might end up with my own orchestra!)
    best wishes to you and your family,
    Lesley.

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  50. Desiree Fawn Avatar
    Desiree Fawn

    Wow! Four years is quite the achievement! Congrats, my friend ❤
    Hmm.. I’ve been listening to Neko Case, and Pearl Jam… and of course, songs sung by my partner — my favourite musician by far 😉

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