tiny happy

making journal

recent posts

about

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

four years blogging and a giveaway

Friday 1

Friday 3 

Friday 2 

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!

Posted in

316 responses to “four years blogging and a giveaway”

  1. tea and cake Avatar
    tea and cake

    oh wow! It looks like I’m about the 150th person to leave you a comment!
    Anyways, Happy 4 Blogging Birthday Years, to you. I have been blogging for just over three years, and love it – so much that lately, I have been taking workshops to introduce new people to the bloggy world. I love crafting – and the blogs have been most inspiring to me. I love yours as you produce such beautiful pieces (oh dear, sounds like sucking up, but I’m not!) So, do keep going, please.
    Music I listen to is, shall we say, eclectic? or messy, like me, but eg this morning I had a radio show on that was playing hits from the 50s and 60s! Very retro, eh?

    Like

    Reply
  2. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    Hello! Congratulations on your anniversary. I so enjoy your blog, beautiful handmade art and your life in New Zealand. Very inspiring!
    I am listening to Death Cab for Cutie; Blacking out the Friction.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Kritty Avatar
    Kritty

    Congratulations on 4 years! I’ve been following you for maybe two of them long enough to feel old when I see your daughter is bigger! I feel stagnate in the music department. I’m consistently in love with Erika Badu and my kids love they might be giants! Keep it up!

    Like

    Reply
  4. Susana Avatar
    Susana

    Congratulations. And keep ’em coming!
    I have been hooked on Joanna Newsom. But I have mostly been listening to the Beatles, because the baby has very definite musical tastes already. Not that I mind.

    Like

    Reply
  5. susanintexas Avatar
    susanintexas

    sadly, not enough time for music these days…but if I had time I’d listen to Carla Bruni (her first album in french), Lyle Lovett, or the Cowboy Junkies–nothing new in here, just old favorites! Happy 4th & congratulations. P.S. I love love love your watercolour prints & hoping you’ll sell more of them. they are so beautiful!

    Like

    Reply
  6. Jacilyn Avatar
    Jacilyn

    Happy 4th Blogging Birthday!
    The music I’m listening to most recently is Jack Johnson.
    I would love to have a set of your cards!

    Like

    Reply
  7. Kristal Avatar
    Kristal

    Keep up the good work. To be honest I’ve been in a music funk.. But all these comments are inspiring to get on ITunes and look some stuff up!

    Like

    Reply
  8. Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie Avatar
    Mary– The Yellow Door Paperie

    Congratulations!

    Like

    Reply
  9. Amaranta Avatar
    Amaranta

    Hello!!… well about me, I am Mexican and this is my last month in the USA, I can’t stay!!! The only way that I can come back (because my visa is about to end)is if my boyfriend marries me!!! ahhahaha SO!!! Right now I am having like my season finally (Will he or will he not aks??!!)… hahahah so weird, we in this “we cannot be together unless we marry” moment; so 1820’s! … and yeah, I am nervous about the whole deal.
    escuishi(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Like

    Reply
  10. Amaranta Avatar
    Amaranta

    Oh, yeah, don’t count this one… I will post about your giveaway on my blog
    http://hello-my-little-world.blogspot.com/
    Thanks!!

    Like

    Reply
  11. vickybilton Avatar
    vickybilton

    haPPY ANNIVERSARY TINY…YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME HAPPY AFTER i’VE READ YOUR BLOG…YOU MUST HAVE INSPIRED SO MANY PEOPLE OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS…LONG MAY YOU CONTINUE….THANK YOU FOR GIVING EVERYONE A FAIR CHANCE TO WIN!

    Like

    Reply
  12. Kelby Avatar
    Kelby

    I have your blog bookmarked, and I love seeing new posts everyday! I find all your posts to be so inspiring.
    I’ve been listening to Bright Eyes a lot lately. And the Flaming Lips.

    Like

    Reply
  13. Kathryn Avatar
    Kathryn

    Wow, 4 years old! I think I found your blog when you replied on another blog about something or rather about two years ago. I just started my own blog and hope to maybe sell something at some point.
    I am a 28 year old whom still enjoys reading children’s books. As far as the musical aspects, I enjoy Edith Piaf and The Incredible String Band.

    Like

    Reply
  14. Yvette Avatar
    Yvette

    Happy 4th bloggy Birthday!!! A lot has happened in those four years.
    I don’t listen to a whole lot of music, but when I do, I prefer the older US Country Western, including Native American. And on the other side I like old European minstrel music. Quite a combination, but that’s me!
    I also listen to the radio – the current stuff – when I’m in the mood, but I have a lot of trouble remembering who sings what. LOL!!
    Here’s to the next 4 years!!

    Like

    Reply
  15. nysakline@hotmail.com Avatar
    nysakline@hotmail.com

    Thank you for all of the inspiration!
    I’ve been enjoying listening to Billie Holliday lately. And comparing Madeleine Peyroux to her.

    Like

    Reply
  16. Ana Salomé Avatar
    Ana Salomé

    Happy Blog-Birthday!! And what a great give-away 🙂 I love your blog! It’s so organic, natural and beautiful…just love it!
    Some music I’m loving it at the moment is Marisa Monte, a brazilian singer that is simply brilliant…I’m just listening to her a lot a the moment, it’s great! No particular cd…all the ones I have 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  17. alexis Avatar
    alexis

    happy 4th birthday! i love checking your blog everyday, so thank you for posting everyday 🙂
    i find i listen to a lot of different music. my favorites right now are jenny lewis/rilo kiley, i love leonard cohen and the rolling stones too, plus early ike and tina turner. edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros are fun for the afternoon. and on sunday mornings while i’m making coffee and puttering around the apartment i play graham parsons’ grievous angel and phil alvin’s unsung stories on my record player.
    i hope you enjoy these.
    cheers again!

    Like

    Reply
  18. Christina J. Avatar
    Christina J.

    Nice giveaway! Lately I’ve been listening to Missy Higgins, Ben Folds, and KT Tunstall.

    Like

    Reply
  19. Norma in NZ Avatar
    Norma in NZ

    congratulations on 4 years of inspiring blogging… as for music it’s Pasifika music in our house at the moment… everything from Yandall Sisters (circa 70s) to Nesia Mystiks.

    Like

    Reply
  20. jenv Avatar
    jenv

    happy fourth anniversary! thank you for your encouragement yesterday. today i am going to get myself off this computer and make something.
    musically, i have been revisiting the smiths and the church.
    have a great weekend!!!

    Like

    Reply
  21. kaylovesvintage Avatar
    kaylovesvintage

    I could do with some nice snailmail
    enjoy your weekend

    Like

    Reply
  22. selena Avatar
    selena

    Lately, I’ve been listening to:
    To The Point, a news podcast on NPR
    Al Green
    Paolo Nutini
    Thanks for the blog! I love the stuff I’ve ordered for my new-parent friends too. Sweet!

    Like

    Reply
  23. Fr. Hirse Avatar
    Fr. Hirse

    Congratulations!!!!
    I’m listening to ‘radical chique’ at the moment. (a band from vienna,..).
    And something about me: I love coffee, milknosugar. ;o)

    Like

    Reply
  24. Daria Avatar
    Daria

    Happy birthday TinyHappy!
    Believe me, Melissa, your blog has enriched also our lives!
    So, while I listen to songs that I can sing along aloud, I hope that the one who will win this giveaway can appreciate your work!
    Have a great weekend
    Daria

    Like

    Reply
  25. Nicky Avatar
    Nicky

    Happy anniversary! Just think of all the pleasure you’ve given over those years!
    Music wise, I’m listening to Paloma Faith and Fleet Foxes.
    Although my class have had a Greek day today at school so we’ve been mainly listening to Greek music – AGH!!!!

    Like

    Reply
  26. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    Oh happy 4th! I have been reading your inspiring blog for a year now. Love what you share. Especially when I don’t feel the energy or the groove to do a craft in the evening myself, I’ll look at what you have done and feel better. I love stitches, felt and flowers that much! =) Thanks for sharing…
    also, enjoying the “XX” these days…=)

    Like

    Reply
  27. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    I am finishing sewing a dress for a wedding this summer……….It is lined and has a staggered hem, hoping it will turn out well. I am listening to classical music……….ah, so soothing.
    Happy Day Melissa. I love checking out your blog, love your style.

    Like

    Reply
  28. mon ami Avatar
    mon ami

    Happy Anniversary! It is so nice to hear that your blog has enriched your life. Your handmade work and musings are very inspiring and I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog a couple years ago.
    The music I have been enjoying lately: I keep going back to the Robert Plant & Alison Krauss album that came out a couple years ago. I also really like City & Colour, Neko Case and Timber Timbre. And I know that Broken Social Scene and The New Pornographers just put out new albums (I haven’t heard them yet but my money is on them being great). Wow except for the first suggestion these are all Canadian! I hope you enjoy
    xo

    Like

    Reply
  29. karen Avatar
    karen

    Happy 4 years, Melissa!
    Thank you for all the inspiration.
    For new tunes I would recommend AA Bondy, Anni Rossi, Matt Pond PA, and my all time favorite Loney, Dear.
    xoxo from Chicago IL.
    Karen.

    Like

    Reply
  30. Susie Avatar
    Susie

    i love your blog and am currently listening to radio head on Pandora 🙂 and I am about to move from Ohio to Portland Oregon in 2 short weeks 🙂
    http://resolutetwig.blogspot.com/

    Like

    Reply
  31. eli Avatar
    eli

    hello! my name is Eli and…the something about myself is… i’ve been living in Italy with my italian man for 6 months!
    congratulations on your Blog Birthday! I’ve had my eye on that book too, so it would be lovely to win.
    eli. x
    cookiesandcream_89(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Like

    Reply
  32. to Avatar
    to

    wow, 4 years! i’m thinking about getting my blog going again … but i’m not sure …
    most of all i enjoy the silence – and air, kitty hoff, …

    Like

    Reply
  33. Ange Avatar
    Ange

    Congratulations on your 4 years! and a great giveaway. I love making childerns clothes and have been dreaming about how I could sell them.
    The music? … Can I whisper this? … (I have been singing along to a compilation Phil Collins CD that cringe came free in a sunday newspaper)

    Like

    Reply
  34. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    Hi Melissa. I am a shameless lurker and fan of your site. I’m kind of a peace and quiet person myself, but that may be because I live in a one bedroom apt with two small children in the middle of a busy city. I would love to hear the music of crickets on warm and still night.

    Like

    Reply
  35. Silke Avatar
    Silke

    Happy 4th birthday! I’m so glad there is no end in sight 🙂
    As someone who usually does not like women’s singing voices, there are however some women I love to hear: K’s Choice’s Sarah Bettens from Belgium and Tegan and Sara from Canada come to mind.
    With the boys it’s Trading Yesterday, Barenaked Ladies and William Tell right now.

    Like

    Reply
  36. bora Avatar
    bora

    Your blog is one of the most beautiful I’ ve ever seen and it is like a walk through a tiny wonderland to read it and watch your pictures, a walk, which makes me happy… I would be SO grateful to get that so personal giveaway!!! Maybe I am lucky enough to win it???
    Be blessed
    Bora from Switzerland

    Like

    Reply
  37. Corrin LoCascio Avatar
    Corrin LoCascio

    hows it feel to be four years old in this a fairly new venture in your life ? i am just starting out, learning the ropes, while also coming up on my senior year of college ! at Ringling, im an illustration student and i love your blog, its honey sweet and sofun i am listening to Brett Dennen and Mason Jennings its a slow folk sound. It’ll calm and cozy every nerve 😀
    Here’s to more and more years of blogging tiny happy treasures !

    Like

    Reply
  38. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    4 years… Happy Anniversary!!!!! I have been visiting your blog for several years and have enjoyed it very much!
    At the moment I am listening to Jason Mraz, Laura Izibor, A Fine Frenzy and Michael Buble’.

    Like

    Reply
  39. Nathalie Avatar
    Nathalie

    four years of bloggging- congradulations!
    i am loving ‘the antlers’ for the moment (their song kettering is hearbreakingly beautiful).
    xox

    Like

    Reply
  40. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Hi! I have been enjoying reading your blog for about 6 months now and your projects often inspire me to get crafting and making useful items.
    I recently enjoyed a Chantal Kreviazuk concert in Montreal, Quebec with my husband (we try and catch her show whenever she comes to town) and fell in love with the singer in the opening act. She is another Canadian, Meghan Smith, who has such a clear and beautiful voice and real style! I encourage you to check her out and hope you will enjoy her voice as much as I do!
    Lisa

    Like

    Reply
  41. elizabeyta Avatar
    elizabeyta

    Hello. Happy 4th blog birthday!
    I found your blog somehow and love your projects.
    I sew and crochet and bake and build with cob and put earth and earth lime plaster on walls. I am what you might call multifacetted!
    I hope you have a lovely weekend.

    Like

    Reply
  42. Magdalena Avatar
    Magdalena

    Congratulations on making it this far! Blogging is a commitment! I enjoy reading your blog; it inspired me to sew and embroider and that lead to renewed love of painting. Music? Argentine tango music of Osvaldo Pugliese.

    Like

    Reply
  43. Nikki Garrigan Avatar
    Nikki Garrigan

    Four years and hopefully many more! I wear one of your beautiful bags everyday purchased two years ago. I get compliments all the time and spread the word about your blog and Etsy store. I love the way you see the world and life around you. Thank you!

    Like

    Reply
  44. Mandy Avatar
    Mandy

    Happy Blogiversary! I adore reading your thoughts and seeing such lovely things you make every morning! Usually we are rockin’ a lot of Veggie Tales (for the little people), but if I get to choose it’s usually Frank Sinatra or Josh Groban!

    Like

    Reply
  45. Janie Gleason Avatar
    Janie Gleason

    Happy blog-birthday!
    I’ve been listening to the Walkmen and Do Make Say Think since the weather started changing..

    Like

    Reply
  46. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Hey,
    I’ve found your blog about 8 months ago and I’ve been visiting you since.
    I like your “simple” style…I call it simple but I mean it’s…plain…isn’t the right name either…it’s just tiny happy.
    I’ve just started my own blog…I’m very inspired by yours. I’m always do things more difficult than necessary…but when I’ve visit your blog, I know I can also keep it…simple. I even started a bag and I finished it.
    I’m a dutch mom of a daughter and a stepdaughter. We watch a lot of MTV and TMF(a dutch music-thingie)(I don’t even really want to but I remember when I was 14…) and I like a lot of different music but no hip hop. Lately I often listen to Colby Caillet and I like Caro Emerald a dutch group.(to be found on Utube)
    By the way…Happy anniversary…Hope you’ll keep on writing!!!

    Like

    Reply
  47. Jupitergreen Avatar
    Jupitergreen

    Nga mihi nui kia a koe! Tino ataahua te mahi! Many thankyous flying to you from Welly. So much deliciousness! 🙂 Ra Whanua koa!!!!!!!!!
    The music I listen to is my seven year old sons Ukulele. Inbetween that those earnest sweet sounds I listen to Hannah Howes,Gian Slater, Sarah Blasko and Natalie Cole.

    Like

    Reply
  48. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Hi Melissa,
    i am so glad that i can join you on your “blogging trip” so far! I suggest that i am one of your biggest fans from overseas. Every evening when i am coming home from work (lot’s of business stuff and sometimes quite “uncreative”, i am re-opening my laptop to read your wonderfulf blog)
    One of my big plans for the end of the year is travelling to NZ – quite a huge trip to go from germany;-)
    I hope my english was quite understandable 😉
    I wish you all the best for the next years of crafting & painting and blogging of course!
    Lot’s of hugs!
    Linda

    Like

    Reply
  49. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Happy anniversary, lol! Four years is apparently celebrated with fruit and flowers or silk and linen! Interesting! I am rediscovering my love of the Hothouse Flowers. Fab music. Have a happy weekend! Jo x

    Like

    Reply
  50. Natasha Avatar
    Natasha

    Congratulations on the anniversary! I’ve been enjoying your photos and crafting for perhaps two years, and hope it is quite some time more.
    One of my favourite music sites is http://www.capebretonlive.com – live recordings of traditional Cape Breton music, mainly fiddle. Lots of concerts to listen to and lots of musicians represented. Cape Breton fiddle is closest to a subtype of Scottish fiddle, if you aren’t familiar; probably my favourite genre.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment