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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. madli Avatar
    madli

    What a generous gift! I like reading and looking at your blog so I wish you more happy years with it.
    I don’t listen to any music so I hope this won’t exclude me out of the game.

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  2. Mousy Brown Avatar
    Mousy Brown

    Congratulations on four years – I hope there are many more! I am loving Josh Garrels – Jacaranda and have just discovered his new album which is hopfully on its way to me now – very exciting! 😀

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  3. Ashley B. Avatar
    Ashley B.

    Happy Blog Birthday! The craft blogosphere keeps me sane during my cubicle workday– and your blog is always such a breath of fresh air.
    As for music, I’ve been listening a lot to Hem (esp their record “Rabbit Songs”). For more up-tempo I’ve been listening to Flogging Molly for years and they never get old.
    Best wishes!

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  4. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    Happy anniversary/blog-birthday. What an achievement! I would love to read this book. Looks really informative.
    Recently my husband has been getting into records so we have been listening to lots of old soundtracks and musicals. My favorite so far though is his No Doubt record. It brings back lots of memories from when we first met AND it is fun to dance to with my daughter.

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  5. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks, madli- and of course that wont exclude you!

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  6. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    oh, amaranta- good luck with that! 🙂

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  7. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar
    Littleminx.wordpress.com

    Wow, 205 comments! I love your blog Melissa – since having read about you in NZ House & Garden I have been a regular follower. You have helped to inspire me to make things and sell them online, something which has been going really quite well for me. I have also just applied for my first craft market, A Craft Affair in Chch, so have my fingers crossed for that.
    Music – I listen to a lot of Bob Dylan, and am playing Modern Times a lot. I also love NZ music – Holly Smith, Tessa Rain, Fat Freddys Drop, Phoenix Foundation, all Fly My Pretties. Mostly I listen to my 3 year old singing “The Farmer in the Dell” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” over and over.
    Happy 4th birthday, thank you for sharing and inspiring,
    Joanna x
    P.S Sorry it’s so long 🙂

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  8. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar
    Littleminx.wordpress.com

    Wow, 205 comments! I love your blog Melissa – since having read about you in NZ House & Garden I have been a regular follower. You have helped to inspire me to make things and sell them online, something which has been going really quite well for me. I have also just applied for my first craft market, A Craft Affair in Chch, so have my fingers crossed for that.
    Music – I listen to a lot of Bob Dylan, and am playing Modern Times a lot. I also love NZ music – Holly Smith, Tessa Rain, Fat Freddys Drop, all Fly My Pretties. Mostly I listen to my 3 year old singing “The Farmer in the Dell” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” over and over.
    Happy 4th birthday, thank you for sharing and inspiring,
    Joanna x

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    hi dear karuna- we miss you very much! xx

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  10. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you elena- and your homemade cypriot sweets sound amazing… 🙂

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  11. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Happy 4th Blogoversary, an achievement to say the least.
    Lately I have been hearing alot of 80’s music as my big kids discover the joys of big hair, shoulder pads and Jon Bon Jovi.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win the prize.

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  12. Léan Ní Chuilleanáin Avatar
    Léan Ní Chuilleanáin

    Gosh, happy fourth birthday, Tiny Happy! I always look forward to your posts 🙂
    Let’s see. I haven’t discovered any new music recently, but I’ve been introducing my boys (2 and 5) to old favourites. They really like Mozart’s Requiem – we were all dancing around the kitchen to the “Confutatis” the other day; it was hilarious!

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  13. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    yes, yes! i love it- thank you! 🙂

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  14. Kirsty Avatar
    Kirsty

    Congratulations on your blog-versary! I have been thinking about reading the Handmade Marketplace book, it looks good and I could use some advice about selling crafts. I have the Craft Inc. book, which is also excellent.
    I have been making cheese and listening to Sarah Blasko. And op shopping 🙂

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  15. Ella Avatar
    Ella

    Happy 4 years! Thanks so much for such beautiful and inspiring blogging.
    My music taste isn’t terribly sophisticated I don’t think but I love pretty much ALL kiwi stuff – at the moment I’m listening to Gin’s album a lot. I also really want the album of the woman who sings the gospel song on the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack.
    Here’s to your fifth year!

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  16. Carrie at Rhubarb Sky Avatar
    Carrie at Rhubarb Sky

    Hmmm, music suggestions.
    We’re really enjoying the Broken Bells album. Also The Swell Season, 500 Days of Summer soundtrack; Away We Go soundtrack. There’s so many good ones.
    You always have awesome taste in music when you post suggestions, I’m super curious to see what your other readers suggest.

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  17. lucette Avatar
    lucette

    Four years is quite something. I’ve just found your blog recently and enjoyed reading so much I linked to mine. As for music, I’ve been listening to the goldberg variations with Glenn Gould and it has been lovely. i

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  18. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Hi Melissa, happy fours years of blogging, what an achievement. I love reading your blog, looking at the dreamy misty landscapes of New Zealand and seeing all your lovely creations.
    knygh[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  19. Lea Martin Lord Avatar
    Lea Martin Lord

    congrats on ur amazing blog! Gave me ideas when I had none!!! Inspired me when most needed it! I’ve been following you for about a year now.I’m from Montréal…Québec Canada…:)You make my crafty just by reading you ! thanks!

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  20. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    As a lucky past-winner of one of your giveaways, I’d like to sit this one out, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to congratulate you on 4 great years. Keep those beautiful, inspiring posts coming.
    Lately, I’ve been listening to the new Joanna Newsom LOTS and LOTS. I’ve also been rocking An Horse, Bowerbirds, and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

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  21. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    Happy 4th blogging anniversary! This book would be wonderfully helpful as I am just starting out in the “handmade marketplace.” Thanks for doing this giveaway!
    I have been listening to Aaron Parks’ debut album, “Invisible Cinema” steadily since it came out in fall 2008. He is a relatively young avant garde jazz pianist. 🙂

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  22. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thank you, nicole- and oh, ive been listening to JNs new album almost constantly too- isnt it amazing?

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  23. Ellen Avatar
    Ellen

    Dear Melissa, Congratulations on keeping your blog inspired and beautiful for all of four years; impressive! Enjoy your posts always! Am currently obsessed with the track “81” from Joanna Newsom’s new album; I think you wrote about it here. Just lovely. Reminds me a bit of when I was a wee one in the late 1970s and Kate Bush sometimes blared on the record player. : ) Hello from Canada (moved back here from Prague a couple of months back). Cheers! Ellen

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  24. Joy Lines Avatar
    Joy Lines

    Happy birthday Tiny Happy. My daughter (Alice @ Homestyle Mag) showed me your blog – it’s definitely my favourite and I visit your shop most Wednesdays- I like to follow up your favourites and have whiled away many hours looking at and being inspired . Now I have a steadily growing pile of handmade stuff for when I get my own etsy shop /blog. Ive got my name sorted – just need to get up and running….eek need help. Would love to meet you some day I live with my extended family in Vanguard St (there’s even a 5 year old girl !!)
    Best wishes
    Joy
    PS Been listening to Rodriguez and Ryan Adams

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  25. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    Hi there, I’m loving your blog and building up the courage to start my own some time. I’ve got two young boys so I’m currently into crafting robot softies and all kinds of boy cushions and quilts. Currently listening to Dubliners live.

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  26. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    Congratulations on 4 years! I think yours was one of the first blogs I ever read on a regular basis. I’ve been a follower for a few years now, from NZ to Norway and back again. I love reading your blog and getting a glimpse into your life. Thank you for sharing it with us!
    As far as music goes, I must confess that I’m hooked on the TV show Glee and love listening to the first soundtrack. It’s so campy and FUN.

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  27. lotus Avatar
    lotus

    Happy 4 years!
    I am listening to the new Joanna Newsom, Justin Townes Earle, Vampire Weekend, Lawrence Arabia, Colin Meloy (from The Decemberists), and Jenny Lewis amongst lots of other great stuff (thanks Nath!). If you are keen for a listen to any of these let me know xx

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  28. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks, lotus- that nath is a great one for music, isnt he! take care, m xx

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  29. Caroline Avatar
    Caroline

    Happy blog birthday! I’m listening to Liars, Electrelane and Mirrored Silver Sea lately.

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  30. hanna Avatar
    hanna

    My playlist I’ve been listening to recently has Nirvana, Tom Waits, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Soul Coughing, Cake, Neil Young, Ben Harper, Violent Femmes, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Yo La Tengo, The White Stripes, and Patsy Cline.

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  31. Lucy dufendach Avatar
    Lucy dufendach

    Happy 4th!
    I’ve been listening to a little Elvis, a little Bee Gees, some Simon and Garfunkle, some Patsy Cline and a LOT of my teens’ music. The girls like Regina Spektor. We LOVE Pandora internet radio.
    Thank you for the chance to win.~
    Lucy~

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  32. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    We are liking the new Back Keys album! what a nice giveaway!

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  33. Marian M-S Avatar
    Marian M-S

    Happy bloggie birthday! I found your blog not too long ago, and have throughly enjoyed catching up on your past posts (still working on it :-D). I grew up in Norway, so I really enjoyed reading from when you were there.
    I listen to lots of different music, but landing in Houston, Texas for several years when we moved to the US put me on to country music, so that’s usually what is on in the car. At home (with two little ones) we tend to listen to Putumayo mixes (French Cafe, Italian Cafe…) and also a variety of folk/indie/alternative. Among others, Paper Swords (a local band here in Santa Barbara).
    P.S. I am getting very inpsired to get back into some more sewing, crocheting, and knitting myself as I read your blog. If you can do it with two little ones, I can too! 🙂 Thank you!

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  34. Ashley F. Avatar
    Ashley F.

    Hello! A friend just told me about your blog & this giveaway. I haven’t listened to any new, exciting music lately–or even for a long time–so I suppose I’ll say I just read “Look at the Birdie,” a collection of Kurt Vonnegut’s previously unpublished short fiction. It was a fun little book–exactly the type of short stories I wish I’d read when I was an English creative writing undergrad. That’s all for now–cheers!

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  35. homegirl Avatar
    homegirl

    Happy 4th birthday! I love your blog and am always inspired by it! I love reading it !
    I am still listening to Fleetwood Mac!!!

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  36. Jessica W Avatar
    Jessica W

    oh wow, how generous — I would love a copy of this book, and would pay it forward on my blog too — something about me? I’m missing a knuckle in my left hand but it still works fine! Music, I’m listening to a lot of Butch Cassidy Sound System and Electric Wire Hustle — great music.
    See you in July! xx

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  37. Jessica - Domestic PDX Avatar
    Jessica – Domestic PDX

    Happy blog birthday! You have a lovely site. I’m listening to Hem’s “Home Again, Home Again” album right now — good stuff.

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  38. libby sullivan Avatar
    libby sullivan

    hi-
    i’d love a book and thanks for being a bright spark in the online world.
    current music: jack johnson, early nick cave, nirvana unplugged, playing for change soundtrack, and kirsten hersh singing cat stevens, “trouble”.
    toodle-oo-
    libby

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  39. tooticky@gmail.com Avatar
    tooticky@gmail.com

    Four years! An accomplishment for sure… I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for almost a year now – I love how our seasons are out of synch. In our winter I was so jealously reading about your summer adventures and now that we are on the brink of summer I like to enjoy your descriptions of autumn.
    I have been listening to a lot of things that I never thought I would enjoy before, mainly because my children demand these things over and over. Even at such a young age they have strong opinions about music! So… I’ve come to like The Explosion and become more accepting of the White Stripes(thanks to my 6 year old son), Elvis Costello is an old and new favourite around here.
    Thanks for your blogging – I love to check in every day.

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  40. Merja Avatar
    Merja

    Four years, that’s impressive. So much inspiration in your blog too.
    Greetings from a Finn in California. I’m listening to Peter Gabriel’s latest, Scratch my back.

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  41. Whitney Avatar
    Whitney

    hi – i’m whitney, i’m from oregon.
    i’ve been listening to ‘the welcome wagon’ a lot lately.
    also, ‘the tallest man on earth.’ so so good.

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  42. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    Hi,
    Congratulations on 4 years of blogging. Your blog was actually the first one I ever found (via NZ Home and Garden) and it opened up a whole new world for me. I had barely met any people my age who liked knitting/sewing/making things and suddenly there were loads. So thank you!

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  43. bridget Avatar
    bridget

    your blog is fab, and happy birthday! i love seeing the beautiful things you make and the country you live in… does make me homesick for perth, wa. bridget x (in herts, UK)

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  44. Rosie Avatar
    Rosie

    Golly Gosh, what a lot of comments! It must a be sign of how great your blog is. I’m a late comer to the part. I’ve only been following you for a few months, but I enjoyed each and every post. Thanks for sharing and happy blogday!

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  45. Jaclyn Avatar
    Jaclyn

    looking forward to reading and learning some new craft advice! happy anniversary!

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  46. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    I found your blog after purchasing some of your sweet baby shoes. Its been a favourite ever since. Thanks for giving us a peek into your world. Would love to read that book – have been meaning to for ages.
    Thanks Melissa. Oh & I can’t get through the day without listening to Kings of Leon

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  47. allison Avatar
    allison

    every time i visit your blog i come away feeling calmer and refreshed. you inspire me to really look at my surroundings and find creative inspiration there. thank you! i hope you keep blogging for many more years.
    as for music, i’m a huge nanci griffith fan and lately i’ve been listening to her. i love her ‘other voices, other rooms’ album and ‘ruby’s torch’.
    thanks for the giveaway! having something handmade by you would be so special.

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  48. di Avatar
    di

    4 years is such a long time… we are in new york city listening to Bach and Lady Gaga. our tiny apartment is a sanctuary from the craziness of the city, sometimes i pass by a foraging bag hanging from a chair or a pencil case on a desk and instantly feel calm.
    thanks for all of that, and congratulations.

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  49. Denise Avatar
    Denise

    Happy 4 to you .. wonderful blog, such a treat to visit.
    Well music tastes for me is forever changing, as my eldest children develop their own tastes rather than listening to Mamas music, so they have introduced me to Paramore, Muse ( have you heard their version of .. it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day .. fab x ) but I do still have my own Michael Buble thing going on .. lol
    xxx

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  50. riona Avatar
    riona

    i love the simplicity and stillness of your photos!
    i have been listening to jill scott,erykah badu, habib koite, phil collins and john coltrane, great mix!

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