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

5th birthday giveaway

Friday 1

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Good afternoon. It turns out that I've been blogging for five years this week! I wanted to say thank you to you, sweet readers, for following along and being interested in my work. I've loved writing in this space each day over the past five years. It's been a lot of fun so far. 

As a celebration, I wanted to offer up a little giveaway. I'll send you this embroidered drawstring case, useful for keeping your small projects in order or for keeping anything in, really. I'll also send a mixed set of printed cards and a piece of my 'heidi' fabric (and others, if they've arrived in time.) 

Thanks again for your support and friendship here at tiny happy. It's much appreciated!

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post- you can write anything you like but it would be interesting to hear your film recommendations. (I'm hoping to get lots of film-watching in this winter, and maybe you are too?) Last year's blog birthday comment section produced some great music recommendations- you can check them out here if you like.

I'll post to anywhere in the world, and leave this open till Monday morning.

Enjoy your weekend.

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287 responses to “5th birthday giveaway”

  1. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Hi Melissa – congrats on making it to 5 years blogging! 🙂 The only movie I have on my see-list for this winter so far is Babies – mind you, going off the last years movie viewing, I’ll be lucky to get to even that!

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  2. heather Avatar
    heather

    Happy 5 year bloggaversary! You have such a lovely space here. I always look forward to visiting and seeing your latest projects and the serene atmosphere of your work and home. You have one of the loveliest blogs I’ve seen 🙂
    The best movie I’ve seen lately is one I saw on netflix instant queue if you do that— its called Sweet Land. Its about a mail order bride in post WWI Minnesota. Its just a beautiful and heartwarming film. A visual feast as well.
    Here’s to many more years of blogging!
    heather

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  3. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Melissa your blog posts are always stunning an inspiration. I love the way you look at the world. Here’s what I’d recommend to watch; Another Year, Winter’s Bone, Frida (x50), 3:10 to Yuma, The Others, Bill Cunningham New York and I also love both Nanny McPhee movies – your kids might too.

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  4. Siew Avatar
    Siew

    Happy 5 on Cinco de Mayo! And I can’t believe that just the post ahead of me, Heather, recommends the EXACT same movie I was going to recommend. Tells you that you really should watch it because it truly is a wonderful movie.

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  5. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    happy 5 year blogaversary! i so enjoy coming to your peaceful space and being inspired by your creations.
    my family and i have really be enjoying “up” lately.
    and if you enjoy birds i recommend “kestrel’s eye”

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  6. jenny Avatar
    jenny

    Happy 5th blog birthday! Just saw Never Let Me Go. It’s wonderful!

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  7. Clare Avatar
    Clare

    Congratulations! Thank you for bring the everyday alive so creatively for 5 years. Its gone so fast. Has to be Casablanca not only for the chemistry between Bogart and Bergman, but also the audacious makers had no idea how the film would end when they started making it! Go risk taking! Love always Clare

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  8. nelia Avatar
    nelia

    Happy Birthday! How wonderful. I look forward to your posts – the pictures, the little recipes, and of course your lovely creations. I just watch a Canadian film called One Week. It was quite interesting. Some parts were really funny. Some parts were sad. I enjoyed it and the views of the Canadian countryside were really nice.

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  9. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Congratulations 🙂 I saw the New Zealand film ‘Boy’ at the Stockholm International Film Festival last year. It was the highlight of the festival for me. x

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  10. Sera Avatar
    Sera

    Wow! Congrats on your blogoversary 🙂 Thanks for your inspiring posts and beautiful work.
    Sera

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  11. Sera Avatar
    Sera

    P.S. I watch the same films over and over again, but if you haven’t seen ‘Never Let Me Go’ yet, you should.

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  12. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    Happy blog birthday! Your blog is the last stop I make on my daily blogroll reading, and it’s always such a beautiful quiet place. Thank you!
    As for film recommendations: Lars and the Real Girl, Everything is Illuminated, and The Royal Tenenbaums are some of my favorites. The only recent film that I’ve seen in the past 2 years is Of Gods and Men, which I also recommend.

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  13. fiona Avatar
    fiona

    happy blog birthday! i’m sorry i don’t know a good new/recent film to recommend. can i just tell you my current fave author? Haruki murakami. i’d imagine reading his books, while staying warm on the sofa in winter.

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  14. Tanya Avatar
    Tanya

    Happy Bloggy Anniversary.
    I saw a really old classic the other day “Guess who’s coming to dinner”. I really liked it. I will be back to see others recommendations!

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  15. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    happy five years!

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  16. Cyndi Avatar
    Cyndi

    Happy five years! I love seeing your beautiful photos and projects, especially the beach wanderings. You’ve probably seen this, but Bright Star is a beautiful film with lots of sewing and inspiring costumes. Read Never Let Me Go before you see the movie.

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  17. Caitlin Avatar
    Caitlin

    Wow, five years! Congrats! There are always so many movies to see… hard to pick! Recently I saw “Easy Virtue” with Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and… Jessica Biel. It was quite funny and a little bit different from what you might expect.
    Cheers!

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  18. jill Avatar
    jill

    Happy blog anniversary! What a lovely accomplishment! I’ve only seen kid movies lately, but we love Despicable Me at my house. Thanks for the generous giveaway!

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  19. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    Happy anniversary! your posts/ your creations always seem so serene, gentle and peaceful~ 🙂
    i have a terrible memory with movies. i’ll watch one and a week later i won’t be able to remember much about it! i do remember watching Top Gun (which i enjoyed when i was younger) not so long ago and thought it was absolutely awful and couldn’t understand what i possibly used to like about it! haha, so taste changes…Dirty Dancing is still a firm favourite though 🙂

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  20. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Congratulations on your fifth blogaversary! What a special giveaway! The last movie I saw was The Kids’ are Alright which I loved. But I really can’t wait to see Jane Eyre, it is my favourite book – I have to make do with the trailer for now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA

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  21. angela Avatar
    angela

    Win Win, once it’s out on video. We saw it last week and it made me glad for movies again.

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  22. elena gold Avatar
    elena gold

    i really loved the film kitchen stories. it was wonderful! thanks for always inspiring me! x.

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  23. sloane Avatar
    sloane

    I can only hope that my blog is nearly as endearing as yours in 5 years time. Happy blog birthday to you!
    I have adored this movie for so long. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyqq87u4GPw

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  24. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    It has been a true pleasure following your blog.
    This might be old news because the film is not new, but have you seen In the Mood for Love (2000) directed by Wong Kar-wai? I like the story, Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) has a fantastic 1962 Hong Kong wardrobe, and the film in general is aesthetically beautiful.

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  25. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    When Harry Met Sally – a classic and always so good.

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  26. mary Avatar
    mary

    Five years! that’s amazing and so generous :^) Gosh, I haven’t seen a movie in forever (except The Girl in the Cafe, which I liked mostly) but I’ve been totally absorbed lately by the DVD sets for the first seasons of Foyle’s War and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (fab music there too.) Not so easy to do needlework to though!

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  27. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    happy blog birthday!
    i recently watched downton abbey, and it was great, if you’re into that kind of thing. also, season 4 mad men! i realize neither are movies per se, but both were really good and fun to watch.

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  28. briar Avatar
    briar

    happy birthday tiny happy blog!! so love coming and reading this space…thanks for all the inspiration xx

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  29. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Happy Anniversay to you – just love checking by your blog and you are always an inspiration. Havent watched any very new releases but recently enjoyed The Lovely Bones and also Blindside with Sandra Bullock in it. My all time favourite and one I could watch over and over is Forrest Gump !!! 🙂

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  30. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Congrats on five years! And don’t miss “Bill Cunningham”. It’s a terrific documentary about the man who takes the “On The Street” photos for the New York Times. He’s a wonderful fellow: 80 years young, riding a bike through the streets of Manhattan, humble, owning almost nothing, a simply great attitude about life, an eye for beauty, loving what he does…it’s one of those movies that you leave smiling, and sticks with you for days.

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  31. Carrie @Rhubarb Sky Avatar
    Carrie @Rhubarb Sky

    Oh my. . . film recommendations are so personal, don’t you think? I recently watched Pretty In Pink again. I just adore that Ducky. . . how about some nostalgia for your winter watches?! 5 years. . . what a milestone! Sending love across the seas.

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  32. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    I like your fabric designs. They seem to be quite simple on first glance but when you look again you can see that quite a bit of consideration has gone in to them. Which is a overall quality I pick up from your blog too. As for movies I would recommend any thing Jane Austen movie related. Esp the BBC adaption of Emma.

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  33. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    Congratulations what an achievement, being a novice blogger I’m in awe! The King’s Speech is the one movie everyone has told me to see! (So I must get round to it this winter!!) Or just about anything with Colin Firth in it ….

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  34. Karina Avatar
    Karina

    Happy anniversary.
    I have enjoyed reading your blog over the last couple of years more less, since I found an article on a house and garden magazzine about your work and the link to your blog!!!
    Hopefully many more to come!!!
    xoxo
    K

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  35. Heidi aka Digital Misfit Avatar
    Heidi aka Digital Misfit

    Wow! Congrats on 5 years of blogging!
    For some great drama films, I suggest The Other Boleyn Girl, The Magdalene Sisters, The Boy In The Striped Pajamas.
    For some fab standup comedy, the Wanda Sykes “Imma Be Me” dvd is hilarious.
    I need that Heidi fabric, for obvious reasons!
    hugs,
    Heidi

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  36. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    I really love your blog, because it reminds me of home. Some film recommendations: Annie Hall (the lobster scene is so great), and Breathless by Goddard. I think I’m going to hit up Wings of Desire this weekend, I feel the need for a good library scene in a movie.

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  37. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Happy Blogiversary! I love reading your insights and observations; they help me find those little spots of peace, beauty, and perspective during the hectic days. That being said, I see very few films until years after they come out, but I just caught The Joy Luck Club on tv recently and I think it’s worth a re-watch. With a LOT of tissues.

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  38. Sharyn Avatar
    Sharyn

    Melissa, congratulations…you have inspired me so much over the years, so thankyou very much for all your beautiful words, pictures, recipes and hand-made goodies. I have totally adored watching the BBC series of “Lark rise to Candleford”. Lovely stories, gorgous old handmade costumes and beautiful english villages….

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  39. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    Happy blog birthday! Inside Job is a really interesting documentary (though you really have to focus when you watch it) and Winter’s Bone is a great movie.

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  40. Kirsty Avatar
    Kirsty

    What a nice milestone, 5 years, well done.
    It’s actually been 5 years since I have been to the cinema, funny how that coincides with starting a family and moving to the country!
    I cant recomend any recent films, but my all time favorite film is ” Amelie” I hope you’ve not seen it because it is a real treat.
    X

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  41. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Hi Melissa, congratulations on five years 🙂 My favourite movie is Anne of Green Gables – a real classic but one that I enjoy over and over again!

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  42. Minnietheminks Avatar
    Minnietheminks

    Congratulations! I really like the film Pecker, it not a blow you away movie by any means but its just right for a night on the sofa sprinkled with fun.

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  43. Sarah P Avatar
    Sarah P

    Happy 5 years, tiny happy! I’ve been reading for years, and I look forward to every post!
    Depends on your mood, the movie. Onegin with Ralph Fiennes is beautiful, old-world-Russiany.

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  44. Sarah S. Avatar
    Sarah S.

    Thanks for the great giveaway. Happy blogoversary! I’ve been watching more TVonDVD than film, but would HIGHLY recommend Dexter, a Showtime series about a relatable serial killer. Most likely availably at your local library. Would highly recommend it while crafting.

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  45. heather Avatar
    heather

    Yours is still my favorite handmade blog and etsy shop out there. I love that I can see the work coming from someone and a home. Whenever I wear the swan brooch from you, I get so many compliments!
    My favorite films lately have been You’ve Got Mail and The Book of Kells. The latter is such a lovely, colorful animated story. Beautiful.

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  46. T Avatar
    T

    Just picked some hebe to go in my matching jug.
    Have you seen The Science of Sleep? Michel Gondry – crazy. It has that beautiful guy in it who is also in The Motorcycle Diaries.
    Thanks for your (almost) daily inspiration.

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  47. Nic @ Yardage Design Avatar
    Nic @ Yardage Design

    What a lovely giveaway! I just watched “The Kings Speech” on the weekend and it was excellent – much better than I expected. For a bit of retro – watch Pretty in Pink (again) – I love that movie!

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  48. katie Avatar
    katie

    latest fave = 27 dresses.
    the movie i always watch when i’m exhausted = the holiday.
    kids’ latest fave = the A team
    awesome – happy bee day X

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  49. Jacq Cue Avatar
    Jacq Cue

    Happy 5th Birthday! I always enjoy my stop here on my blog rounds 🙂 I found you because someone recommended you to me for your lovely crafts amongst other things 🙂 We arent big movie watchers but we have seen The Kings Speech and The Age of Dragons, both were great. We love sci fi in my house and we all love watching the old Star Wars movies 😀

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  50. julie Avatar
    julie

    Hi Melissa! Congratulations on five years of blogging and thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    I enjoy reading your thoughts, looking at your pictures and being inspired by your craft projects on an almost daily basis.
    Recently, I’ve enjoyed The King’s Speech with Colin Firth, and for something a little more bizarre, Cold Souls with Paul Giamatti and Emily Watson. I also like almost every movie by Almodovar. Hope there’s something for you in here.

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