Christmas In July

Christmas in July is Coming Soon!

Ho, ho, ho! Santa is on his way, along with reindeer, snowflakes, holiday trees, religious symbols, and much, much, more. All of this is happening during the upcoming "Christmas in July" retail event, which promises to be a boon for crafters and sellers of handmade holiday goods. Read on to find out more about this holiday extravaganza during the month of July.

Stock Your Store With Holiday Symbols Now

So, what exactly is "Christmas in July"? Basically, it is a celebration invented by retailers to get shoppers into stores during the slower summer months when there are no holidays. I remember Christmas in July sales at the big department stores when I was a kid, but now, it has spread to the Internet, where consumers hope to find great deals and get a start on buying holiday merchandise. Back in Wisconsin, we also had a Christmas All Year Round store, where you could buy ornaments, decorations, trees and gifts at any time.

On Etsy the Christmas In July sales are a way to draw shoppers in during the month of July and you can choose the type of discount or the way you want to participate. You can offer a discount coupon code, or use an app, like Etsy on Sale, to put your entire shop on sale. Here is a Christmas in July team that can help you with what you need to know! http://www.etsy.com/teams/12798/christmas-in-july

My Handmade Snowflake Wax Melts I added for Christmas In July

You don't need to sell holiday themed items, either. Customers are looking for savings and discounts, even if you don't make seasonal items. Just keep in mind that once you decide on your type of sale and what items to add to your shop, you will have to tell your buyers about your sale and promote it. Along with announcing it on your social media and changing some of your shop tags, you can announce your sale with a link on our Team Facebook. You are allowed to announce one listing and one new sale/promotion every week! https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeCrafts

Summer Theme Treasury Contest WInner

'Summer Sun' by NRSVampChick

This is a Middle Tennessee Etsy Team Treasury!

Hot Pink and Orange Hand Pai... IvysPebbles $19	Baby Burp Set of 2 - Michael... apolkadottedze... $14	Orange Fluted Glass Vase Bow... CreativeGlassB... $9.95	Abstract Fantasy Art Print -... paperfinchart $15
Crochet Pattern PDF - Beanie... 5PacksCrochet $3.75	Ladybug Pillows, Stuffed Lad... fAverittecreat... $20	Yellow Jar Candle, Summer Su... Mylana $18	Multi Color Round Crackle Gl... PebblesDestash $1.7
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Antique bronze asymmetrical ... OneFatHenDesig... $18	Crocheted Lacy Coral Afghan KOZYTREASURES $70	Bubble Necklace Statement Bu... pezzazz $110.69	Mini Sunshine Doily BlueCloudCroch... $10

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Two Dollar Treasure Trove

Broken Jewelry From Yard Sale

 We all love to find the hidden treasure at a yard sale that is mingled in with all the other trash and junk. In fact, these discoveries make me giddy with anticipation that lends a thrill to casing out the neighborhood rummage sales. You never know what lies buried in all of those boxes and piles of unwanted goods or what kind of deal you can work out with the seller.

Last week, I went to a few garage sales and was pleasantly rewarded with this cache of broken jewelry that I purchased for just a couple dollars. The lady explained to me that the pins were missing backs and the necklace was broken, but I told her that I would take it anyway, since I make jewelry and I could always use the beads and parts for another project. Shrugging, she took my two dollars and wished me luck. I rushed home with my loot to enjoy picking out the best beads and harvesting the use able parts.

Of course, I haven't had much time to play with my booty, but I did make a pair of brown earrings with the gorgeous moon glow Lucite beads I found. Next on my project is repairing the cat pin and making a necklace with the elephant. Perhaps I will even make a stretchy bracelet with the other brown beads. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!

Finished Earrings 

Summer is in Full Swing on the Murfreesboro Square!

Saturday June 8th Farmer's Market on the Square

 Today, it was a pleasant morning, overcast, but not raining and in the 70's, the perfect weather for a long walk. I decided to make the trek down to the Murfreesboro square to report on the Saturday Farmer's market...what an awesome extravaganza it was! I purchased fresh garlic and a catnip plant for a great price and enjoyed the scenic downtown ambiance. Here's the scoop on the Farmer's Market, for anyone who has never been.

1) There are many vendors with a huge variety. I saw about 40 vendors with everything from grass fed beef, to home roasted coffee, pet treats, vegetables, garden plants, honey, pickles, sausages, eggs, soap, homemade ravioli and more. It was truly a food lovers paradise. The highlight of the market were the many vendors with fresh, luscious peaches. Not all of the food is locally grown, as in Rutherford County. I overheard a vendor mention that he picked the tomatoes he was selling yesterday in Georgia and brought them back here for the market today. All of the vendors were willing to discuss where and how the products were made or grown and there were plenty of names of local farmers from right here in Middle Tennessee.

Folk Singers and Historical Actors

 2) There was plenty of arts and culture, too! Live music was provided by folk singers from a historical organization and the community theatre was passing out fliers for the upcoming production of Rent. Cafes, bars, and various shops along the square had outside tables set up for mingling and socializing. The atmosphere was festive and representative of a vibrant downtown. The main focus of the market, was; however, on fresh foods, with a few crafts offered. I did not see nearly the amount of beeswax and soap products that were for sale at the other farmer's market at the Ag Center.

3) There is no central checkout or token exchange, like the other market. Each vendor has his or her own cash register and policies. That means some did not take debit cards, and multiple vendors were having problems with their card readers giving errors. I did not ask, but I do not think you can use a food stamps card here. You can use it at the other market, on John Rice Blvd.

Fresh Produce and Honey

 4) This is a dog and family friendly market! There were plenty of animals and kids of all ages.

Purple and Cheddar Cauliflower

5) I walked to the market, so I cannot comment on parking, but it did look crowded and that many people had to walk 2-3 blocks from where they parked. There is no city bus service to this market. 

6) The prices were very reasonable and less than the grocery store for a better, fresher product. People on a budget should try to get to this market to extend food dollars.

Peaches, Squash, and Plants

June 2nd Team Challenge Winning Treasury

'Ravishing Rose' by Mylana

Statteam spotlight and teamboro treasury fun!

Vintage Hot Pink Dress etseebetsee $19	Rose Handblown Glass Paperwe... PoppyLesti $40	Cat Print, Pink and White, P... booksygirl $10	Iphone 5 Sleeve, Pink IPhone... sewwonder $14.99
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DIY Iron On Bling Transfer f... EazyOnz $10.5	pink vase / pink Home Decor ... CarriageOakCot... $26	Original Pink Painting - Lar... PysarArt $560	Handmade Soft Leather Pink P... GiuseppinasGem... $109.95
Shades of Pink Soaps - Pink ... EcoChicSoaps $9	24 Light Pink Umbrella Party... BelowBlink $4.5	Spring Blossom Photograph Pr... DovieMoon $20

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