Halloween, Blizzard & A Free Printable

 

Happy Halloween

We celebrated Halloween Saturday night at our neighbor's Barn Party.  Good thing we only have to tromp across the lawn to get to it because, Old Man Winter woke up from his nap a little early. It was a blizzard. No kidding. A white out. 

I thought it was brave of those who didn't live in the neighborhood to make their way to the party. 

Gar and I went at Quasimodo and his love-- Esmerelda, the Gypsy girl.

Can I tell ya something? My hair was four times as big before I stepped outside in the storm twice (because I had to go back for Sandee's birthday present).

Sandee had an entire costume put together but she just came in the hat she made. She didn't want to ruin her wooden shoes.

Gerry only donned his dutch boy wig, but it still cracked me up.

Quasi & host Jay.

One of gar's best lines of the night........"Is there a tick on my back?".  And Janet, one of the party goers said........"Have I met you before, your face rings a bell." Rim shot please for Janet.......Ba dum dump.

By the way, Jay wasn't Indiana Jones.  He was a hunter..........

........an elephant hunter that is. Lauren found this gem at a yard sale this summer.  Gotta love it!

This guy had two leaves hanging from his hat. If you asked him what he was.......

.....he'd blow the leaves and say, "I'm a leaf blower."  This amused us.

Some of the other hardy party goers, including George Bush in the corner and Tom Seleck on the couch.

We went home to quickly check on the fire, and just after we got there, we lost power. That was the end of the party. Bummer. But it was fun while it lasted.

The snow kept coming...............

It was heavy and wet. Combine that with the leaves still on the trees, and this was a big issue. Lots of trees and branches down all over the place. 3 million people without power along the East Coast.  We just got ours back this morning. Some may not get theirs back until end of week.  We got a good bit of snow. Neighbor Gerry says we only got three, but Gar and I think it was more like 8, because yesterday after melting there was 3.  Regardless, that was nothing compared to Jaffrey, NH...........32 inches of snow! What the heck? It still October!

The field was covered come morning.  And the plows had been out.



I have never seen our forsythia this weighed down, and we get some serious storms here. It was flattened.  It usually stands about 9 feet tall.

Not to mention the lilac, and that was with a lot of the snow melted off.

I think the worst part about not having power is not having water pumping from the pump house. The best part.........the candlelight.

We won't forget this Halloween for a long time. I really have never seen anything like it.  The kids won't forget either. Some towns have had to postpone Trick or Treat because there are so many downed trees and power lines. I'm really feelin' for the kiddos.

I however, will be off to Hampton to give out candy at my sister Di's. I have to get my fix over there because we never get trick or treaters.  How are you celebrating Halloween today?

Almost forgot, at the end of the day, we had three visitors in the backyard. This is the only one that would pose for me. I was taking it through the window because I was trying not to spook them.

Let it Snow Free Printable Card

Perhaps not in the spirit of the season (since it is only Fall and it's Halloween), but rather in the spirit of the weather.....a snowflake inspired free printable card.  Print, fold, and stuff into an A2 envelope and get those holiday cards started!

 

Either click right on image to copy and paste.

Or click here to download the pdf version.

Have a ghoulishly great Halloween Monday.  See you ghost and goblins tomorrow.

New Note Cards and Snowliage

New at Bates Mercantile Co.

Today I've been checking some things off my list, including adding new printed note cards to our etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co. Now available are these Louis Louis Pink note cards, featuring my original Louis chair illustration.

These note cards, along with the Hello Chevron note cards I added to the shop this week, are offered in a set of 8 with square flap kraft envelopes.

Isn't it time you handwrote a note to someone?

Slowly, but surely I'll be adding other printed designs to the shop as well. Feedback I received from people indicated some are intimidated about our printables and being able to print things properly on their end.  Something I was taking for granted since I print things off every day. Sometimes it just takes someone else's perspective on things and thank those who shared their opinions on this.  As soon as the printer and archival paper arrive, my illustrations will be offered as prints too.

Stay tuned........

More On The Way

As the day progresses, so does the forecast. Now, we just had a good dusting of snow that covered our Fall foliage (which the weathermen have dubbed 'snowliage'), but apparently that's not the end of it. This Halloween weekend will look more like Christmas round these parts. Today's storm could bring 8 inches and wind gusts up to 75 mph by morning. Oh well. What are you going to do? Wear layers under our costumes I guess, since it's a barn party we're going to tonight. Last year it was the most glorious autmn night. I know it will be fun, but I'm definitely wearing wool socks so I'm cozy sitting 'round the campfire.

Still have to stock up on wood for the fire, clean out the fireplace and move some patio furniture where it won't blow around the yard. We could lose power, so I guess although it's Fall, we're right into the thick of Winter this weekend. Might as well make the best of it. Certainly, it will be a Halloween to remember.

I hope yours is too.

Here's a clip from Young Frankenstein to give you a laugh today. Cloris Leachman kills me...........'Say It!'. This movie cracks me up.

Hey, What's That White Stuff, A Walk of Sorts and Freeform Friday

News Flash: "There's Something Falling From The Sky"

Sometimes, just sometimes, the forecasters are right. They said we might see some snow last night, and we did.

It covered the lawn. It covered the car.  It stuck. It was still there this morning and it's still cold. Thankfully, the fire is going. One of the perks of having a home office.

Took a look outside this morning and a little wander around....................

Take A Walk With Us

It might be fall, and the trees may still have their colorful leaves on them ..................

.....but despite the morning sun melting the snow off the tops of these trees, that's not how it looked closer to the ground.

I hope it's a least a bit warmer where you are. They're predicting another front coming in tomorrow which is supposed to bring a couple of inches. We'll just see what happens. Now, don't get me wrong, I love living somewhere that has all four seasons and I LOVE the snow. Really I do. There's nothing like a good blizzard. It's just that, I'd like to get through Halloween before we start dealing with it: hauling wood, lighting fires, shoveling. Well, at least we didn't have to do any shoveling yet.

Tomorrow night our neighbors Lauren and Jay are having their 2nd Annual Halloween Party. We've got our 'get-ups' planned. If all works out well, I'll post pics, but I'm not quite letting the cat out of the bag yet. However, I will give you a small hint........our costumes are based on a tragic love story, a real classic (no, not Romeo & Juliet). Gar's not a real costume guy and he's only quasi into the whole thing, but I'll be there with bells on.  How about you? Any plans for Halloween? Are you dressing up? What are the kiddos dressing up as?  I'd love to know. I love Halloween.

Gotta Have It, Don't Miss It

Just another quick reminder to those of you who have online shops and blogs. If you haven't yet, join the shop link up and blog link up party! You just never know who might find your shop/blog that way, and you won't believe the things you find when you look around the links that people have shared. Everyone is so talented. Don't forget to spread the word to any fellow shop owners and bloggers you think might benefit from the free exposure.

Freeform Friday

To get this Halloween Weekend started right, here's an old favorite- just for fun. Click HERE if you're following by e-mail, and can't see the video.

Make it an awesome Friday in your neck of the woods, and I'll keep the home office fires burning.

ta ta for now,

PS- Did anyone see that world series game last night? Holy Mackrel! That's my kind of October baseball. Awesome stuff.

Let Me Introduce You

Have You Looked Around The Shop Link Up?

Yesterday was the start of our second 'Gotta Have It' Shop Link Up and our first 'Gotta Have It' Blog Link Up. It's been quite a party so far, I'm afraid of the mess I'm going to have to clean up when we're done.

If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?   I'm thrilled about the amazing things I've found while poking around.

I came across these seriously awesome original (not prints) hand painted/illstrated cards by artist and fellow esty shop owner Christine Fredendall.  

via Christine Frendendall

via Christine Frendedall

Christine's prices are CRAZY for original works of art. So I suggest you check out her shop before the word gets out about how wonderful her shop is (or before I get back there!).  Christine also linked up her blog, where I found out that she has just been informed that she is the winner of the Connor Meigs Art Award. Two thumbs up for Christine.

Need something to brighten your day? I do. It's miserable here and might even snow later. Is that necessary? I think not.  To the rescue is Lisa, from Writing Places, who has made these super sweet journals for recording all your wishes, desires and secrets.  The first one is even called 'Bright Day'.

via WritingPlaces

via WritingPlaces

How about Hamsas? Now, I've seen Hamsas before and thought they were interesting, but I never knew their exact meaning until Suzan linked to her beautiful shop Hamsas. 

via Hamsas

Suzan explains, "For those of you who are not familiar with Hamsas. Well, Hamsas are a palm-shaped amulet that is used in many countries, but its popularity is mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. Hamsa is a derivation from a Semitic root meaning ‘five’. The Hamsa is worn (or displayed) to fight the evil eye and it is usually incorporated in necklaces, earrings, rings, and other accessories (and also wall hangings and home decor). To a certain extent folklore and superstition are behind the Hamsa's popularity and for the most part it has nothing to do with the official Jewish religion."

Who knew? I sure didn't.

Have I told you I'm a hat girl? Well, I am. It's one thing I love about Winter.  You get to stay warm and look super chic with the right hat. Now, my sister Dianne.......well, let's just say, not so much a hat girl. A baseball cap doesn't even look right on her. Really. Cross my heart. It just looks weird. She's reading this and nodding her head, aren't you Di?  I, however, love and wear them in all shapes and sizes and don't look nearly as weird.

Look at this bright, happy, red cloche I found from delightworthyn, who took part in the current Gotta Have It Shop Link Up. Ever so stylish. And you could wear it for whatever reason you like, not just because it's Winter.

via delightworthyn

See all fun you can have at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party?  And we learned something too. I wasn't expecting that. 

Did you find something at the party that you think is spectacular? What is it, I'd love to know! 

The link up runs for another 5 days before it is closed to new links. If you know other online shop owners or bloggers who could benefit, I'd appreciate if you spread the word.

One more thing, I just want to remind you that Stacey at A Sort of Fairytale is hosting her weekly link up, Shopping Therapy Thursday. Pop on over and add your link! It's free and it's fun.

Well, gotta go clean up all the Champagne glasses. Have a lovely Thursday in your corner of the world.

You're Invited to a party!

RSVP: Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Free Promotion Party 

Hi Guys, it's time for our 2nd link party, after a very successful first. This party is now scheduled to take place every other Wednesday.  Good news.........Mercantile Muse's free promotion link up party will now not only be a place to link up your online shop, but also a place to link your blog.  Please be sure you're linking your shop/product under Gotta Have It and your blog under Gotta Blog It! As links are added, you may have to scroll a little further down to reach Gotta Blog It. 

In case some of you don't know, I've run my own adv/pr/marketing firm (Speakeasy) for 17+ years in the 3D world.  Combine that with a personal mission to pay it forward, my love of all things artistic, crafty or vintage and this is what you get: a place for etsy shop owners, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers and bloggers to promote what they do. It's a natural extension of my 3D and online business, Bates Mercantile Co. So take advantage of it and add your link.  Today on the Muse, it's about you!

Here's all I ask:

*Keep it to one link under Gotta Have It (for shops, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers) and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).

*Please take a moment to click on links of other participants that catch your eye and see what they've got. You never know what you might find, perhaps something you've just GOTTA HAVE.  You also never know what may come back to you for taking a moment to support fellow participants.

*If you can share a link to this promotion party, the more traffic the link ups get, the more it benefits us all! So it is greatly appreciated if you blog, tweet, facebook about the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It free promotion link up party.

*Leave a comment and let me know if this is working for you (or how it could work better) and how you found the party.  Did you get traffic from the last party?

*If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button for this free promotion link up party from Mercantile Muse's button page and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  Thanks to those who already have!

*Consider following the Muse if you like this free promotion opportunity. Check out the right hand sidebar for ways to follow!

*While you're here, check out and enter our current giveaway. Click on picture in upper right hand corner. It's just for fun!

Did someone bring the champagne, because it's time to party!

If you liked this free promotion party, don't miss Stacey's link party at A Sort Of Fairytale tomorrow! And if you missed her tutorial here on Mercantile Muse yesterday, be sure to check it out.

Thanks for coming to Mercantile Muse's Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It party! Come again.

Be Our Guest: Stacey from A Sort Of Fairytale

Be Our Guest: Vintage Playing Card Tags

Hello Mercantile Muse Readers, I'm Stacey, from A Sort Of Fairytale and Maggie Jane's Vintage, and I'm so happy to be here Guest Posting today!  

I'm a I'm a Flea Market, Estate Sale, Thrift Store, Vintage Lovin' Wife and Mom. We just bought our first house and I am busy trying to make it the vintage style home of my dreams on budget (a word I wish was not in my vocabulary).  My Etsy shop, Maggie Jane's Vintage, is where I sell vintage and handmade decor, gifts, and supplies.  I also sell at local flea markets (am a total flea market junkie) and vintage markets/events.  I host an Etsy and Online Shop Link Party on my blog, every Thursday, so if you have a shop you would like to promote, come on over and join!  My full time job is Stay-At-Home Mom and my part time jobs are blogging at and selling vintage, and I can honestly say that all three jobs and my life itself are definitely a sort of fairytale!

Today, I have a little crafty tutorial for you!  Do you have any vintage playing cards that you think are pretty, but don't know what to do with?  I just love the images and illustrations on vintage playing cards, they're like little pieces of art!  They also make really good tags for gifts and pretty much anything you want to label.  Here's how to make your own:

Vintage Playing Card Tags

 Supplies:

Vintage playing cards - available on Etsy and in Thrift Shops

Scissors

Hole Punch

Ribbons, Lace - new or vintage

Scrapbook Paper

Paper Punch

Adhesive

Punch out paper shapes with your paper punch, I chose a 2.25" scallop

punch by EK Success.  These shapes will be the labels you attach to the cards.

(Note from Pam.......don't let not having a paper punch stop you, you can cut out whatever shape you like with scissors and use that!)

Use adhesive on the back of your paper punches to secure the punch to the playing cards.  I chose a tape runner adhesive, but you can use any type of adhesive you like (i.e. double sided tape, rubber cement, elmer's glue, hot glue gun, etc).

Affix the paper punch to the center back side of the playing cards.

Using your hole punch, punch a hole at the top center of the card,

I just eyeballed it, but you can measure if you like.  

Cut various styles of laces and ribbons into blank 13 inch lengths, or 

to another length you would like it to be.

Fold ribbon or lace in half and feed through the hole punch and bring

the ends back through the loop, then gently pull tight,

so it looks like this...

Back view of finished tag.

That's it, you're done!

I was also thinking you could add buttons, cabochons, etc. to embellish 

the tags and make them extra fancy.

This is a super easy craft that is full of vintage cuteness, and is a nice way to recycle/upcycle vintage items.  With the holidays coming up, this would be a fun way to embellish all of your packages!

Thank you, Pam, for letting me guest post on your lovely blog today!

Pam: No, thank you Stacey............Love that tutorial and certainly something anyone could tackle. Thanks so much for the time you took in preparing and sharing your vintage playing card tutorial on Mercantile Muse!  I am definitely pinning this great tutorial on pinterest!  (Remember,if you are a pinterest finatic, you can easily pin anything on the Muse via the pinterest link at the bottom of any post).

I encourage you all to stop by Stacey's wonderful shop to see all the goodies she's got in store!

2nd 'Gotta Have It Link' Party & Prints Coming Soon

First, I'd like to say that I was overwhelmed with the response to our link party.  Since so many shop owners stopped by and linked up, I want to give you all a heads up that tomorrow is the start of our second  'Gotta Have It' Shop Link Up Party. Be sure to stop by and add your shop to the party and spread the word!  If you don't have an online shop, no worries. Stop by anyway and do a little window shopping. Browse through the shops that have linked up. I promise, you won't be disappointed-- there is sure to be a wonderful variety of things.  It's just plain fun to look around.

On another note, we are currently waiting on a new printer that will allow us to offer museum/gallery quality archival prints of my illustrations at Bates Mercantile Co. I'm very excited about the new printer given previous feedback from many of you, and our customers, about wanting prints as an option. The printables that we offer just aren't for everyone as they can be a little intimidating for those who are a little less tech-savvy.  We are REALLY excited to be able to offer high-quality, archival glicee prints........just as soon as the new Epson R3000 printer arrives.  Anyone have any paper suggestions? Input always welcome.

Wishing you all a super Tuesday. I've got a long list to take care of including the dreaded bookwork (is there anyone out there who likes it?), as well as putting new items in the shop and printing off and preparing new note card sets to go into the shop. Add that to my 3D business list and my head is spinning!  Feel free to stop by Bates Mercantile Co. later in the day to see what I've accomplished.  What's on your list?

It's a little brisk here today. If you were worried about the dog being cold, don't be. He's staying all warm and cozy, curled up on the couch with his blankie.  It is a dog's life afterall.