In Progress & A Small Surprise

Flowers & Rocks

First, the flowers. My garden is bloom which always leads to inspiration for me. I am going to add some more photographs to our shop, Bates Mercantile Co.  I am very neglect in updating the ones I already have listed.  I've had my archival printer since October, but hadn't adjusted my photo listings for new sizes and archival printing in-house.  I'm in the process of working on some new shots from the garden, and old shots (like the beach ones below) as well, in photoshop.  This all means I have to order some photo art paper. Thankfully, this is isn't a problem. I found a fantastic source for paper when I got my printer, Red River Paper. Their suggestions for paper for specific purposes, turnaround, and customer service have been great.

I haven't been as serious as I should be about the photographs in our shop, but I think it's about time I was.

Here's some that are in the works.

I named that fellow 'one legged Pete'.

Aaahhh, the beach. Heaven.

I've also been mulling over the idea of hosting a photo challenge like my etsy pal Elle Moss did a while back. I would post the subjects for each day of the challenge and people would submit links to their photos and I would also feature them, here on Mercantile Muse. What do you think?

I wasn't able to participate every one of the 21 days of Elle's, but the days I did participate were a great way to practice my photography skills, get to meet other people who submitted and see how each person had a different take on each subject.  It was very cool.

So, would you particpate? I don't think mine would be 21 days, but perhaps something a little more manageable. However, it wouldn't be much fun if it was just me.

And Now, All The Way From France.............

The best thing about blogging to me, is meeting new people all over the world. The same can be said for having a shop on etsy. 

Well, yesterday, out of the blue I got a package from my pal Cari-Jane of Hybrid Handmade. Sweet girl had remembered that I was smitten with the beach rocks she had featured on her blog a few times. She calls them 'time pebbles'. I just call them awesome.

Lo and behold, one made it's way to me from the seaside on the South coast of France. I'm so darn lucky.

The talented Ms. Hakes, draws the beautiful design on the rocks she finds at the beach near her home and then seals them.  Mine now sits on my little kitchen windowsill altar of sorts. The altar currently houses a picture of my great grandmother, one of Gar's little planters, a lucky trunk-up elephant, a toasting glass of my gram's and a wishbone. The candy dish in the corner was also my grams and contains more wishbones for whenever someone needs to make a wish.

This little stone made me so very happy. Thanking you Cari, my dear, thoughtful friend.

One more thing.  The lucky Leona Weaver, winner of the blogaversary giveaway obviously likes to give as much as receive. She was a sponsor of the giveaway as well as the winner. As such, she couldn't really send her lovely dandelion photograph to herself, so she sent it to me. Nice, yes?

via leeswhimsy

As tempted as I am to keep it, I think it would be a better gesture to incude it in the next giveaway. If you are interested in particpating as a sponsor, please shoot me an email. I'm in the process of gathering things and it's sure to be another treasure trove of goodies, so keep your eyes and ears at the ready for details.

That's about it here gang. What's happening in your corner of the world today?

ttfn,