Sponsor Spotlight: A Bunch of Good Eggs

Have A Seat and Get To Know A Few Of My Friends

As the December Giveaway nears a close (what? you haven't entered yet?), it's time for me to highlight my lovely sponsors.

Again, and again, I am amazed at the support I receive from my sponsors.   There is no way that I could offer such wonderful prize packages to Mercantile Muse followers without them. No way. Period.

In the true spirit of Christmas, these sponsors have each given a little of themselves. They work hard stocking their etsy shops with an array of items that all have one thing in common.......they're all handmade with love.

Isn't that the best?

If you haven't met these fine people yet, take a moment and get to know them a little better......won't you?

I've probably told you before, Kristen was one of the first people I met in this 'land of blog'.  She's been extremely fun, although a little camera shy (right K?) to have on my side. As if she's not busy enough with two small chitlins, she has a charming little shop Milo and Molly where she offers lovely paper goods and sewn gifts.  You'll find personalized note card sets, key chains, clutches, and crayon carriers to name a few.  Kristen also has a blog you should visit. Would I steer you wrong?

shop/ blog/ twitter/ instagram/ pinterest/ facebook

Dianne (spelled just like my sister....two Ns please) of ReMemory Designs has a knack for pretty ogranization. Dianne makes beautiful designer magnetic memory boards and has an awesome selection with a wonderful variety of fabric choices. Her designs also come in three styles: table top, wall, and mini.  I think they're a fantabulous way to display notes in your office, pictures in your living room, or grocery and errand lists in your kitchen. Whatever your need, there is one just for you.

shop/facebook 

Sarah of Upscale Downhome is a home decor maven. She's also 'A-dub' to me (short for Antler Woman.....oh yes I did tell them Sarah).  This gal has been on a hot-damn antler frenzy this holiday season, crafting away, mounting antlers on wood plaques with classic plaids and trim. Love 'em. She's also been selling 'em like hotcakes. The antlers aside, what Sarah usually focuses her energy on are her curtain tie backs.  Unique, varied, beautiful.....There is a pair for every decor imaginable.  She also has a keen eye for vintage and includes real keepers in her shop collection, though I'm not always sure why she'd part with some.  Another blogging pal, you'll find Sarah sewing, crafting, DIYing and hosting Window Treatment Wednesdays over on her blog.

shop/ facebook/ blog

Jessica is the artist behind JMM Studios' fantasy art and enchanting gifts. JMM offers cards, keepsake boxes, and jewelry. Jessica is a self taught artist who is drawn to fairies and sprites and such, some with a Gothic edge, and sometimes more earthly things like flowers. Each piece offered at JMM Studios is made with care and love. Many are one of a kind.   

shop/ facebook/ pinterest

Salvatore and Amina of Studio Mucci Jewelry are busy bees. Studio Mucci Jewelry is their second etsy shop, the first being Studio Mucci.  While their first shop is focused on whimsical frilly things that add color and sparkle to the lives of others, Studio Mucci Jewelry is adorning your wrist with something special....one of a kind, handmade jewelry 'from their hearts to your wrist'. 

shop/ facebook/ twitter/ pinterest/ tumblr 

Though Papyrasuarus might be last on this little list, those of you who already know its proprietor Ashley, are aware that she'd never be at the 'bottom' of any list. Her infectious can-do, what-challenge-is-next, I'm-edgy-in-a-fun-sort-of- way attitude would prevent that from ever happening, full stop.  Ashley is a crafting-fool and photographer, who has an affinity for book pages and tongue in cheek humour which is very apparent during any visit to Papyrusaurus visit. She's just began branching out into handmade jewelry. I, for one, can't wait to see what she does next.

shop/ facebook

Then there were two.....P & G, Pam and Gar, Bates Mercantile Co.  I think you probably know a good bit about us and our shop, but in case you don't, here's a brief synopsis. I'm a all around creative....artist, illustrator, graphic designer, photographer. Gar, he's a concrete fool. Both of us love history and appreciate the good story you usually find behind vintage pieces. Together we offer archival prints of original illustrations, must-have vintage and beautiful concrete home and garden decor. 

shop/ facebook/ twitter/ pinterest/ tumblr

Thanks so much for giving me your ear. It's always nice to tell you guys about people I think you'll like too.

If you haven't entered the December Giveaway {for more than $200 in handmade loveliness}, there is still time. It ends at the end of the day today, so be quick and put your name in the hat.

Festival Of Trees

I've got to be honest with you people, I don't have nearly as many Christmas Tree submissions for tomorrow's Festival of Trees as I'd like. So I'm asking again.........will you please participate? All you have to do is send me a picture of your Christmas Tree. Simple simon, yes? Holiday spirit, yes? It won't be a Festival without all of your help. So send me your Christmas Tree pics....pretty please.

Have a fantastic Thursday. Ours is gray now, but we were lucky to have a very pretty sunrise this morning. It will have to do.

Ciao for now,

In The Works

via bates mercantile co.

Remember That List I Told You About?

You guessed it, it keeps on getting longer and longer, even though I am diligently crossing things off. I will say this, it's getting longer with really, really good stuff so that makes it 'not so bad' after all.

I've been busy designing and was able to add two new typography illustrations to Bates Mercantile Co. in the last two days.

The first, is a quote by me, myself and I. I've been thinking about home a lot lately, what with friends moving near and far, and others being displaced by Sandy. It's just been something that's been rattling around my brain. All of these friends, though they are not currently in 'their old homes or new homes', seem to find a way to be at peace with that. Perhaps this is why.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

People's resilience never ceases to amaze me.

The second was inspired by a fabulous quote by Kurt Vonnegut. 

via Bates Mercantile Co.

LOVE that quote.

I'm really excited about a couple of things happening on the Muse in coming weeks.  I am currently pulling the next giveaway together. In case you missed the last couple, they garnered more than 27,00 entry points which means lots and lots of people entered, and they were so enthused about the giveaway that they earned extra entries by sharing on pinterest, tweeting, facebooking and visiting sponsor shops multiple times. This makes me happy, because it means you like what's in the giveaways and my sponsors get the exposure they deserve for their shops. It also makes me happy that I am once again blessed with the most wonderful sponsors. As expected, there will be a fine selection of items for you to try and win. I hope to launch the giveaway at the end of this week or beginning of next week, and I want you all to be here to have a chance of winning of course.  If you have a shop and are interested in becoming a sponsor, there are couple of spots left.  [Keep in mind that you get an ad on the Muse for the duration of the giveaway, as well as being featured in two sponsor spotlights, and many social media mentions too.] People have been jumping on the bandwagon, so don't hesitate to let me know that you are interested. We're going to make someone's holiday season a whole lot brighter. What's not to love about that?

You can also expect some tutorials for the holidays. I'm working with my blogging pal Kristen from Milo & Molly on some tutorial swaps and I am psyched. It sprung from an idea she had that I just had to steal...which was rerunning some past tutorials.  I think the holidays are the perfect time to do a little crafting to either create new decorations and get in the proper 'tis the season mood, or to create gifts that mean so much more because they're 'made by you'.  So keep your eyes out for the tutorials (I'll give you a more detailed heads up when my tutorial plans are fleshed out a big more).  If you have a blog and would like to participate in the tutorial post swap, drop me a line, while I'm still organizing things on this end. It's a way to give our followers more how-tos and fun information, while introducting them to each other's blogs. Win/win situation peeps. 

OK. I think that's it. I've got a few things to package up and ship off to customers.  Got the North, South, East and West of the US covered and New South Wales. Coolamundo.

Make it a good one in your corner of the world, and I'll do the same.

Ciao for now,

It's Been A Long Time...Take A Walk With Us

Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

Hey gang, as I mentioned yesterday, there was a storm heading our way.  We totally lucked out. After we battened down the hatches, we still had time before it hit to head over to the field for a good stretch of the legs.  Needless to say, Lucan was thrilled.  It's been such a hot summer, meaning we didn't get too many of our walks in, so I was thrilled too.

Gar was lead-man through the field and into the woods.

And yes, we did beat the storm.

The field across the street is our go-to place to walk for a few reasons: 

1. it's literally across the street. 
2. when you get to the top of the hill, it drops down and nobody knows you're there and the dog isn't distracted by what's going on in the road.
3. there is plenty of room for Lucan to run 
4. we nearly always score something special to bring home, yesterday it was the hawk feather. 
5. if you go up and down the hills, it's a pretty good workout (which I could really use at this point)
6. we often share the field with deer and turkeys. we hear coyotes at night, but thankfully haven't run into any during the day. i usually have a big stick just in case.
7. at the far end of the field, there is a trail of sorts that goes into the woods. it's a great place for quiet thinking and destressing. we've seen an owl and a porcupine in a tree in the woods. the owl did the entire headtwist while looking at us, and the porcupine stayed way up in the tree. good porcupine.
8. our town conserved this beautiful open land a few years ago and nothing can ever be built on it
9. it's the backdrop for sunset meadows

I feel very lucky to have numerous routes for walking and enjoying nature, including the field, the trails around the corner and at Phillips Exeter, and of course, the beach. Now, I do enjoy a walk in our neighborhood too, but I'd choose an off road walk over and on road walk any day.

What's your favorite place to walk?

By the way, as far as the storm goes it did get very windy and it lashed rain. No trees down in our yard but close....our neighbors Lauren and Jay lost one out back at the edge of the woods. They didn't even know it until Gar went over to offer his chainsaw.  Good thing the storm was a quick mover.

$180+ of Handmade and Vintage for You To Win

No kidding. 

When I say Mercantile Muse sponsors are awesome, I am not pulling the wool over your eyes. This month they've been kind enough to offer prizes totalling close to $200. Did you enter yet? Somebody has to win, but you can't win if you don't enter.

Since they're so damn cool and I think you'll really like them, you will find them in the righthand sidebar.  When you have a chance, you really should check out their shops. I think you'll be happy that you did.

Did you notice it's Wednesday already? Woohoo to that!

Ciao for now,

GIVEAWAY-palooza!!! Not To Be Missed!

I Know, It's Hard To Believe

Rest assured it's true. Yet again, I've got another great giveaway in store for you. I said it last time and I'll say it again, the giveaways on the Muse just keep getting better and better. $180+ worth of the most fabulous prizes is nothing to scoff at.  How awesome are my sponsors? Pretty stinkin' awesome if you ask me.

So here's the scoop, number one, you must be a follower of Mercantile Muse to enter. Beyond that, there are a ton of other ways to earn entry points. The more points you earn, the greater the chance you have of winning this ridiculous prize package.  You can even earn more points every day by visiting sponsors shops. Talk about a bonus!

You can stop guessing what's in this giveaway because here it is, in all its glory.  You might need your sunglasses, because the glare from its brilliance is pretty blinding, if I do say so myself.

Let's go over that again.  One pillow/cushion cover from DreamPillowZzz, a bookpage print from Papyrusaurus, tangerine tango wood ring from Starlight Woods, cookbook from StorytellersVintage, a pyramid paperweight from Lia Artisan Concrete Designs, a lovely wristlet clutch from Hazel Brown Designs, a bookpage flower ring and hair clips from Hayley's Paper Love, a pair of custom ladybug pillows from fAveritte Creations, a vintage handpainted bone china Nippon plate from our shop- Bates Mercantile Co., your choice of print from Bates Mercantile Co., and a photographic art print from Bleu Oiseau Photography.

Phew. I'm tired just typing all of that goodness.   

Before I leave you to enter to your heart's desire, here's a little more about my very generous sponsors. 

Dream Pillows

Pillows created by Matthew James with beautiful fabrics.

Papyrusaurus

Providing you with fun and sometimes awkwardly hillarious papergoods, from art for your walls to handmade stationery, and whimsical ornaments.  Like the Papyrusaurus facebook page for upcoming craft show appearances, shop updates, coupons and giveaways.

Starlight Woods

Eco friendly handmade Jewelry, Key chains, pendant necklaces, chunky rings, stud earrings and hand painted ornaments made from storm damaged trees and fallen branches that we re-purpose into unique and one of a kind pieces. Lisa's creations were recently featured in the August issue of Real Simple Magazine and she is currently a finalist in Martha Stewart's American Made Contest (you can vote for her here).  You will also find Starlight Woods on Facebook and Twitter.

Storytellers Vintage

"Every item has a story to tell.  What is here today, may be starting a new story tomorrow."  You will also find Storytellers Vintage on Facebook.

Lia Artisan Concrete Designs

"From the Earth, Cast In Stone". You will find Lia Artisan Concrete Designs website here, wholesale orders are welcome. They are available retail on Bates Mercantile Co.

Hazel Brown Designs 

Hazel Brown designs happy, fresh, unique clothing and other goodies, inspired by the fun-loving, carefree personalities of her 5 children.  You'll also find Hazel Brown Designs on Facebook.

fAveritte Creations

"Infecting the world with color and honest joy, one unique creation at a time."  You will find Amy blogging, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Pinterest.

Bleu Oiseau Photography

Beautiful Home Decor: Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature, Still Lifes, Wood Blocks, Recycled Cards.  You will find Ashleigh blogging here and on Facebook, on Twitter.

Bates Mercantile Co.

That's us! Me and Garrett that is. You'll find Bates Mercantile Co. on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. And as you probably know, you'll find me blogging right here, on Mercantile Muse. 

Now, time for you to get busy entering the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On another fantastic note, it happens to be our niece Maddie's Sweet 16. How'd that happen Maddie?  Happy birthday to a beautiful girl.

(photo credit Kali Potito)

Have a great day everyone. Especially Maddie.

Ciao for now,

Photos-A-Go-Go, Next Giveaway, Freeform Friday

First Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge

Hi guys. Just me letting you know that the idea of a photo challenge, was so recevied by all of you, that it's a go. Quite frankly, I was inspired by my etsy friend Elle Moss' last photo challenge which I participated in. This is a no pressure kind of thing. It's all about having fun with your camera. The Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge will begin next Friday and will run, Fridays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7/27 through  8/22.  Feel free to share the button and a link to this post. The more people that know about it, the funner it will be.

If you'd like to participate, email me (pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net---- just avoiding spammers gang) a link to your photo submission (blog link, flickr link, facebook link, or what have you) by noon the day prior if you want your photo to be included in the photo challenge post the next day. I hope you'll join in. I'm really looking forward to seeing the variety of shots.

Filling Up The Treasure Chest

I am currently working with sponsors for the next giveaway which will begin in August.  So far, so good.....here's just a little tease.....man I wish I could enter.

If you'd like to be a sponsor, there are a couple more spots left. Contact me soon though to take advantage of all the promotion being a sponsor brings with it, because the spots are going fast. For the rest of you, just hold on tight....you'll be able to enter to win serious awesomeness soon. Promise.

Sunset Meadows

This was Wednesday's sunset. Glorious. It kept changing and getting even prettier until it lit up the whole sky. 



Freeform Friday

It was a good week this week. Sent prints off and away to places like Colorado, Massachusetts and even South Austrailia. In that across the world vein, thanks to Bonnie at PaperKeeper for posting this. I've seen previous versions but hadn't seen this one. If this doesn't make you smile, just a little bit, then there's something wrong with you. One of the reasons I love dancing so much, it's universal.  Enjoy. If you're reading by email, click here.

We're off to the wedding of our neighbor's son tonight and it is bound to be a night filled with happiness and dancing. Imagine that.

Make it a great day wherever you are.

Ciao for now,