A Party To Give Thanks

via let them eat pie

A Heaping Helping of The Holidays

Honestly, where does the time go? I simply cannot believe that a week from today is Thanksgiving.  Even if Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in your country, it doesn't mean you can't take something away from this special day.  Take time next week. Cook a nice meal. Gather some people you love. Most importantly, give thanks for all you have.  I think it's a great way to start our holiday season here. The sentiment of thanks should be carried all through the season and into the new year. Shall we begin?

I am very grateful that you're here today, whether you're here to link up your shop/business or your blog, if you're a regular reader of Mercantile Muse, you just found your way here, or are simply browsing through the things people have left behind. It's all good. You all add so much to my day.

Today I'm hosting a link party on Mercantile Muse. It's my way of supporting other small independent handmade artists, crafters, vintage sellers and fellow bloggers.  There are a lot of great people who might be under the radar, but are creating and doing great things. I'd like to change that. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party is is the place to discover wonderful things.  [If you're reading Mercantile Muse via email, click here to stop by the party.]

1. landscape photograph via moonlightphotography

2. autumn bunting via peony and thistle

3. appetizer tray via redemption art

4. linen napkins via laurelsusanstudio

5. silver plate spoon via red truck designs
6. grace via LASERolio

7. wine rack via rchristopherdesigns
8. apple pie in a jar via let them eat pie

Ready to Party?

Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

******Please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. You're linking up because you want new people to discover your shop? You'd love to make a sale, yes? Well, please follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, it's all about supporting each other.

*Link once for your shop, once for you blog to save space for others. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr.  It's be great to connect with you as many ways as I can.

*I want these to be the best parties around, but I can't do it without your help. Will you help me by sharing a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams your on? If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*When you take part in the link up, you will go on the Mercantile Muse mail list. Correspondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.  I'll let you know when the next link up party is underway and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's get to know you better! Leave a comment that tells a little more about you, your shop or blog.  Need help to get started? 'What is your favorite thing about the start of the holiday season?'

and now, the party..............

Don't forget, Monday I'll be showcasing my picks I found through links left behind at the party, so be sure to be here.

I'm hoping you have a great Thursday in your corner of the world. Mine is cold, but bright and sunny and I stocked the fire so well last night it was still going this morning. This makes me very happy.  That baby is cranking.

If you missed yesterday's post, check out the rainbow pictures and the sunset.  Just scroll down or click here for an nice little break at your desk.

I'm in the midst of a mega pile of bookkeeping, you know....my favorite thing to do. Not really.  Don't let me fool you. However, I will be very glad to be organized and to have my desk clear when I'm done.  I'll also be taking some pictures today because I've got good light, planning some new products for Bates Mercantile Co. for the holidays and getting things listed. I'm also pulling together the next giveaway which will be a holiday giveaway, if you're interested in being a sponsor, drop me a line and let's see if we're a good fit for each other (there's an email button below my profile). Add to that some printing of prints, packaging, shipping and my Speakeasy stuff and it's a full day.

Ciao for now,

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

The Party That Keeps On Giving

Hey guys. Hope this Monday finds you all well.  I'm a little tired because this party keeps rolling on. I love mingling with familiar faces and meeting new people at this little soirees.  It brings a smile on my face to see the neat things you've left behind and what's up on your blogs.

Here's what has tickled my fancy from the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (by the way, if you haven't linked  your shop and/or blog yet, the party is still going on so feel free to add your stuff):

1. & 2. notebook & mixed media art from messy bed studio

('my amazing thoughts'- what a great cover for a notebook!)

  3. bunting via quilted bliss by nadine

(thanks to nadine for the heads up on the erroneous link in my email party reminder)

4.  story of Fred Bear’s Hospital Visit via Coldham Cuddlies Calling

(How much do you love that Isobel takes care of patients who need mending)

5. Friendship bracelets via SunFlowerFreckles

(remember making these?)

6. Thrift Score via 20 north ora

(apparently I wasn't the only one who 'scored' this weekend)

7.  kitty cat softies via must have been the cat

(cute kitties from down under...wonder if they have an accent?)

8. & 9.  arrowhead ring and summer vacation link up via blue eyed owl

(have you been blogging about how you spent your summer? stop by liz's place an link up!)

10. gibbe hat via yankee burrow creations

(fabulous vintage hat! I could rock this for sure)

11. 6 things I made via trees.hides.

(funny thing is shirley found this fun little list link up via the content housewife and I found it via Ashley’s She Makes A Home- I plan on participating later this week. ***if anyone else wants to jump on this bandwagon, let me know and I'll link to your post from mine)

What did you find at the link party that went on your list of good stuff?

As I said above, the link party is still live, so if you know any other online shop/business owners or bloggers who are looking to get the word out about their stuff, can you point them this way? I want to support other handcrafters, artists and bloggers as much as possible, and the link party is one way I can pay it forward.

Of course, as always, if you were one of the shops or blogs highlighted today, if you have a blog, you can grab a 'featured here' button over in the righthand sidebar. 

So happy you're here today. It's at the top of my grateful list this first Monday of Fall.

Ciao for now,

Did someone say party? Get your cameras out!

via bhg.com

Poof. It's gone.

One wrong key, and the post I was about to post is gone. So......begrudingly....here it is again...as long as I don't hit the wrong key again. Don't you just hate that? That's certainly not going to stand in the way of our celebration! Time for another Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party....where we celebrate the independent business and blogging movement. If you have an online shop or blog, this is the place to link them up, reach new people, meet other independent shop owners and bloggers and have some fun. Not a shop owner or blogger? No worries. This is where you get to find some really neat shops and blogs, all collected in one place. A ton of fun, all right here.

So, take time to smell the flowers....

 via bhg.com

......grab a drink

via bhg.com

......get a bite to eat......

via bhg.com

.....and party on.

One more thing before we get started. Tomorrow the Innaugural Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge begins.

This is a no-pressure challenge. It's about challenging yourself. The winners? Everyone who participates.  So why not join in the fun?  If you'd like to join the rest of us, get me your first submission today as soon as possible. You can learn more about it here.

Now, onto the party.

Please read the Rules of the House, before linking:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of particpants and receive an e-mail from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, shouldn't you follow too? I'd love it if you did. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right, if you're not following already. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you there too!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's links. Sure, this is all about celebrating your shop or blog, but it's also about paying it forward and making new connections. You won't believe the wonderful people you meet here on Mercantile Muse. Seriously. They rock. So please have a look around at other links. 

*Share a link to the party, 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- blog, tweet, facebook, share on your etsy team if you're on one, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  I know we can make this the best one yet, with your help!

*Check back next Tuesday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

And away we go (if you're reading by email click here it will bring you to the party). 

Thanks for being here,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog Blog It Link Up Party!

Where's The Party?

Right here of course. It's another promotion party on Mercantile Muse, where you can link up your online business or your blog, or both. Those of you who don't have an online business or blog, think of it as a sort of pop up shop where you'll find neat stuff all in one place.

It's potluck again, because it was so much fun last time. If you're 'bringing' something to share....a coctail, a mocktail or food, please mention it in comments and include a recipe link if there is one.

Please read the Rules of the House, before linking:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of particpants and receive an e-mail from me (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, won't you consider becoming a follower (there's several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right) if you're not already? Can you do me another favor?How about liking us on facebook too? That'd be so sweet!

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops)and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's links.

*Share a link to the party, 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- blog, tweet, facebook, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

First up, the shop link up (scroll down page for blog link up)!

Take and look around, get to know each other and most of all have fun at the party. Thanks for coming!

It's Party Time! Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up

Put On Your Dancing Shoes

You know me and parties. I'm a dancing fool. I've got a mixed tape of favorites on and we're ready to go. If you have a shop or a blog, it's time to have some fun promoting yourself.

Step up to the buffet, won't you? We're all about scallops wrapped in bacon 'round these parts. Waterchestnuts wrapped in bacon aren't bad either. However,  these bacon wrapped apricot bites might be nice for a change. I mean, the recipe does start with bacon, right?

via tasteofhome

In honor of March coming in like a lion, I searched for 'March' cocktails for the party and found The American Trilogy. I can't say I've ever had Rye, and the only way I have Whisky is straight up and short on the rare occasion, but I would give it a try in this drink for sure.

via umamimart

If you'd rather skip the Rye, there is White Heron Cranberry Apple Ginger Tea in the pot. It's snowing to beat the band here. I think either the Trilogy or the tea should take the chill off.

Luckily for me, neighborhoodlum Tom came by with his tractor to plow us out. Of course, Lucan had to supervise.  Check out my forsythia pancake! To think, we were nearly to Spring and Winter finally makes itself known.

Onto the party.......

Please read the Rules of the House, before linking:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of particpants and receive an e-mail from me (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, won't you consider becoming a follower (there's several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right) if you're not already? Can you do me another favor?How about liking us on facebook too? That'd be so sweet!

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops)and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's links.

*Share a link to the party, 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- blog, tweet, facebook, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

 First up, the shop link up (scroll down page for blog link up).

Thanks for joining the fun.  Be sure to be here tomorrow, I've been nominated for an award and I get to pass it on. Cool beans. Love spreading that good karma!

Over and out,

Things I Found & Heard At The Party

First, Heartfelt Thanks

You have all been so kind in your messages regarding the passing of my Godfather.  It's so nice to know that people care and understand how sad it is to lose a person you love. Thank you all very much for taking the time to read my 'Ode To Bo' post and for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot.

Happier Things

Back to the party. I really enjoy 'cleaning up' after the link parties on the Muse. So much to look through and discover.  Here's my picks from the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party.

A vintage pink and white lace wedding dress. Simple lines and classic femininity from founditgreat.

via founditgreat

Beautiful pale copper colors adorn this beaded choker by from Our Home To Yours.

via ourhometoyours

A lovely ivory and pink damask tray for your dresser or perhaps breakfast in bed, by longearreddesigns.

via longearreddesigns

The sweetest little birdie note cards from dsigns.

via dsigns

How about a fabulous outfit for less than $14! Bethany is Still In St. Louis and  she sure knows how shop! 

via stillinstlouis

Need some tips on using social media to sell your arts and crafts online? Nadine's got 'em over on This Creative Bliss!

via thiscreativebliss

Very cool upcycled Umbrella Man silhouette by Cupcake Gangster. Who would have thought a upcycled can could look so suave?

via cupcakegangster

As usual, the variety of things I find at the link party never ceases to amaze me. What about you? Did you find something you love at the party?

Giveaway Winner

Drum roll please.....................Laura from Tillie Tulip has won the Barn Rye archival print! Congratulations! I'll be in touch for your mailing information.

Have a great day everyone. I'm playing catchup today......clearing my desk and mailing sold items out (and remailing one that the post office decided to send back for insufficient address even though it's addessed properly- annoying!).

That's it here. See you on the flip side,

Favorite: Finds.....Oh What A Party

via hilltoppottery

Favorite: Finds -Gotta Have It Party Edition

Hi gang. Hope all is well on your end.  The sun is shining here and it's cold. Finally feeling like 'that' time of year. Speaking of 'that' time of the year, did you know there were only 16 days until Christmas? Time is flying.

To assist you in checking things off your list, here's some gift ideas I found at the current shop link up party.  Between you and me, what a fun way to meet new people, explore, discover shops, and find some new favorites.

1. quilled snowflake from creationfaeries

2. walking on sunshine necklace via citythistle

3. a custom shilhouette via hayleyspaperlove

4. vintage cloisonne compact case via thisandthatcrafter

5. patchwork tote via patchworkcrafters

6. the perfect hot cocoa mugs via hilltoppottery

7. blue teardrop earrings  via moonlightshimmer

8. inspirational upcycled puzzle pieces via lmgdesign

9. joy hamsa via shellyka

Haven't browsed around the party yet? What are you waiting for? 16 days. Enough said.

If you have a shop and haven't linked up, take a moment and join the party.  You just never know who'll see your link. What have you got to lose?

Freeform Friday

I've been getting bits of pieces of my decorating done this week. The tree is up and decorated. Woohoo!  Can I tell you, I thought it was the Christmas Tree That Wouldn't Be.  First we had our Christmas Tree Oddessy trying to find it. Then when we put it in the stand, it simply wouldn't cooperate and settle in nicely. No way, no how.  So, we had to tie it off. No biggie. Then came the lights. Two of the sets where out, so I couldn't finish the lights and had to wait to get more lights. I got all of the lights finally sussed out and went to put my beads on the tree and my beads, which always go on my tree, were nowhere to be found.  We looked in the basement, then Gar looked in the attic, then I looked in the attic, then Gar looked in the attic. Viola. He found them, in a big giant bag of christmas tree lights. Yup. You guessed it, the 'real' bag of tree lights. I don't know what the bag was that I had found earlier. Too funny.

Alas, the tree was still a little loosey goosey so we had to secure it with even more twine.  See what I mean about 'the Christmas Tree That Wouldn't Be'? 

Well. It's not anymore. It's now officially the Christmas Tree That Is.

All is right with the world. My world, anyways.

A tree really gets you in the mood, doesn't it?

Here's something else to get you in the mood. A clip from my favorite Christmas movie, The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young.  If you have seen it, rent it and watch it. Better yet, buy it. You'll want to watch it again next year. It's the story of a Bishop (Niven), who is on a mission to build a cathedral and asks God for help because he's having difficulty. He receives the help he's looking for in the form of an angel (Grant) named Dudley. If only the Bishop would believe. If only he'd listen to his wife Julia (Young) and Dudley, he might find that the true spirit of Christmas is not in a building, but in the people in your life. He would understand that they are your very own Christmas blessing.  They are what is important.

On a side note, I think Loretta Young is so beautiful in this movie.  One of those actors who had that 'something' that comes through on film.

Here's a scene of the boys choir that the Bishop misses out on hearing. Lovely voices. (If you're reading via email, click here.)



Have a fantastic Friday and an equally fantastic weekend. We are sure to as it's G-man's birthday weekend.  Tomorrow we have our good friends (real good friends, we started our married life in a studio apartment above their garage) annual Christmas party. Gar has informed me that all he wants for his birthday is a Sunday roast dinner of some kind. I should be able to arrange that. I'm thinking stuffed pork crown rib roast. However, I reserve the right to change the menu.

Ciao for now



Inspired: Design.........My Kind of Gift Giving

via alicespocket

Inspired: Design........Gift Giving Etsy Style

It's no secret. I love etsy (so much so we've got a shop on etsy) because I am a creative (always have something up my sleeve) and I have a fondness for all things vintage (always up for a trip to the flea market or antique store).  So, I think the idea of bringing together artists, crafters, and vintage purveyors all in one marketplace is pretty great.

This Christmas I am focusing my gift giving on handmade and vintage, which makes etsy the perfect place to shop.  If I'm not making it myself, it's likely I'll be finishing my shopping on etsy.

Here's some picks that make me smile, and sure would make someone else smile if they find it under the tree.

1. handpainted tea towel via StrandRedesign

2. flower cloche/hat via Knit2getherInLove

3. coasters via art is everything

4. envelope clutch via bythebookpaper

5. sister necklace via BackBayPottery

6. poncho via branda

7. cuff bracelet via alices pocket

8. striped t-shirt via indivisual

9. happy shoes via ivorybird

Keep in mind, these shop owners have a lot more stuff in store. Check them out and go handmade and vintage this holiday season.

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It 

Did you miss it yesterday? Are you shop owner? Are you a blogger? Are you a shopper?

Then check this link up party out pronto!

Shop owners and bloggers, link up. Take a look around and check out fellow participants.  And remember, if you link up, you might be one of my featured picks tomorrow on the Muse.

Shoppers, check out who's linked up at the party this time. You might find some things that are just right for the people on your list or find a blog you like reading.

What have you got to lose?

Have an absolutely brilliant day. The sun is shining here, but man-oh-man is the wind whipping. Guess I better have a good hearty dinner ready for G tonight.

Mantle Tease and Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party

Welcoming White

As promised, I am finding a spot bring the season alive in white this year.  My mantle.

Now, I usually deck it out full of color with holly in my pretty chinoiserie vases with orange and ginger tones, so this is really different and so far I'm happy. I'm just not done yet.  Here's a small peak.

I've done a little crafting for this too, which I'll share in the near future. 

Hopefully when I take the reveal shots, I'll have better lighting and will capture a better picture to do it justice.

I admit, it won't be all white. There will be some touches of silver and gold and some things from nature. It's all good.

Will Someone Get The Door?

It's party time and the Christmas music is playing.

Really, it's playing. I can smell the mulled cider. A dash of Flag Hill Winery's maple syrup liquer, makes it the perfect cup o' the season.  It's time to mingle and get to know each other. If you have online shop or blog link up so we can take a look around. If you don't, do a little window shopping at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party.

It's pretty easy. READ THIS before linking:

*After you've linked up, take a look around Mercantile Muse. We'd love you to follow if you're so inclined. 

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers) and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).

*Be kind and check out other's links that catch your eye. You never know what may come back to you for supporting fellow shop owners and bloggers.

*Share a link tothe party. If we all share, the party will get more traffic which benefits us all-- blog, tweet, facebook, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page)  and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome. 

*Leave a comment and be sure to check back Friday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

First up, shop owners:

Now all of you bloggers link up:

This link party will be open to links for one week, instead of the usual two.  That way we can have more parties during the holidays. 'Tis the season, afterall.

Have a great Wednesday and thanks for stopping by the party.