Etsy Favorite Finds: Opposite Ends of The Spectrum

Neutral Vs. Color

I've said it before, and I'll surely say it again. There is a lot to love on etsy.  Since I have a shop on etsy, I'm on there a good amount of time every day and it's easy to find things that should be added to my favorites. 

When I have a few minutes (ha!), or when I feel like I need a little break from creating and could use a bit of inspiration, I like to put a treasury together to help other etsy shop owners get noticed. I think of etsy treasuries as curated collections of products.

Last week, I stole away enough time to put two treasuries together.  Two completely different treasuries.  There doesn't have to be any rhyme or reason to making a treasury, and that's one of the fun things about it.  It's plain fun to collect your etsy favorite finds in one place.

First, I created 'whitewash'. Yes, it's all about whites and neutrals.

To take a look at the treasury 'live' so to speak, go here. You'll also be able to visit all the wonderful shops by clicking on the pictures once you've reached the treasury.


The same goes for my more colorful treasury creation, 'let's go', which you can see live here.

If you get a chance, check them out and the shops that are featured. It's a fun way to discover new things to love. You might even find something you just have to have.

Just some of what's been tickling my fancy on etsy lately.  What about you? Do you shop on etsy? Just browse?  What's been calling your name of late? Neutrals? Pops of color? Both?

The weekend was pretty mellow, as predicted. Some crossword puzzles, a couple of games that the Bruins won (woohoo!), and we even got a campfire in on Saturday before it started to rain too hard and we had to sound the retreat. We ended up having a dueling campfire with neighborhoodlum Gerry, so we eventually gave up on ours and went two doors down to enjoy his. Then it started lashing out and we all called it a day. Damn rain. 

Hope you're ready for a fantastic week. It's Monday and it's all ahead of us at this point.

Today, there is a lot of...............you guessed it..........design work on my plate.  Pulling some branding boards together for designs I've just completed, as well as collateral revisions for another couple of clients.  Oh, and a client interview to go over their creative brief questionnaire answers and get to know what they're looking for in a logo design a little bit better. Busy, busy. A good way to start things off with a bang.  

That's it here. What's hot for you this week?

Ciao for now,

 

 

Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

Happy Monday!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. We attended the annual barn costume party next door on Saturday night, but I'll save that recap for Halloween. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by one an all.

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite etsy finds. I hope you're heard of etsy at this point, but if you haven't here's the short and sweet of it. It is an online marketplace for handmade items, vintage and supplies to make really cool handmade things.  There are some really wonderful makers on etsy, and I'm constantly finding things I love thanks for my fellow shop owners.

Take a look.

sources:
The PaperBird Society: Tote bag   Garden & Sea: Infinity scarf   
catspawpottery: trinket dish     sarahlawsmade: whale pillows

sources:

blue raspberry designs: Vincent Van Gogh 

lovintagefinds: ottoman    cosmictwist: necklace

There is much awesomeness happening on etsy.   Lots of talented people.  There is something for every taste and every budget and that's just the bonus.

In other news, I ran off and shipped two of my archival prints this morning. More are available in my etsy shop.

grow love via bates mercantile co.

 Louis Louis via Bates Mercantile Co.

Florida and Virgina, here they come.

 

It looks to be a a busy week here between the prints shipping out, the branding work I'm in the midst of for my client in L.A., design work for a client in Colorado, and new branding working I'm just beginning for a client in Ontario.  My desk is full and I like it that way.

It's all good.  

In case you missed it on Friday, I shared a free printable note card. Print, cut, fold, write a note and mail it.  Spread some happiness. 

One more thing, if you have a moment, check out the lovely handmade holiday guide Bev at Linkouture put together.  Let me just say, Bev is three weeks away from giving birth to her first child and the woman shows no signs of letting up. She is still actively promoting other crafters and artists, including those who were featured on her blog over the past year (which luckily includes me).  I love her go-get-'em style. Show her some love check out the guide she worked so hard to pull together and check out some awesome gift ideas for the coming holiday season  & gift giving.

 

Have a good one and I'll see you on the flip side.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

I wish I could say there was a theme to my Favorite Finds this week, but I can't. Well, other than the fact that I really like them.  There is a little bit of everything in the mix......photography, vintage, jewelry, decor.

Here's a little showcase of just some of the wonderful shops and items you'll find from my fellow etsy shop owners.

From left to right.....

First row:

flower photography via of trees and hues

hand dyed vintage fabrics via enhabiten

Second row:

Vintage bottle via 2dehandsjes

Fjord pillow via loud waterfall photo

Third row:

sweet citron green tea via artful tea

faceted white/blue necklace via that old blue house 2

Fourth row:

vintage backpack via Past Perfect Continues

fine bone china bowl via made by manos

I love these posts because it gives me a chance to shine a light on the independent artists and shop owners who call etsy home.  I hope you'll show them some love and have a look around.

I know I sound like a broken record, but it's another great day here.  It was a little iffy yesterday, but turned out nice. Today, hot and humid right out of the starting gate.

Is anyone else feeling like they need to eek all they can out of the rest of August? I do and I will.

This picture one of my champagne ladies took on her vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine this week makes me want to escape.....right to this beach.

This was really yesterday's post, but I had an unexpected visit from my friend Peg. So, we sat and chatted and solved the world's problems. Didn't you see us on the news last night? We're up for the Nobel prize.

Enjoy the day. It's all you've got.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

It's been awhile since I've featured some of my favorite etsy finds, so I'd like to share some of my most recent with you. Take a look and then do me a favor and visit these shops (links below the finds).  There are a lot of people creating awesome stuff on etsy. There are always new favorites to discover and it's a nice way to support creative entrepreneurs, who have a hard enough time competing with the big guys. Show them some love.

Sources:

1. infinity scarf via milo and molly ; 2. road art via Patrick Lajoie
3. portrait of a woman via GalerieMiniMal; 4. x and o (kiss and hug) earrings via MoonsofMars
5. tea towels via BlackBirdTees; 6. gold stacking rings via HanaMaui
7. bowl via half light honey studio; 8. cheese board via HaveAGander
9. Berlin map print via Carambas; 10. swimming woman print via Samantha French







We had a lashing of rain overnight, but it's cleared out today. Humidity has rolled back in and I do think there is more rain on the way. At least I don't have to water the garden. My only problem with this rain is this: it interferes with my pooltime. That may have to wait until Saturday.


My neighbor Joanie just stopped by with a very nice gift from a bunch of friends. I won't say just a 'little' thank you, because it was a big thank you, for hosting our 4th of July lobster bake extravaganza. A totally unnecessary gesture, but very nice and much appreciated. So nice to get happy little surprises like that.


Back to the design work at hand.  Tweaking one and working on initial designs for another gal. We got to talk on the phone this morning to review her creative brief questionnaire. It's so rewarding to work with people who are beginning their own businesses and to help them get started on the right foot. Oh, and to be meeting people I never would have met had it not been for our etsy shop. It's all good, right?



So, what's hot in your world today? Have you been finding new favorites on etsy and elsewhere? Share 'em if you have. I love discovering new shops and things that way. You guys always make great suggestions.



Ciao for now,

Things I Found At The Party

via once upon a time

Gifts Galore

Are you all busy find gifts for the ones you love? I'm nearly done. I say that, but I probably have more to do than I realize. If you're still looking for the right gift, there were certainly many possibilities left behind at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party last week. Shops are still linking up...it's a happening party to be sure.  There is still time if you haven't linked already, and if you haven't browsed, take a break and have a look around. A big thanks to everyone who has linked up, you help make it a party nobody wants to leave.

The places these parties take me.....so much to see, so little time.

Just look at some of the things I found!

1. White and gold chevron tray via Long Eared Designs. Wouldn't this tray look marvelous serving champagne to celebrate the holidays? I think it'd be perfectly wonderful. Or even to coral things on a desk. Either way. Pretty pretty.

2. Fortune cookie calendar via Messy Bed Studios. My favorite 2013 calendar I've found so far. Guy, gal.....everyone can use a little fortune cookie wisdom.

3. Infinity cowl via Garden and Sea.  Can you even stand that color? POW. Know somebody who likes to stand out?

4. Blue beaded bracelet via Leah Beloved. Again, this color is speaking to me too. Like the ocean in Winter. Deep blue. This would look pretty on any of the ladies on your list.

5. Silver dish via Upon a Dream Designs.  The details on this dish are simply lovely. Is there a vintage lover you're buying for? Someone who likes things that have a bit of history? Check them off with this dish. It doesnt' have to be just for candy. It would look equally nice on a ladies dresser holding earrings or on a man's desk holding paper clips and such.

6. Handwoven baskets via Bright Expectations. Any of your loved ones like to go berry picking? Well, these are perfect for that and so many other things. 

7. Groovy, swirly clutch via Eyelah.  Is there a girl on your list who is a fashion queen. One with extra style? This clutch is screaming her.

8. copper bow via A Bow for Momma. Want to make that big gift you bought look even more impressive? Top it off with this beautiful copper hand tied bow.  Of course, it would look great on a wreath or at the top of your tree too.

Imagine the things you could cross of your list in one fell swoop!

Our bout with warm weather has ended. It was a little weird.  It left with full force when the winds picked up yesterday afternoon, dropping temps from the mid to high 50s, to the high 20s overnight. What? That's just craziness. The good news is, the sun is still shining and the wind dried the two loads of laundry we had on the line.  Now I just have to put it away.............

Did you enter the December Giveaway yet? I can't get over all the fantastic things.....I'd love to win, but can't. It'd just be so tacky to win your own giveaway, don't you think? However, it would not be tacky for you to win. Give it a try, somebody has to win, it might as well be you. 

Today I'm in email marketing design mode for clients.  There will be a lot of that the next couple of weeks, as well as ad design. It's all good.

What about you? What are you working on today?

See you on the flip side,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via linkouture

Thanks For Coming

Hey! Did you see how many people linked up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Party. Phew, that was a lot of links to look through and it sure makes it even harder to make my picks.  What a talented bunch of party-goers.

Despite the difficulty of my job, sifting through all the wonderfulness in your shops and on your blogs, it is done. A day late, but done.

I'm sure they're different than your pics, and that's what makes this link party so great. There is something for everyone.  Three cheers for talent, creativity and variety.

Here's where the link party led me this week......from man's best friend to 6 degrees of separation from Gwenyth to a farm raisin'. See what I mean about variety?

1. pyrography sign via bk inspired
2. terrier brooch via myhideaway
3. vintage ring via little white chapel
4. wire bracelet via KatKeRosCorner
5. tunnel photograph via trinkets by dana
6. to walk a mile in gwenyth’s shoes via hybrid handmade
7. gold hammered earrings via linkoture
8. indiegogo farm raiser via cubits
{more info here on the cubits blog}

9. handbag via love and luck

Where'd the party take you? Did you come away with some new connections and new favorite finds? What? You haven't been to the party yet? Well jeesh, did you come to the front door? We probably didn't hear you knock. Just come around to the back door. That's the one for friends.

If you want another chance to promote your wares, head on over to Life's Jewels On A String, Kat Ezat's blog, and take part in her Stock Take link up. If you don't have a shop, you may just want to stop by anyways to see all the great things that are being linked up. It's the perfect time of year to do a little browsing. 

Enjoy your day today and I'll see you on the flipside.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds

via sukoshi shop



Esty Style: I ❤ That

Hi guys. Wow, miserable cold, gray, snowy, rainy day here.  That nor'easter did come right up the coast. Really feeling for those affected by Sandy last week.  This front brought wind, snow, ice, rain and colder temps. Feels like we're right into Winter. I'm hoping it doesn't last. We've got leaves all over the place that we haven't even had chance to rake up yet. 

What to do on a rainy day..........oh yeah, look through some of my etsy favorite finds. The vast array of talent on etsy is enough to make you smile on any given day and certainly brightens this kind raw day.

Got some time on your hands today? Need to take a break at your desk? Want something to do to unwind later? Why not make the day of some of my fellow  etsy shop owners, follow the links below and check out all the other wonderful things they have? 

Here's some of what I'm lovin' right now.

1. autumn fog via ira bloom photography
2. seed earrings via gofenshefer
3. ballet slippers via erin bonnie
4. druzy bracelet via lex luxe
5. ‘longevity’ pine tree via sukoshi shop
6. felted wool hoodie coat via aureliaLT
7. flower trim via shabby rose trim
8. celestial greeting cards via deermayor
9. red refelctor necklace via ceemonkeydowhimsical

It's always hard just to pick a few. Anything tickling your fancy lately? Feel free to share a link.

Hope your day is brighter than ours. Long to-do list today including printing of illustrations, packaging, email marketing, post office errands and more. What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

via farmhouseblues

Decisions, Decisions

Whenever I do a post on my favorite etsy finds, it's no easy task. There are just so many things that I find on etsy that I love. It hard to choose just a few to feature.  I love that about etsy....so much talent in one place....from artists and crafters, to sewers and knitters, jewelry makers to leather workers, the seekers of the best vintage to handcraft suppliers. There is a lot of good stuff going on.

Despite this fact, I whittled down some of my new favorites to those below.

1. head scarf, infinity cowl via ecoshag
2. labadorite necklace via manari design
3. wooden peace sign via woodenaht

4. rustic gray capelette via kate blossom

5. digital collage with well dressed bird via pikselmatic

6. handcrafted mug via farmhouse blues
7. charming vintage beveled mirror via luncheonette vintage
8. classic denim dress via sweet home boutique

9. sweet lace trim via yarn supplies

I hope you'll check out these talented people because they have much more to offer.

We're braced for Sandy here. In fact they moved Halloween Trick or Treating to last night because of it. Had a ton of fun seeing the kids all dressed up (more on 'playing dress up' in another post this week). Right now, it's raining and the wind is whipping. It took us all weekend, and more time this morning, to batten down the hatches. We may not get hit bad, but knowing from experience, it's better to be prepared for the worst.  So we've gathered candles and flashlights, the transistor radio ('holla' if you know what a transistor radio is peeps!), and bought gas for the generator.  I've filled all my big bowls and pots with water, filled buckets with water so we can flush should we loose power....these are the important things you learn from living through other storms. The worst thing about any power outtage in fact, (at last in my humble opinion as a homeowner with well water), is not the lack of lighting, but rather lack of electricity to get water from the well to the house. We've done all we can, now we just sit back and see what happens. To all of of you in Sandy's path, including my family and friends in NY and NJ, be safe.

I hope you'll be here tomorrow. Actually, I hope I'll be here tomorrow too because I want you to meet a few friends. I think you're going to like them. If by chance I'm not here, you know why.  I'll be sitting here in the dark.

One more thing..........time is running out to enter the giveaway. There is not time like the present. You do not want to miss out on this chance to win $175 in handmade.

Ciao for now,

Etsy Finds: According To The Weather

lia artisan concrete designs

via Bates Mercantile Co.

Weather or Not

We have nothing to complain about here. The weather this Summer has been nothing short of spectacular. June...gorgeous. July....hotter the hades and humid to match.  August.....lovely summer days.  September.....the trend continues. However, today there is a storm on its way. The wind is picking up, the skies have turned gray and that's where today's etsy finds lead me.

1. rain over the sea via kenny bayne fine

2. storm recycled silver necklace (which is on my wish list....did you read that Gar?) via Hybrid Handmade
3. clear plastic umbrella via coyote marmalade
4. knit jacket coat via the knit kid
5. twisted twine via Follow Studio’s White Elephant Stall
6. Classic Louis Chair, Italian Style via past collections
7. my 3 feathers illustration art print by via bates mercantile co.
8. votive/succulent pedestal by Lia Artisan Concrete Designs via Bates Mercantile Co.https://www.etsy.com/listing/106359493/concrete-votive-holder-pedestal-candle

9. turks head sailors rope bracelet via The Jetty

What's the weather like in your corner of the world today?

Serious Loot

I can't say enough about Mercantile Muse's giveaway sponsors. These independent shop owners and creatives are really 'all that' and more.  This month's giveaway is enough to stop traffic. If it was advertised on a billboard it would be a given. Since it's not, I'm here to toot the horn. It's a must-enter. It's that good. $180+ in handmade and vintage. What's not to love? You could be the winner of all this: 

Here's the winnings in black and white:

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

So if you still haven't thrown your name in the hat, what the heck are you waiting for? Go forth and enter.

Hope you're having a smashing day. Mine is full of playing catch up after. The cost of enjoying some downtime with our visitors. Well worth the cost.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

 via paule trudelle belle mare

First Things First

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! It not often today, that people can say they've been married for nearly 60 years. You guys have stood the test of time and then some.  Truly, 5 kids. None of us angels. Dogs. Cats. Even turtles at one point.  Many moves (at least before I was born), carting small children across the US to different work locations. Changing a gazillion diapers. Volunteering for umpteen organizations. Raising money for worth while causes. Broken bones. Living away from family. Making your friends your family. Seeing friends and family pass away. Seeing grandchildren and great grandchildren born.  Living life to the fullest and through it all, together.

We raise a glass to you and say, Salute and L'chaim! (More at the bottom of this post.)

It's OK To Pick Favorites

Cross my heart and hope to die.....ok, maybe not, but it really is ok to pick favorites when browsing on etsy. If you haven't been bitten by the etsy bug yet, here's the scoop. Etsy is an worldwide online marketplace for wonderful things that are made by hand, vintage or supplies to make really great stuff. Etsy is made up of shops owned by individuals or small groups.  There is a plethora of product (how'd you like that alliteration?) from places far and wide.  Caution: proceed to etsy at your own risk. You may not be able to leave. Please, by all means, while you're there, do visit our own little shop- Bates Mercantile Co.  

Now, onto the task at hand. This post isn't about our shop on etsy.  It's about other shops on etsy and the things I've discovered of late, that I really, really like. I hope you like them too.

1. Lovely little cahiers to carry to jot something down, covered in pretty Italian paper.

Via nauli

2. Lemon-yellow showers tea towel.

Via homesteading roasters

3. Colorful cloud brooch.

via an astrid endeavor

4. both impressionist and modern art that speaks to me.

via siiso

5. Chinoiserrie Earrings

via jewel rush

6. A piece of art that reminds me of me (twenty years ago! ha!)

me and my dark hair and mole above my lip. me cutting my own bangs. 

actually been leaning towards cutting a new fringe lately.

via paule trudelle belle mare

7. gorgeous vintage french dresser (made even more beautiful by my friend Susie)

via harris marks home

8. Cute little 'couple' of egg cups

via a needle in the hay

(These are so darn cute, I'm starting to think I may have included them in my favorite finds before!)

Do you shop or window shop on etsy? Are you amazed at the things you find there? It's like a candy store for adults. If you have any favorite finds from etsy, feel free to share them in the comments. I love to discover new shops from your recommendations.

Suggested Reading

A couple of my blogging pals have written posts that I think are really worth reading. 

First, Paige's post over on Little Nostalgia is about business and the 'art' of pricing or the 'justification' of pricing.  This is something that many business owners grapple with, I certainly have and do.  Here's rub though (and this took me too long to learn), if you're in business for yourself, you are in fact in it to some extent 'in it for the money'. You are trying to earn a living. You are not in it for your health or to be a charity case.  If you grapple with this at all, head on over and to Little Nostalgia and read Paige's post. I'd also just like to add, apparently some people missed the age old lesson 'if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'. (You'll find my take on things in the comments under Paige's post).

Secondly, Bonnie at {PaperKeeper} has written a beautiful post about the loss of someone too young who was full to the brim with promise.  It would be a wonderful tribute to her student and friend Rachel, if we all took something away from Bonnie's post...whether it's to support others, be kind to others or live with all the gusto we've got.

Side By Side

As I mentioned, today is my parent's anniversary. Love this picture I got of them at the beginning of the Summer.

We couldn't have asked for better parents.  Really and truly. You're always there no matter what we need. What more could we ask for?

This is for you. (by the way, it takes a few moments to begin so be patient). Click here if you're reading by email.

We'll be celebrating later on their porch, to be sure.

Hope you're all having a great week.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds

via bellalulu

Etsy Summer Style

A few of my current favorites that I've found on etsy lately, that somehow remind me of Summer.

This sweet dreamcatcher with colors of the garden. Wouldn't it look great in a nursery?

via lovahandmade

Oh how I loved Judy Blume.  I read a LOT of her books in the Summer. In fact had a collector's set that included Iggie's House. Great story, great lesson.

via kate gabrielle

This totally awesome vintage fan, for obvious reasons.

via thewhitepepper

Green grass and dandelions. Don't you think?

via bellalulu

A buzzing, busy bee. Love the dreamy quality of this shot, like daydreaming on a blanket on the grass.

via sparksoffire

More dandelions? I happen to think they're quite pretty even if they are a weed.

via KirstinaMarie

Are we there yet? Something I conjured up while thinking about all those family vacations as a kid. It makes me laugh.

via BatesMercantileCo.

The Drive In!!!!!! Poor Gar's never been. Wish they'd rebuild the one in our neck of the woods. Bet they'd be mobbed by all of us with good memories of attaching that speaker to the window and watching the dancing hot dogs.

via whenshuttersclick

The pool is finally looking better. Gar may have been right about the filter part he replaced. It's not crystal clear, but it's pretty damn close and it's calling my name. I have a date with the water later. 

Have you found any favorite summer finds on etsy or pinterst or else where? Feel free to leave a link in your comments, I'd love to see what tickles your summer fancy.

Ciao for now,