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,

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,

What I Found & Heard at the Party

via knitwedding

Who Told You I Was a Party Girl?

OK, the cat is out of the bag. I love a good party. The start of our current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party is not exception to the rule.  The first link had me drooling on my keyboard.

Thanks go to Lynette for dropping by with Cauliflower Prosciutto Casserole. Love cauliflower, love proscuitto. Add to that some cream and cheese and now I'm in heaven.

via sweetposydreams

Gar's eyes rolled back in his head when I mentioned this recipe. We'll be excited to try this one. You can get the recipe from Lynette on her blog Sweet Posy Dreams!

Isn't the color of this knit lariat by knitandwedding fantastic? Coffee Milk.

via knitandwedding

Whatever you call it, it's one fantastic neutral. Knitandwedding also has a wonderful selection of lovely shawls and shrugs. I think this one is perfect for spring and summer over a tank.

via knitandwedding

Delicate enough to be cool over a tank, but still keep you warm on as the evening air sets in. Plus it looks way too cute with tank and jeans (not that there aren't other ways to wear it!).

Check out this eency weency book pendant from HaleysPaperLove! Teeny tiny always ups the cute factor as far as I'm concerned.

via hayleyspaperlove

Hayley started making these after being urged by friends and customers at the last craft show she attended. What a great way to use up scrap paper!

Leslie, from 925Maille, makes use of chainmail in her pieces and I really adore it. Whether it's a chunky chainmail bracelet set with a delicate pearl, or a more substantial accent like this abalone, it all works together beautifully.

via 925Maille

The lines of the chainmail bracelet, combined with the opalescent waves in the  the abalone have me saying gorgeous.

Talk about a happy tote. Oh, I know why.......

via minminsa

Yasmin, of MinMinsa lives in Barbados! Hello sunshine. Hello island life. Hello happiness.

Update. Barbados isn't the only place producing bright, happy colors! So is the South of France! Lovin' this new line from Cari-Jane Hakes of HybridHandmade. Cari's shop and blog are among my favorites. 

via hybridhandmade

I wait with baited breath for her What I Caught In My Net posts. Always amazing.

The party brings lots of guests and one cool things is we all get to meet new people.  Alas, Beccra found her way from Darwin, Australia, to Louisiana and then to Mercantile Muse.

via trueblog

I love the way the world wide web makes this all possible.  Stop by Beccra's place Trueblog and show her some blog love, won't you? And while you're there, if you have a remedy for fire ant itch, would you please share it with Beccra?

Thanks for linking up everyone. It wouldn't be a party without all of you!

Makin' Me Smile

Kat Ezat, was nice enough to pick my print as one of her four faves from her blog's StockTake link up!!! Thanks Kat! Be sure to add your latest shop item to Kat's StockTake and you might find yourself among her favorites next month. Cool stuff.

Have a fantastic Tuesday. The sun is shining here. I started my day with tea and brekkie and then a little early more raking before hitting my desk. It's a Spring ritual. The snow drops are up, the purple vinca is blooming in spots, and tiger lilies and other things are already pushing through the earth..........this too makes me smile. 

Ciao for now,

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,

You Are Cordially Invited to the Party

via BatesMercantileCo.

The House Is Rocking the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

Come in. Just throw your coat on the bed and be sure to stop by the buffet.

Lots of goodies this week at the link party.

For the dd's.......a lovely black currant cider sparkler. It's divine!

via marthastewart

For the rest of us, ginger shandies. I know it's not summer, but a girl can dream.



via food and wine

What? You saved your appetite? Get a load of this!

via frankie, via panninihappy

Oh my.

Before the party gets into full swing, just a couple of things.

Yesterday, I found out that my designs were featured in two places. What a nice surprise.  Plus-Model-Mag.com featured two of our printables in their 'last minute Valentine's Day roundup'. Super cool!

via plus-model-mag

To top it off, our 'Shower Your Love' print was featured on Jillian's blog MimiNicole. Sweet!

OK, OK. Enough about me. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party is all about you. Time to link up your shops and blogs!

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 if you're not already? 

*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 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!

And now for the bloggers...........





One more thing, there is still time to enter our current giveaway for an archival print of my photo 'Barn Rye'.

It ends tonight at 11pm est. Better enter now to be sure you're in the running!

Have a great day,

Things I Found & Heard At The Party

via starlightwoods

Over the moon and the rainbow about hosting!

I really enjoy hosting the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It shop and blog link up.  It such a fun way to support independent shop owners and bloggers. There's also many wonderful links to check out, and you just never know where they're going to take you.

Oh the places I've been and the things I've found so far, and there are still people linking up!

Let's start with these wonderful plates. That starburst in the center is a really lovely detail, as are the scalloped edges. So very pretty.

via sweetposydreams

By the way, sweet posy dreams also has a blog you should check out.

Speaking of blogs, don't miss Angie's bathroom makeover at knickoftimeinteriors. It's something else. She left no stone unturned. No floor undone. Seriously, great ideas in this reno!

via knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com

Guess what? Angie also has a shop. Funny how that works.

The lead up to Valentine's Day brought lots of hearts to the party.

A sweet lavender sachet from KatEzat.

via katezat

Love those hombre style stripes. (On a side note, look at those strawberries! I want to just reach out and grab one!)

How about a little chalkboard style from layoffthebooks.

via layoffthebooks

And you guessed it, both layoffthebooks and katezat have blogs too. We're talking busy, busy people round these parts........creating, crafting, selling and blogging! Not enough time in the day.

OK, always enough time to sit down and have a snack like this. Um....Yum.

via cubitsorganics

Cold Morning Carrot, Zucchini and Raisin Muffins from Laura at Cubits Organics. If you're looking for the seeds to grow your own ingredients for these, check out Laura's shop.

I just love these stoneware jars from cottagy. They remind me of the polo ground mugs my parents have had on the breakthrough forever.

via cottagy

Need a little spice drawer makeover? Kristen at differentshadesofgreen has really great free printable labels to help you out.

via differentshadesofgreen

So much cuter than the store containers, don't you think?

I just love this necklace by starlightwoods. How could you not be smiling if you were wearing a rainbow?

via starlightwoods

This necklace also shows me where Hailey from melonheadbookmarks (who I blogged about last week) gets her talent and eye for color from........her mom Lisa, the artist behind startlightwoods (love both of those shop names girls)!

As you can see, there is just so much to be found at the shop and blog link ups.  It really is too much fun.

Speaking of fun, who doesn't like to win something? There are still a couple of days to enter our current giveaway for the Louis Louis in Pink print. If you haven't yet, it's easy!

What are you waiting for?

Have a great Monday in your corner of the world. I'm still on Mission Organization and will be for awhile. It's all good.

Ciao for now,

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

Let's Get This Party Started

It's that time again. Time when I can pay it forward. This party is all about supporting fellow online shop owners and bloggers, getting to know you all a little better, introducing you to each other, and attracting new people to your shop and blog. 

So let's do it up right.  The stereo is turned up (you guys do remember what a stereo is, don't you?), the champagne punch is flowing..........

via gourmet

......and the guest are rolling through the door. 

So grab a glass, introduce yourself by posting a link to your shop and/or blog, and mingle with the other guests!  This is an 'open house', so if you know others who would like to join in the fun, by all means spread the word. The door is open.

Please read the rules of the House, before linking:

*After you've linked up, take a look around Mercantile Muse. If you like our link party enough to link up, perhaps you'd enjoy following our little blog. I'd love it if you did. You'd be joining a fantastic group of people, Muse followers ROCK! 

*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).

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out 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!

Before you leave, just one more thing......have you had a chance to enter our current giveaway yet?  You could win this Louis Louis In Pink archival print. Wouldn't it add a little 'pow' to your wall?

What have you got to lose? Absolutely nuttin'. Remember, you can't win if you don't play!

Thanks for being here. Luckily, for most of you, it's only via the computer because it's freezing! I sure do hope it's warmer in your little corner of the world.

See you on the flip side,