Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Spring Link Up!

via marthastewart

A Perfect Time For A Party

This link up party is overdue.  So come on in, make yourself comfortable, take a stroll around the gardens, get a drink and something to eat at the buffet and tell us a little something about yourself. Might I be so bold as to suggest you show off a little.....I mean you did wear your best party outfit, right?

via delish

This is the place to have fun while you link up your online shop or blog. If you don't have an online shop or blog, have some fun looking around. You might find some things you just have to have, things you mother would love, or new places to visit for a daily read.  It's all good.

via thoughtfully simple

(what a lovely inspiration board....who's ready to party?)

Get set to mix, mingle, and talk amongst yourselves.

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)!

Bloggers, you're up! Gotta Blog It

Feel free to share a little bit about yourself, your shop and/or your blog in the comments section (including links to your shop and facebook page, pinterest page, etc. if you've got 'em). Let's have some fun getting to know each other better. Thanks for being here,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

Are You Ready For Some Link Ups?

Hi guys.  Here we are again.........it's party time. If you have an online shop or a blog, this is the place to link them up. If you don't, this is the place to find interesting shops and blogs you may not have known about.

This week, I thought potluck and BYOB would be fun. So in your comments post what ever appetizer and drink you brought to share!

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)!

Now for bloggers!

I can't wait to see what you've all brought for the buffet!

Have a great day and don't forget to spread the word,

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,

Things I Found & Heard At The Party

via SigalFJewelry

So Many Wonderful Things

Each Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party brings so many nice people to Mercantile Muse. It also proves that there is a neverending wealth of talent, taste and tales among the party goers.

Oh the wonderful handmade things! Oh the vintage wares! Oh the fun at guest's blogs.  So much to discover and share.

Here's my picks from our current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party which is still underway.

Who knew we had stars among us? OK, not quite, but we have people with the same taste as stars. Doesn't that count?

A lovely gold edged serving Fire King serving dish from Belle Masion Et Moi.

via bellemaisonetmoi

The funny thing is, I had to let Alicia know that I'd seen this lovely dish somewhere else- on Inventori, Tori Spelling's store!

The difference, Inventori's dish was over $40 and bellemaisonsetmoi's is a mere $12.50. Talk about a steal of a deal!

I'd never heard of prehnite before, until I found these lovely pale earrings in SigalFJewelry's shop.

SigalFJewelry

Prehnite is part of the largest and most important class of rock-forming minerals. It is also said to have the following qualities:

*Very relaxing. Increases reliability, honesty and integrity.
*Allows visions during meditation, strengthens predictive power.
*Provides high spiritual protection.
*Good for treatments of kidney, bladder and anemia.

Who knew? All I know is its soft, dreamy, cloudy pale color is absolutely beautiful.

The opposite of pale and dreamy is this bright, bold, striking sapphire blue pendant from Mt. Baldy Glassworks.

via mtbaldyglassworks

The embodiment of a deep, dark, starry night.

I just love that Sharon's blog 'Diary of a Craft Room Transformation' grew out of a mission to organize her craftroom.

via diaryofacraftroomtransformation

Three year's later and Sharon's still blogging!

Still need a Valentine's Day gift for your guy?  Check out this creative photo display by DabbledDetails for the fisherman in your life. 



via dabbleddetails

All I know is that I have plenty of pics that could go on this display, and that they're all from too long ago. It's probably at least 4 years since I cast a line, and that's just not right. It's hard to believe it's been that long. I used to be quite the bassmaster.  We even lived in a little cottage on the river when we first got married and I used to be able to cast a line right from our deck!

Lovin' these groovalicius placemats joeymiller. The fabric is the bomb!

via joeymiller

Love the flowers, the colors and that you can turn them over for a pop of orange.

Check out this sweet lavender sachet from Paula Parrish. She's nice enough to share a tutorial over on her blog Living A Blessed Life.

via livingablessedlife

I think the chenille backside is the sweetest touch.

I could rock these uuber cute and retro-preppy vintage lecoq sportif running shoes from LaModeDeKika.

via laModeDeKika

If only my foot was a little smaller.

Last, but not least, a big thank you to Lisa at WritingPlaces for always creating such wonderful treasuries to promote the link up party and the shops that take part. What a nice thing to do! Don't you think? You can see Lisa's awesome promotion treasuries for the link party here and here.

When Lisa isn't busy spreading the word about link party shops, she is busy creating things for WritingPlaces, like this charming favor box.

via writingplaces

If you've been featured on Mercantile Muse and want to let people know, feel free to grab this button.

<div align="center"><a href="http://batesmercantileco.blogspot.com" title="Mercantile Muse"><img src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i448/PamelaJBates/Muse-Feature-button.jpg" alt="Mercantile Muse" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

More Fun

Did you see the new giveaway on Mercantile Muse? What? You missed it? Well, here's a link. It's easy to enter and remember, someone has to win and it might just be you!

Less fun was watching the SuperBowl last night. It was painful game in general and the Pats lost by three, making it even more painful. Life goes on. The sun is shining on this Monday despite the loss. I hope it is where you are too.

Ciao for now,



You Gotta Fight......For Your Right......To Party!

Join The Fun at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog Link Up Party

Phew. That was close. I didn’t think I’d have the drinks and appies out on the buffet before you all started pouring through the door. Thankfully, my juggling skills are improving.  Come on in, get comfortable, mingle and if you’re an online shop owner or blogger please partake in a little shameless self promotion by linking up. If you’re not a shop owner or blogger, enjoy taking a look around.

Please be sure to help yourself to the goodies.  Buffet on the right has a big batch of sangria and I didn’t forget the ‘DDs’ this time. Bigelow’s Lemon Lust tea just for your, iced with lemon wedges for extra zing.

via Mercantile Muse

Did I forget to tell you I need a little dose of summer today? Hence the summery beverages. Be sure to look left, I made my own cheese, just for you. Really, I did. I think you’ll like it. Go on, give it a try.

via Mercantile Muse

Let’s get down to the main event- the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

***A side note, I lied. I will announce our next giveaway tomorrow instead of today, so be sure to check it out.***

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.

*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. The more the merrier, you know what I mean?  You'd be joining a fantastic group of people, Muse followers know how to rock it!

*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 just 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!

Hope to see you all tomorrow when I announce the next giveaway.

See you on the flip side,

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,



Great Day For Firsts...Welcome to Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up 2012

via peshka

The Parties Here Are As Good As Gold

Not to boast or anything (ok, maybe a little), but everytime I host a Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog Link Up Party on Mercantile Muse the most talented people stop by. I am not lying. Proof positive.....check out those little gold beauties above by Peshka. Where'd I find them? At the last link party of course.

So, don't be shy. If you own an online shop, or if you blog, spread the word by linking up. Of course, I'd love it if you spread the word about the link up too.

If you don't have an online shop or blog, just enjoy taking a look around as the party guests arrive.

Now, kick off your heels, grab a seat by the fire and put your feet up if you'd like, but first stop by the buffet. We're celebrating the New Year with Mimosa Royales - champagne (which you know I LOVE), topped off with a dash of OJ and glug of Chambord. What a way to start the new year!

Please read this before linking:

*After you've linked up, take a look around Mercantile Muse. I'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).

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

*If we all share a link to the party, it will get more traffic -- 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!

GOTTA HAVE IT LINK UP

GOTTA BLOG IT LINK UP

Have a fantastic Thursday in your corner of the world and I'll do the same in my little corner of the world (seriously, my office/studio is a corner of the living room!). Been designing today so that makes for a happy girl.

Over and out, 



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.

You're Invited to a party!

RSVP: Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Free Promotion Party 

Hi Guys, it's time for our 2nd link party, after a very successful first. This party is now scheduled to take place every other Wednesday.  Good news.........Mercantile Muse's free promotion link up party will now not only be a place to link up your online shop, but also a place to link your blog.  Please be sure you're linking your shop/product under Gotta Have It and your blog under Gotta Blog It! As links are added, you may have to scroll a little further down to reach Gotta Blog It. 

In case some of you don't know, I've run my own adv/pr/marketing firm (Speakeasy) for 17+ years in the 3D world.  Combine that with a personal mission to pay it forward, my love of all things artistic, crafty or vintage and this is what you get: a place for etsy shop owners, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers and bloggers to promote what they do. It's a natural extension of my 3D and online business, Bates Mercantile Co. So take advantage of it and add your link.  Today on the Muse, it's about you!

Here's all I ask:

*Keep it to one link under Gotta Have It (for shops, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers) and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).

*Please take a moment to click on links of other participants that catch your eye and see what they've got. You never know what you might find, perhaps something you've just GOTTA HAVE.  You also never know what may come back to you for taking a moment to support fellow participants.

*If you can share a link to this promotion party, the more traffic the link ups get, the more it benefits us all! So it is greatly appreciated if you blog, tweet, facebook about the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It free promotion link up party.

*Leave a comment and let me know if this is working for you (or how it could work better) and how you found the party.  Did you get traffic from the last party?

*If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button for this free promotion link up party from Mercantile Muse's button page and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  Thanks to those who already have!

*Consider following the Muse if you like this free promotion opportunity. Check out the right hand sidebar for ways to follow!

*While you're here, check out and enter our current giveaway. Click on picture in upper right hand corner. It's just for fun!

Did someone bring the champagne, because it's time to party!

If you liked this free promotion party, don't miss Stacey's link party at A Sort Of Fairytale tomorrow! And if you missed her tutorial here on Mercantile Muse yesterday, be sure to check it out.

Thanks for coming to Mercantile Muse's Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It party! Come again.