Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

Fly By

Hi guys. Rocking and rolling on this end? Is it the change of seasons, the waning of the recent full moon? Or are people just ready to make things happen as the seasons change? I've spent all morning answering inquiries about logo designs, branding packages, packaging design and more. Whatever it is, it works for me.

Simply sharing some favorites etsy finds today.  Take a look and be sure to check out the shops because there is much more wonderful stuff store.  Honest.  Would I lie to you?


Are you a heavy metal fan? Then, for those about to rock, this awesome industrial box, is for you.

 

source: gearrattx

Are stitches your thing?  Look at this gorgeous handsewn spread. Love.

 

source: gypsya

Ah, so you like things that show a little wear and tear and tell a story.  This little vintage shelf is perfect.

source:  86home

OK, that's enough of the winter colors because in case you haven't heard..........today is the first day of spring here! So long winter whites and grays. Hello sunshine and flowers.

Wouldn't it be grand to write down wishes and dreams and all your blessings in this charming notebook?

 

 

source: twenty fingers

Wrap yourself in color. 

 

 

source: yarnisland

Mellow yellow? Hardly.

 

source: lizzbasingerdesigns 

Or perhaps a little bit of spring you can surely enjoy all year 'round?

source: TMG Photography

Do you love the floppy habit of those tulips as much as me? So sweet. I'm hoping the next time I'm at the store, they have some tulips to join my daffodils. That would make me happy and it would really feel like spring.

The birds are singing here and could care less about the snow on the ground and the overnight and morning rain (trust me, we really don't need it with the forthcoming snow melt).  They're announcing spring and that the sun is finally out.

What's your favorite thing you're looking forward to for spring, or if you're in the southern hemisphere, what makes you happy about autumn?

Do tell.

Make it a great day, it's a great day to have.

Ciao for now,

 

Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

Change Of Seasons

OK. I give up. I can't stop Summer from fading away. It's Fall. I know I'm a little behind in this realization. I was determined not to let it happen. It's the pool lovin' Mer-Girl in me.  However, I did not stand in the 'stop the seasons' from changing super power line, so I'm still just Power Washer Woman (ridding the world of grime...in case you were wondering...but only when I have the power washer in my hand.)

Ah, Fall. It used to be my favorite season, although I use that word lightly because living in a place where there are all four seasons makes it incredibly tough to pick just one. At least for me.

The trees are starting to change quickly now and I truly love that about my state. There is quite a show to come over the next three weeks, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about leaving summer behind.  The colors change from the pastel pinks and peaches to burnt orange and reds, flowers go from brilliant to pale in their decaying, yet still beautiful, states. Nature is quite amazing.

In honor of the changing seasons, a little ode to 'cha cha cha changes', etsy style.

1. kawai phone chain via we love stitches; 2. floral clutch via eyelah 

3. enamel pitcher via 5 little cups; 4. hot pink dress via electric moon vintage
5. orange brooch via Trincar Uvas; 6. felt cuff bracelet via Loft Full of Goodies

7. Beach at Sunset via Misty M Photography;

8. custom name vintage photo blocks via Dandelion

9. bridal fascinator via Fancie Strands; 10. halloween crown via Love Butler Vintage
11. vintage floral round tin via OLDITALIANSVINTAGE; 12. tea cups via 5 Gardenias
13. sewing art (I may have featured before. If I did, I guess I really like it) via 

Trina Dalziel

Are you enjoying the change of seasons? I'll say this, it does feel good having a little cool breeze coming through the window at night. 

Chip Off The Old Block

So after my clipboard art post yesterday, I got an email from my mother...'Didn't I remember her painting clipboards?'. No. I remember a lot things, but I didn't remember that one....well unless it was in some far reaching subliminal part of my brain.  Not only did she paint them, apparently they were pretty good sellers at the neighbors yard sales. Crack me right up.  Like mother like daughter.

A Couple of Things You Might Like

Each month, my etsy/blogging pal Cari-Jane of Hybrid Handmade, creates a brand new and always beautiful desktop calendar. October's is out for you to download and use for free. We both have deer running around our heads lately. Cari has been designing a new collection called Into the Wild, and I just incorporated some deer into a poster I designed for the upcoming library craft fair as well as my header. It's that time of year after all....did I tell you we spied two young deer behind the house on Saturday? So sweet. They've been here since the 4th of July when they still had spots, and have grown quite a bit.


In other news, if the beautiful desktop calendar from Cari isn't enough, Amy from fAveritte Creations (who was one of my most recent sponsors in the September Giveaway) is hosting a handmade holiday giveaway on her blog. There's a ton of great stuff including a Start From Wherever You Are print from moi.  There's bibs, beanies, booties, ornaments, earrings and more. Not that you needed more, but that's the way Amy is. Stop over and enter. My print could use a little love.

Oh, by the way, lest you forget....we're on the two day countdown until the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party. You don't want to miss your chance to either promote yourself or discover new wonderful shops and blogs...or both! Be sure to be here Thursday for all the fun and games.

Have a super day today gang. I'll be enjoying an evening with my Champagne/Bookclub Gals, so mine is sure to end well.

see ya on the flip side,

Favorite Finds

via Thrush

Etsy Style

I'm forever finding new favorites on etsy.  Perhaps because we have a shop on etsy, I'm exposed to all these wonderful treasure hunters, photographers, artists of all kinds, crafters...there's a lot of talent that's hard to ignore. What I really like is that I'm being introduced to new shops not just through etsy but via  various social media connections including facebook, twitter and pinterest. Cool beans.  

Proof in point, some things that have tickled my fancy of late:

1. [Charming, Sweet, Whimsical Paintings] 

Art By Helga McLeod

2. [A wonderful mix of fabrics, prints, and textures like lace. If I had a pug I that pillow would be a must have]

Track and Field Designs

3. [Assemblage, Painting, Vintage Toys and Parts]

Elizabeth Rosen Art

4. [Utterly Romantic Jewelry with a Vintage Twist]

The Hollie Rogue

5. [A fine selection of vintage clothing and accessories]

Thrush

6. [Fashionable and Practicle 3 Layer Waterproof Picnic Blankets]

PoBa

7. [Moody, Beautiful Art Photographs]

The Art of Debbie Andrews

Take a few moments to check these independent shops out and support some talented small business owners. If you've got some favorite etsy finds to share, leave a link in the comments.

Speaking of talented small business owners, my giveaway and blog sponsors on Mercantile Muse never cease to amaze me. They run the gamut from jewelry makers, to photographers, fine rug collectors/sellers, to concrete craftsmen and everything in between.  Please visit their links via the sidebar and show them some love.

What? Show you the love?  Well, certainly.

Have you entered the giveaway? Excuse me if I keep repeating myself, but August's giveaway pretty much hits it out of the park. 

I wasn't just making it up about my sponsors. They've come together to five you the chance to win $150 worth of handmade goods anyone would be over to the moon to have.  This giveaway is so good you won't want to tell anyone about it, even though you should tell more than just a few friends. Remember those little 'share' buttons I told you about the other day just below the post? Go on, push 'em. I dare ya.

If you haven't entered yet, you should right now. I don't want you to run out of time. That would be a wicked bummer. 

On the homefront, it's raining here today,which if you read yesterday's post know it's welcome for very imporant reasons. I'm here to tell ya, nothing is easy people. Not a darn thing.

Hey, did you notice? It's Thursday? Sweet!

Ciao for now,

PS- Photo Challenge participants....get me your next submissions by the end of the day today. If you're interested in particpating there are a few more challenges left, read about it here.

Inspired: Design

via rhettdidn'tgiveadamn

Etsy Style

I can't say enough about all the wonderful shops on etsy. If you have not checked out etsy yet, you really are missing something special.  Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade and vintage, as well as supplies to make things.  The talent and taste oozes from this site.  As owner of Bates Mercantile Co. on etsy, I can honestly say, I never cease being amazed at the things I can find.

Everyone can find something they like on etsy, and support independent shop owners at the same time.  I think that's pretty cool. A gazillion little shop owners with a multitude of products, all in one place. Even cooler.

Without further ado, check out these fabulous things from my fellow etsy shop owners.

See what I mean? There is literally something for everyone.

*chandelier photograph via elle mosse photography (visit blog)

*'do not fret' sign via lafamilleathome (visit blog)

*the prettiest persian rug via oldnewhouse

*antique reproduction aged mirror by leftbankselection

*colorful pill/snuff box via patchhappypauper

*vintage Amsterdam postcards via rhettdidntgiveadamn (visit blog)

*vintage cut glass lights via antique2chic

*damask coasters via burlapandblue (visit blog)

*mini dress with style via daniellecicero

Of course, this little collection barely scratches the surface. Did you notice I made some of my own washi tape strips?  Will work on that and offer them as a freebies when the set is done.

On a side note, Lisa Sieczka (ellemoss's shop owner and photographer extraordinaire) will be part of the Oscars this year. The much coveted Oscar gift bags will feature her photo-pendants. Congrats to Lisa.

Sunrise Meadows

It was warm here yesterday. It's January and the temp hit 54 degrees F. It was a little weird, but very welcome.  This morning was much cooler, but the sunrise made up for it as it painted pink stripes across the sky.

On top of the pretty sunrise, a beautiful red tailed hawk glided to the barn as I stood in the field (yes, in my pajamas).

I tried to get closer............

.......but the hawk only perched for a moment before taking off to the other side of the barn.

Very cool, none the less.

Is it Wednesday already? How'd that happen. Lots on the plate the rest of the day, including......you guessed it, more organizing. It's the never-ending-project. What are you up to today?

Thanks for stopping by,

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.