Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

My mind and mouse often wander all over etsy. It's the perils of having a shop on etsy that you check on often. One thing leads to another. Being able to find a minute to pull together a treasury (a visual shopping list of sorts), is always a fun way to spend some time.

My mind has been dreaming of a cabin in the woods by the lake. Where you can just hang out and do nothing, or whatever you want.

The results of my day dreaming- 'at the cabin', a treasury filled with all sorts of wonderful things and shops. 

At the cabign we can chill out, maybe create a little art, sip a cuppa tea, check the time when we feel like and maybe dip our toes in the water. 

Want to go to the cabin with me?

 

You can explore all these wonderful things from their links in the treasury, which you will find here: at the cabin.

What are you dreaming of on this Monday?


Hope you enjoyed the weekend. Ours was lowkey.  We had a nice dinner out on Friday night with my parents. Saturday was happily accentuated by a great Bruins comeback win against our rivals the Habs in the playoffs.  Yesterday I did a little organizing in the office/studio. Not as much as needs to be done, but it was a start. What about you?

Ciao for now,

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

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,

 

Take That, To Do List!

Monday, The Day To Get Things Done

I am going to take care of my to-do list today. Crossin' things off left and right.  That's the order of the day.

So, I shall be brief so I can get down to business.

A little look at fall neutrals, etsy style. A treasury to pay it forward to some of these fine folks who have featured my things in a treasury.

You can see the treasury, complete with links to these wonderful shops, by clicking here.

Yoga update:

So, I told you all last week that I needed to get back on my mat, that I'd let other things get in the way of taking time to take care of myself.  I can't tell you what a difference this has made already. I surpassed my goal of 4 days of yoga practice last week, and ended with 5. Three of the days, I did two practices- one in the morning, and one at the end of the day. I feel better- body & mind, am sleeping better and just feel better all around.  This week, I would like to get 5 practices in again, and really focus on each thing that goes into a certain pose.

This has been my inspiration for the week.

Thanks to valerie lavigne yoga for the nudge. Though honestly, I didn't really need it. I wanted to get on my mat. I wanted to take the time. I wanted to practice yoga. This in itself is a positive change.  More on the yoga progress next week.

Have you been making any positive changes to take better care of yourself? I'd love to hear how it's going.

Have a great Monday. It's a great day to have.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

Shades of Pink & Gray

I'm currently finishing up a logo design for a client and I am loving the color combo of pink and gray that we chose. It's just gorgeous together. I'll show you the logo when it's finalized (nearly there!), but for now some favorite finds in shades of pink and gray.

 

sources

kariherer: horse and flower art

urban cartel: lip bowl

beridan naturals: bath salts

the bauble department: pyrite necklace

sources

factory 21: pendant lamp

margaret vera: leather cuff bracelet

belalulu: vintage stool

blackbird tees: women’s equal tshirt

Take a moment to visit these shops. I don't think you'll be disappointed. They are all small, independently owned and offer either handmade or vintage items. The best thing about etsy is you'll find shop owners who strive to please their customers and offer the kind of service you deserve when you're spending your hard earned money. I know it's early to think of the holidays, but buying from small business owners is one of the best way you can give your gifts more meaning.

As you probably know, I also have a shop on etsy- Bates Mercantile Co.   One of my recent customers was Margaret Vera. That's their leather cuff above.  I was lucky enough to design a shop header/banner, with a bohemian feel. It was easy using their beautiful product shots.

If you have an online presence and you need a banner or header designed (or a logo or other branding collateral), keep me in mind.....ok?

Yesterday

What a whirlwind day. It went by in the blink of an eye. So fast, I didn't even get a Muse post done. Which would be fine, except it was my Dad's birthday. I went over to 10 Tobey last night and we all celebrated on the porch, complete with a cake that my sister made.  My great nephew Cayden helped present the cake with its extremely large taper candle to 'great grampy'.  [Note to Mom: buy birthday cake candles.] A good time had by one and all.  The shrimp wasn't bad either. Happy Birthday Dad! A day late and a dollar short, but the sentiment is the same. Love you (despite the fuzzy picture)!

Hope you're having a great Wednesday. I'll do the same. It's crisp, but the sun is shining! Enjoy.

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,

Favorite Finds

via love muffin vintage

 

Etsy/Summers Past

Summer arrives tomorrow (yay) and I say bring it on. It has me thinking of what I love about the summer and how I used to spend it as a kid.  There's a lot to love about summer now, but as a kid you're footloose and fancy free with time to do whatever you please.

Here are some favorite finds from etsy that remind me of summers past.

1. Peonies by Lees Whimsy:  Peonies may herald Spring in full force, but they're still hanging on and still blooming. My mother has had peonies as long as I can remember. They lined the low brick wall in our side yard as well as the side of the house. My best friend Tina and I often plunked our blanket down there to laze the day away, talk until our tongues were tired and smell that heavenly scent of the peony.

2. 1950s Necklace via Eva Elena: This this necklace with all it's red, white and pink reminds me of Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream bars from our Ice Cream man, Jolly Jingles.  I'd love to tell you I haven't had one in years, but that would be an outright lie. There is an ice cream truck that prowls our hood and we've been known to flag him down for a Strawberry Shortcake, a Chocolate Eclair or an Italian Ice.

3.  Vintage Jacks Doorstops or Bookends via CoMod: OK, so these are much larger than the Jacks we used to play with, but our patio was a great place for a game of Jacks.

4. Maxi Skirt via Haus Of Mirth: Well, if a floral, bohemian maxi skirt doesn't bring you right back 70s summers, I don't know what will.  Now, where are my Dr. Scholls?

5. Beach Umbrellas by Finding Focus: I'm sure I've told you my parents owned a hardware store at our beach. We rented beach umbrellas.  Our beach was and is always dotted with the most colorful array of beach umbrellas. I love that sight on a hot summer day.

6. ‘Undertow’ via Tastes Orangey: I'm a water baby. A fish in water. A girl who gets in, and doesn't get out for hours. I spent a lot of time in the ocean as a kid.  This summer I'd like to do that more often because it really made me happy to take a dip when I played hooky a couple of weeks ago. There is nothing like salt water on your lips and in your hair and sand in your toes.

7. Nancy Drew via Love Muffin Vintage: I admit it. I was a voracious reader of Nancy Drew. In fact, my mother had a bunch of vintage Nancy Drew books that got me hooked. I'd lay on a blanket in the backyard, not even notice whether the sun was shining or not, and read straight through a Nancy Drew book until I was done.

Do any of these favorite finds remind you of your summers past? What are some of your favorite memories of childhood summers?

Let's say goodbye to spring and HELLO summer!

Had a great day yesterday. Very busy day for Bates Mercantile Co.  Sure made me happy. Here's to today being more of the same.

Make it a good one. Get out and enjoy the last day of Spring.

Ciao for now,

Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

As you probably know already, we have a shop on etsy, Bates Mercantile Co. Visiting etsy on a regular basis for our shop, gives me a good reason to discover new and wonderful things from other shops. At least I think it gives me a good reason.

So, today I'm sharing with you, some of my recent favorite finds.  It's an eclectic grouping, to say the least.

 

1. necklace via fiber bungalow
2. art photo via theaterclouds
3. dish via nadas corner
4. zippered pouch via Eyelah
5. flying horse via benconservato

6. vintage dansk candleholder via tippleandsnack
7. oxidized sterling ring via Stilosissima
8. vintage koi via Birdnestsandpaper

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Too hard for me to pick but I really am digging that vintage dansk candleholder. It's too cool. 

Check out the art photo by theaterclouds......it's an entire miniature theater image that the artists puts together and then photographs. So charming and unique.

There is so much to love about etsy, and variety is certainly up there.

Do you visit and shop on etsy? Have any new favorite finds you want to share?

Gray day here. Then there's always tomorrow.

Ciao for now,

Good Stuff

Etsy Favorite Finds

Hi guys. Has anyone been on etsy lately?

Since we have a shop, I'm on there every day checking on things. This gives me a good excuse to find things I love.

Here's some of my 'lately loves' that I'd be happy to swoop up.

 

vintage hand mirror with birch via snapshot vintage

vintage berger blanc bottle via french find

horse photograph via stephs shoes

cable knit tea cosy via maya be crafty

champagne cork necklace via sometimes i wine

 

Have I told you I have a thing for birch trees? I do. Hence the great vintage hand mirror.

 

The vintage bottle is actually bigger than it looks in the picture and it has such a fantastic shape. Isn't it cool?

 

How beautiful is the horse picture? Amazing.  Stephanie also has some really wonderful shots of NH's White Mountains, which of course, makes my heart happy. The thing about our little state of New Hampshire, it has everything ....seashore and beach (albeit only 19 miles, it's a wonderful 19 miles), lakes region, mountains, great north woods, a couple of small cities and we're within 50 minutes of Boston. What's not to love?

 

A cable knit tea cosy? So sweet. Tea cosies remind me of my Gram. As a proper Yorkshire woman, she always used one.

 

I'm sure you can guess why I love the champagne cork necklace, right? You go it. I love cork.

 

You didn't buy that one, did you?

 

If you've found some new wonderful things on etsy, feel free to share a link in the comments. I love it when you guys direct me to new shops I never would have known about otherwise.

 

Have a super Tuesday.

 

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,