Sponsor Spotlight: A Bunch of Good Eggs

Have A Seat and Get To Know A Few Of My Friends

As the December Giveaway nears a close (what? you haven't entered yet?), it's time for me to highlight my lovely sponsors.

Again, and again, I am amazed at the support I receive from my sponsors.   There is no way that I could offer such wonderful prize packages to Mercantile Muse followers without them. No way. Period.

In the true spirit of Christmas, these sponsors have each given a little of themselves. They work hard stocking their etsy shops with an array of items that all have one thing in common.......they're all handmade with love.

Isn't that the best?

If you haven't met these fine people yet, take a moment and get to know them a little better......won't you?

I've probably told you before, Kristen was one of the first people I met in this 'land of blog'.  She's been extremely fun, although a little camera shy (right K?) to have on my side. As if she's not busy enough with two small chitlins, she has a charming little shop Milo and Molly where she offers lovely paper goods and sewn gifts.  You'll find personalized note card sets, key chains, clutches, and crayon carriers to name a few.  Kristen also has a blog you should visit. Would I steer you wrong?

shop/ blog/ twitter/ instagram/ pinterest/ facebook

Dianne (spelled just like my sister....two Ns please) of ReMemory Designs has a knack for pretty ogranization. Dianne makes beautiful designer magnetic memory boards and has an awesome selection with a wonderful variety of fabric choices. Her designs also come in three styles: table top, wall, and mini.  I think they're a fantabulous way to display notes in your office, pictures in your living room, or grocery and errand lists in your kitchen. Whatever your need, there is one just for you.

shop/facebook 

Sarah of Upscale Downhome is a home decor maven. She's also 'A-dub' to me (short for Antler Woman.....oh yes I did tell them Sarah).  This gal has been on a hot-damn antler frenzy this holiday season, crafting away, mounting antlers on wood plaques with classic plaids and trim. Love 'em. She's also been selling 'em like hotcakes. The antlers aside, what Sarah usually focuses her energy on are her curtain tie backs.  Unique, varied, beautiful.....There is a pair for every decor imaginable.  She also has a keen eye for vintage and includes real keepers in her shop collection, though I'm not always sure why she'd part with some.  Another blogging pal, you'll find Sarah sewing, crafting, DIYing and hosting Window Treatment Wednesdays over on her blog.

shop/ facebook/ blog

Jessica is the artist behind JMM Studios' fantasy art and enchanting gifts. JMM offers cards, keepsake boxes, and jewelry. Jessica is a self taught artist who is drawn to fairies and sprites and such, some with a Gothic edge, and sometimes more earthly things like flowers. Each piece offered at JMM Studios is made with care and love. Many are one of a kind.   

shop/ facebook/ pinterest

Salvatore and Amina of Studio Mucci Jewelry are busy bees. Studio Mucci Jewelry is their second etsy shop, the first being Studio Mucci.  While their first shop is focused on whimsical frilly things that add color and sparkle to the lives of others, Studio Mucci Jewelry is adorning your wrist with something special....one of a kind, handmade jewelry 'from their hearts to your wrist'. 

shop/ facebook/ twitter/ pinterest/ tumblr 

Though Papyrasuarus might be last on this little list, those of you who already know its proprietor Ashley, are aware that she'd never be at the 'bottom' of any list. Her infectious can-do, what-challenge-is-next, I'm-edgy-in-a-fun-sort-of- way attitude would prevent that from ever happening, full stop.  Ashley is a crafting-fool and photographer, who has an affinity for book pages and tongue in cheek humour which is very apparent during any visit to Papyrusaurus visit. She's just began branching out into handmade jewelry. I, for one, can't wait to see what she does next.

shop/ facebook

Then there were two.....P & G, Pam and Gar, Bates Mercantile Co.  I think you probably know a good bit about us and our shop, but in case you don't, here's a brief synopsis. I'm a all around creative....artist, illustrator, graphic designer, photographer. Gar, he's a concrete fool. Both of us love history and appreciate the good story you usually find behind vintage pieces. Together we offer archival prints of original illustrations, must-have vintage and beautiful concrete home and garden decor. 

shop/ facebook/ twitter/ pinterest/ tumblr

Thanks so much for giving me your ear. It's always nice to tell you guys about people I think you'll like too.

If you haven't entered the December Giveaway {for more than $200 in handmade loveliness}, there is still time. It ends at the end of the day today, so be quick and put your name in the hat.

Festival Of Trees

I've got to be honest with you people, I don't have nearly as many Christmas Tree submissions for tomorrow's Festival of Trees as I'd like. So I'm asking again.........will you please participate? All you have to do is send me a picture of your Christmas Tree. Simple simon, yes? Holiday spirit, yes? It won't be a Festival without all of your help. So send me your Christmas Tree pics....pretty please.

Have a fantastic Thursday. Ours is gray now, but we were lucky to have a very pretty sunrise this morning. It will have to do.

Ciao for now,

AWESOME Giveaway! Yes. It's THAT Good.

I Won't Call You A Fool, But You'd Sure Be Silly

...not to enter that is.  TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN DOLLARS silly, relatively speaking. 

The Mercantile Muse December Giveaway is one fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season.  If it's not obvious from this, that you guys make my day and the day of my sponsors, then call me nuts and grab a cold beer. 

Each and every time I reach out to my etsy friends and blogging pals, they never cease to amaze me with their generosity. This giveaway is no different. 

There are paper crafters, sewers, illustrators, jewelry artists and a whole lot of wonderful. That pretty much sums it up so let's get busy with entering. Shall we? Well I won't because as the host it would be perfectly rude, but you all need to earn as many entry points as possible so you have a good chance of winning.

Winning what you ask?  

ALL OF THIS! 

handmade paper pine cone ornament from Papyrusaurus

$30 store credit from STUDIO MUCCI Jewelry

handmade Vintage Bark Cloth Pillow from Upscale Downhome

original illustration fairy card from Jmm Studios

white rose ring from Jmm Studios

handmade keychain/fob from Milo and Molly

choice of 5 twines from Milo and Molly

handmade one of a kind necklace and earrings from oBo creations

custom designer magnetic memory board from ReMemory Designs

vintage stencil ornament, your choice of letter, from Upscale Downhome

8.5 x 11 archival print of 'home is the space' from Bates Mercantile Co.

Oh yeah baby. I wasn't kidding.

In no particular order, because ALL of my sponsors are fabulous, a little more about each of them.  Take a moment to get to know them better.  I did mention their prize package is worth $215 dollars didn't I? And it will all go to one VERY lucky person.

Milo and Molly

Fabric and paper in color: paper goods and sewn gifts handmade for you. The winner will receive choice of key chain and 5 twines.

shop: http://miloandmolly.etsy.com
blog: http://miloandmolly.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/milomollyshop
instagram: http://instagram.com/miloandmolly
pinterest: http://pinterest.com/miloandmolly
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milo-and-Molly/440917132596810

ReMemory Designs

Decorative Magnetic Memory Boards That Are Fun and Functional
Custom made magnetic boards to showcase your special memos, photos, mementos, and other notes. Also a pretty and functional way to organize everything in your home or office from keys, lanyards, coupons, jewelry, appointments, schedules and more.  Handcrafted and wrapped in designer fabric and professionally finished. Available in four styles: Wall-Hanging, Freestanding Desktop/Countertop,    Fridge/Locker (magnetically attaches directly to fridge, locker, metal file cabinet, dry-erase boards), and  Mini-boards.  Fabrics and styles for everyone on your Christmas list.   Visit our website for ideas.   New fabrics added daily.

Shop: http:// www.rememorydesigns.etsy.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/magneticboards
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/rememorydesigns

Papyrusaurus

Papyrusaurus is pleased as punch to offer an array of cards, art prints and one-of-a-kind ornaments made from upcycled book pages.  Specializing in custom ornaments for all occasions, don't be afraid to ask for something special.  The winner of the giveaway can pick from any of the books Papyrusarus has  on-hand for their ornament.

Shops: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Papyrusaurus  and http://papyrusaurus.thecraftstar.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Papyrusaurus/195699603849498?fref=ts

oBo Creations

Colorful One Of A Kind hand painted jewelry, in signature "dragon skin" style. The dragon skin pattern is created using a special technique and paint that results in magical unpredictable shapes and color shades. Each piece is unique as final result always is unpredictable.  The oBo Creations line includes pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and hair accessories.

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/oBocreations?ref=si_shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OboCreations?ref=hl

Website: www.obocreations.com

 

STUDIO MUCCI Jewelry

STUDIO MUCCI jewelry is one of a kind, handmade jewelry (made by me, Amina)--From my heart to your wrist! Visit sister-shop STUDIO MUCCI for tassel garlands, poms and other luxury handmade paper décor.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/STUDIOMUCCIjewelry 

http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-Mucci-Jewelry/534717289874841

http://www.pinterest.com/studiomucci  http://www.twitter.com/StudioMucci

http://ilovemucci.tumblr.com/

sister shop: http://www.studiomucci.etsy.com

Jmm Studios

JmmStudios was born out of a creative drive to make fun, beautiful gifts and features whimsical gift boxes, handmade cards, gothic jewelry and fantasy art. The mission is to make the recipient of each piece, whether it’s a card or keepsake box, feel that they are getting something special. Each item is created with care and attention to detail and is uniquely one of a kind.

Shop: http://www.jmmstudios.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jmmstudios/211630228865720

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jmmstudios

Upscale Downhome

Where vintage meets modern interpretations of home decor.  Upscale Downhome uses texture, design, and patina combined with handmade love and care to create pieces that have a spirit all their own.

Shop:  http://www.upscaledownhome.etsy.com

Website: http://www.upscaledownhome.com

Blog: www.upscaledownhome.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upscaledownhome?fref=ts

Bates Mercantile Co.

Purveyors of a surprisingly eclectic mix of new and old. Variety is the spice of life and that’s what you’ll find at Bates Mercantile Co. including illustrations, art prints, photographs, stationery, calendars, concrete home decor and must-have-vintage.

Shop: http://www.batesmercantileco.etsy.com

Blog: http://batesmercantileco.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bates-Mercantile-Co/130985580303407

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/pamelajbates

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelajbates

Tumblr: http://pamelajbates.tumblr.com/

Go on. ENTER!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To my followers- thanks, as always, for being here. To all your new Muse followers, I look forward to getting know you better.  Thanks for supporting Mercantile Muse and my sponsors.  I think you're going to like it here.

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday

Flowers This Week

Over on our Facebook page, I started What Inspires You Wednesday.

It's fun to share the things that are giving us pause, motivating us and inspiring us in many different ways. This week, flowers have been the force driving my creativity as I work on my 2013 desk calendar.  

It's Fall here and many flowers have passed, although my rose bushes are still pumping out blooms and the petunias in my window box haven't been bothered by the night air yet.

Since the flowers that are still in full bloom are few, I've been grabbing inspiration from wherever I can find it.

Here's some of what I found.

1. my own backyard rose via Mercantile Muse 

2. soft white hydrangea and watering can via modern country

3. pansies and little pop up greenhouse covers via blomsterverkstad (say that three times fast)

4. perennial geranium in my corner garden via Mercantile Muse

5. unstoppable yellow sedum in my corner garden via Mercantile Muse

6. grape hyacinth (one of the first signs in my garden, that spring is in full force) via Martha Stewart

7. pretty poppies via My Two Acres

8. neighbor Joanie's huge hydrangea bush via Mercantile Muse

9. my rose of Sharon, which, by the way, is also still blooming via Mercantile Muse

I'd love to hear what's inspiring you today? Share here and feel free to share on our facebook page too.

Hope you're making it a great day. I'm checking things off the 'list', although there are still many more things to cross off. It's all good.

Hey! I almost forgot.........

1. We had an earthquake here last night!!!!! Really, we did. 4.6. It was so weird. Gar and I thought a refueler or transport was flying way way too low and had crashed. Shook the whole house.  We ran outside to see if there was a big fireball in the sky. Brought all the neighbors out. Hopefully that's the last of that. I mean, this is New Hampshire people, not California.

2. The giveaway is rocking and rolling. My sponsors are so generous, that it would be a shame if you missed out. Honestly $175 of handmade goodness. Enter here. Don't forget, there are ways to earn extra entry points each day.

Ciao for now.

Signed, shaking all over in NH,

What I've Been Working On

In the Office/Studio

Things have been busy around here. You can relate, right?  By day, I've designing brochures, and ads, and such for my Speakeasy clients. By night, I've been prepping stock for the craft fair Garrett and I are participating in next weekend.

1. I'm always working on new illustrations and right now I'm in the 'tweaking' stage of my latest, Ahoy Matey.  This will go in our etsy shop, and I'll also offer it at the fair, as an archival print. When I decide I'm done tweaking. 

2.  Add to that printing and cutting stationery. I got a good few packages put together last night. I'm including my old standbys like the Louis Louis pop art pink chair.

3. I'm also including new designs, like Under Foot which was inspired by woven rugs. This too will be available soon in our shop. It's just a matter of squeezing in time to list it. 

4. I've been making custom paper stars using my own paper designs. I'll let you in on a little secret....these stars are not something you can just whip out quickly. It's a process of printing, folding, gluing, attaching hanger, and drying.  I love how they turn out, so it's all worth it. [If you want to try some of your own, you'll find my tutorial here.]

5. Painted clipboards have been on the list too [like I showed you in this recent tutorial]. They're just fun. I worked on these on Sunday, which seems to be a good day for that sort of thing. You can just sit and watch the game, and paint away.

I know that some of you with etsy shops, are doing the fall/holiday craft fair circuit. What have you been busy making? I wonder if the rest of have plans to attending any fairs in the coming weeks?

That's it for the desk/cocktail table/kitchen table dispatch today (yes, I take over whatever space I need to work on these projects!).

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday marked the launch of the Mercantile Muse October Giveaway. It's in full swing and I don't think you'll want to miss a chance to win all of the wonderful handmade items up for grabs. $175 worth of handmade items, in case you were wondering.

In other news, the sun is shining! It's been pretty sparse here lately. The week has been soggy, to say the least. In fact, it's been so soggy, we had our first fire of the season last night, just to take the edge of the damp. The sun is a very welcome sight.

Enjoy your day.

See you on the flip side,

It's Time: The October GIVEAWAY Is Here

Oh, The Prizes!

Keeping with tradition, I've rounded up another fantastic group of artisans who are kind enough to be providing the most wonderful prizes. The giveaways on  Mercantile Muse are about highlighting some of the talented people who are working hard as part of the handmade movement. A movement, which at it's core is about: creating, getting back to a place where quality counts, having a personal connection to the things we buy and the people who make them, caring about what is made and what is bought, becoming a less disposable society and a more caring society that values things that are made with love and hard work, to knowing and understanding that there is a person behind a product who cares about what they make and who receives it. Damn, I'm glad I'm aboard that train. It's all good, right?

The artisans, crafters & makers who are sponsoring this month's giveaway are a diverse group and I think you're going to love them and what they have to offer.  Do me a favor though. Help me highlight these makers of things handmade....tell people you know about this giveaway and what it's about. I know you'll want to keep it all to yourself, but these people and this movement deserve some recognition, so go on- share a link. (There are even buttons at the end of this post to make it easy to share this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and so on. All you have to do is click.)  

Please give these talented people a moment of your time. Read about them, investigate their shops and their other links. You'll be richer for it, whether you win or not. 

Ready? Are you by the fainting couch? What? You don't have a fainting couch? Then by all means, do sit down.  Get ready to swoon. One lucky person is going to win ALL of this.

1. Papyrusaurus: Bookpage print of crazy, cool cat

Ashley is the brainchild behind Papyrusaurus, where you’ll find whimsical prints for your walls, ornaments and funky stationery to send to far off places. She accepts custom orders and always looks forward to making  something amazing with, and  for,  her customers.

Papyrusaurus on Etsy/Facebook

2. Studio Mucci: Bedazzling Autumn Candy Corn 12 ft. Tassel Garland

Studio Mucci makes whimsical LUXURY PAPER DECOR out of high quality tissue paper. Whether you’re planning your wedding, birthday party or redecorating, Studio Mucci products can be used to brighten any event or transform your home into something magical. Everything is hand-made with love, and a great deal of care. Based in Stillwater, Oklahoma Studio Mucci serves a global market, which includes both direct customer sales and retail distribution to the world's fashion elite.

Studio Mucci on Etsy/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Tumblr

3. oBo Creations: OOAK 'Dragon Skin' Pendant Necklace

Olga lives in Geneva and recently opened her etsy shop which features colorful OOAK hand painted jewelry. Her signature style is a "dragon skin" pattern that she creates using a special paint technique and that results in magical unpredictable shapes and color shades. Each piece is unique as final result always is unpredictable. Her collection includes pendants, rings bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and  bobby pins.  Olga plans to increase her hair accessory rang, while introducing some small non-jewelry items such as key chains, portable mirrors, etc. – all featuring her signature  "dragon skin" technique.  The name of Olga’s shop, oBo is drevied from her name, and her owl logo was inspired by the fact that ‘since her job takes most of my day and often evenings, she only has nights to craft and run her Etsy shop’ and she has also been collecting owls in all shapes and formats for the last decade.  

oBo Creations on Etsy/Facebook/Website

4. Foothill Fibers 'n Photos: Crocheted Mini Wrislet Clutch 

Originally an East Coast native, Kate decided on an adventure, quit her day job as an accountant, and took the cross county journey to California, ending up in the beautiful foothills of Gold Country. Creating crochet and knit pieces has become a constant in my life (along with seeking out vintage treasures for her other shop Story Tellers Vintage).  [Keep your eye out for an upcoming guest post by Kate on the accounting side of business].  Foothill Fibers n’ Photos offers crochet and knit clutches, hats, scarves, patterns and original photography. Handcrafted with Care.

Foothill Fibers n' Photos on Etsy/StoryTellersVintage on Etsy/Facebook

5. Hybrid Handmade: 2 Sets of Art Photo Postcard Notes/suitable for framing

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hybridhandmade

While many of you may know Cari-Jane Hakes of Hybrid Handmade as a metal-smith and jewelry designer/maker, she is also a trained architect and photographer who records the everyday details and little things many of us often miss.  Her designs draw on her architectural work and respond to the many natural phenomenon that intrigue her and those that she captures with her camera whether it is color, texture, or light. Cari work series reducing the world as she sees it into pieces of wearable sculpture and art.

Hybrid Handmade on Etsy/Facebook/Twitter/Blog

6. Lucky Cat Handmade: Shabby Chic Coin Purse

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckyCatHandmade

Lucky Cat Handmade is the creative outlet of Mafalda,  who is Portugal and makes coin purses, glasses cases, bags, zipper pouches and other fabric accessories. Lucky Cat got its name because Mafalda and her husband are convinced that their  3 cats are so spoiled (and that they’re lucky to have them too!).  Mafalda loves incorporating Japanese fabrics, cotton and linen blends, cat and other cute prints in her designs. It makes her happy to ship a custom order and later read her customers feedback about how happy they were when they saw it or when they gave it as a present to someone they love.  She strives to make beautiful and useful items that cheer you up when you use them, all handmade with the best materials, care and love.

You will find Lucky Cat Handmade here:

Lucky Cat Handmade on Etsy/Facebook/Twitter/Blog/

7 & 8. Bates Mercantile Co. & Lia Artisan Concrete Designs: Planter/Votive Holder & Archival Photo Print

That’s us. Pam and Garrett.  I’m the illustrator (crafter, writer, artist, good cook, photographer, blogger, etc, etc), he’s the concrete craftsman.  I’ve been creating as long as I can remember, while Garrett has been working with concrete for 26 years.  We opened (ok, I opened and brought him along for the ride) or etsy shop in December 2010.  I’ve had my own advertising/marketing/pr business for 18 years and needed an outlet so that I could create just for the sake of creating.  Garrett, after building high end, complex foundations for residential and commercial enterprises for many years, started his own studio-Lia Artisan Concrete Designs- and is exploring concrete in a new way. He is enjoying casting concrete (on a much smaller scale) that is decorative in nature and geared to both home and garden. You'll find some of his designs available through Bates Mercantile Co.

Bates Mercantile Co. on Etsy/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Blog 

Time to enter. Remember, you can earn extra points for more chances to win. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for being here. Oh, by the way, for some reason blogger is formatting half of my text with that white background highlighter. Funny thing is I never selected it. I've tried and tried and I can't get rid of it. Anybody have any ideas?

Ciao for now,