No Change In The Couch Cushions

Things I Found At The Party

We had a happy party round these parts last week. Another round of Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (which is still going on by the way, so link up if you haven't), which brought people from far and wide who left lots of wonderful things behind. These little gatherings are a way for people with their own online shops/businesses/blogs to show us their stuff. To reach new people (that would be you), expand their markets and in general, just get to know one another better.

Here's some of the places my mouse led me this time around.

sources:  

mandala cards via notional notions; vintage green pottery mixing bowl via red hill home; 
shop indie t shirt via krmbal; green turquoise bracelet via jewelry by debra



Something for everyone, yes? The writer, the baker, the change maker, and the jewelry lover.  I'd be quite happy with all four.


Did you find some special things at the party? Share if you'd like. I love seeing what these gatherings lead the rest of you to discover.


I've been mulling something over in my head.  I originally started Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It as a shop and blog link up, but there haven't been nearly as many blogs participating as I'd like. So I'm thinking I may do the shop link up on it's own, and then the blog hop on it's own. What do you think?
If you have a blog and would like to participate in co-hosting the blog hop, just leave a comment. I'd also like to grow these shop link ups because I think there are so many hardworking artisans and crafters that should be discovered. If you have any ideas let me know!


It was like Spring this morning, I even went outside and raked my garden beds a bit. I admit, only because I was on the hunt for mint. Garden report: it's a mess out there and the mint isn't making itself known yet, which surprised me since you can't kill the stuff and it grows like weeds. However, other things like my fragaria (non-fruiting strawberry) was and thyme has been green all Winter under the snow.  I can't wait to get out there and do some real raking and cleaning up.


Have a great day and I'll work on doing the same. Lots to do in the office. Too bad the snoring hound behind me can't help.


Ciao for now,

Dreaming Of Spring Party: Link Up Style

Soon, right?

Yesterday's messy, cold, raw mix of weather (from rain, to freezing rain, to snow, to sleet and back again), combined with today's bird chirpping fest (the cardinals, the chickadees, the juncos, the jays) has me thinking of Spring. If it's not going to be straight up, pretty white stuff, I'd just as soon look out my window and see my flowering crab apple in bloom and my backyard birds flitting about. Is anyone else dreaming of Spring?

So, enjoy today's party as a little breather from the long Winter.  Stick around and share a link to some of your work, or your blog, or just have a look around at a collection of pretty things.

It's another Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (to support my fellow artists, crafters and bloggers) where you can take a moment to dream of Spring.  

Take time to smell the flowers, pour a glass of champers and enjoy some delicious greens....a nice change from the heavier, heartier Winter palette.

 salad recipe here

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.

******If you're linking up your shop or blog, please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, please follow too. There are plenty of ways in the sidebar.You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Be kind and follow links others have left behind.

*Link once for your shop, once for your blog.

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr. I'd love to connect! 

*These parties can't be a success without your help. Can you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams? 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 -  tell your friends.  The person who refers the most new participants to the party is assured a profile spot in next week's 'What I Found At The Party' post. Make sure your referrals leave a comment that you sent them to the party.

*When you take part in the link up, you'll 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 party is underway and about other happenings at the Muse.

*BY ALL MEANS, feel free to leave a comment. Share a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? 'How are you dreaming of Spring?'

Time to get down! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

 

I hope you're seeing signs of spring if your in this hemisphere. We have a ways to go, but there are good signs that Winter will eventually release its hold. If you're in the midst of Summer, enjoy it while you can!

Ciao for now,

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

Rocking The House

Last Thursday was the start of another party in these parts. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up is a way for independent online shop and business owners, and bloggers, to show you their stuff.

As always, a lot of wonderful stuff has been left behind.

In addition to some quarters, check out what I've found in the couch cushions.



landscape painting via asta artwork

hammered copper stacking rings via Jewelry By Debra

botanical pressed rose card via little big top
vintage piano roll ephemera via Grandmama’s Attic

wood wand keychain via Gipson Wands
'Lady of Shalott' soap via Cafe Primrose blog & shop

 

The variety of things and posts that people leave behind is always quite varied and as you can, this party is no different.

 

If you have a shop or blog and haven't linked up yet, the party is still going. Swing on by and leave a link. 

 

If you like to window shop like me and discover new shops and blogs, by all means....come to the party and meet some new people.

 

Hope you're having a good day.

 

The wind finally died down but it's still pretty darn cold. Lucan is manning his spot on the futon right next to the fire. Lucky dog.

 

Ciao for now,

 

Things I Found & Overheard At The Party

via cottage crafts online

 

Did Everyone Find A Seat?

 

It's a good thing the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is a virtual party. There is no doubt our little cottage would be bustin' at the seams with all of you Winter party-goers.

 

For those of you who may not know it, I like parties. So, to get my party fix, I host a party here on Mercantile Muse every two weeks. It's a place for online shops (etsy or otherwise) and bloggers to show us their stuff....to compete with the big guys....to introduce themselves to new people. And have they got stuff to show.

 

I never cease to be amazed at where the links the party-goers have left behind lead me.  Following the links at the party, is like opening one little gift after the other.

 

This week's party (which you are still welcome to join or browse through and do a little window shopping) is full of great guests. It led me to some wonderful places and things.

 

The proof is in the pudding.

 

Here's some things I found at this week's link party.

 

 

sources:  gift wrap ideas via confetti style & vintage book via sweet posy dreams

 

How sweet are these packages that Shelly wrapped?  Perfect for Valentine's Day.

 

Heads up.  I'm just putting this out there...........if someone doesn't get over to sweet posy dreams quick.......that book is going to be mine. I love, love, love that cover.  Fair warning.

More goodness for you.

 

sources: fabric flower via violets buds; love art print via placefulness; resin heart necklaces via sigal f jewelry;  hot pink burlap ribbon via cottage crafts online

Oh my. It's a festival of pinks today. 

 

Violet's Buds' pretty fabric flower is Versatile with a capital V. It can be worn in your hair, clipped to a headband or even clipped to a lapel.

 

Isn't placefulness' art print just perfectly lovely? OK. I couldn't resist,but it really is lovely.

 

My etsy friend Sigal has added resin designs to her beautiful jewelry.  The hearts are very sweet.

 

I don't know about you, but I can't say I've ever imagine burlap in bright pink. Oh my. Thank you Cottage Crafts Online for making me swoon. You see, I've got a thing for burlap.

 

A quick shout out to Katrina at Pugly Pixel for all the wonderful freebies she offers on her site, which include the fun hang tags I used in the photo collages. She's got the best stuff and is so kind to share it.  If you've never been to Pugly Pixel, I suggest you take a swing by. I could get lost on her site for ages between the tutorials, the eye candy and the blog bling.

 

 

Monday, Monday

 

Here we are, in the middle of another Monday, which of course means the weekend is over. Always sad words in my book, because I do love the weekend. I think it has to do with the slowed down pace (well, most of the time) and the lack of schedule (again, most of the time).

 

We enjoyed the company of the neighborhoodlums Friday night. I got up at a ridiculous hour on Saturday and was out the door in my PJs in the freezing cold taking pictures of the Wolf Moon setting over the field. Think I needed a tripod for this one simply because I coudn't keep my hands still thanks to the cold.

 

We visited with my parents on Saturday. Did some food shopping. Made to-die-for paella (recipe tomorrow). Got a little hockey watching and X Games in, as well as laundry and other house stuff. 

 

How about you? How was your weekend? Was it full to the brim or quiet and calm?

 

Hey, it being Monday and all means it's Meet Up Monday on our facebook page. Just another way to connect with new people. Feel free to pop on by.

 

Make it a great day in your corner of the world, and I'll do the same.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

PS- Just to make sure I'm not assuming things........did you know you can quickly pin any of the posts on Mercantile Muse? There is a pin button below each post that makes it super easy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It: Forget the Party Dress

Despite The Cold, It's Time To Party

It's Arctic here. I'm not kidding. I've been hunkered down with the wood stove. 

My windows have ice on them.

Yesterday it was 0 in the morning.

Today, -6. Without the wind chill.

It was so cold yesterday that they had to close one of our ski mountains. It was -47f. What?

Personally, I think it's a perfectly good reason to invite some guests over, grab a mug, get some cocoa, get cozy and enjoy the company.

{If you're new to Mercantile Muse and the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party here's the scoop.  You probably already know about etsy (where we have a shop) and the handmade movement, the resurgence of everything vintage and the explosion of blogs by little peeps like me. Behind that movement are a gazillion creators, pickers, photographers and bloggers who run their own shops and blogs, competing against all the big guys who have gigantic marketing budgets. These little people don't and it's important to me to give these hardworking people a leg up on the big competition anyway I can.}

Now, for Pete's sake.....come on in and join the party.

sources:  winter art photograph via semisweetstudio; mugs via jessicahoward; gourmet hot cocoa via apropros roasters; handknit socks via dmtgun3

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.

******If you're linking up your shop or blog, please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, please follow too. There are plenty of ways in the sidebar.You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Be kind and follow links others have left behind.

*Link once for your shop, once for you blog.

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr. I'd love to connect! 

*These parties can't be a success without your help. Can you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams? 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 -  tell your friends.  Thanks to all of you who did at the last party...it was the biggest and best ever! Totally rockin'.

*When you take part in the link up, you'll 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 party is underway and about other happenings at the Muse.

*BY ALL MEANS,feel free to leave a comment. Tells a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? 'What are you working on right now?

Time to get down! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

There's lots in the works on Mercantile Muse including a bookkeeping/accounting post from the Kate The Great aka Ms. Vintage from StoryTellersVintage. This girl is all about tracking and spreadsheets. She can't help it. It's what she did before she moved to the West coast to explore her more creative side.  I'll also be starting our artist's profile series soon and if you're like me and really enjoy learning the story behind things and the process, you'll want to be here for that.

I'm also diligently working on a redesign which I'm excited about. There is a lot more to do, but just getting stuck into the process makes me happy. I think you're going to like it. 

Thanks for stopping by and joining in the fun.  

Stay warm wherever you are, and if you're in the other hemisphere, stay cool.

Ciao for now,

Things I Found at The Party & Take A Walk

via i delight in you

The Music Was So Loud, The Police Did A Driveby

Yup. That kind of party.

I jest. The police weren't called and they didn't have to do a driveby, but I've swung on by the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party a few times just to make sure I don't miss anything that has been left behind. There are still people arriving. No kidding.

The party is all about supporting the handmade movement, vintageers and pickers, artisans and bloggers.  If you have a shop or blog, the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is the place to promote your stuff and it's the place for the rest of us get to make awesome discoveries.

Here's some of what I discovered this time around.

1. rose & clematis card via AmyBrngerArtCards  2. valentines embroider via milo and molly
3. sunflower seeds via corky crafts  4. blue feather earrings via I Delight In You
5. do pendant via heidi kind finds  6. a day at the museum via inside my hideaway
7. stoneware bowl via Cornish Hill Pottery  8. statement necklace vie Retro Revival Boutique

Have a look around at these shops and blogs and everything else there is to discover.  


Take A Walk With Us

So, yesterday was 61 degrees F. Hello?  

We live in New Hampshire. 61 degrees F in January is a little on the weird side, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.  That said, the hound and I scooted out the door and across to the field for a walk. 

Ah. A breath of fresh air. Literally. Sure was needed. Sometimes you just have to get away from the desk and keyboard, know what I mean?

There were lots of whispey lavender clouds.

 Couldn't get a good picture of Lucan. The hound was on the move.

Just a tiny sliver of a crescent.

Sunset Meadows.

Enjoy the day.  Tomorrow, get your aprons on. Another cookie recipe coming your way. It's super easy. Three ingredients. I am not kidding. Count 'em. Three.

Ciao for now,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via linkouture

Thanks For Coming

Hey! Did you see how many people linked up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Party. Phew, that was a lot of links to look through and it sure makes it even harder to make my picks.  What a talented bunch of party-goers.

Despite the difficulty of my job, sifting through all the wonderfulness in your shops and on your blogs, it is done. A day late, but done.

I'm sure they're different than your pics, and that's what makes this link party so great. There is something for everyone.  Three cheers for talent, creativity and variety.

Here's where the link party led me this week......from man's best friend to 6 degrees of separation from Gwenyth to a farm raisin'. See what I mean about variety?

1. pyrography sign via bk inspired
2. terrier brooch via myhideaway
3. vintage ring via little white chapel
4. wire bracelet via KatKeRosCorner
5. tunnel photograph via trinkets by dana
6. to walk a mile in gwenyth’s shoes via hybrid handmade
7. gold hammered earrings via linkoture
8. indiegogo farm raiser via cubits
{more info here on the cubits blog}

9. handbag via love and luck

Where'd the party take you? Did you come away with some new connections and new favorite finds? What? You haven't been to the party yet? Well jeesh, did you come to the front door? We probably didn't hear you knock. Just come around to the back door. That's the one for friends.

If you want another chance to promote your wares, head on over to Life's Jewels On A String, Kat Ezat's blog, and take part in her Stock Take link up. If you don't have a shop, you may just want to stop by anyways to see all the great things that are being linked up. It's the perfect time of year to do a little browsing. 

Enjoy your day today and I'll see you on the flipside.

Ciao for now,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via Shusha Handmade Arts

It Keeps Going And Going And Going

I know, I know...it's another one of those parties. What can I say, other than, that's just the way we roll around here. The current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party is still cranking. There are still people coming through the door, so if you haven't had a look around, or even if you did, there's a ton of links to explore.

One of the best things about hosting this virtual parties, is all the stuff you guys leave behind (and I'm not just talking change under the couch cushions).

1. awesome antler via Upscale Downhome

2. park bench in beautiful light via Holly Robinson Photography

3. amazing Fall nature mandala via Brigit’s Bell

4. heavenly (get it, heavenly?) bookmark via Cloud Nine Designz

5. Autumn in a bracelet via Glimmer of Beauty

6. notepad cover!!!!!!! (can you tell I LOVE this idea. I am a legal pad kind of girl and they'd look so much prettier in one of these) via Shusha Handmade Arts

7. TeePee Tutorial and the cutest kid's playroom ever via Blueberry Junkie

8. oh-so-chic pillow cases via Adopting Nations

9. charmingly rustic printable shower invite via KTsARTsDESIGNs

10. loading the cart vintage postcard (addressed to a man in the my birthtown no less) via postcards in the attic

Lots of familiar faces at this party, but lots of new faces too. That sure makes me smile.  Everyone getting to know each other, wonderful handcrafted and vintage finds, and new blogs to discover. What is not to love about this party?

If you have a shop or blog, the party is still live and so swing on by and link up.  You never know who might find you this way.  Those of you who don't have a shop or blog are always invited too. There's so much great stuff to browse through.

If the party didn't provide you with enough new people to meet, it's Monday Meet Up over on our facebook page. Be sure to stop by and leave your links.

The Weekend That Was

It was a busy weekend, what with the craft fair and all.  Friday night we finished our prepping. Saturday involved lots of hauling, unpacking, packing, and hauling. We both agreed it was worth it (more on that tomorrow-- there is one quick peek photo of our booth in yesterday's post).  Sunday was spent unpacking, cleaning and organizing. I changed up my mantle for Fall in the midst of all that (will post later this week) and we ended the weekend with a Sunday dinner of chicken cordon bleu. It's one of my old standbys and a favorite (keep your eyes out for that too this week).

The sun has been shining since Saturday morning, after a lashing rain storm Friday night.  This alone, makes me happy today.  What's making you happy?

See you on the flip side,

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

[via notional notions]

Oh My, What A Party

You guys have outdone yourselves this time around. As if it's not hard enough to make picks from the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party, I really could have kept wandering the world wide web from all the great links you left behind.  Have you ever heard it's the people that make the party? It's true. It was so fun sitting in the 'ball pit' with you guys. Thanks for humoring me, but it is kind of nice getting to know each other a little better just like at a real party? Right?

If you receive Mercantile Muse by email, you might have missed my reason for this delayed post (scroll to the bottom of today's email and you'll find it down there). Basically, the power went out. I was just finishing up some stuff in Illustrator before I began posting and bing, bang, boom. That was it. Computer down. Lights off. No power.

It's fixed now. Thanks to the workmen. Two thumbs up for them. However, a good part of my post hadn't been saved and I had to do a little recreating. Good to go now. 

Drum roll please..........here's my picks from the current party (still time to link up if you have a shop or blog!).

1. loving this purse fabric. gorgeous.

[via lucky cat handmade]
2. upcycled and reinvented tape measure bracelet.

[via knick of time]

3. pretty pink solid shampoo.

[via Taryn's Bath Treasures] 

4. farm visit story & laugh of the day.

(would have loved seeing Kristin push her out of the wagon!)

so glad she didn't push her out of the wagon)

[via Milo & Molly]

5. Shirley, aka America's next top model (because she's all she's got...ha!).

[via Trees. Hides.] 

6. candles in classic toile.

[via upon a dream designs]

7. lovely foliage and flowers acrylic painting.

[via lisa salazar art decor]

8. wonderful watercolor of Italy. we dream of going back.

[via notional notions]

9. the sweetest little tiger lily.

[via the lamb's love]

Thanks to all the shop owners and bloggers who have linked up and to all of you for checking out the party. You're the best.

New Giveaway Coming

Can't rest on my laurels, can I?  Actually, I'm don't think I even have laurels. Sure, there's a holly bush under the kitchen window, but no laurels that I can recall. Despite this sad shrub story, the last Mercantile Muse giveaway was happy. Well, the winner sure was. It ended just over a week ago and it was pretty spectacular. The October Giveaway won't be any different.

Not to taunt you or anything, but here's a teeny-tiny, eency-weency tease. Just a taste of some of the things you'll have a chance to win.

What? You want to know more? You'll just have to wait with bated breath until the giveaway is launched tomorrow. That's all there is to it.

See you on the flip side (with bells on),

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,



Sunday Shares

Do You Fondue?

Remember when fondue was all the rage? You know, back in the 70s? Am I the only one around here who can remember back that far? Well, if you don't remember, let me tell you, fondue was big in the 70s. There was a reason for that too. It's pretty simple. Fondue is GOOD. I mean, not that there aren't other types of fondue, but I generally go with a cheese based fondue and who doesn't love melted, ooey-gooey cheese?

Last night I made fondue, with beer for my liquid. White wine is nice too, but last night since I was using sharp cheddar I thought the beer would go nice. It did.

I started by poaching some chicken thighs in, of all things, Italian dressing. I'd seen a recipe using it online this week and thought it would add some extra flavor. Once it was cooked I shredded it all up and threw it into the fondue along with shredded cheddar and a really nice sharp cheddar by Cabot which Gar shredded for me.  Sam Adams was the beer of choice. Dijon mustard, garlic powder, old bay seasoning and salt and pepper rounded out the ingredients.



Another thing about fondue. It's easy.  I threw all the ingredients into the fondue pot I scored from Mom/Marge.  Lit the Sterno and let it do it's thing. 

Stirred it a couple of times and then it was good to go. Wish I'd take pics when it was done but I forgot.  We were interrupted, in a good way, by Skypers from Dublin.  Ah well. When we got around to the fondue I put some french bread in the oven to get it nice and warm and a little crusty. We cut that up for dipping.  It was all delicious. A great Saturday night meal. 

I Think You Should Know

I like sharing good things, and here's a few for you:

1. A beautiful necklace giveaway over at BelleMaisonetmoi.

via bellemaisonetmoi

2. If you have an online shop, Melissa is hosting her first shop link up of the year on Bella-Expressions.

via bella-expressions

2. Again, if you have a shop, Kat at lifesjewelsonastring has set a goal to list something new in her shop every week. To encourage herself and others, she's hosting a 'new listing' link up over on lifesjewelsonastring.

via lifesjewelsonastring

4.  Kristen at bythebookpaper is celebrating the first year of her etsy shop with a giveaway for your own personalized note cards. Sweet!

5. We are having our first giveaway of the year on Mercantile Muse. Have you entered yet? Can't win if you don't play, so to speak.  By the way, I would really, really love it, and would be ever-so-grateful if you shared a link to our giveaway on facebook, or twitter, or your blog or wherever.  Be sure to add a comment on the giveaway page if you do, it will earn you extra entries!



via mercantilemuse

Sunset Meadows

Wow. It was really something yesterday. I'm hoping for another today, but for now I'll just share this.

I hope you're having a fantastic Sunday. Today, we're hanging low. It's too cold to go anywhere if you don't have to. I still have to pack up my Santas and put them in the attic, along with the snowmen and penguins I took down yesterday. I think I'm going to take this opportunity to make some changes. I'm going to move things around instead of putting them back where they 'usually' are.  As for tonight, we're having crockpot beef stroganoff, a perfect meal for a perfectly freezing day. Those are our big plans, what about you?

Ciao for now,