FREE Friday

 Ever Had One Of Those Days?

Months? Year? Years?

Yeah, I know. We all have.

Sometimes, in the midst of the challenges that life throws at all of us, it is easy to get sucked up into that black hole.  Often life's challenges come with a lot of soul searching. New perspectives. We come out the other side knowing ourselves, even just a little bit better for it.

My friend came across a quote that speaks to that and thought it would be a keeper for a print.  I'm glad she sent it to me.

The quote by Eckhart Tolle combined with an absolutely stunning photo by Todd Quackenbush, (whose work I found over on unsplash) makes up today's FREE printable wall art.  [I know I've mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating.  unsplash is a site that shares work from photographers around the world, who have decided to offer their images royalty free, to do with as you please, for personal or commercial use. How great is that? If you haven't checked out unsplash yet, I highly suggest you do.  The level of work is amazing.]

Can I get a hell yeah?

Hey, did you notice the colors go perfectly with my kitchen back-splash? How serendipitous.

If you'd like to print it off yourself and hang it on your wall, you can download the pdf here.

And, if you feel like sharing on pinterest, that's cool too.

One more thing, Todd is such fantastic photographer, you should definitely pop over to his site and check out his other work. I love all of his work, but his pictures of NYC really capture the city in a way I can appreciate.  His perspective in some of his shots feels sort of  like 'a day in the life'.  His landscapes are incredible, and if you want to see a drool worthy food photo, check this out. I want a piece. Right. Now. I didn't even come close to capturing the deliciousness of G's pear bread, in comparison. Holy moly.


Freeform Friday

I was wandering around youtube last night and discovered a group I'd never heard of before. The Overtones. These 5 guys can really sing. You want harmony, they've got it up to their eyeballs and then some. On a side note, it sure is nice to see five young guys dressed like they want to be taken seriously. The Overtones are sharp dressed men. Kind of refreshing.  So is their sound.  Click here if you're reading via email.



How about a little something old school. A capella. Yup. The men can sing.
Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to be creating away working on some designs (including my own). In between housework, that is. No real plans I'm afraid.  G will be spending time working on his truck with the neighborhoodlums. I won't be joining them in that little adventure.  I know, I know. We're really pushing the fun-limit this weekend.  The good news? I think we've gotten above 30 on the thermometer today, and tomorrow we're supposed to hit the mid 40s.  This is incredibly exciting and welcome since we've been a frozen arctic tundra with no real signs of hope for spring. Except for my day in Boston, which was wicked lucky weather-wise. Then it went right back to polar vortex. So tomorrow, I will get outside at some point.

What's shakin' in your world?

Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Ciao for now,

FREE FRIDAY

Free Printable

Hi guys. The day started out with the sun shining and I took the opportunity to enjoy a field walk with the hound.  It was a good one! Absolutely gorgeous out. Now, not so much. Clouds have taken over I'm afraid.

Ah well, can't change the weather.

What we can change though, is our attitudes.  I stumbled across this quote by Teddy Roosevelt today and felt it was worth sharing. 

So here you have it, free printable wall art just for you.

Print it, hang it and be inspired.

download here

Personally, I'm with Teddy. I'd rather at the very least try, and fail, than to not have tried at all.


Freeform Friday

I've got a video for you today that I recently discovered and it busts. my. gut.  I can't get enough of it. If I need a laugh, I watch this. I definitely to host a 'lip-sync off'. Go full screen on the video so you can appreciate the expressions.  Is it me, or do you love Jimmy Fallon too?  Click here if you're reading via email.



No big plans for this weekend. Some logo design work at my desk. Maybe a game of Yahtzee.  Not sure about a campfire tonight as it is a little breezy at the moment, but you know us, if that changes we'll probably be out back stoking the flames. Some housework is on the weekend list too. Did I tell you I cleaned my closet last weekend? Well, mostly. Still a little to do on that front- switching 'summer' clothes out for 'winter' clothes, but so much better already. It was seriously out of control. 

What about you? What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,

PS- I think the sun is trying to make a comeback!

Favorite Finds

Etsy Style

Happy Monday!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. We attended the annual barn costume party next door on Saturday night, but I'll save that recap for Halloween. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by one an all.

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite etsy finds. I hope you're heard of etsy at this point, but if you haven't here's the short and sweet of it. It is an online marketplace for handmade items, vintage and supplies to make really cool handmade things.  There are some really wonderful makers on etsy, and I'm constantly finding things I love thanks for my fellow shop owners.

Take a look.

sources:
The PaperBird Society: Tote bag   Garden & Sea: Infinity scarf   
catspawpottery: trinket dish     sarahlawsmade: whale pillows

sources:

blue raspberry designs: Vincent Van Gogh 

lovintagefinds: ottoman    cosmictwist: necklace

There is much awesomeness happening on etsy.   Lots of talented people.  There is something for every taste and every budget and that's just the bonus.

In other news, I ran off and shipped two of my archival prints this morning. More are available in my etsy shop.

grow love via bates mercantile co.

 Louis Louis via Bates Mercantile Co.

Florida and Virgina, here they come.

 

It looks to be a a busy week here between the prints shipping out, the branding work I'm in the midst of for my client in L.A., design work for a client in Colorado, and new branding working I'm just beginning for a client in Ontario.  My desk is full and I like it that way.

It's all good.  

In case you missed it on Friday, I shared a free printable note card. Print, cut, fold, write a note and mail it.  Spread some happiness. 

One more thing, if you have a moment, check out the lovely handmade holiday guide Bev at Linkouture put together.  Let me just say, Bev is three weeks away from giving birth to her first child and the woman shows no signs of letting up. She is still actively promoting other crafters and artists, including those who were featured on her blog over the past year (which luckily includes me).  I love her go-get-'em style. Show her some love check out the guide she worked so hard to pull together and check out some awesome gift ideas for the coming holiday season  & gift giving.

 

Have a good one and I'll see you on the flip side.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

9 Ways to Make Your Walls Happy

via bates mercantile co.

 

I Am An Illustrator

Hi there. It's me. Pam.  Again, today is supposed to be link party day here, but I just don't feel very much in the mood.

I'm struggling a bit with the link parties because they are meant to be a way for fellow artists and crafters to reach new people and lately it seems like the participation is getting lower rather than higher, and that I have to almost beg people to participate, which defeats the purpose and just bums me out in general. 

So, instead today, I am answering the call from Andrea from Strong Southerly to see more of my stuff, especially since she answered my call for more elaboration on the 'dunny paper' story. If you don't know what dunny paper is, read this.

As I indicated in the title of this post, I'm an illustrator.  That's just one of the assortment of hats I wear but it's one I really enjoy.

To that end, I can help make your walls pop and here's 9 ways just to prove my point.


1. Chevron V. Circles: this print is one of the first illustrations I created for Bates Mercantile Co. when I opened our shop on etsy.  It's been shipped all over the place, including Onga Onga, New Zealand. I had to throw that in there....I mean, Onga Onga? What a great name for a town.

 

 

2. Bon Courage: Everyone needs a little luck and courage now and then.  I did a little research while designing this illustration and found out that the French consider wishing someone good 'luck' almost rude, as if they couldn't do 'it' without 'luck'.  Who knew. Instead, Bon courage.

 

3. Hello Chevrons: Need I say more?

 

 

 

 

4.Close To The Edge: If you don't like Kurt Vonnegut's writing, I lay odds there is a quote of his that will speak to you.

 

 

 

 

5. Dream Within A Dream: Because, we've all had those dreams.

 

 

 

6. Hey It's Going To Be A Great Day: An attitude adjustment reminder we can all use now and again.

 

 

 

7. Everything Was Beautiful: I think we all make this wish from time to time for many different reasons. Sure would be nice. Again, Vonnegut.

 

8. Peacock In Blue: It's whimsical and who can't use a little whimsy. It's based on Scandinavian design. There, I gave you two reasons for this one.

 

 

 

 

9.  Live To Create: If you're anything like me, this is what guides you most days. If you're not like me, you can still probably appreciate what creativity brings to our lives.

 

 

 

Bonus!

 

10. Grow Love: When you purchase this print between now and May 3rd, the entire purchase price will be donated to Bucks for Bauman, a fund set up to support Boston bombing survivor Jeff Bauman who lost both of his legs. You can make a difference in someone's life and you'll have a nice reminder for doing so.

 

 

All of these illustrations are available as archival prints, meaning they are museum/gallery quality and will last longer than you or I. They are also available in various sizes. You can see more of my work in our shop.  Did you know I design logos too? Maybe I'll share some of those next time, but you can see those at Bates Mercantile Co. as well.

 

Hope you're all having a great day.

 

If anyone has feedback on how to make the link party work better for all who participate, leave a comment or drop me a line.

 

The sun is shining here and it's about time. Still a bit brisk to say the least, but we'll take it.

 

What's shaking in your corner of the world?

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

Ooey Gooey Yumminess

Bread & Cheese. Does It Get Better?

Friday night I put my apron on. Don't ask me what possessed me to bake homemade bread. On second thought, go ahead and ask. It's pretty simple really, a melted mozzarella and mushroom recipe I found on pinterest, that's what.  I mean, sure, I could have bought some bread, but I'd been wanting to give Jamie Oliver's bread recipe another try. I figure, I'm not going to get any better at this baking thing without practicing, right? Please note, I baked bread, not cake. That my dears, will take loads more practice to go beyond the boundaries of my one successful cake recipe.  Back to the bread. I've baked Jamie's recipe a few times now. The first time, I forgot to split it into loaves and it baked the biggest loaf of bread you have ever seen.  Seriously. It was a big as a Thanksgiving Turkey. It still tasted divine.

Jamie's recipe is straightforward. In fact the whole cookbook, 'Happy Days with the Naked Chef' is.

Here's the basic recipe for the bread:

just over 2lb (6-8cups) of white bread flour

just over 2 cups tepid water

1 oz fresh yeast OR three 1/4oz packets active dry yeast

2 tablespoons sugar

2 lever tsp salt

extra flour for dusting

Step One: Make a well.

Pile flour on clean surface and make a large well in center. Pour half of your water into the well, then add your yeast, sugar, salt and stir (the stuff in the well) with a fork.

Step Two: Getting it together.

"Slowly, but confidently, bring in the flour from the inside of the well (don't break the walls of the well or water will go everywhere).  Continue to bring to center until you have a stodgy, porridgy consistency. Then add remaining water. Continue to mix until it's thick again and then you can get more 'aggressive' bringing in flour, and making less sticky. Flour your hands and pat and push the dough together with remaining flour.

Stage Three: Kneading

As Jamie says, "this is where you get 'stuck in'." Use elbow grease and knead the ball- pushing, folding, slapping and rolling for about 4-5 minutes until you have a silky elastic dough.

Stage 4: First Rise

Flour top of dough and put in bowl (I lightly dusted my bowl with flour), cover with plastic wrap (I used a tea towel) and allow to rise for half an hour- preferably in a warm, draft free spot.

Stage 5: Second Rise

Once dough has doubled in size, knock the air out of it by 'bashing and squashing' it. Now you can shape it or flavor it (if adding herbs, etc....there are several recipes Jamie uses the basic bread mix for....focaccia, french loaves, calzones, etc.). I shaped mine into two long french loaves, and two round loaves.  Then place in warm spot again and let rise - 30 minutes to an hour, until they double in size again. This will give it the air the bread needs so it's light and soft. Note from Jamie: don't fiddle with it, just let it do it's thing.

When done rising, place on floured cookie sheet and bake in preheated 350f degree oven for 30 minutes.

Ah yes, the smell of baking bread. Heavenly.

Viola.

At this point, every good baker knows you must try a piece to make sure it is done sufficiently. The aforementioned piece must be lathered with butter.  It's written in the law. What? Are you questioning me?

Yup. It's good. We can move onto the next part of this recipe.

What you will need for this recipe from donna hay (and tweaked by me) is the following:

Olive oil

rosemary sprigs & sage sprigs

sliced bread (good thing I just baked some)- 8+ slices of baguette

mozzarella (buffalo if you can get- not always so easy for me to find, so we had used regular mozz)

2 cloves of garlic

2 tbs butter

8 oz of mushrooms (original recipe called for Pine mushrooms, which I've never heard of let alone see) I went with Baby Bellas because that's what my store had, though I think a mix of bellas and some earth porcini would be divine

see salt, cracked pepper

dash of wine

*oven safe saute/fry pan

In sauteed pan heat olive oil, add pats of butter.  Lay sliced bread in pan in one layer and toast, flipping to brown both sides.  Set bread aside on some paper towel to remove some of the oil. 

Once bread is removed, add to pan, sprigs of rosemary and sage. Let it do it's thing for a minute.

Then add the sliced mushrooms.

Let mushrooms saute for a couple of minutes.

Top mixture with slices of mozzarella.

Cook on stove top for a minute or two until cheese begins to melt.  I also added a dash of white wine at this point just for a little pizazz.  Then pop under broiler for a couple of minutes until it starts to bubble and brown.

Oh yeah. You know what's coming. Take out of oven, and serve with slices bread.  Lordy, lordy, lordy. That's all I have to say.

OK, maybe not. I have something else to say. Mmmmm,mmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmmm, mmmmmm.

And one more thing.

YUM.

Take a piece of bread, drag some melty mozzarella and mushrooms on top and dive in.

It's a keeper. It's easy and delicious. Of course, you can forgo the home baked bread, get some at the store and it will be all-the-sooner that you'll be enjoying some of the ooey gooey yumminess.

Four thumbs up, because that's all we've got. What can I say, three of my very favorite things, cheese....mushrooms......home baked bread.....Heavenly. 

CyberMonday

So, did you do any shopping this weekend? I can't say I'm a huge shopper to begin with, at least not in the traditional sense of the phrase. You will never find me out on Black Friday beating my way through crowds to get the best deal on an iPad. Just not going to happen. Ever. That said, I know many people are all over Black Friday, Small Business Saturday (Yay!!!) and Cyber Monday, so we've had a sale going on all weekend. It's still running so stop by Bates Mercantile Co. while you can save. Enter thankyou20 coupon code at checkout and receive 20% off any print, photograph, calendar or stationery through the end of today. 

via Bates Mercantile Co.

If you're a shop owner and you're also running a sale, stop by our facebook page, join the other shops linking up and spread the word. Share your sale and a link to your shop in Cyber Monday Meet Up!

Just had my order of inks deliver, which means I can run some prints that need to go out. Check that off the list.

Ciao for now,



When Black Friday Comes, Small = BIG

Support Small Business

This year, when you're shopping for gifts for the holidays I challenge you.  It's a simple challenge really. I challenge you to think about where you're spending money and spend it where it makes the most difference. Are you spending it in big box stores on items that are mass manufactured? Are you spending it with big brands that have entire marketing machines working on their behalf?  Or, are you spending it with small businesses who put their profits toward paying their mortgages and grocery bills? Or are you spending it with companies whose CEOs are using the profits your money helps create to increase their 6 figure bonus again this year? Are you spending it with people who handcraft their products with love? Are you spending it with companies that import the cheapest product they can find to make the biggest profit? How are you going to spend your hard earned money this year? What will your gift giving say about you?

via bates mercantile co.

That's not to say there isn't a place for larger companies. They do employ many people. However, there a plenty of times when you can support them throughout the year. At holiday time, if it's important for you to give a gift that really has meaning and thought behind it, think small.

On Black Friday there are many, many small independently owned shops selling on venues like etsy who handcraft items from hats, aprons, journals, photographs, prints, jewelry, furniture and so much more. If you're looking for something with a little bit of history too it, there are plenty of vintageers selling unique gifts that have a story to tell.

via bates mercantile co.

Before you hit the checkout button, or before you hand your money over at the cash register, just stop and think about the difference your purchase can make to a small shop owner.

I. for one, will be focusing all of my shopping on SMALL=BIG this year.

Our little etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co. is offering 20% Off archival prints, photographs, calendars and stationery today for Black Friday.  Simply enter ThankYou20 at checkout for the 20% discount on those items. There are many others small shop owners who are offering deep discounts as well. There are lots of shops linking up their sales on our facebook page, so if you want to support the small shop/handmade/vintage movements and really make a difference to someones bottom line, check out all these sales!  If you're a shop, be sure to link up your shop and post your sales. Let's all help each other out this year and start a Small=Big Wave.  You'll find that when you spend your money with a small business, more times than not, they take the time to give you the customer service you deserve, package your item with extra care, and do whatever they can to let you know that your business means a lot. All good reasons to shop small.

Giving Thanks

I trust that all of you in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a perfectly glorious day late Fall day here. The leaves may be gone for the most part, but there are still beautiful views to be had.

via bates mercantile co.

Ours was grand.

Freeform Friday

Here's something that should get you moving.  Just a little message from all us small shop owners.  Click here if you're reading via email.

Peace out,

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

via get lathered

Did You See This?

Every two weeks, Mercantile Muse hosts a heck of a party for a few reasons.

One, it's a way for those with online shops/businesses and blogs to link up and spread the word about their stuff.

Two, it's a fun time for those who link up and even for those who don't because everyone gets to have a look around, mingle and get to know one another.  You know, because it's a pah-tay.

Three, I'll be honest here.......I LOVE a good party.

I actually enjoy the 'clean up' after these parties, when I get to have a good look around and see what everyone left behind. 

Here's my picks from the most recent party (there's still time to link up if you haven't). 

1. Black and White Leaf Print Hobo Bag, via Oyeta

Love that print. Love the shape of the bag.

2. Vintage Wedding Week at The Sunshine Grove
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Jeremy and Natalie's story,

and the story of Natalie's grandparent's wedding and in

Cuba and the making of her Gram's wedding gown.

3. Rosekraft
What a lovely garden to walk by.

Rosekraft is lucky enough to do son a regular basis.

4. Dirty Girl Designs
Fabulous black and white dolphins. Did you know I was a dolphin?

No, not in another life. It was the school mascot for our college...

something about them being intelligent creatures.

5. Get Lathered
Shampoo that looks like a serving of summer sherbert. Sweet!

6. our picket fence
Jane Austen fans take note. An ever-so-charming Emma doll.

7. long eared designs
Want a hair-do that stands out for all the right reasons?

Top it off with a simple, feminine flower comb.

8. squirrel photo

There is something about the composition of this photo that I'm quite taken with.....pretty good pair of legs too.

I know many of you enjoyed the party too from your comments. Did you discover new shops and blogs at the party? Did you find new favorites? I'd love it if you shared them in this post's comments. It's think it's pretty interesting to see where the party led others. 

What's New

I've been able to add a few things to our etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co. over the last week. Here's the latest.

Is it ok to really like my own illustration? I am framing this one and hanging it on the wall. 

Now this is love...... Oh that George Bailey.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

It's a Wonderful Life has a multitude of messages about what really matters in life and that makes me feel good inside.

In case you hadn't noticed, we've been in the midst of a photo challenge at Mercantile Muse for a couple of weeks. We have had some seriously wonderful submissions. You can see our previous challenges here. You can also join in if you'd like. There are 4 more challenges left and the next one is 'the color of love'. Get me your submission by end of day tomorrow (you can shoot me an email via the little button in right hand sidebar, just beneath my profile) so I can include it in Wednesday's Photo Challenge post.

If you found the Muse recently because of the August Giveaway, I'm so glad you did. Our sponsors this month and their prizes quite simply, awesome. $150 worth of some the nicest handmade stuff around. If you've been around here for awhile, I'm so glad you're here too. You guys all make this a happy place for me to be each day.

Did you guys know if you like this post you can share it easily? There's a bunch of ways right under the post....email, twitter, pinterest and more. When you guys tell two friends, and they tell two friends, our little community here on the Muse grows and that is always a good thing. Personally, I can't get over the interesting and talented people that hang out here. If I was a blusher, I'd surely be blushing.

Thanks so much for being here.

See ya on the flip side,