What I Found & Overheard at The Party

via the telegraph

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That and a Moose 

Last week's Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party was a blast. In fact, so much fun, it's still going on (feel free to link up if you have a shop or blog!).  It's a way to highlight small shop owners and bloggers and let you discover new artisans, crafters and blogs that you enjoy.

The things I find in the couch cushions afterwards, are always fantastic. And no I'm not talking loose change here people. I'm talking great stuff that people put their hearts and souls into- how cool is that?

Here's my picks from the current party.

1. Love the cow bell via old susan williams. It's got such great character.
2. The headboard tuned entry console via all things luci rae, makes me go 'hey, why didn't I think of that'!

3. I thoroughly enjoyed Chelsea's sketchbook and notes on her recent trip to Italy via sketchy notions. Oh to be back in Rome standing in the Colleseum saying 'Can you believe we're standing in the Colleseum?"
4. How could I not choose this printable wedding art via Signs of Faith2.......it features one of the readings from our own wedding. 

5. Oh my...the sweetest little fawn photograph via finding focus
6. Pretty sterling silver handmade spiral pendant via nisan
7. A perfect little milkglass compote dish via ratty daddy dinkums
8. Perfect for a log cabin.......moose clock via shellyka

Great stuff gang, thanks so much for linking up! Did you find favorites at the party? I'd love to know what caught your eye.

Since Shelly (one of my etsy teammates) who made the moose clock lives in Israel, I'm thinking she may never have seen a moose. If she hasn't, she did pretty darn good on the perspective on the moose and its size. If you have never seen a moose, let's put it this way...no matter how big you think they are, they're bigger. They're huge.  They're jaw dropping to your chin, mouth wide open in disbelief ENORMOUS.

I found a couple of pictures to give you non-moose seers a better idea of just how big they are.

Sure, this one looks big, but this moose is sitting down which doesn't give you the whole picture.

via The Telegraph

Remember, this guy is on a deck.

via active rain

Now, if you want a REALLY good idea of how big a moose is, you MUST watch this video. They are ridiculous. I may have said this before, but this is exactly why we have 'brake for moose- it saves lives' signs in the North country of New Hampshire. There's lots of moose and they're big. Bigger than your car.  If you hit one, you are not going to win.

Festival of Trees

I have a couple of entries for this Friday's festival of trees, but a couple of trees does not a festival make. PLEASE send me some your Christmas tree pics so this can truly be a festival! Be part of starting a holiday tradition on Mercantile Muse. Forward pictures or links to blogs posts about your trees, send them to me at pbates (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net by Thursday afternoon.  And spread the word-- Let's make this a real festival of trees!

Have a great day.

Ciao for now,

PS- I keep forgetting to tell you guys, I only put word capture on for comments because I started to get a ton of spam. I'll try taking it off again and see if that's detered the spam-bots long enough. Thanks for your patience in posting screen captures....personally, the bug the heck out of me.



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),

What I Found & Overheard At the Party

Day Late & A Dollar Short

Hi guys. Missed posting this yesterday. Got involved and other things and then all of a sudden it was time to go to bed. These things happen, right?

Well, the party is still going on and there is still time to link up your shop or blog. 

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party, there's lots of great stuff people left behind. Here's a few of my picks, and let me tell you, it's never easy to choose.

1. Remembering to be Grateful, via Bridgits Bell

2. Beautiful Mosaics, via Earth Mother Mosaics

3. Silver and Moonstone Necklace, Efrat Jewelry

4. How To Freeze Garden Tomatoes, via Cubits

(loved this....since I usually roast my Romas and then freeze.

nice to have a new option)

5. the loveliest country kitchen reveal, Knick Of Time Interiors 

6. Mosaic of another sort, a beautiful quilt, DJW Quilts

7. A rememberance keepsake box, via Paint Brushed Boutique

Having crazy fun trying to post. Internet Explorer seems to be causing me computer issues. You know the 'keeps shutting down kind'. You can't even imagine how many times I've been ready to hit post and ......woosh, shut down. So, sorry this is shorter than usual. Please do have a look around the party (link in right hand sidebar), people have been adding links each day.  Let us know what you find that tickles your fancy.

Enjoy your Tuesday. Up tomorrow, my chalkboard wall reveal!

Ciao for now,

Belated Wish & What I Found

Happy Father's Day

It was a busy weekend with my niece Caitlin's wedding and all. I didn't get to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day on The Muse yesterday, because the wedding celebration continued with brunch. It turned out to be a beautiful day for Cait and Jon and Dad. The sun was shining and there were lots of good memories flying around the patio at my sister Gloria's.

Love the shot of me and Dad below. I'm a good few pounds heavier than I was in this shot, so that's a little depressing. OK, I'm over it. I just really like the picture.

My Dad is Mr. Fix It, and I'm not talking about building repairs although he can do that too. He's just a natural born problem solver.  He's also Mr. Get It Done. If you need something done, just ask him, whether it's something small or big. Raytheon figured that out and would have him handle tough cases to 'fix it and get it done'.  We're all lucky to always have him on our side.  He also feels at home with a microphone in his hand, has been known to dress up as a nun.................

.....and sang every word of You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You to Cait when they danced at her wedding Saturday.  That of course made Cait cry. Of course, a coffee commercial would make Cait cry. Actually, the wedding festivities were quite emotional. We can all blame that on my father, he's the emotional one we all got it from. I blew this picture of him and Cait (with Cait's bridesmaid Crystal in the back) up for Father's Day. Everyone loved it.  Grampy and Cait. Yesterday my father wore one of his 'Cait' tshirts to the brunch.  You know, those tshirts you can make in the mall. Cait was about 12. It was classic.

Here's to you Dad. Happy Father's Day- You're the best! Hope you enjoyed your day. I sure did. It was fun sitting around the table reminiscing. 

What I Found & Heard at the Party

As usual, lots of great stuff popping up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party which is still going on!

I was blown away by the work of Ashleigh Coyner of Bleu Oiseau who has an etsy shop and blogs too.

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

via collaboration of Sharon Pederson & Ashleigh Coyner/BleuOiseau

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

Amazing. Right?

Reshma of Ahkriti is a regular at these link parties, but her jewelry is way beyond 'regular'. It's more like......um.....GORgeous.

via Ahkriti

The deep midnight blue color of this piece is spectacular.

via ahkriti

Speaking of color, you can visit Reshma's blog Color Canopy and you'll find this great watermelon and feta recipe. Mmmmm. Salty and sweet.

One of the wonderful things about etsy, you will find artists and crafters of every medium.  Multiples. All talented in their own right.

What a sweet thank you note by the lovely Sara from Royal Regards. 

via royalregards

Rational Designs' to pink note cards are sure to make a statement.

via rationaldesigns

How cute would these be on top of cupcakes?  LittleSugarTops will make your cupcakes even happier with fondant creations that are sure to bring a smile.

via littlesugartops

via littlesugartops

Need even more fun? How about this Super Hero PJ Pillow from fAveritte Creations? The cuteness knows no bounds.

via fAveritteCreations

I mean, what kid wouldn't want love pulling their PJs out of one of these at a sleepover?

via fAveritteCreations

Too cool for school. (That's why they're for a sleepover.)

One more thing in the fun category......the GIVEAWAY!!! If you haven't entered yet, there is no time like the present. There are serious quantities of great stuff to be had.

Enjoy the day. The sun is trying to come out here. It's quite coolish today but the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 80s and 90s. Going to do my best to get the pool ready toot-sweet.

Ciao for now,



Things I Found & Heard At The Party

First, Heartfelt Thanks

You have all been so kind in your messages regarding the passing of my Godfather.  It's so nice to know that people care and understand how sad it is to lose a person you love. Thank you all very much for taking the time to read my 'Ode To Bo' post and for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot.

Happier Things

Back to the party. I really enjoy 'cleaning up' after the link parties on the Muse. So much to look through and discover.  Here's my picks from the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party.

A vintage pink and white lace wedding dress. Simple lines and classic femininity from founditgreat.

via founditgreat

Beautiful pale copper colors adorn this beaded choker by from Our Home To Yours.

via ourhometoyours

A lovely ivory and pink damask tray for your dresser or perhaps breakfast in bed, by longearreddesigns.

via longearreddesigns

The sweetest little birdie note cards from dsigns.

via dsigns

How about a fabulous outfit for less than $14! Bethany is Still In St. Louis and  she sure knows how shop! 

via stillinstlouis

Need some tips on using social media to sell your arts and crafts online? Nadine's got 'em over on This Creative Bliss!

via thiscreativebliss

Very cool upcycled Umbrella Man silhouette by Cupcake Gangster. Who would have thought a upcycled can could look so suave?

via cupcakegangster

As usual, the variety of things I find at the link party never ceases to amaze me. What about you? Did you find something you love at the party?

Giveaway Winner

Drum roll please.....................Laura from Tillie Tulip has won the Barn Rye archival print! Congratulations! I'll be in touch for your mailing information.

Have a great day everyone. I'm playing catchup today......clearing my desk and mailing sold items out (and remailing one that the post office decided to send back for insufficient address even though it's addessed properly- annoying!).

That's it here. See you on the flip side,

Things I Found & Heard At The Party

via SigalFJewelry

So Many Wonderful Things

Each Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party brings so many nice people to Mercantile Muse. It also proves that there is a neverending wealth of talent, taste and tales among the party goers.

Oh the wonderful handmade things! Oh the vintage wares! Oh the fun at guest's blogs.  So much to discover and share.

Here's my picks from our current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party which is still underway.

Who knew we had stars among us? OK, not quite, but we have people with the same taste as stars. Doesn't that count?

A lovely gold edged serving Fire King serving dish from Belle Masion Et Moi.

via bellemaisonetmoi

The funny thing is, I had to let Alicia know that I'd seen this lovely dish somewhere else- on Inventori, Tori Spelling's store!

The difference, Inventori's dish was over $40 and bellemaisonsetmoi's is a mere $12.50. Talk about a steal of a deal!

I'd never heard of prehnite before, until I found these lovely pale earrings in SigalFJewelry's shop.

SigalFJewelry

Prehnite is part of the largest and most important class of rock-forming minerals. It is also said to have the following qualities:

*Very relaxing. Increases reliability, honesty and integrity.
*Allows visions during meditation, strengthens predictive power.
*Provides high spiritual protection.
*Good for treatments of kidney, bladder and anemia.

Who knew? All I know is its soft, dreamy, cloudy pale color is absolutely beautiful.

The opposite of pale and dreamy is this bright, bold, striking sapphire blue pendant from Mt. Baldy Glassworks.

via mtbaldyglassworks

The embodiment of a deep, dark, starry night.

I just love that Sharon's blog 'Diary of a Craft Room Transformation' grew out of a mission to organize her craftroom.

via diaryofacraftroomtransformation

Three year's later and Sharon's still blogging!

Still need a Valentine's Day gift for your guy?  Check out this creative photo display by DabbledDetails for the fisherman in your life. 



via dabbleddetails

All I know is that I have plenty of pics that could go on this display, and that they're all from too long ago. It's probably at least 4 years since I cast a line, and that's just not right. It's hard to believe it's been that long. I used to be quite the bassmaster.  We even lived in a little cottage on the river when we first got married and I used to be able to cast a line right from our deck!

Lovin' these groovalicius placemats joeymiller. The fabric is the bomb!

via joeymiller

Love the flowers, the colors and that you can turn them over for a pop of orange.

Check out this sweet lavender sachet from Paula Parrish. She's nice enough to share a tutorial over on her blog Living A Blessed Life.

via livingablessedlife

I think the chenille backside is the sweetest touch.

I could rock these uuber cute and retro-preppy vintage lecoq sportif running shoes from LaModeDeKika.

via laModeDeKika

If only my foot was a little smaller.

Last, but not least, a big thank you to Lisa at WritingPlaces for always creating such wonderful treasuries to promote the link up party and the shops that take part. What a nice thing to do! Don't you think? You can see Lisa's awesome promotion treasuries for the link party here and here.

When Lisa isn't busy spreading the word about link party shops, she is busy creating things for WritingPlaces, like this charming favor box.

via writingplaces

If you've been featured on Mercantile Muse and want to let people know, feel free to grab this button.

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More Fun

Did you see the new giveaway on Mercantile Muse? What? You missed it? Well, here's a link. It's easy to enter and remember, someone has to win and it might just be you!

Less fun was watching the SuperBowl last night. It was painful game in general and the Pats lost by three, making it even more painful. Life goes on. The sun is shining on this Monday despite the loss. I hope it is where you are too.

Ciao for now,