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,

 

 

Monday Monday: Words To The Wise

Start With A Bang

Here we are.

Another new week.

Another chance to get it right. Whatever 'right' means to you.

Here's a little inspiration to make this week exactly what you want.

archival wall print via bates mecantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

archival print via bates mercantile co.

Whether things are going good, or you're in the midst of a struggle, I hope these words to the wise give inspire you to take what you've got and make it happen this week.

It's brisk this morning, but looks to be another gorgeous fall day.  The weekend was pretty laid back and we did get a foliage ride and walk in yesterday, which I'll be sharing with you this week.

Lots to fit in today, and the rest of the week. Design work and marketing.....should keep me busy. And you?

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,