Dakota Mercantile

Unloading "Big Truck"

Say Cheese

Artist at Work

Magnolia Leaf Mania

In August we were contacted by Southern Living Magazine , they were interested in writing an article about Micanopy for the December issue. Senior writer Richard Banks was already familiar with our town from past visits and other articles about Micanopy that had already appeared in the magazine. Richard arrived and loved our lipstick red doors so he snapped a few photos to bring back to the photographer for review. Since this was to be the Holiday issue I offered to stage and style the exterior for Christmas. He loved that idea and said the photographer will contact us before his arrival. We received the call on Tuesday that he was coming on Wednesday! Yikes! So off I went to the warehouse to pick up our vintage trademark green bicycle, goat wagon, other treasures and some decs.

I knew that I wanted to make new wreaths so I wrapped two straw wreath forms with sheet moss that we carry in the store. I love this moss it is so easy to work with it was a dream. I was working at the house so I then ran to the front yard trying to beat the rain. I pulled enough beautiful magnolia leaves to fill a laundry basket. Hot glue heaven! Three or more hours later (I was a little obsessive about leaf placement) a pair of lush and lovely wreaths with cream colored double satin bows to finish off the look. I wanted the photographer to have as many options as possible so I wrapped boxes with Christmas wrap  tied up with more beautiful ribbon (did I mention my ribbon collection?). I had styled the packages in the basket of the bicycle and in the goat cart.

Van Chaplin is the Senior Photographer; he was wonderful with an awesome sense of humor, which comes in handy around here. He mentioned that he wanted a photo of the  front of the store, with the rich red color doors.   Okay, it is 92 degrees and humid,we can manage that.  Photos clicked away. They looked great! I don’t know what they will choose but I  had a blast ! Look for the December 2009 issue and we will all be surprised together!

XOXO

Sharon

Colorful papers happily mix with toile and needlepointGift Wrap & Greeting cards make good design elementsRepro of Vintage Maps are from our gift lineGift Wrap & Greeting cards make good design elements

Repro of Vintage Maps are from our gift line

Sometimes you don’t have to look far for inspiration. A few years ago I was leaving my “little red shop” when I saw a treasure set out on the curb with the trash.  It was a four foot  urn shaped  putty colored resin floor lamp  striped of it’s wiring and electrical components . It was looking so forlorn standing there with the discarded take out food containers I had to give it a home. It had so much potential! I went to pick it up and  was surprised by the weight. I knew that I didn’t have time to work on this project immediately so … I took it to the warehouse with all my other orphaned finds.

I envisioned creating a beautiful mosiac  as that was the type of work I was concetrating on  . As time went on I knew a mosaic would make this piece a monster to move so I opted for a decoupage mosaic look. The putty color of the lamp lent it’s self to grout lines . I decided to use only paper that I already owned (did I mention my paper collection?). I  put a few love messages in the design mix which gives it a surprise element to any one who examines it closely.

I set my work station in front of the TV and every evening I would  cut and paste. Paper everywhere and loving it. It remind me of  my  paper dolls  meticulously cut out, no background showing . The design work was fun and easy.  I made a linen ruffle shade that I  haven’t quite finished .  Newly wired it now stands in the library area off the kitchen. How fun is that!

xoxo  Sharon Scissor Hands

I could live here !

I do love fountains

Pea Hen Party at Drayton Hall

Quiet respite

Would you like a mint Julep on the Veranda Scarlett?

I wanted to share a few pictures from a recent trip to two of my favorite somewhat local places  to visit . I love Savannah and  Charleston  each time I go  there is always something  fun to see with great places to eat.  The architecture , gardens  and common spaces are inspiring . My camera batteries were on over load!  Quiet courtyards with bubbling fountains reminds me of …Dakota Mercantile! Enjoy !

Later Y’all

Sharon

I’ve been working on these really fun lamp shades made from antique and vintage lace, buttons, bits and pieces of old baby clothes ,doilies and whatever else I find tucked away in my stash of goodies  that I’ve been collecting forever! I use old metal lampshade frames which are often discarded . What I love about this  project is the fact that I don’t have to measure and I can sew creating a random lace like pattern where the lace doesn’t cover. Adding  crystals , charms and baubles makes each one unique.  I have suspended some from the ceiling and also coupled them with elegant German  porcelain figurine  lamps and well as our rustic river rock lamps made for us in upstate New York.

With my creative juices flowing I returned to my studio this past weekend. Since I wasn’t in the shop I missed meeting a lovely lady named Kimberly McCole of DearDaisyCottage.com. She has an awesome blog filled with fun and unique shops to visit. Visit her blog where  Dakota Mercantile is featured with great photography .

We have a  store  redesign planned  to showcase the  fun and handcrafted items for Fall.  A sneak peek will  follow!

Happiness and Laughter

Sharon

Welcome to Dakota Mercantile Gracious Living’s Blog!

We are located in Micanopy, Florida off interstate  I-75.
Our store hours of operation are : Weds – Mon. 11AM – 5PM

Visit us today or take a tour of our store from our website Dakota Mercantile Gracious Living

We will be posting some of our southern chic merchandise as well as ideas and insight of our romantic store.

Thank you and we look forward to the blogging community.