Why hello there ......
come on in, rest up and slow down with us, you are most welcome indeed.
They say we're shaped by our past, moulded by our experiences, the people we've met, songs we've sung!?
Well let us set the scene for you on the origins of Pig & Monkey Mercantile.
Anyone remember sitting in front of a tiny but extremely heavy TV watching shows like Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons (The repeats now folks, repeats!!!)? A simpler time. A time of contentment, albeit in many ways a harder way of life. People made things with their own hands, acquired the skills to do it and shared these with others. Community was at the heart and a longing to help one's neighbour. Of course they both had in common the Mercantiles. General stores packed with treasures and everything needed to sustain the people of the land. As well as offering a place to stock up on goods, a weekly trip would have been an exciting social event.....anticipating what new wares would be discovered, neighbours or friends to meet with and chat. It worked on so many levels.
Now, don't get us wrong, we're fully aware of our rose-tinted glasses when recalling such an era and appreciate the advantages new technology provides....but, for us, a slower way of life has been on the cards for a while.
For those unfamiliar with the notion of slow living, simply put it focuses on curating a more meaningful and conscious lifestyle that’s in line with what and who you value most. Often, that means slowing down, doing less, and prioritising spending the right amount of time on the things that matter to you. Finding joy in simplicity, in the everyday. As such, the Mercantile, we aspire, will be a way of life.... Growing, Making, Mending and sharing these things with you. Our Mercantile might not be in Walnut Grove or Walton's mountain but we hope it becomes a place were you feel at home and get excited about visiting just the same (even if for now that’s only online).
So now you understand the Mercantile bit, what about the Pig and Monkey…?
Well, anyone who knows us, knows we are doggy people. We are very much of the thinking that if you are too, that makes you fine folks indeed!
Both childhood pets, Miffy 'Pig' was a golden lab cross and Bailey ('Monkey Man') a wheaten Glen of Imaal Terrier. Now as much as it mightn't be the done thing to give your pets nicknames, Miffy and Bailey came for both (that makes us think they appreciated them lol). They were buddies and importantly, our buddies and we miss them dearly. This is our way of dedicating a little something to them for their years of loyalty, friendship and love. If this Pig and Monkey turns out anything like the originals, we are in for a great adventure.
There you have it.....a long, drawn out story with over half of it probably surplus to requirements but what can we say, we love a story - an authentic story, one of honesty and we hope this helps reflect a little of us.
Everything we do is designed and hand made in our home in North Antrim with as much integrity as we can muster. That's why it's important to us that you enjoy the pieces you purchase and if for some reason you aren't happy we insist you let us know - so we can make it right. You know, in that old school kinda way ;)
