The other day, one of my readers asked what my dreams were for the future and I thought it would be nice to share the answer in a post instead of a comment.  Before I share my dreams for the future, I'm going to share a bit about the past. Many of you know my story.  In short, my business was started out of the desire to add a little income to the family budget.  I didn't have any big dreams … [Read more...]

When I first started my business about three years ago, I basically had no budget.  Now, my wee little no-budget, counter top business has grown far beyond expectations and beyond what I can handle myself.  I've struggled over the last year to know what to drop, what to outsource and how to best prioritize.  The time finally came when I realized that, while I need to be the driving creative … [Read more...]

I've tried to write this post many times.  It just seems to be a tough one to write.  One that could be misunderstood, but I kept coming back to it, so I'm just going for it. I get a lot of e-mail.  Some people need help with paint or furniture or a room.  Some have comments or stories to share.  I love them all, but my very favorite are the e-mails from women who are sharing how their … [Read more...]

First off, I am really, really excited to announce that one of my video tutorials, Waxes 101, has been transcribed for the hearing impaired by a wonderful lady named Laurie.  She saw that I wanted to offer that and volunteered to transcribe my video tutorials.  She does it professionally and it was so amazing for her to offer her talents to serve others.  We're hoping to get the slipcover … [Read more...]

A lot of people have supported and encouraged me in my business, but I never would've taken the plunge without my mom.  My husband always helps me with woodworking projects, moving furniture, running errands, proof reading articles, brainstorming, watching the kids, and setting goals.  My Dad encourages me, was one of my investors and sat with me in the rain at last years May fair.  … [Read more...]

If you're an avid, or even a casual reader of my blog, you know that I love a good makeover.  Well, a pretty obvious one just happened.  My blog, Miss Mustard Seed, has a new look. Before I talk about the makeover, I need to share how I got here.  My wonderful friend, former youth group student and web/brand designer, Laura Dreyer, was the one who encouraged me to start a blog.  When I … [Read more...]

Today I have been sick in bed, but it has still been an exciting day.  My mom called mid-morning and proclaimed, "I found them!"  The two magazines I've been looking for at newsstands finally showed up at her local Barnes and Noble.  My first monthly article written for the DIY Essentials spread in Cottages and Bungalows magazine was published in the April 2011 issue.  I … [Read more...]

Today was a whirlwind.  I would give you a list of everything I accomplished, but I can't even remember.  I did get a lot done, though, and it feels good......and I'll sleep well tonight.  My morning started with painting the peacock blue dining room wall.  Even with the first coat on, it looked so much lighter and brighter.  I was wishing the view out of my window was of … [Read more...]

My mom and I work at an exhausting pace.  Yesterday, I primed four pieces of furniture, painted three, refinished a table, cleaned our workshop, made the slipcover video, wrote a post, wrote an article for HGTV.com, organized my son's clothes and toys, and painted a lamp.  Crazy, right? Tomorrow, we're going to paint the solo peacock wall in my dining room in the Aria Ivory that … [Read more...]

First of all, one quick note about the glaze formula I shared yesterday.  Apparently, some of the Home Depot paint counters out there won't make my special glaze blend for you.  My HD mixed it without question.  If yours won't, here is what I would suggest.  Buy a quart of glaze and a test pot of Espresso Beans.  mix the paint and glaze at a ratio of about one part … [Read more...]

I'm sure a lot of people out there are making resolutions about now.  Lose weight (amen), exercise, train for a marathon, get a job, start a family, start a blog, stop smoking, no more coffee, etc.  I think resolutions can be silly things.  As human beings, if we want to do something, we do it.  If we don't we either: A.) don't B.) wait until the new year, make a resolution, do it for two … [Read more...]

My blog designer interviewed me in July and asked for some of my goals and dreams.  One was to become a vendor at the Lucketts Store and the other was to be featured in a magazine.  I figured these were "wishes" more than goals and I didn't actively pursue either one.  In August, one of the designers from the Lucketts Design House bought some of my signs, furniture and … [Read more...]

When I was a little girl, I never thought, "some day, I'm going to own my own business!"  I wanted to be an actress on Broadway.  I never took a business class in my life.  I never thought of myself as having a good business sense.  Yet, here I am.  A business owner.  Dare I say it...an entrepreneur?  I assure you, I'm an accidental one at best. I toyed for years with selling pieces in … [Read more...]

Everyone who writes a blog has been there.  The point of decision.  Clicking the "Create a Blog" button, working through the template options and creating a header, buttons, adding gadgets, widgets, counters and rankings.  Some do it to keep in touch with their family, record their lives, record a journey, struggle or loss.  Others do it to promote a business, share a talent, … [Read more...]