Let me start by saying right off the bat that days like these overwhelm me. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it. A room full of about 30 of my milk paint retailers, people who invested in my brand and are excited about partnering with me in that way…all there to learn more, so that they can represent my line better. It’s humbling. After I was introduced, I looked out over these amazing women and it all hit me. Why they were there…why I was there… I had to gather myself for a minute before I thanked all of them for joining me in this amazing, crazy journey.
Today was about painting, though, and training our retailers how to train you, the customer, to get the look you want from milk paint. So, I kept the emotional speech awkward and brief and we dove right in.
Our instructors today were the MMSMP primary educator, Abbe Doll of All Dolled Up…
…and Jennylyn Pringle, the President of Homestead House Paint Company, the manufacturer and distributor of the paint line.
They were both amazing. I had never met Abbe in person and it was such a delight to watch both of them in action. I wasn’t teaching today, so I enjoyed the workshop as a student.
We got to test out some of the new colors and products, including our new Milk Paint Mixers. It’s basically a milk frother, but we made it cuter and it’s a perfect way to get a super smooth mix.
We experimented with mixing colors and it was like a buffet of gorgeous shades…pinks, mint, pale blue, sea foam…so fun!
I mixed Grain Sack with Boxwood and got this really pretty pale green…
Abbe showed off our new White Wax…
…and I even learned a new technique! Wet sanding with our Hemp Oil. Oh my goodness. Where has this been all of my life? It gets the finish amazingly buttery smooth. It really is heavenly and I can’t wait to do a tutorial for you on the technique.
I love workshops and working with sample boards. There’s no pressure. You can just paint and experiment and there’s no stress about it turning out perfectly. I got some pretty cool looks and I especially loved this board…
Mustard Seed Yellow over Curio with a Hemp Oil Resist between. This would look awesome on a primitive piece.
Anyway, it was a great day all around. One highlight was meeting our brand new distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Yes. That’s right. I was pretty overwhelmed to think that my brand will be on shelves all the way across the world. I’ll tell you more about that when they are all set to go.
There were so many other highlights, but I did lose it when Jennylyn shared that the company that makes our waxes had to get a larger warehouse to accommodate the production for our line. It really is amazing. Thanks so much to everyone who’s using MMSMP and spreading the word about it. It really is catching on and I feel like we’re just getting started!
Tomorrow, I’ll be speaking in the morning, sharing the story of my journey and hopefully offering some inspiration for the retailers. We’ll also be teaching some advanced techniques and playing with more paint, which we all love to do.
So, it’s late and I need to turn in, so my eyes aren’t baggy tomorrow, but I wanted to share a bit about today.
More tomorrow…
47 Responses
Good Night MMS. Great post, I really enjoy learning from you.
Can’t wait to learn more about wet sanding with hemp oil!!
Now I need to find a retailer in Maryland to get started! Love your site and eager to do a couple of pieces for a new rustic for my hubby!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Vintage Bliss in Ellicott City Maryland is a fabulous shoppe and retailer of MMSMP projects!
Your Awesome, you deserve all your success. Looking forward to the tutorials 🙂
Lucky ladies to be there! I use tung oil after sanding – gives a very cool rich finish. Where’s the distributor for Antipodeans located? Keep up that work, Marion. We love Milk Painting in New Zealand x
I”m living in Australia and have been following your journey, can’t wait until I can buy and try your paint. Xxx Elizabeth
OMG..you are coming to New Zealand!! Where….and when? We are a tiny country on the scale of things (only as big as one of your small cities) but we definitely have a ‘give it a go” attitude……and I would love to get my hands on some of your paints! I can not wait till your product arrives here! YAY!
Looks like an amazing day, I can’t wait to take my retailer training in Toronto next month! I am humbled to be representing your beautiful paint and products!Thank you for the continued inspiration! xx
Marian, day one was fabulous! Thank you so much for all that you do. As a retailer, I am proud to carry your products. I believe in them and I believe in you. A special thank you to Jennylyn and Abbe for sharing so much. You have such a great team behind you! Looking forward to today!
Such lovely finishes! So happy for you ☺️
Lovely images and techniques. Can’t wait to learn more about the hemp oil. Just used my mixer this weekend and loved it! x
Really looking forward to the wet sanding tutorial – and also to seeing the new colours! So happy to see a Canadian company as the MMSMP manufacturer 🙂
Congrats on the milk paint line, but I do miss the old blog before it was all paint and “brand” chatter!
Looks like so much fun! I love seeing new milk paint finishes.
I read through your previous post and as I read, I was most impressed with your statement that meeting all those distributors made you feel humble. So many would have said it made them feel proud. Methinks God likes your attitude much better. And He is always faithful to His kids who love Him. I get the feeling that with you, your heart really is “in the right place”. He is faithful. Enjoy your blessings.
Kind of a full circle moment, isn’t it? By taking a chance, you have created jobs for lots of people. Capitalism and the American Dream at its finest. I need to improve My technique to get better results. Ann
My heart is so full for you! The warehouse expansion got me too. 🙂 Congrats! This whole ride of yours is just as thrilling from my seat! 🙂
I’m so happy for you! It really is a great paint, and can’t wait to see the new tutorials!
Awww, you girls look great! How fun – I wish I was there. Can’t wait to try the new colors. Hope Day 2 is a huge success!
So wishing I was there – Jealous!! You are truly blessed and deserve the best.
So wonderful to see your success!!! And Apron Strings!!! Be still my heart!!!
I finally tried your milk paint last week and I must say…I’m in love! I ran back out and bought another color and a small container of white wax too so I’m anxious to see some pieces on the blog using it (hint, hint!). Hadn’t even thought of mixing different colors (duh!). I’m definitely hooked. Thanks Marian!
Amy
http://www.homesweetthriftyhome.com
Oh, there’s my retailer rep in that last pic, Patty! She’ll be teaching the Milk Paint workshop here in NJ in October and I so can’t wait to learn more about your beautiful paint line. Thank you for the inspiring and beautiful work that you do! I love your book as well.
I’ve been following you for so many years I’ve lost track. 🙂 funny how the first blogs I started reading are the must reads even today. Love your journey and I too got choked up thinking of everything you’ve accomplished. So wonderful! I almost never comment but just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you and that I had the good sense to follow from the start. Know we’re with you every step of the way!
Hey, Congrats, this sounds like soooooo much fun, I will go off and get some wood from the nearby lumber store and play with paint!!!
The look you described below I really would like to learn how to, this would be great
to use on some really old items that need some updating, I have an older TV stand with and open shelf and two doors, would love to add some moldings and then do this painting job on it…. Cannot wait for you to give us the tutorial for it…
Mustard Seed Yellow over Curio with a Hemp Oil Resist between. This would look awesome on a primitive piece.
Enjoy Day 2
Edith YourChicagoconnection
So excited for you and your continued success! And I couldn’t help saving a pic of Abbe Doll to take to my hairdresser… Her hair is just too cute! 🙂 xo
It’s amazing when your one little idea literally changes the world. Just keep doing what you do lady. I’m so happy for your success. Hope you have the best time with all your peeps.
The Other Marian
I’m very happy for you & all the success coming your way!! I love your paint and can’t wait to try that white wax!!
My worse day ever!! Well, almost – I mixed my MMS Ironstone (after waiting to save and for the mailman to bring it)–So excited, perfect piece – Mixed it into the jar – and proceeded to drop the jar and loose all the paint – Oh well, I will save and wait again – My fault – I knew to mix a little at a time – Guess I thought I would just mix and store in the container—
Enjoy the fruits of your labor!! You are a sweetheart!
Your little mustard seed has really done its thing. God is good.
Loved spending the last couple days with you and our fellow retailers! My fav new technique was the “wet” sanding with hemp oil also! You are as genuine and sweet in person as you portray in your blog. It was so sweet to see you blush when we all treated you with the celebrity status you deserve =)
Hi there! 🙂
Gorgeous colours! Do you have an Australian stockist? Or can we buy online?
Cheers 🙂
I have a new Australian distributor who will be selling there as soon as we can get the paint shipped. I’ll make a big announcement when they are ready to go!
Thanks for the reply MMS!
I will be sitting here with baited breath 😉
I am so excited that you’re coming close to me…Chapel Hill, AL. I only travel 3 hours to be there. Yea! I hope to buy your book and I hope you have your fabulous milk paint there so I can purchase my very first package of it. Looking so forward to it.
so fun! I’m not ashamed to say I’m totally jealous of all you ladies!! looks like an amazing day and wonderful experience!
You were in my neck of the woods! Beautiful colors! I have been wanting to try mixing colors!
Great job! You deserve it!
http://thesidewayhouse.blogspot.com
Australia? Yay! Can’t wait!
Dear MMS, So glad everyone is loving your paint like I do. You have so much to be proud of and you deserve all the good there is! I’m looking forward to seeing you next month in Alabama. Hugs, Anne Boykin
Congratulations on such an awareness moment and finding yourself in this wonderful place. All your hard work and dedication has paid of in bucket loads and here you now stand humbled and proud.
Very well deserved and to see all these woman who believe in you and MMSMP too. I wish I had the opportunity to sell it in Scotland UK and add to your band of merry woman. Mary xx
Hi! I was wondering where we could get one of those paint mixers!…it’s just what I need for my painting projects! Thanks!
Yep, I’m going to share all about them! They’re new and our retailers are just getting them ordered…
It was such an amazing and inspiring experience! So wonderful to be around such creativity!
What a fabulous workshop! Thank you, Marian, Abbe, Jennylyn and all of the wonderful women who came to Ellicott City to join us! The time spent was both fun and inspiring!
Had a terrific time learning about the company, learning new techniques and meeting you, Abbe and Jennylyn….an unbelievable experience! And I must say…..what an incredible group of students! I gained sooooo many new friends…..well worth the 10 hour drive from Michigan. Hope you are back home rested and with your family!
Looking forward to my workshops and spreading the Milk Paint LOVE!!!
I keep hearing about and reading about milk paint, but I haven’t tried it yet. I am excited to do a milk paint project soon…I have a few ideas that I am still trying to decide on. Everything looks like so much fun here!