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Oyster Sign

I don’t think I’ve ever had an oyster, but the thought of one in my mouth just doesn’t do it for me.  I may not like oysters, but that didn’t stop me from thinking “fresh oysters” would look cool on a sign. 
I loved this old piece of barn wood with the original red paint on it.  It’s probably over 100 years old and was a perfect “canvas” for one of my hand painted “antique” signs.  I know I’ve promised a tutorial on my process for making my signs and I will hold to that.  I am too busy with Lucketts and some other very exciting projects I have in the works. 
Anyway, this sign is also coming with me to Lucketts and I hope it finds a good buyer who will give it a good home. 
I also made another lamp shade out of upholstery webbing.  Here’s a sneak peak and I’ll share a better look soon. 
Tomorrow is about the finishing touches on a few projects, getting a haircut, and tagging items that I’m pulling from the shop to take to the fair.  I also have a special visitor flying in late tonight to help me with Lucketts…more on that tomorrow. 

Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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28 Responses

  1. I love your things. I have been using upholstery webbing, literally for years, to decorate with. LONG before it was vogue. The first time I used it was for a Thanksgiving dinner and I wove it and used it for part of the tablescape. My dad saw it and told me immediately it made him think of his mom (my grandmother…who if alive would be 115….so that tells you how old this idea was.) Anyway, he said she used it to upholster their furniture then she would use the remnants to decorate with. 1. I never would have heard that cool story had I not used it and 2. That tells me my grandmother was setting the bar for me very high years before I was born!!!! Sorry to ramble on when you are so busy, but I know how you love the old stuff too. Lori L

  2. I love lamp! I am dieing to find out how to make this lamp shade.. I went to a lamp workshop at Eddie Ross's lamp place in Millerton, NY. Shandell's. It was great. I'm going back in the fall to order some custom shades. Good luck tomorrow. I hope you sell at least $15,000 worth. If not, all of us will buy the rest. Ann

  3. Oysters are definitely an acquired taste. My families tradition is to have oyster stew for Christmas eve dinner. Thats the only time I have them!

  4. LOL about oysters not doing it for ya. I had the chance to eat them for the first time years ago. They tasted pretty good…like the ocean…fresh. You just put it in your mouth..don't think about it. Just chew it up and swallow. You think about it too much and it will gross you out. HAHA
    You are being a tease again with the lamp sneaky peek.
    I think you are going to do well at the fair. Heres to coming home with an empty truck cause you sold it all!

  5. I'm having the best time following your preparations for the Lucketts show! (your design line as Donna rightly called is all just so wonderful!!)

    This and all your other handpainted signs are fabulous – LOVE the colors on this one! Thank you for sharing the tag tutorial – very helpful as I am preparing for a show in November. I know you're burning the candle at both ends now, but soon you'll be able to look back with great satisfaction that you were able to share your gift of creativity with so many sweet customers and new friends… Blessings to you as you continue to prepare!

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky

  6. You, lovely woman, are AMAZING. That's all I've got to say.

    Except for one more thing. I wish I could come to Lucketts just to see you and your things in person.

  7. I'll bet your brain rarely shuts down. I bet you even decorate in your sleep.

    The sign is adorable! I am not a fan of raw oysters (although several of my family are) but I do love Oysters Rockefeller and I do live by the Coast, so maybe I just might have to find a place to put something like this.

    Anxious to see the whole lamp.

  8. Could it be your sweet mom is the one who is coming to help you? I think she is definitely your number one fan. All your signs are just lovely. Honestly, I think you could have a business just doing custom signs! I hope your time at Lucketts is fun and profitable, but I'm sure you are anxious to settle back into a Miss Mustard Seed routine that is not quite so frantic!

  9. I have been visiting your blog for a few months now in total awe. You create such quality, amazing items. I wish my home had 1/10th of the warmth your creations do.

    I wanted to pop in here to comment and wish you the best luck and most success ever at the fair. PLEASE take pics and show us your display and how everything went. I'd love to hear what sells, what is popular, if there is something you wish hadn't sold or were suprised didn't sell. Oh and I'd love to know what YOU buy…heehee.

    Enjoy and have fun! I have no idea where Luckett's fair is but I'm going to assume it's nowhere near my city in Canada otherwise I'd be there in a second.

    hUgS
    Charlene

  10. Your signs keep getting better and better. I use to love oysters and then had a "bad" one… I never ate them again.. you're not missing anything!! 🙂

  11. That sign is awesome. I don't think you will have to worry about it finding a home. Good luck finishing up getting ready for Luckett's on Thursday. I can't wait to see who is coming to help you. I am praying that you have safe travels and an awesome show!!! I also hope the weather is good. Seems like it rained the last time. Love & blessings from NC!

  12. I can't wait to see all your "how to's". I get excited and a little depressed every time I see something you've done. Your talent is amazing and I strive to reach it;-) I love to paint signs and such but I could use some help. I really do look forward to learning more!! Thanks for sharing with us all, you are an inspiration!

  13. Shame on you , Marian! Fried oysters are delicious…especially with some tarter sauce or cocktail sauce!!! The sign came out great. When you're done with Luckett's, I want to pick your brain…:) JP

  14. Marian,

    I grew up on the Gulf coast and on oysters…they are definitely an aquired taste:)…in Atlanta we used to have Oyster Fest which was awesome…beer and buckets of oysters…and of course BYS which stands for Bring Your own Shucker!!! So fun!!

    Hey one other question for you, a while back hubby and I invested in a $400 air compressor for our painting and the thing is just not withstanding all of the usage that we put on it…I know the one you use is a lot pricier but can you tell me the brand and type? You can email it to me if you want…we may have to upgrade soon:)

    Thanks!
    Karen
    dignifiedrubbish@gmail.com

  15. Love the "Fresh Oyster" sign cuz growing up on the gulf coast, you always wanted your oysters to be super fresh!
    Again, I love how your signs have such real looking patina…
    L.

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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