the business of art vs. the art of art
There is an anecdote about Vincent Van Gogh that I’ve heard and even repeated myself. Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime. It’s often used as an encouragement to struggling artists. If his work, which was so unique, brilliant, and beautiful, wasn’t appreciated, then you’re in good company if you find yourself in […]
four things | seventy one
We’re in the middle of a mid-April heatwave. This time of year, I will wear a hoodie in protest when summer weather rears its head early, which is sort of ridiculous. I’ve still been making a point to get outside by walking in the morning before it gets hot and then spending about 15-20 minutes […]
styling pet portraits in interiors
I received a question a couple of weeks ago about how to style a pet portrait in a room without it looking like a shrine to your dog, cat, hamster, or horse. Good question! I’m so glad you asked. Let’s talk about animal art in interiors and how to make it work with your decorating. […]
Move Slow & Make Things Book Bonuses Available!
I am so excited to share that the preorder bonuses for Move Slow & Make Things: Pursuing the Delightfully Fulfilling Creative Life are now available! If you’ve already ordered the book, thank you! You can enter your order information on THIS to claim your bonuses. If you haven’t preordered the book yet, you can do […]
four things | seventy
It’s been my favorite early spring weather. Cool enough for a hoodie, but warm enough to spend lots of time outside. I donned my overalls for the first time this year, and Jeff and I worked together in the backyard on Tuesday. We pulled weeds, mowed the small patch of grass, pruned the hydrangeas, trimmed […]
the Gibbes Museum
When we planned our Charleston outing for our anniversary, we were going to visit a few antique stores and then have a nice dinner. My aunt’s proposition changed that, though. We knew we would be transporting two large paintings in bulky frames home, so space would be at a premium. (We won’t mention all of […]
Recent Blog Posts
four things | forty-three
Today is a travel day for me. I’m heading to Minnesota, back to our old hometown. Marshall has been able to make a couple of trips to visit friends, and now it’s Calvin’s turn, so I’m taking him for a few days. I’m planning to meet up with a friend or two, but I’ll use this downtime as a mini creative retreat. It will be nice to step away from home projects and my studio to spend some time on
creativity conversations | finding your style
As I was writing in my journal a few days ago, I thought about my handwriting. It started as uniform, traced over block letters made with pale dotted blue lines on exercise sheets. I then reproduced the letters on my own, on printed lines, making sure each hump of an m met the middle line and each mast of an L spanned all three lines. I wrote each letter hundreds of times, copying and practicing the same printed letter that
selecting the right height for nightstands
On Instagram yesterday, I was asked if there was a standard for selecting the right height for nightstands. I thought that was a great question and one I never looked up, but I have typically chosen nightstands that felt like the right height for the bed they were paired with. I like nightstands that are roughly the same height as the top of the mattress or perhaps a little bit taller. This makes reaching for things easy when turning off
Guest room wallpaper removal
When we first looked at this house, I knew the wallpaper was going to be an issue. Most of the wallpaper was at least 20-30 years old. At least. In addition, it was in almost every room. Floor to ceiling. I had never stripped wallpaper before, and I knew it wasn’t a fun job, but I was brimming with optimism and felt like it was doable if I tackled it one room at a time. After removing wallpaper from the
four things | forty-two
The summer is just flying by. I can’t believe the start of school is just around the corner. I always look forward to the return of routine, but I also miss the slower mornings and more relaxed schedule. This year will be different, though, because Marshall is officially in college and Calvin will be taking all of his classes at the local community college for his senior year, except for one. Marshall is already driving, and Calvin will be within
oil painting video tutorial | white irises
After working on pet and animal portraits for most of this year, I decided to take a little break and paint some still life and landscapes. First of all, I want the practice. I don’t want to get rusty in those subjects, even though working on one kind of painting informs and often improves another. These are also the most popular subjects for licensing, so I wanted to create some new works to submit and sell in my next original
replacing more windows | 1970 home renovation
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Window World. I have worked with them as a paying customer twice before, and I am thrilled to partner with them to share more about their amazing brand. I am a big fan and delighted to tell you more about working with Window World to replace the windows along the back and side of our 1970 ranch house. When we first embarked on this home renovation, I thought that replacing windows would be a
creativity conversations | on longing, finding inspiration, and “good enough”
Years ago, I used to write “Ask Miss Mustard Seed” posts. I would open up the comment section for questions from my blog readers and would then write posts answering those questions. We’d talk about decorating, DIY, furniture refinishing, upholstery, creativity, and running a business. I realized the other day that I miss those posts. I always appreciate curiosity and inquisitiveness, so I want to encourage that more often and write blog posts in response to what you’d like to
four things | forty-one
Despite another allergic reaction happening on one of my arms (what in the world is happening), I spent time working on the side garden bed again this week. The weather has just been too much of a gift not to be outside. I also did some mowing, trimming, cleaning up along the curb, and helping Marshall with power washing. I’m starting to enjoy keeping up with the little things that make a house look sharp, especially when the weather is
power washing the patio
This project has been on my list since I did my Spring cleaning of the patio and pool deck in April. The patio, particularly the old part, was so dirty and stained. It’s the sort of project that keeps getting put off, though. Not because it’s hard, but because it’s a pain to get the power washer out and set up and to move all of the furniture and heavy concrete planters. We’ve been having great weather this week, though,
antique purchases with mom
Most of you have my taste pretty nailed down! When I asked which pieces you thought I bought while on my antique trip with mom, you were pretty spot on! (You can read that post HERE.) Truth be told, I wanted to buy everything I highlight, but I’ve hit that tipping point where I need to be very particular about what I buy. Years of antiquing as a hobby and a business has my house pretty well furnished. But, my
exterior window apron panels
As I’ve shared the exterior of our home, I’ve been asked a few times about the panels under some of our windows, so I thought I would write a post about them. Let me start by saying that I’m not a tremendous fan of apron panels under windows. I don’t mind the ones on my house, but I would prefer just to have taller windows. While they were an intentional and original design feature of the house, they give the
four things | forty
It has been a quiet week, but a busy one! We had new windows installed yesterday, and while I wasn’t the one doing the work, I lingered around to see the progress and take pictures. I can’t wait to show you the results. The back side of the house is looking amazing! And, thank you so much to everyone who has asked how I’m doing. I’m doing well. My arms are still red and splotchy in places, and a little
antiquing with mom
After visiting the local art museum and grabbing lunch at a bistro, Mom and I went to one of my favorite antique stores. Since purging ironstone and antiques earlier this year, I’ve been disciplined about not bringing a bunch of stuff back into the house. I do love milling about in antique stores, second-hand shops, and markets, though, and I’m resigned to the fact that there will always be some amount of stuff coming and going. It just needs to
Washington County Museum of Fine Art
While I spent most of my week of rest at home, I knew getting out would be beneficial. I also knew that it would be good for me and my mom to have a fun day together since our last day together was so sad. We both burst into tears when she came to the door, feeling acutely that Sebastian wasn’t there to greet her, wagging his entire hind end with happiness. But once we hugged it out, we were
nurturing creativity
Taking last week off was exactly what my heart and body needed. I went to bed early, slept until I woke up naturally, lingered in bed, watched TV in the middle of the day, played with watercolors, wrote in my journal, read, painted, and made myself a big diner-style breakfast one day with home-fried potatoes, a cheese omelet, and sourdough toast. My mom and I visited the local art museum, had a lovely lunch, and shopped at a few antique
four things | thirty-nine
I decided I would take a few days off from posting here on the blog next week to be gentle with myself. I have some due dates for other work projects fast approaching, and I need to acknowledge that it’s okay to set a few things aside so I can get the work done while still having margin. I knew losing Sebastian would be sad, but it’s affected me more than I anticipated. I think a part of it is
the saddest day
While this blog is primarily about my creative work, it has always been, in a small way, my story. Many of you have watched our boys grow up, even if I don’t feature them here very often. You’ve followed us through moves, through Calvin’s diabetes diagnosis, through difficult seasons, and through some of the best of times. I shared here on the blog when we joined the ranks of dog owners almost nine years ago, and now I’m sharing the
proper heights for wainscoting
I don’t usually care for “decorating rules.” They are typically preferences and gimmicks more than actual rules. “Blue and green should never be seen.” is one rule that I threw in the garbage bin pretty quickly when I started decorating. I want to ask the person who came up with that adage if they ever stepped outside with their eyes open. The dominant colors in nature are undeniably blue and green, and it’s one of the most harmonious and beautiful
four things | thirty-eight
It was a slower week for me, but sometimes we need those slow weeks. Life can be a constant flurry of work and activities. Sometimes I enjoy those slower weeks, but this week of forced rest felt like an interruption. My body appreciated it, though, and I’m ready to hit the projects again. My four things this week – Thatched Roofs, pondering, the beautiful idea, and little things. what I’m reading I got a new book in the mail last
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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More from the Blog
From the very first coat of paint to custom cabinetry, Marian has been slowly transforming her 1970s split-level into a home filled with charm, character, and creative vision. Explore room-by-room updates, clever DIYs, and the stories woven into each renovation project. It’s a work in progress—and that’s part of the beauty.
In the Studio
Artistic Endeavors
oil painting video tutorial | white irises
After working on pet and animal portraits for most of this year, I decided to take a little break and paint some still life and landscapes. First of all, I want the practice. I don’t want to get rusty in those subjects, even though working on one kind of painting informs and often improves another. These are also the most popular subjects for licensing, so I wanted to create some new works to submit and sell in my next original
creativity conversations | on longing, finding inspiration, and “good enough”
Years ago, I used to write “Ask Miss Mustard Seed” posts. I would open up the comment section for questions from my blog readers and would then write posts answering those questions. We’d talk about decorating, DIY, furniture refinishing, upholstery, creativity, and running a business. I realized the other day that I miss those posts. I always appreciate curiosity and inquisitiveness, so I want to encourage that more often and write blog posts in response to what you’d like to
Washington County Museum of Fine Art
While I spent most of my week of rest at home, I knew getting out would be beneficial. I also knew that it would be good for me and my mom to have a fun day together since our last day together was so sad. We both burst into tears when she came to the door, feeling acutely that Sebastian wasn’t there to greet her, wagging his entire hind end with happiness. But once we hugged it out, we were
photo tips for pet portraits
I have been drawn to portraits for years, so it was only natural for me to explore portraiture once I started drawing and painting. Painting portraits of living people can be tricky, though. Winston Churchill famously burned a commissioned oil portrait capturing his appearance in his retirement years because he hated it. It was a good likeness, but he was wounded by how the artist viewed and portrayed him, to the point that he threw a high-quality piece of original
what happened to my willow projects
If you were following along last summer, you might remember my obsession with weaving willow cloches and plant supports. (You can find that post HERE.) I went on a deep dive, sourcing willow branches locally and online, watching tutorials and reading articles, searching for inspiration, and then testing out what I learned. It involved setting up a baby pool in my driveway to soak the willow and experimenting with several weaving styles and methods. It was a thorough effort, and
Original Oil Paintings Available at Lucketts
Late last summer, I received a message from some Instagram friends I met through the Lucketts Fall & Spring Markets. “Would you like to sell some of your original oil paintings in our space?” I had considered getting a booth to sell some original oil paintings in antique frames, but I would get overwhelmed at all of the logistics and set the thought aside. Maybe I will one day, but this offer gave me an opportunity to test the waters
at home
All Things Home
painted garden obelisk
When I decided to make custom lattice for our DIY A/C surround, I measured and counted out how many 1 x 2s I thought we would need for the project. I estimated that we would need 85 1 x 2s and figured I should round it up to 100 to have some extras in case some were warped or in bad condition. I was confident in my math, so Jeff and I primed and painted all 100 pieces, even though
DIY custom A/C surround reveal
Jeff and I noticed a stretch of stifling days in the forecast, so that gave us the push we needed to get the DIY custom A/C surround installed and finished this weekend. I shared the progress we made on building the surround a couple of weeks ago HERE. Since I had all of the pieces painted and two of the panels of the A/C surround built, it was pretty quick and easy to install. We had a general plan of
facebook marketplace find | vintage oak desk
If you followed my blog during our move to Maryland three years ago (can you believe it’s been that long?!), you probably remember that I sold a ton of stuff. One of the pieces I sold was the vintage oak teacher’s desk I used in my studio. Oak teacher’s desks turn up pretty regularly on the used furniture market and are generally not very expensive, so I figured I could find a replacement pretty quickly. Three years later, I was
what happened to my willow projects
If you were following along last summer, you might remember my obsession with weaving willow cloches and plant supports. (You can find that post HERE.) I went on a deep dive, sourcing willow branches locally and online, watching tutorials and reading articles, searching for inspiration, and then testing out what I learned. It involved setting up a baby pool in my driveway to soak the willow and experimenting with several weaving styles and methods. It was a thorough effort, and
tell me you’re doing home renovations…
…without telling me you’re doing home renovations. Just look in their garage or any other storage spaces. They will likely be a jumble of materials and tools used for projects looking something like this… Yes, those are still boxes that have not been unpacked since our move into this house almost three years ago. Yes, this space is embarrassing. Yes, I watermarked the photos. When we first moved in, Jeff built some simple garage shelves to provide some storage. Before
power washing the front walk
We have done so much work on the front of our house over the last couple of years. After all of the painting, planting, and updates, there was one glaring thing that needed to be addressed. This front walk desperately needed to be cleaned. We bought a power washer a few years ago, so we just needed to get it out and put it to use! (The pressure washer we purchased is no longer available, but it’s similar to THIS
Everyday Moments
A Slice of Life
four things | sixty
I usually write in the morning. It’s when my mind is fresh, and the words flow best. But this morning, as I eyed a ball of cat hair fluff scurry across the studio floor, I decided to get the vacuum, dust cloth, and tidy things up beyond just a quick hit with the vacuum. I moved everything sitting on surfaces (which is a lot of things), and vacuumed every bit of cat hair and dust I could spot. I put
snow day 2026
I love snow. Even living in the Bavarian Alps and in Minnesota didn’t make me tired of it. Living in Florida made me love it even more. So, I was cheering on the snow totals in our area as the forecasts were coming out. We ended up getting much more sleet than they initially thought, but it was still a substantial snow event that cancelled all our normal activities for two days. It’s rare for a pastor to have a
four things | fifty-nine
I know I have a reputation for being a highly productive person here on this blog, but there are days when I faff about and waste time with the best of them. I’ve been glued to the weather reports, surfing blankly online, and generally piddling the morning away. I did catch up with my parents, shipped out a commissioned painting, and varnished another. But I’ve been avoiding diving into actual work. I think the anticipation of a significant snow event
Shopping at the Siena Maket
I was going to share about our day trip to Siena all in one post, but as I was uploading the photos, I realized the post would be ridiculously long with a million photos! So, I decided to break it up into a few shorter, more easily-digestable posts. Our group was going to Siena to shop at the weekly market, tour the city, and meet in the afternoon for tea at the home of one of our Italian hosts and
four things | fifty-eight
As a reminder, my next original art sale is tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 EST. You can see a sale preview HERE. This week has been a busy one for me! I came home from helping my parents on Sunday afternoon, so I had to hit the ground running Monday morning to catch up on things I couldn’t do last week away from my studio. I’ve been catching up on photography, painting, and other things that require more
Dinner in a Castle | Tuscany Creative Retreat
The last time I posted about my time in Italy, I shared about my day spent “home” catching up on rest, writing in my journal, exploring, taking pictures, and sketching and painting. If you missed that post, you can read about that day HERE. In the early evening, the rest of our creative retreat group returned from a day visiting a local organic farm and making pizza from scratch. As much as I didn’t want to miss out on that
Explore painting at your own pace—no experience needed
Free Art Classes for the Creative at Heart
While the world slowed down in the spring of 2020, I found connection and creativity by offering live art classes each Friday—just a simple way to share something joyful during uncertain times. What began as a small spark turned into something truly special. After receiving such kind and encouraging feedback, I decided to turn those lessons into a free online course. Inside, you’ll find nine beginner-friendly oil painting classes covering everything from mixing colors to painting a sweet grazing cow. It’s a gentle, joy-filled place to start (or continue) your painting journey.