shelling diaries 2026 | part one
We are back in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, for Spring Break. We love coming this time of year because it’s still “off season”, so it isn’t crowded, and it’s rarely overly hot. We can still have some warm, sticky days, and we do risk having gloomy, cold days that aren’t great for the beach, […]
revisiting a special place in Florence
On our last two visits to Florence, Mom and I tried to find a specific place: a piazza where my brother and I each sat for a pastel portrait. We even described it to the private guide who led us around the city in 2019, and she wasn’t sure where we could find it. We […]
four things | sixty-six
A few days ago, we were tempted into thinking we had turned the corner into spring. We had some warmish, sunny days that couldn’t be missed. I enjoyed walking outside without my face turning pink from the cold. But this week, I went out walking in the morning and realized it was in the 20s […]
what makes you an artist
This is a quote from Junot Díaz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, that I wrote in my notebook years ago. I’ve probably shared it here before, but I thought I would share it again. “A writer is not a writer because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does […]
our hotel in Florence
In previous years, we’ve just spent one night in Florence and left early the next morning to fly home. Both times, we happened to be there on a Monday when all the museums were closed. For this trip, we decided we would stay two nights, so we could visit a couple of the museums and […]
the last day in Sovicelle, Italy
Our last day of the Prone to Wander retreat was spent at the farm (podere) with a relaxed schedule. After a late breakfast, we gathered for a cooking class taught by Orsa, our host and the culinary mind behind the lunches and dinners we ate at the retreat. She has her degree in culinary anthropology, […]
Recent Blog Posts
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
options to improve a drop ceiling
Since it comes up every time I show our basement here, on Instagram, or anywhere on the Internet, let’s discuss the eyesore that is drop ceilings and some of the available options to improve them. Let me first declare that I am anti-drop ceiling. I understand their practicality, affordability, and necessity in some circumstances, but I am still not a fan. And, in my house, I strongly dislike having a drop ceiling. I would say hate, but I don’t think
Amazon Prime Day Deals
I usually don’t do shopping/sale posts, but as I was checking out Amazon Prime Day Deals, I noticed several items I own, love, and have shared in previous posts over the years are dramatically discounted, so I thought it was worth sharing. While I do provide links to products here on the blog (I learned years ago that people almost always ask), I never want to push shopping and consumerism. We are all consumers to some extent, but I hope
painted basement paneling
When I shared the basement last week, the wallpaper was primed and painted, and it was already looking worlds better! I have learned that when I have momentum, it’s best to let that carry me into the next thing, which was priming and painting the paneling, trim, doors, and shelves. The doors and shelves were going to be the biggest pain, so I decided to work on those over a couple of days, making the rest of the painting relatively
four things | thirty-seven
As I type this blog post, new LED panel lights are being installed in our basement! I can’t wait to see that space properly lit and bright. I put off my painting until the new lights were installed so I could see better. I hope to have that done next week. My four things this week – Restoring Williamsburg, Alone Africa, regret & gardening overalls, and hiring out annoying jobs. what I’m reading My research of Thomas Jefferson’s gardens at
sometimes you just need to do the thing…
Let’s rewind a few weeks… I planted a boxwood hedge in the front garden too close to the house and porch, and after a bunch of advice from seasoned gardeners, I moved everything. Feeling like I was sure to make more rookie mistakes, I froze. I had containers of English lavender in a plastic holder, as well as more pots of unplanted boxwood, sitting around the front garden for a couple of weeks. I would put on my overalls, head
removing english ivy two ways
There was a time when I thought English ivy was charming. I mean, it is. When you see it growing up old brick homes, there is something beautiful about it. Now that I have lived in a mid-century brick home that was half-eaten by English ivy, I no longer find it charming. It stains the brick, it grows in windows and screens, it chokes out bushes and trees, and it’s incredibly hard to remove and control once it’s gone unchecked.
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
beach photos with 70-200 Sigma lens
It’s been over five years since I bought a new piece of camera gear. As I grew as a photographer, I kept upgrading my camera body and lenses so my gear could grow along with my ability. When I’ve taught photography workshops over the years, I would discourage fledgling photographers from going out and buying a bunch of new gear. Use and get to know what you have, even if it’s just the camera on a smartphone, and you’ll know
March 28, 2025 | original art sale preview
My next original art sale is scheduled and happening this Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm Eastern. In this original art sale, I have pieces ranging from 5 x 7 ($75) up to 12 x 16 ($500.) Animals, landscapes, seascapes, still life, and a couple of master studies are all included in this collection. I’ve also included vintage frames on a couple of pieces. There are two pieces I painted in acrylics for a painting workshop I taught
free oil painting paint along | geraniums in terra cotta pot
I filmed this oil painting tutorial over a year ago and, for some reason, never edited it! I think it felt a little overwhelming at the time and abandoning it seemed to be easier than getting it ready to post. I’ve had more requests for painting tutorials and paint-a-long videos, so I decided to finally dust this off and post it. In most cases, the painting videos I make have been and will continue to be tutorials with instruction and
#indexcardartproject 2025 | free oil painting tutorial | index card “D”
If you’re just joining us for the #indexcardartproject of 2025, you can catch up in these posts… Details & Materials for the Project Inspiration and References Oil Painting Tutorial | Card “C” In this post, I’m sharing another oil painting video tutorial. Instead of using an Edward Seago painting as a reference, we’ll be painting from one of my own reference photos. It’s available for free on Artist Reference Photos (and all of the photos are royalty-free if you want
#indexcardartpoject 2025 | free oil painting video tutorial | card “c”
For those who have been waiting for another paint-a-long video, this post is for you! I am going to film painting a few of my index cards since they are great little studies for beginners, those new to oil paints, or those who want to do a little painting exercise with me. For this card, card “C”, I’m painting a quick and loose study of an Edward Seago painting. If you’re just hopping into the 2025 Index Card Art Project,
Index Card Art Project 2025 | Inspiration & References
For those joining me in the #indexcardartproject (or those who are just interested in following along), I decided to walk through my inspiration for this project along with some of the reference photos I’m using. I’m going to stick with landscapes as I did for the previous two Index Card Art Projects, primarily because I haven’t worked on landscapes lately and would like to give them some attention. Little studies are a great way to practice color mixing and composition.
Seasonal
Fall
HGTV.com Halloween Tutorials & Matthew Mead
I know it’s only August, but Hobby Lobby is already gearing up for Christmas, so I can share my HGTV.com Halloween tutorials, right? I actually worked on all of these last November. Wow, how time flies. Here they are… Chalkboard Treat Bucket Witches Broom Place Card Holders Burlap Halloween Table Runner Foam Halloween Tombstones Vintage Inspired Halloween Banner Halloween Applique Pillow Pumpkin Topiary “Grain Sack” Pumpkin Fall Leaf Lampshade We never decorated for Halloween when I was growing up,
Happy Thanksgiving!
May your table be beautiful, your turkey be tasty and your family be nice to each other… …and may you be thankful even if they’re not. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Preserving Fall’s Bounty
My seasonal decorating is all out of order. I have been working on Christmas stuff since September and now I’m working on my fall decor for next year! HGTV.com has me writing several holiday decor tutorials for them and I need to work on the ones that require fresh pumpkins and the great outdoors before the season changes to winter. Our “leaf peak” has passed in Pennsylvania, so I needed to preserve some leaves for my photo shoots before they were
Grain Sack Pumpkins? Oh yeah.
Today, I have the privilege of being a guest on one of my favorite blogs, Dreamy Whites. (I’ve been guesting a lot lately, haven’t I?) Anyway, Maria is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever “meet” and she has an impeccable style sense and knows how to wield a camera. If you have not been to her blog, you must check it out. Maria asked me to share a fall decorating idea with her readers and I was happy to
at home
All Things Home
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
progress on the custom A/C surround
When I last shared about the custom A/C screen/surround we’re building, it looked like this… My dad came over on Thursday to help me with turning those primed and painted pieces into finished panels. My dad and I are a good building team because we have a similar approach – done is better than perfect. Several times, we said something like, “We’re not sending anyone to space in this thing, so it’ll do.” Even Jeff, who usually brings more perfectionism
Everyday Moments
A Slice of Life
christmas gifts
Well, this has been the Monday-est Tuesday I can remember! I spent almost my entire morning on the phone with tech support because of a Carbonite (backup) glitch that put a 4.2 terabyte log on my hard drive, taking up over half of my enormous hard drive and choking my computer. Anyway, I’m relieved it was a simple problem, but it’s thrown my day off schedule. Anyway, such is life. I wanted to share a few of the gifts I
What I did on my 2025 Christmas Vacation
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones, and a restful time during the (generally) quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s. My Christmas vacation, like many things in life, was a mixed bag. While I wasn’t sharing online, I still spent a lot of time working – planning for 2026, working at my easel for the next original art sale, reading, and writing. That was balanced with rest, though. We watched movies and TV series, ate
four things | fifty-six
I cannot believe we are a week away from Christmas! When I was a kid, I felt like December would last forever. It was torturously long. As a middle-aged adult, it flies by. I blinked, and over half of it is gone. Such is life, though. The hours are long and the years are short. I’m looking forward to the quiet, slow days between Christmas and New Year’s, though. I think that might be my favorite week of the year.
straddling creative fences | creative business
In my creative work, I’ve often straddled fences. One foot in refinishing furniture and another in writing a book. One foot in managing a paint brand, while the other is in freelance articles and photography. I have always enjoyed the flexibility and stimulation that comes with hopping from one side of the fence to the other. I have also learned over the years that one creative endeavor often speaks to another. I get writing ideas when I’m working in the
four things | fifty-five
It’s been a cold week here in Maryland, and even as I write this, flurries are gently falling. We’re not having any sticking snow, but it’s been nice to watch little flakes flutter out of my studio window this morning. I wish we had more snow! When we moved here from Minnesota, everyone commented on how happy we must be to leave those winters behind. In truth, I mourn Minnesota winters. I loved having snow on the ground all winter,
four things | fifty-four
Between Thanksgiving break spent with family and trying to get my gift guides posted, I didn’t share my four things last week! It’s that time of year when I start feeling a little crunched to post everything in a timely manner. But I really love writing this post each week. It gives me a catch-all place to share bits and pieces of my work and life. Here are my four things for the week: Art & Fear, Dickensian, “they call
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.