Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

a slice of life

a slice of life

four things | sixteen

Can you believe it’s almost February?  Didn’t we just start decorating for Christmas?  Someone once told me that when you have kids, you press the fast-forward button on your life.  Of course, time travels at the same pace whether you have kids or not, but it does feel like the days, months, and years are going faster than they used to!  In the final days of January, here are my four things… what I’m reading After being a bit lazy with my daily walks, I am back to walking 3+ miles a day.  I have learned that December and January feel like hibernation months for me.  I just want to knit, paint, read, snuggle in hoodies, eat soup and bread, and give myself a bit of a break.  As an added bonus for my winter-loving self, we’ve had a couple of nice snows along with periods of below-freezing temperatures, so

Read More
All Things Home

the lost art of polishing & ironing

Last week, I took some time to pay a bit of attention to my pens and pencils.  If you use disposable ballpoint pens, that might sound like an odd task, but I primarily use fountain pens, refillable mechanical pencils, and even refillable ballpoint pens.  Several of my pens and pencils are silver or brass, which need to be polished now and then.  I realize not everyone would want to spend time out of their day to polish their pencils and fiddle with a clogged nib on a fountain pen, but I found delight in the chore. Even though we have more time-saving and labor-saving devices than ever, we use more disposable things than ever. I’m not judging anyone who uses disposable things for their ease.  I used disposable diapers for my boys.  I use paper plates and cups when we have a lot of people over, paper towels for rags

Read More
a slice of life

four things | fifteen

This has been a quiet week and colder than usual for this area (Washington County, Maryland.)  I’ve spent a lot of time painting, writing, sketching, and other good cold-weather pursuits.  While it’s been in the single digits and teens much of the week, with a layer of crunchy snow on the ground, I’m already thinking about the garden waking up in a few weeks and what I want to tackle in the yard this year.  But, there are a few more weeks of reading, knitting, and indoor projects before we get there.  I’ll enjoy my hoodies, wool socks, and soup as long as I can. Here are my favorites from this winter week… what I’m reading I received an advance copy of Patina Homes & Gardens by the ever-talented Steve and Brooke Giannetti.  It comes out in just five days!  I have their other books, Patina Homes and Patina Farms, which

Read More
a slice of life

Instant Pot Newbie

Look out world, Marian has an Instant Pot! So, I’ve been considering the Instant Pot for a few years, but I never really bought into the idea that I needed one.  (Am I the only one who thought it was an Insta-pot?)  Anyway, I tested out an air fryer a couple of years ago and I finally gave it away because I never latched onto it.  I have a crockpot that I only use if I’m bringing soup to a church potluck.  I love good kitchen tools, but when it comes to cooking methods, I’m used to the stove, oven, and microwave.  I’ve almost bought an Instapot on a couple of occasions and backed away, not sure if I would use it enough to justify storing it. What finally convinced me I would use it is rice.  My inlaws have used the Instapot to cook rice on a couple of

Read More
a slice of life

four things | fourteen

I’ve heard from several of my blog readers that they enjoy my Four Things series and it’s given them ideas for how to share on their own blogs or social media or even just in their personal records.  I’m so glad to hear that!  I always hope my blog posts will be a jumping-off point for the creative work (and hobbies) of those who read it. For those who have been waiting for my next original art sale, it will be happening next Friday, January 24, 2025.  I’ll post a preview with more details, available works, sizes, and prices on Monday. So, here are my four things… what I’m reading I’ve been researching the history of record keeping for the past few months and, believe it or not, it has been a fascinating subject that has led me down more rabbit holes and to more books.  I’ve been reading about

Read More
a slice of life

white chicken chili recipe

I have a new favorite soup to add to my weekly rotation – white chicken chili.  Okay, it’s a chili, not a soup, but it falls into that soup, stew, chili category that I love so much.  I make a huge pot of the soup du jour at the beginning of each week, store it in jars in the fridge, and we eat off it all week.  It’s easy, quick, healthy lunches and dinners (and Jeff sometimes eats soup for breakfast, but I can’t get on board with that insanity) on hand.  Chili is one of Jeff’s favorites, but I am not a big fan of tomatoes, so traditional chili doesn’t get me too excited.  If I pack it with enough pasta and cheese, I can tolerate it, but that sort of defeats the purpose of eating a healthy soup.  But, I love creamy soups, so a white chicken chili

Read More
a slice of life

four things | thirteen

Here we are at the first four things of 2025!  I’ve enjoyed this little round-up of favorite things.  Even if you don’t share online, I would encourage you to keep a list of what you’re up to each week.  It can be informally as a list of what you’re reading, what you’re watching, what you’re loving, and what you’re working on.  I guarantee keeping a simple record will make you more observant, intentional, and aware.  It’s also fun to look back to see how you’re spending your time, what you’re taking in, and how you’re growing.  As I shared yesterday, it’s all practice for who you’re becoming. So, here are my four things… what I’m reading I’ve been listening to the audiobook Camille Pissarro: The Audacity of Impressionism while on walks or when I’m getting ready in the morning and it’s been such a fascinating read.  As the title suggests,

Read More
a slice of life

top 10 posts of 2024

At the beginning of the new year, I always like to check out my analytics to see the list of the most popular blog posts from the previous year.  I don’t pay too much attention to analytics generally, because I write for people, not for algorithms and search engines, but it’s nice to know which posts were most visited, perhaps most helpful, timely, or resonating.  Interestingly, the top posts were rarely written in that same calendar year.  They are usually posts that have gained some traction on Google, Pinterest, or a social media platform.  For years, my top post was how to make a seat cushion!  (You can find that HERE if you need it.)  It has fallen off of my top ten list and other practical posts have replaced it. Here are the top ten blog posts from 2024… Salt dough, humble as it is, has been having a

Read More

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.

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest