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

Favorite Finds

Favorite Finds

The Chapel Market Preview

Here we are!  Right on the brink of the Chapel Market, which happens this Saturday, October 25, 2014.  It starts at 9:00 am and admission is $3.00.  (The address is 24 Ring Around Rd, Pike Road, Alabama 36064.)  I will be set up inside the chapel meeting hall, in the same space I was in last year. I have been shopping, painting, sewing, cleaning, fixing and pricing for several weeks to get ready for the show and I think this is my favorite booth I’ve ever put together.  I shopped with a specific theme in mind – French Blue Farmhouse White.  I viewed this much more as curating than just shopping for things I knew I could make a profit on.  I wanted a cohesive look.  I think this booth is most “me” of any that I’ve done.  I feel like any one of these pieces would look right at home

Read More
Artistic Endeavors

cha-ching

I keep a running list in the back of my mind of antiques I’d like to buy if ever the piece, price and timing are right.  Through the years, I’ve found some of those pieces…an industrial cart, a dress form, an ironstone cake pedestal to name a few.  One thing on that list was an antique cash register.  I thought it would be so fun to use at sales and events.  And honestly, it would just look amazing sitting on a counter.  Of course, I didn’t have a shop/studio space or a counter for that matter, until a few weeks ago.  And, just when the timing was right, I found a beautiful antique cash register, in working order, for an amazing price.  About a fourth of what they are usually priced when I spot them. This beauty is everything I wanted…the ornate case, the wood base, the original glass case, functioning keys and

Read More
Favorite Finds

Pine Cone Hill 20th Anniversary Bed & Giveaway

I mentioned earlier this week that a big giveaway was coming up…the biggest one I’ve ever had on my blog.  Well, this is it. I started working with Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert a few years ago when they sent a rug to borrow for my home office makeover.  It was being photographed for Flea Market Style magazine and they asked me to pick out a rug with some pop.  I fell in love with that rug and was able to purchase it after the shoot.  From that point on, I’ve partnered with Annie Selke companies for various things.  They outfitted my new master bedroom bed not long ago and have sent me some beautiful rugs, pillows and poufs for various photo shoots and makeovers. When Pine Cone Hill asked me to design a bed to feature in the month of October to help them celebrate their 20th anniversary, it was a no-brainer.

Read More
Artistic Endeavors

milk crate & a peek at the settee

When Kriste and I went shopping last Friday, I was looking mostly for pieces to sell at the Chapel Market, but I was also looking for one specific piece for a specific photo shoot – a milk crate.  I didn’t have a particular style in mind, but I figured I would know it when I saw it.  And I did.  Kriste and I spotted this beauty and there was a silent acknowledgement at the awesomeness of the milk crate.  Maybe there was a slight gasp, but words didn’t need to be exchanged.  I turned it around to look at the price.  It was $59.  I cringed.  That’s a lot more than the $20 range I had in mind. I looked up at Kriste, “It’s $59.  Do you think that’s worth it?” “Oh yeah.” “Yeah.  I thought so.” I’ve learned in my years of hunting for antiques that sometimes it’s better

Read More
Favorite Finds

industrial cart & the andrews sisters

I’ve been eyeing industrial carts for years now.  They have so many things going for them!  Really cool hardware, wheels, warm patina on the wood and sometimes even great stenciled graphics and typography, if you’re lucky.  While I’ve always petted them in antique stores and opened the listings on Criag’s List, I’ve never felt compelled to actually buy one.  When my kids were younger, I was worried about little fingers being caught in the wheels and stuck with splinters.  They’re also really heavy and usually pretty large, so they are tough to even get home!  I’ve turned over the tags, given them second glances and even called Jeff for a second opinion once or twice, but I never bought one…until Friday. Kriste and I went to a local antique mall that has several buildings and a wide variety of antiques…everything from kitschy-not-really-antique things to high end museum quality pieces, so you never really

Read More
Favorite Finds

two antique sofas

I’ve been hunting for a sofa for the studio for a few weeks now.  I wanted one that has a great look for photo shoots, but is something we can also sit on or take a power-nap on…depending on the day!  I also didn’t want to pay a lot for one, so when I saw this pretty caned back sofa on Craig’s List for $80, I jumped at it. Aside from the obvious…new cushion covers, refreshing the finish, it needs some structural work and comfort-enhancing upholstery work done as well.  I think we can get it looking and sitting pretty with some elbow grease. For now, I threw an antique hemp sheet over it and plopped on a ticking pillow. This has me thinking I may make a loose slipcover for the cushions instead of making a cover for each one. I’ll start dissecting it once I have a good

Read More
Favorite Finds

recent furniture finds

I’m pretty set on larger pieces like dressers and cabinets for the Chapel Market show in October, so I’ve been looking mostly for “smalls” and smaller pieces of furniture like chairs, stools, small benches, etc.  Remember the theme is French Blue Farmhouse White, so I’m looking for pieces that work with that theme.  Here are a few of the small pieces of furniture I picked up while out shopping last week… I’ve always had a thing for antique baby stuff, which is a little weird, because I’m not what you would call a “baby person.”  I have friends like that who have to cuddle every baby in the room and just can’t get enough.  I’ll hold a baby if someone asks me to, but I rarely seek it out.  But, there’s something about antique baby gear that tugs at my heartstrings.  So, when I spotted this antique high chair in

Read More
Artistic Endeavors

the perfect place for a gift…

Today I was getting ready for my trip to Toronto.  It suddenly occurred to me yesterday that even though I’m driving about the distance I would to visit family in Raleigh, I am going to another country!  I needed to call my bank and cell phone provider and get everything lined up, so my credit card isn’t turned off for suspected fraud and I can call Jeff.  I also tried on outfits, did laundry, checked and double-checked my list and the usual things one does before heading out of town.  I’m bringing some things from my house to populate the booth at the Home Show, so it looks very “me” to my readers.  I also had to bring things for demos, etc.  We’re packed pretty close to the hilt and my mom and I will be putting our van over 200,000 miles on this trip, so we’d appreciate prayers that we

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