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

Favorite Finds

Antiques

the antique victorian bamboo shelf

Remember the antique Thebes stool I found a few weeks ago at a local antique store?  Well, in that same booth, I found another incredible find at an excellent price – an antique Victorian burnt bamboo shelf.  I think it was $85 with an additional 20%.  As I picked up the rickety old shelf and handed it to Jeff, he gave me a quizzical look.  Trust me.  It’s special.   I have seen these antique burnt bamboo shelves go for a lot of money.  This one, while just a little shifty from being such a waif-like shelf, was in excellent condition.  I normally have a piece in mind where I can use a piece, especially a piece of furniture before I purchase it, but this is the kind of piece you can use in a dozen different places.  I imagined it in the kitchen stack with linens and some copper pots

Read More
All Things Home

favorite things | antique kilim rugs

Let’s talk about one of my favorite recent things – antique and vintage kilim rugs.  I’ve been admiring vintage and antique rugs in general because of the warmth and sense of history they bring to a room, but I’ve been interested in kilim rugs for a few reasons.  “Kilim” is a Turkish word meaning a flat woven rug that doesn’t have a pile.  This means they are hardwearing, pet/kid-friendly, and ideal for high-traffic areas.  They are also more affordable than most of their antique/vintage rug counterparts.  I have been buying them for use in halls, bathrooms, and in front of doors (they are great for those places because they are so flat), but they also come in large, area-rug sizes. The shop I’ve been purchasing my rugs from is Kilim Rug Home.  The owner has impressive reviews, offers great pricing, is very attentive when it comes to questions, and offers

Read More
All Things Home

framed antique indenture

When I shared the living room curtains earlier this week, a few of you noticed the framed antique indenture hanging on the wall over the sofa.  Well, let’s talk about this piece of custom-made art! First off, let’s talk about what an indenture is since most of us are familiar with it only in terms of servitude.  An indenture is simply a contract and the subject of that contract can be a variety of subjects including labor, marriage, property, settlements, and more.  Second, you can find for a wide variety of prices but can get bargains for around $25. The price is based on the age, size, quality, and subject of the indenture.  I bought mine from last year.  I know she has more, so send her a message on her Instagram HERE if you’re interested in details. My particular antique indenture is a marriage contract from 1842 and is

Read More
All Things Home

the antique thebes stool

When Jeff and I went on an outing last Monday, we walked through an antique store to look for some of the furniture pieces still on my shopping list.  I tried to stay focused on my list, but it is hard to ignore pieces that speak to me.  Such was the case with this odd little stool.  I had never seen one like it, but after years of antiquing, I know when I see something special and this little stool was special.  Better yet, it was well priced at around $30 and was discounted even further.  I handed the stool to Jeff and he gave me a questioning look.  I know it’s not on the list, but there is something about this piece and I want to buy it.  He’s learned to trust me in such matters and carried it up to the counter.  I have since learned that the

Read More
All Things Home

Lucketts Fall Market 2022 Recap

The last few days have been a whirlwind and I finally have a chance to sit down and write to share what I’ve been up to.  Some of it has been personal – attending a banquet, Jeff’s installation into his new pastoral position (which included a very warm welcome for our entire family), enjoying fall colors from a local overlook (Pen Mar), and finally unpacking my suitcase; and some of it has been in that strange hybrid world where my hobbies and business collide – attending the Lucketts Fall Market, moving things back into the rooms where the hardwood floors were installed, and shopping for more pieces to fill holes, and starting to put my studio together.  There is so much to share, but let’s start with the Lucketts Fall Market that my mom and I attended on Friday. On Thursday, I picked up a cargo van in the hopes

Read More
All Things Home

the first thing I bought for our new house | antique brass andirons

Before we get to the antique brass andirons, I need to thank you for all of the words of encouragement yesterday! I think it can be easy to glamourize moving into a new home, but it’s a tough process even if it’s a happy move into a lovely home.  Things felt more settled and normal yesterday and I slept like a rock last night.  Despite the stacks of boxes waiting to be unpacked, I made biscuits for breakfast, which made the kitchen smell and feel homey.  I sat at the table in the room that will be my studio and wrote a blog post.  I hung some of my clothes in the closet, did a load of laundry, and went to the grocery store. It was a few steps towards a new normal in this house and that felt good. Before we go forward into this new house and some

Read More
Antiques

Syracuse Ornamental Company Catalogue 1923

Last week, jeff wanted to get in on the antique store diversion.  He was just dying to walk around antique stores to carry my purchases, load a dresser in the van for my mom, and give me the side-eye when I wanted to buy anything.  Of course, I’m being sarcastic, but he actually wanted to drive me around and take me to some of my old favorite shops.  He has enjoyed seeing the things I’ve bought for our new house and is excited about helping me with future building and design projects.  He knows I sold a lot of stuff and supports me in spending the money I saved on things I love.  He’s a keeper.  Anyway, there were a lot of tempting things at On a Whim and the surrounding stores, but the only thing I bought was a Syracuse Ornamental Company catalogue from 1923.  The minute I spotted

Read More
All Things Home

antique sewing box & birds-eye maple writing slope

I’ve always loved little boxes.  Even when I was a girl, I had a few small boxes, mostly made of wood, for keeping little treasures.  So, naturally, that has carried over into adulthood, specifically when it comes to boxes that hold creative supplies.  I’ve shared about my love of artist paint boxes (oh, those are so irresistible), but I’m not going to limit my antique box horizons. So, this past week, I picked up a couple more antique wooden boxes to bring to our next house. The first one is an from the 1800s.  I saw it in a case and dismissed it as likely being too expensive, but then I saw the booth was running a 50% off sale.  I confirmed the sale was for the entire booth and asked to have a closer look at the box.  With the 50% off sale, it would be discounted to $80

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