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

Holiday

a slice of life

Isle of Palms 2022

I thought I would share a little bit more about our time at Isle of Palms this year.  If you’d like to read about our trip last year and the things we did, you can check that out HERE. Of course, the highlight of our time at the beach for me is always walking along the beach, collecting shells.  I will write a post sharing how to decorate with shells, showcase some of my favorite finds, and share what catches my eye.  You can read my tips on shelling at Isle of Palms HERE and see who won the shell collection competition of 2022 HERE. The contest was just a bit of fun, but I love the shells I brought home.  They are still sitting in bags because I’ve been preoccupied with packing, but I am looking forward to painting some of them as subjects and using them for various

Read More
a slice of life

beautiful variety | encouragement

I usually get a post up on Mondays, but there was some background maintenance happening on my blog and I wasn’t able to get a post up on time.  That ended up being okay because I had another furniture pick-up this morning and Jeff helped me shuffle furniture around to get things organized a bit better.  For those interested in my moving/packing methods, I will be sharing more details and my thought process.  But, for today, I am tired of packing and moving things and I certainly don’t want to write about it. Let’s talk about a beautiful reminder I received from nature. As I was giving the olive shells collected on Isle of Palms with my mom a more thorough rinsing at home, I left them sitting out, drying on a paper towel for several days.  It’s unlike me to leave something just sitting out, but I found that

Read More
a slice of life

isle of palms | the shell collection contest

As I shared earlier this week and in my Instagram Stories every day, the main activity that my mom plan around is shelling.  We set out at low tide each day and spend an hour or two combing the beach to add to our shell collection. For me, it hits a lot of things.  Of course, it appeals to the collector in me.  I get to hunt and peck and celebrate great finds.  I also love being at the beach (when it’s not too hot!)  As with many, many other people, I find the sound of the waves, the sand beneath my feet, and the water lapping around my bare legs to be relaxing.  It’s what I look forward to anytime a beach trip is on the calendar.  When I’m by myself, I’ll put on a podcast or some music and just melt into my own world.  When I’m with

Read More
a slice of life

shelling tips on Isle of Palms

Shelling is my favorite thing to do on the beach.  I’ll roam along the shore slowly, picking up whatever catches my eye and that I might want to add to my collection of shells that I’ve been working on since I was a girl.  My Oma was a big sheller and my mother after her.  And I’m carrying on the tradition with enthusiasm and I poke around with my toes anytime I’m on a beach.  Isle of Palms is one of the best shelling beaches I’ve been on, but I wanted to share some helpful tips based on my experience.   I’ve been shelling on Isle of Palms twice now, so you can keep that in mind.  You’ll certainly get a lot more insider tips from people who live here, but I can share some lessons learned from shelling here as well as on many other beaches in the Carolinas. Last

Read More
Decorating

elevating the look of an artificial plant

I haven’t taken much time to wander around in a store like Target for quite a while.  I’ve gotten used to placing online or curbside pick-up orders, which are convenient, but I’m realizing I really miss getting out and about regularly.  I’m a homebody, so it’s very easy for me to fall into a pattern of just staying home.  But getting out of my everyday environment (more than just going for a walk around the neighborhood) provides so much inspiration, even if that isn’t the intention.  I can’t help but see things that get the creative wheels turning – color combinations, textures, new products, and books naturally.  I ran a quick errand to my local Target and decided to mill around for a while, looking at things I wasn’t shopping for and didn’t need.  It felt good to not be purpose-driven but to just allow myself to stroll and browse. 

Read More
a slice of life

Bavarian Pretzels (Bretzels) Recipe

For Christmas, I got a cookbook called .  It’s an excellent book if you’re interested in learning about or improving your bread baking.  As I read through it, I was surprised to see a recipe for German/Bavarian soft pretzels (bretzels.)   These delicious soft pretzels spilled over the German border into France and were adopted by the region of Alsace.  For those who don’t know, I’m a military brat who spent most of my childhood in Germany and soft pretzels were my very favorite thing.  I was excited at the idea of being able to make an authentic-tasting recipe at home, so I made my first batch on New Year’s Day. Over my winter break, perfecting Bavarian pretzels became one of my missions.  I think I ended up making five batches over three weeks and I tested, tweaked, and tasted.  Lots of tasting!  I don’t want to say they are perfect

Read More
a slice of life

parker house rolls

Have you tried the “Parker House Rolls” recipe by Half Baked Harvest?  You can find the printable recipe and all of the details HERE.  I made them last year for the first time and they were so delicious.  My family talked about them as Thanksgiving approached this year.  “…and you’re making those rolls, right?”   “Mom, why can’t you make bread like this for just a normal day.”  And, I must admit, as someone who loves bread and butter, I was looking forward to these at Thanksgiving as well.  I’ll be making them again for Christmas along with some cinnamon buns for Christmas eve. English Scullery Chopper | French rolling pin Last year, I tried making the Parker House rolls recipe a day ahead and putting them in the fridge overnight between rises, but they didn’t turn out quite as well as just making them the same day.  While they aren’t

Read More
crafts

mini advent stocking tutorial | Christmas crafts

Disclosure: This mini advent stocking tutorial is sponsored by Walmart.  As always, all words and opinions shared are honest and my own. When I shared my mini advent stockings just a few weeks ago, several people asked me for measurements and more information so they could make their own.  I already have a full set and some extras, but I measured the ones I have, made a template, and made one so I could share a mini advent stocking tutorial.  It’s a little close to Christmas to try to whip out advent stockings, but it would be a fun project to work on over the year with fabric scraps. My set of stockings was originally made by Ann of On Sutton Place and she did a beautiful job on them.  She is so much more precise than I am!  As I was cutting custom tags using the Cricut and other

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