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

Decorating

Artistic Endeavors

Kitchin Sketchbook Wrapping Paper

In April of 2021, I went out on a limb and purchased something that spoke to me in a way that sticks out in all of my years of buying and selling antiques.  It was a lot of four antique sketchbooks from the late 1800s to early 1900s by architect and artist George Herbert Kitchin.  I bought them from my (now) dear friend, Julia Butler of Ponder & Purchase.  You can read more about them HERE. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would do with them, but I knew the possibilities were endless.  Aside from my own study and enjoyment of them, it would be fun to share the sketches with others in prints, patterns, and anything my brain can think up. These sketchbooks have led to all sorts of surprising places.  I’ve heard from some of George Herbert Kitchin’s extended family, from an author who has written books about

Read More
Decorating

customizing a winter/Christmas wreath | Christmas decorating

Earlier this week, I showed how I made this full, fluffy Christmas/winter wreath out of two thinner wreaths.  Not only did it add fullness to the wreath, but it added more texture.  You can read all about it and see a video tutorial on how I did it HERE.  The two wreaths I used were and . I really loved the wreath without any additional decoration, but I thought it would be fun to customize it further.  I used things I already had on hand – sprigs of faux greenery, dried orange slices, and a blue and white checked ribbon.  You can see how to dry and decorate with orange slices HERE. I bought the ribbon from Hobby Lobby last year and I wasn’t able to find it online, but here are a few nice alternatives… JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.   The

Read More
All Things Home

2022 advent stockings | christmas decorating

I got a text from Calvin on December 1 and it was one word.  “Advent.”  I was hoping he would just forget about it this year.  Since my boys were toddlers, I’ve done advent stockings for them.  Each day, I fill the stocking with a couple of small toys or treats, one for each boy.  Fun size candy bars, matchbox cars, little brain-teaser puzzles, Lego mini-figures, and other little things I could find.  Both boys have enjoyed it over the years, but it is sacred to Calvin.  I was hoping it could slide this year, but when I saw his text, I knew I needed to make it happen whether I felt ready for it or not.  If all I did was advent stockings, the tree, and presents, that would be enough for this year. So, I headed out to the store and picked up some goodies for the “elves”

Read More
Holiday

fluffy full wreath hack | Christmas decorating

As I shared last week, Christmas decorating this year is about doing the best I can.  It’s about enjoying what I can do and letting go of what I can’t.  And, I have to say, it’s felt pretty good so far.  It’s been slow.  It’s been spurts and starts.  But, it’s been happening at a pace that works for me this season, making it manageable and joyful instead of stressful.  One of the things that inspired me last week was a couple of wreaths I found when I was picking up some lights from Walmart.  Both wreaths were a little on the thin side, but the texture was realistic.  I bought them because I had an idea to use them to make a full, fluffy Christmas wreath. This is the result… The best thing about this Christmas wreath “hack” is that it doesn’t require any tools or materials.  Just two

Read More
Decorating

decorating for Christmas in a “new ” house

When I was in high school, we moved into a newly-built house the day after Christmas.  It was a little strange, but it felt like a part of Christmas.  My new room was the best gift of the year and a place to put my new clothes and CD player.  We moved into this house in mid-September, but it feels like we just moved in.  We’re still getting organized and settled.  There are still so many projects to do, a few boxes to unpack, and things to be organized.  The Christmas season, while welcome, feels like a bit of a disruption.  On top of stripping wallpaper and painting trim, I need to put up and decorate a tree, buy and wrap gifts, and do advent stockings (Calvin sent me a text this morning reminding me of that!) It’s exciting and my favorite time of year, but it feels a little

Read More
All Things Home

furniture key tassels | favorite things

When I shared the antique French vitrine, I pointed out the handmade furniture key tassel I purchased to tie onto that beautiful old original key.  I used to love key tassels and I would hunt for them at discount stores like Tuesday Morning.  I thought they were classic, sophisticated, and a fun little detail.  But, somewhere along the way I sort of forgot about them.  Well, my fellow tassel fans, I have now remembered them! Let’s start with the keys first.  Almost all of my cabinets, dressers, and boxes are antiques and have keyholes.  Only a couple of them came with an original key when I bought them.  So, over the years, I’ve picked up furniture skeleton keys and small keys that might fit into a piece I have or will buy in the future.  While you can , I usually pick them up at antique stores and markets for

Read More
crafts

my top 15 favorite Christmas crafts

Last year, I was particularly in the mood to get crafty for Christmas.  Some years, I just want to focus on big-picture decorating, but last year, it was the details that captured my attention and I really loved it.  I have already dried my oranges and bought the ingredients to make some new salt dough ornaments, so I am ready to start making things!  If you’re feeling that same pull, I hope this curated list of fifteen of my favorite Christmas crafts I’ve made over the years will get your wheels turning… favorite christmas crafts | one | salt dough ornaments I bought some cookie molds on a whim off of an Instagram ad and it felt like it might’ve been a purchase I would regret.  I ended up using those molds to make salt dough ornaments and cinnamon salt dough ornaments and I absolutely love how they turned out. 

Read More
Decorating

christmas decorating sources 2022

I think 2021 was my favorite year so far when it comes to decorating for Christmas.  I started early because I felt like it and I genuinely enjoyed the process, the projects, and relishing the season.  This year, it’s a little harder because we’re still in the middle of projects, painting, and settling in.  I’m going to start decorating after Thanksgiving and I am looking forward to it, but I don’t think it will be quite as magical as last year.  Maybe it’ll surprise me… Since I enjoyed Christmas decorating last year so thoroughly, though, I thought I would share sources for things I used last year that are available again this year. faux stag antlers | faux cedar garland | chunky knit stockings | velvet ribbon The stockings weren’t available for a couple of seasons after I first bought them, but they are back again!  I personalized them with

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