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All Things Home

All Things Home

the stuff series | to the keeper of the stuff

In this series, I was going to head in a lighter direction, since we talked about stuff with strings last time, but I decided to continue to wade in deep waters and write to those who are the “keeper of the stuff”. This is the person who ends up with all of the family stuff that “needs” to be preserved for future generation.  It’s not cut and dry, though.  There are different categories of keepers… 1.) Those who are willingly, perhaps even enthusiastically, stewards of family items. This is the easiest category to deal with, because they want the stuff and don’t mind giving up living or storage space to preserve some family history.  I would consider myself in this category. We have some boxes of family photos, genealogy books, papers to prove we’re descendants of those who fought in the Revolutionary war, my Opa’s WWII letters to his mom, mini-balls

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All Things Home

Color Palette for the Next House

Another great conversation on “stuff” yesterday!   My brother and I spoke about it this afternoon and I’m going to write another post soon to “the keeper of the stuff”…the people who end up with all of the important family items and feel a little overwhelmed by them and the weight of responsibility they bring.  I know I won’t have all of the answers on that topic, either, but we can talk about it and hopefully it will be an encouragement to someone! Tonight, though, I’m going to take a break from stuff and dream a little bit.  If you know me at all, you know that I am excited at the prospect of having a whole new house to put my stamp on!  As Jeff has been conducting his job search, of course, I look at the job descriptions with him and we pray about them and look at

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All Things Home

the stuff series | stuff with strings

I loved reading all of your comments in response to my “Purpose of Stuff” post, the first installment of The Stuff Series.  It really is interesting what an engaging topic “stuff” is. So, now that we’ve talked about the purpose of stuff, let’s go right to one of the most sensitive stuff categories… “stuff with strings” When I started typing this post, I thought it would be pretty straightforward, but once I got into the thick of it, I realized this is a tricky one and I don’t have all of the answers!  So, take this post or leave it.  It’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all solution to a dicey dilemma.  And, if you have some wisdom or experience to offer, just leave it in the comments below! So, if you have stuff with strings in your house, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Usually it’s stuff you’ve been

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All Things Home

edelweiss spoons & yard sale preview

Today, I am sharing a gift one of my sweet readers sent me a few months ago… …these beautiful, little spoons with edelweiss on the handles.  For those who don’t know, I grew up in Germany and spent the first two years in Bavaria and I remember seeing edelweiss up close and in person on a few hikes. I actually did pick one (illegally, I might add), but I was a kid and didn’t know better.  I think my brother informed me and included that I would probably be arrested, which caused me a lot of angst! Anyway, it was such a thoughtful gift and I love them. And second, I wanted to share a preview of our yard sale.  We’re still adding to the pile, but I want to give potential shoppers a sense of what will be there.  First of all, the yard sale will be at my

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All Things Home

the stuff series | the purpose of stuff

Guess what I did today? Yeah, more packing.  I thought I might actually be able to take a break from it today, but before I know it, the day was filled with sorting through items and putting them in boxes, a trash bag, or the yard sale/donate pile. And all of this packing has made me think a lot about stuff.  What we keep, why we keep it, why certain things are harder to get rid of then others.  It really is a fascinating thing. So, let’s talk about stuff!  A whole series on stuff!!  Seriously. Welcome to “The Stuff Series“. Sooo…as I have been thinking about where to start this series and, as I’ve been making decisions about everything that goes into a box the past two weeks, I kept coming back to the same question… What is the purpose of stuff? Have you ever really thought about the purpose of the stuff

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All Things Home

when I just can’t…

I think you will agree that a before and after is more enjoyable than a before and quit-in-the-middle.  But that is the truth of furniture rehab or DIY in general.  Sometimes projects are abandoned. Several months ago, I bought two upholstery projects.  I was on the furniture-makeover-victory high from finishing the tufted sofa, so I felt like I could tackle anything.  The “deconstructed chair” that turned out not being deconstructed was one of them… It took me a few months, but I did finally finish that piece. With a happy ending, I might add.   This settee was the other one… Before I even started working on it, I received an e-mail from a regular customer asking to buy the settee once it was finished.  She loved the style and the size was perfect for her space. Oh, a buyer already!  That will be great motivation to get this piece completed and sold.

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All Things Home

the by-product of a beautiful environment

I took an online landscape watercolor journaling class a couple of months ago through the Jeanne Oliver Creative Network.  The class was taught by Michelle Wooderson and I was not only inspired by the techniques and studies, but how Michelle paid so much attention to the details of all of her supplies.  Every element was thoughtful and personal.  I mean, now I *needed* a rubber date stamp for my sketches and watercolors! And as soon as I saw her mixing her paint in little ironstone butter pats…  well, there was no denying that she’s a kindred spirit.  As I was watching the videos, I found myself more interested in her supplies than the assignment! It’s like her artwork was just a by-product that sprang forth out of the beautiful environment it was created in. Since that class, I’ve been following her on Instagram @mishwooderson .  If you already love art supplies, you’re in for

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All Things Home

the bird & the bee

No, we’re not having that conversation. I’m sharing another pre-Lucketts find that I ended up “shopping” from the pile before we packed it in the truck.  It’s a really lovely original oil painting I spotted in an antique store for a bargain… less than $20. It’s a bouquet of flowers with a bird next to it… …and a bee on one of the blossoms… When I shared this painting on Instagram, a few people commented that they have this print.  I looked up the artist and I didn’t find anything, so I’m thinking they are either similar or this artist painted a study of the work of a more famous artist, perhaps? (Update: Someone shared that it is a study of a painting called “Roses” by Jean Baptiste.  I actually like my copy better!) Well, whatever the case, I love it.  I did put a tag on it, but that

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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.

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May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

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