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Running a Business

Today is THE day!

Today is a big day!  Not only is it election day here in the US, which affects a lot of people, but it’s a big day for me personally.  Today is the official release date of my book, Inspired You.  The book has actually been available for a couple of weeks, but now it’s widely available and the e-book is now available. The enhanced e-book will also be available soon through Apple.  The enhanced e-book is more than just the book in an electronic format.  There is a video for each chapter that shares additional tips and ideas.  I think Thomas Nelson also shows more of the pictures I submitted as well.  (I turned in over 500 and I think there are about 250 in the final copy of the book.)   To give you an idea what the videos will be like, here is the Chapter 1 video – How to

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Antiques

stuff I bought & dorking out

This is a dangerous profession.  Well, not dangerous like Alaskan crab fishing or building skyscrapers, but dangerous for someone who loves antiques and is surrounded by beautiful ones regularly.  I do sell most of the things I buy, but there are some pieces I have to keep.  I have rules for myself, though.  I have to have a perfect place for it and I have to sell other things in order to keep something.  That way, I’m always making money (or breaking even) and I have the chance to “trade up.”  (And I don’t have storage units full of French chairs that are discovered when I shuffle off.) Anyway, I’ve been having a hard time finding the perfect display piece for my space.  I’ve been borrowing one from Suzanne for a few weeks, but I really needed to find something permanent.  My neighbor vendor brought in this piece on Thursday and

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buying & selling antiques

my first book signing…

  It was wonderful.   It was a little chilly, but I brought an antique wool “car robe” I bought at a yard sale for $8.00 years ago.  It’s pretty toasty.     So many wonderful ladies came to visit and buy the book or bring a book for me to sign.         Thanks to all who came to hang out today and for all who left sweet comments on my post yesterday.  Made me feel like a million bucks. My husband came around lunch time to bring me some food and help out.  He was so sweet.  I was a little awkward with the self-promoting thing and just sat behind the table and smiled at people who were shopping in the tent.  When he came in, he started propping my book up around the tent. “People need to see them.  We should put up a banner

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buying & selling antiques

Lucketts Holiday Open House 2012

Not only is tomorrow the first day of the famous Lucketts Holiday Open House, but it’s also my very first book signing.  I feel sort of nervous about it…well, really nervous about it.  I don’t know what to expect.  I do know that I’m just going to enjoy the ride.  I also know that I am going to be sitting at this table in a beautifully-decorated tent tomorrow at 10:00 am.   I couldn’t have imagined a prettier place.  I love the painted shelf behind and the blue-striped grain sack runner.  Perfect for me.   Yes, I am in a tent in northern Virginia in November, so I will be dressing WARM!  I was going to try to look really cute but I think a sweatshirt will be required.  Oh well, that’s me anyway and I’m going to be sitting behind that table tomorrow because I’ve just been me through

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crafts

how to make glittery pine cones

 This project is simple, but I was so happy with how beautiful and elegant these glittered pine cones turned out that I thought I would share a tutorial on how I made them.     I bought these over-sized pine cones from Hobby Lobby, but you can use freebies collected from your yard or an obliging neighbor. Insert a small screw eye into the woody end of the pine cone.  I just twisted it in with my fingers, but you can use a drill or a small nail to create a pilot hole, if necessary.   I then applied some Elmer’s School Glue with a 1″ wash brush to the tips of the pine cone.  (I have no idea what those things are called and I actually Googled “anatomy of a pine cone” and still couldn’t find the proper name.)   For some crazy reason, I thought, “This must be what it’s

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buying & selling antiques

glittery & Sandy

The Lucketts Holiday Open House is next weekend and it really crept up on me.  I usually start making ornaments in September, but I didn’t start until last week this year.  Because of my late start, I’m just making German glass glitter ornaments and won’t be making any of my sheet music ornaments.  In addition to glittered stars, words and pretty shapes, I’m making a bunch of over-sized glittered pine cones.   (My entire dining room is sparkly.)   I’m bringing 25 huge rolls of 2″ burlap ribbon.  This stuff is great for trimming a tree, garland, swags, and making wreaths.  (Oh!!  I bet it would even look cool woven and then sewn into a tree skirt or a stocking lined with cotton…hmmm…)   I’m also selling some beautiful Christmas cards by Jennifer Carrol Designs.   When I was shopping last week I found an adorable antique berry tote that is perfect to

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Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

French Chair Makeover & White Wash Tutorial

Before I show these chairs, I am letting you know that I am selling them.  Yes, they are cane chairs and they are beautifully Frenchy, but I’ve recently made room for two pairs of French chairs and I just can’t make room for a third.  Now it’s out there and you can hold me to it!  (It’s tough for me.)   This pair of chairs have a beautiful shape, but a finish that wasn’t quite right for my taste.   I painted the pair in Shutter Gray Milk Paint followed by a wash of Ironstone and one coat of Furniture Wax.  The wash brings out the details of the piece and softens the finish to give it a soft, aged look.     It’s a subtle finish, but makes a big difference, especially on a piece with lots of detail.   Here’s my latest video tutorial to show how simple

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Antiques

the 1840’s hutch

Alright, alright!  I kept it.  I did!!  I just wasn’t sure I wanted to sell it, yet, so I sold some other things instead.  I may just need to love this piece for a while and then I’ll be ready to let it go or I may never be ready.    We’ll see.  I love the warm wood of the piece…   …and this glass.  Oh my word.  It’s the original glass and the bubbles and waves are amazing.  I think the glass is the reason I’m so in love.  Some girls get swoony over diamonds…just give me a sheet of 100+ year old glass and I’m happy.   While I’m keeping this piece, I have decided to sell some of my other furniture.  The mirrored armoire in my office and some of my French chairs are on the chopping block.  Ah….the life of an antique dealer.

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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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