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Furniture Makeovers

Before and Afters

Kriste's new cabinet

I did my first photo shoot today in my new studio.  To say it was exciting would be an understatement.  Every time I enter the space, I smile and feel lifted and occasionally want to clap my hands like a toddler who just learned a new word or basic life skill.  It’s exciting at that deep level that makes me feel like I’m going to burst.  I felt that way already and then I styled and shot my first furniture makeover in the space.  Then the joy went to a new level. I love my new space.  I feel so free, unleashed, motivated, driven, focused and like the sky’s the limit…more than I have felt in several months.  I don’t think I realized how limited I felt in my house and how much I needed a space.  I bet a lot of you saw that more than I did, but I just got

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furniture feature friday | favorites & link party

My mom and I went out shopping today, but I have to say I was pretty blurry-eyed after shopping all day yesterday with Kriste.  You would think that shopping for antiques would be something I wouldn’t grow weary of, but I’ve learned that I need it in doses or everything starts to blend into the cacophony of stuff lining the shelves and crowding booths.  I did find some good things today, though, including a few more chairs for the studio, a couple pieces of ironstone and a few other things.  I get the keys to the studio tomorrow and I can’t wait to start moving in!  I’ll snap some pictures tomorrow. And now, here are my favorites from last week… I’ve been digging pine furniture more and more these days, so I love this cupboard shared at Gracie Blue.  The paneling on the door and hardware making this piece so

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furniture feature friday | favorites & link party

Hello, all!  I did have a chance to pick favorites tonight.  Yay!  I really needed the chill time on the couch after packing look books all day.  My back is letting me know.  Anyway, the black pieces tonight were catching my eye, so I decided to feature these black beauties… This buffet by Danielle of Antique Recreation is simple, classic and pretty.  It was a little wild when she bought it, but she “Danielle-fied” it, which made it a lot more sophisticated.  I think the white doors as a backdrop makes it pop as well. I love pieces in the style and scale.  I actually have one almost exactly like it, except mine’s painted an off white.  It was great seeing it in a black with the rich wood peeking through by Custom Comforts. Lastly, I think this piece by Zoey’s Uber-Chic Loft is really cool.  Leaving parts of the design wood

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furniture feature friday | favorites & link party

I didn’t pick favorites tonight and I have a good reason.  It was my youngest son’s 6th birthday.  We were eating pizza, Batman cake and ice cream and I was the piece finder for his new Lego set.  I then cuddled with him.  He started crying as he was brushing his teeth and I asked him what was wrong.  Between sobs and big, sad tears he shared, “I’m so sad that my birthday is almost over!”  So, of course, we had to snuggle and talk about how great his birthday was. Good reason to miss picking favorites, right? I’ve already enjoyed one party, but I’m ready to enjoy another.  Link away… Here are the rules for our furniture get-together… 1.) Your post has to be about furniture. Please, please, please…just furniture. If you find your link has been deleted, it’s not because I’m mean, it’s because your post was not about furniture.

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Living Room

repurposed petticoat, mini whisks & an apron

I moved around the furniture in my living room on Monday when the piano was moved out.  Of course, moving the furniture in one room usually impacts another room as I borrow and steal from other rooms.  Fortunately, all of my furniture is on felt sliders, so I just scoot things around until I like them and then scoot them back if something isn’t working. I have learned that I need to live with new arrangements for a few days to see how it works…aesthetically, functionally. Sometimes things that seem crazy end up working.  Sometimes when I first move something, I start to question myself, but I think that’s because it’s change.  It just looks different and I have to get used to it before I can look at it objectively. The living room is feeling larger, more open and inviting now, but I’m still playing around with it.  I’ll share more

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Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Mixing Milk Paint Video Tutorial

I made several videos on using milk paint when I first launched the line, but they could use some updating.  First of all, it was just me in my basement with a camera on a tripod.  While I think there’s something approachable and real about those, you can’t always clearly see what I’m doing and that’s the whole point of a video tutorial!  I was also very loosey-goosey about my instructions.  That’s just how I am, but I know a lot of people need specifics and, when it comes to using milk paint for the first time, specifics are very helpful. So, we’re in the process of remaking our videos (and we’ll get to the slipcover videos and new upholster videos soon, too!)  We now have a camera man, Jeff, a beefy camera, mics, lighting and a second camera to capture overhead detail shots.  We also have Kriste. As crafty

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furniture feature friday | favorites & link party

Good evening, all!  I thought yesterday was Thursday and it was freaking me out.  I had my week planned out and I suddenly found myself way behind and totally in the weeds.  I didn’t know how I was going to get it all done.  Jeff finally informed me that it was only Wednesday.  Whew!  All was right with the world and I wasn’t as over-committed as I thought I was. So, now that today is Thursday, here is FFF and my favorites from last week… I love this simple, well-styled desk by Denise of Pink Postcard.  And, cross-my-heart, I picked this as a favorite and then noticed she used my paint for it.  The styling caught my eye before the paint did! I have a soft spot in my heart for little stools.  They are so multi-functional and sweet at the same time.  Kathy from Past, Present & Patina turned an

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Before and Afters

hand painted antique sled

Before I get to the sled (yes, in August), I wanted to give some details on the yard sale I’m having on Saturday, August 9, 2014.  I’m actually piggy-backing on the yard sale one of my friends is having.  I really want to flush some things out of my house and this is a great opportunity to do it.  The sale will be at an old commercial building formerly known as Distelfink.  (Locals will know what I’m talking about!)  The address is 2710 Old Harrisburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA, which is just off the Rt 15 Hunterstown exit. I’ll be at the sale on Saturday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, but my friend will be set up Wednesday – Saturday.  She’s selling designer women’s clothing, kid’s clothing, toys, books, home accessories, luggage rack for the car…tons of stuff. Now, this is not an antique sale overflowing with ironstone, but I

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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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