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

Art Supplies

Art Supplies

bits & pieces

This is a post that’s been sitting in drafts since the beginning of October!  Between October and Christmas, I ordered three boxes from my friend Julia of , so I have a bunch of fun English antique finds that I have yet to photograph and share.  For some reason, all of the best antique art and writing supplies seem to be found in the UK and Europe.  So, I love having a dear friend who looks out for things for me.  Anyway, since I have a lot figured I would spread out sharing all of those goodies so we can all enjoy them in small helpings. In this post, I’m sharing a few of what Julia called “bits and pieces.”  Of course, she says it in her lovely English accent.  “I’ll just add some little bits and pieces to your next box.” Some of those bits and pieces included old

Read More
a slice of life

a few favorite affordable fountain pens

As I’ve been sharing some of my fountain pens on Instagram and here on the blog, I’ve received some messages asking for recommendations for affordable fountain pens for fountain-pen-beginners or for those who don’t want to spend a lot on a pen.  When I bought my first “real” fountain pen a few years ago with my birthday money, several people warned me that I had just opened a door into a whole new (addictive) world.  Several fountain pens later and I see they are right.  I’ve said before that I’m not into designer shoes and purses, but give me a pair of Crocs and nice writing/art supplies and I’m set. When I was in a fountain pen shop in Paris a couple of years ago, buying a 1920s fountain pen as a souvenir, an older gentleman was buying a young woman a €900 fountain pen.  Wendy, who was translating for

Read More
Art

Handmade Watercolor Binder Recipe & Video

I’ve lately felt like I needed new creative pursuits.  It’s not that I don’t have enough, but I’ve felt the need to try new things, to be a beginner, and to create something without any expectation on the outcome.  I’ve just needed creative process.  Maybe it’s because of weariness from the pandemic or weariness from writing, styling, and shooting a book, or a combination of everything.  As I shared in my post about the pigments from Choosing Keeping last week, something I bought as a “book gift” for myself, this was also an exploration of what big things might come next.  It doesn’t mean that mixing my own paints is what’s next, but it’s something I’m curious and drawn to, so I’m allowing myself time to explore it, knowing that one new creative endeavor can lead to another.  Knowing that discovery sparks more ideas.  And I thought I would share

Read More
Art Supplies

Mineral Artist’s Pigment Set from Choosing Keeping

As I shared when Feels Like Home launched, I’m not likely to throw a big party.  I just want to have a good dinner at home with my family and throw a bit of confetti in my studio.  But, I also like to celebrate special occasions with gifts!  So, I got a few “book presents” for myself at each major milestone – signing the contract, turning in the manuscript, and launching the book.  One of those book gifts was a new camera lens and I’ll share that in another post.  One was a beautifully restored 1920s Underwood typewriter in the most delicious shade of green.  (I bought it from .)  And one was a set of 104 mineral artist’s pigments for the “what’s next time” that comes after a major project. Isn’t this typewriter just the prettiest thing?  I’ve come to believe that every writer should treat themselves to a

Read More
Antiques

antique winsor & newton charcoal box

There are some finds that you just know are special.  You know they probably won’t come around again or at least in a very long while.  Such was the case with the antique Winsor & Newton charcoal box and, when it was offered to me, I jumped at it.  And even though I knew it was special simply based on the fluttery feeling it gave me, I quickly discovered that this box was providentially meant to be with me.  Well, maybe that’s overstating it, but there was a pretty cool coincidence at play.  So, for my non-art-supply people, stick with me on this one.  It’s a good story with a great bit of encouragement at the end. So, let’s first talk about this amazing charcoal box… This antique Winsor & Newton charcoal box is meant to be used as a palette.  It’s small and very lightweight and even has a

Read More
All Things Home

the antique post office register

As someone who enjoys unique antique finds and getting goodies in the mail, last week was a banner week!  I received several highly anticipated packages (I’ll share about those in other posts) and I made a trip to one of my favorite local consignment shops to pick up a vintage pond yacht I spotted and reserved on their Instagram stories.  Of course, while I was in the shop, I needed to take a look around and just a few steps in the door, I knew I was leaving with more than just the pond yacht when I spotted this amazing antique post office register… I had a silent dialogue with myself of how I didn’t really need this piece and I wasn’t even sure if I had room for it in my studio.  But, the price was so good for such a unique, quality piece ($228) and all of the

Read More
Art Supplies

Feels Like Home | Giveaway for the Artist

I have another giveaway for you in celebration of my new book, !  It’ll be coming out in just over two weeks!!  I’m am so excited that we’re nearing the launch date as this book has been in the works for almost three years.  I finished writing it almost a year ago, so I have been waiting for a long time! If you haven’t preordered the book, yet, you can preorder it from any one of these retailers…  |||  | And claim your preorder bonuses HERE and find instructions on claiming your preorder bonuses HERE if you need some help.  The preorder bonuses include an original art download, a bonus chapter: Feels Like Home the Renter’s Guide, and five video workshops and enhanced tutorials from the book. Today, I am having a bonus giveaway because my friend, Julia of , wanted to join in on the celebratory giveaways and she sent

Read More
Art Supplies

antique watercolor palettes

Calls with my friend Julia in the UK have become a pretty regular weekly thing.  She’ll give me a call or text pictures of some of the latest treasures she found for me.  We’ll also just chat about life and family between talks about antique watercolor palettes and other fun art supplies.  We are definitely two peas in a pod when it comes to things we love and she’s gracious enough to sell me pieces she loves, too.  In one of our recent conversations, as I told her to add something else to my pile for the next box she sends across the pond, she said, “There can’t be much more that you need, right?” I laughed, “First of all, I don’t need any of this!” Art supplies and books have become my vice over the past couple of years and, honestly, there are worse vices to have.  I’m sure

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