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

Preorder the Book
Facebook Instagram Youtube Tiktok

Art
Art

Original Art & Used Art Supplies Sale Preview

I spent several hours yesterday on getting all of the original art and used art supplies listed for the sale on Thursday!  It is a big project that I was happy to check off my list.  But, I’m happy to share that I have a nice mix of paintings and supplies that will be included in this sale. A few things…  First of all, I have upgraded my server, so the site won’t be crashing while you’re trying to check out.  I know that was so frustrating for those who were trying to shop the sale last time, but I’ve had many sales on my site and have never had that happen!  We’re are ready for it this time, though.  Second, items do tend to go quickly, so I wanted to share a preview of what’s available in the hopes that shoppers can make a beeline for what they want

Read More
March 16, 2021 24 Comments
Art

Online Painting Classes

If you haven’t guessed, I almost always have an ambitious list of things I want to accomplish each year.  Some things end up getting kicked down the road simply because I only have so much time and I have to focus on things that are a higher priority.  My little pet projects are the ones that typically get neglected.  One of the pet projects I wanted to finally do this year was to offer online art classes.  This included making new ones, but also putting the free art classes I made last year into a format that was easier to navigate.  I am happy to report that I did it! The first new class available is a master study of Fabritius’ Gold Finch! Here is my version that I did for the class… I absolutely loved working on this painting and filming it for the class.  I review all the

Read More
March 11, 2021 31 Comments
All Things Home

charcoal, a glass dip pen, and a Victorian watercolor box…

It’s time to share some more antique and vintage art supplies!  Obviously, I haven’t bought any this month because of “no-spend February”, but I bought an antique Victorian-era watercolor box with some Christmas money in January and I received a few little things last week as a gift. An antique dealer from PA who used to buy things for me to resell sent me a few art supplies she picked up as a part of an auction lot.  It was a total surprise and so sweet of her to think of me! She sent me a box of vintage Flair vine charcoal… I love the label on the box, but was even more delighted to see it was full of vine charcoal sticks!   And she also sent a glass dip pen!  It has the most interesting nib.  I haven’t had the chance to use it, but I’m looking forward

Read More
February 25, 2021 19 Comments
Art

Rufus Porter Style Mural & My First Paintings

A part of organizing this month has been scanning old documents and photos (I’ll share more on that in another post) and uploading old photos that were saved to a disc to an external hard drive.  At first, I didn’t even know if I had a way to scan a disc onto the drive!  I remembered that we had an external disc scanner, so I was able to get everything uploaded.  While photos and videos were uploading, I worked on organizing some of my computer folders.  Oh, man!  I need to do some serious sorting on my computer.  At first glance, it’s pretty organized…everything is in folders, my desktop isn’t cluttered with a bunch of documents, but my photos are all over the place!  It’s from years and years of taking thousands of photos.  So, I’ll slowly chip away at that when I have the time. Anyway, as I was

Read More
February 4, 2021 40 Comments
Art

creative play | sketchbook tour

I’ve shared in the past that I have a hang-up when it comes to sketchbooks.  Several hang-ups, actually.  I always want to be the person who is filling up stacks of sketchbooks, making notes, sketches, and drawings, capturing thoughts and ideas, practicing.  I’ve gotten much better about it over the past couple of years and I actually filled a notebook with a journal and did several paintings and sketches when I went to Europe in the fall of 2019.  I’ve been more consistent with getting my sketchbooks out to draw quick thumbnails before starting a painting, to make notes when I’m reading books or taking an art class, or to doodle. Here are some of sketchbook hang-ups… I feel like there is a bit of magic that happens with certain paintings that is difficult to repeat.  Some paintings just end up being very special.  What if one of those paintings

Read More
February 3, 2021 43 Comments
Art

January 2021 original art sale preview

I am excited that so many of you are joining me in organizing and/or no-spending in February.  A part of purging for me is selling the original oil paintings that have been stacking up in my studio and I realized I had better sneak this sale in before February starts for those who are joining me!  Poor planning on my part and I had to laugh when I realized I was going to have an art sale while encouraging a no-spend February.  So, the sale will be HERE on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 2:00 pm CST. So you can plan and decide if there are pieces you want to purchase or not, here is a full preview of the original oil paintings that will be for sale along with the prices (ranging from $35-200.) 9 x 12 Goldfinch Study – $200 I did this study to film for an

Read More
January 27, 2021 28 Comments
a slice of life

vintage-style leather sketchbook & giveaway!

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know that I love having beautiful supplies and tools.  I’m always casually on the hunt for new or new-to-me things that will make working, creating, or making even more enjoyable.  Well, a couple of weeks before Christmas, I found this beautiful vintage-style leather sketchbook from a small shop that sells on . These vintage-style leather sketchbooks come in several different sizes and a few color options for the leather cover. I generally like to have a larger work area, so I have the (above) and Weed Green (below.)  I also have the 13 x 8 in Red Brown.  Sadly, the Weed Green is completely sold out at the moment, but they will hopefully restock soon. I bought one of these sketchbooks initially because I loved the paper with the deckled edges.  I was looking for some paper with deckled edges

Read More
January 22, 2021 574 Comments
Art

creative play | handmade brushes & pens

Let me just first put it out there that I don’t need another hobby.  I have too many already and not enough time to do them all!  I just can’t help myself, though.  I get curious about something and then I want to try it out.  Honestly, I like the excuse to delve into a new corner of the world of art supplies, too.  I would love to get into pottery, but I’m realizing that is very involved, and going to a class (once we’re past this pandemic) might be a good place to start.  But one thing that has captured my interest that I can do in my own studio is handmade brushes and pens. I’ve seen some handmade brushes and pens here and there online, but it was the book that gave me the nudge to try it myself. Coincidentally, Jeanne Oliver also offered a class on handmade

Read More
December 2, 2020 11 Comments

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.

Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest Amazon

next art sale

August 13th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Get Early access →

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.
Explore the shop →

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.
Shop Now →

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest