Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 12 of 56

Artistic Endeavors

five projects for creative play

Just as I was starting to gain my energy and feel better after being sick, I got hit again! I tested positive for the flu on Monday, so I am back to snuggling with the kitties most of the day. I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten two viruses back to back like this and it is the pits. I am ready to get back to my usual work and life routines, but I am thankful that it’s just a virus, it’s temporary, and I’ll be back to my old self soon. I’m also so glad I made a big batch of Carrot White Bean Soup (recipe HERE), a dozen Chicken Patties (recipe HERE), and a container of brown rice. We’ve been able to eat off of that and the carrot soup has been soothing on my throat. Anyway, since I’m down and out again and not working on new

February 27, 2024 7 Comments

Crochet & Knitting Patterns

crochet vs. knitting – updated

Over three years ago, I wrote a post sharing my thoughts on crochet vs. knitting. You can find that original post HERE. I had just learned how to knit, so it was perhaps a little premature to make the comparison, but I wanted to share how I initially felt about the two yarn crafts. I had been crocheting for over a year and was excited about testing the knitting waters. I’ve now been crocheting for just over four years and knitting for just over three, so I feel like I can make a better comparison and offer some tips, patterns, tutorials, and other resources if you’d like to pick up one or both of these creative hobbies. I’m going to go through the same comparison questions I wrote in my initial post, share my previous answer, and then what I think now. crochet vs. knitting – which one is easiest?

February 23, 2024 12 Comments

Art

Free Oil Painting Tutorial – Two Geranium Studies

For those who have been asking about free oil painting tutorials, here’s one for you! I have been toying with the idea of starting a Patreon page where I can offer painting tutorials for a small monthly subscription to those who are interested, but I kept stalling on launching it. The idea became more of a roadblock than an incentive for me to offer more painting tutorials and I’ve learned that when I’m dragging my feet on something I want to do, I need to go back to the drawing board and determine my hang-up. I realized that it felt like too much pressure when my focus is diffused in this season of my business (working on my home, working on book proposals, writing this blog, painting for original art sales.) I just needed to keep it simple and I can continue making painting videos and sharing what I’m learning

February 20, 2024 10 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

antique shoe cart reproduction & inspiration

Over the years, I have bought and sold more antique “shoe carts” than I can properly remember. These antique shelves on wheels are called shoe carts because they were often used in shoe factories to transport shoes around the factory. I have found carts that are all different shapes and sizes and made in different styles. Some have spindles making the “shelves” instead of a board (like the first shelf.) I always preferred the ones that had solid shelves (or could be adapted with boards) so they were more versatile. I’ve mostly used these antique shoe carts for retail display or storage in my old studio in PA, but I did use one or two in my home over the years in my kitchen and home office. When I was an antique dealer, I bought and sold a lot of ironstone, so these carts were fantastic for displaying stacks of

February 13, 2024 8 Comments

Art

two of the best shows on TV

I have mentioned both of these series in past Favorites Posts as well as on the TCe podcast. And I can’t count the number of times I have brought them up in conversations with other people, specifically when talking about art or adjacent subjects like finding your creative voice. I have watched all available seasons at least twice. These series are Landscape Artist of the Year and Portrait Artist of the Year and, if you haven’t heard of them, I want to share all about them (without any spoilers), why I love them so much, and what I’ve learned from watching them. (All of the photos in this post are from sky.com) I tripped across Landscape Artist of the Year first a few years ago on Amazon Prime and I loved it right from the beginning. I was then delighted to learn about Portrait Artist of the Year, which I

February 8, 2024 8 Comments

a slice of life

better & done

What started as “feeling under the weather” and having a bit of a sore throat early last week turned into being flat-out sick mid-week. So instead of photographing things I’ve worked on, painting in my studio, and getting things ticked off the to-do list, I was blowing my nose raw and redecorating my nightstand with coughdrops, saltines, a thermometer, and an array of beverages. While I didn’t appreciate the little detour my week took, the kitties loved the extra snuggles and hardly left my side. I’m still dealing with a cough and fatigue, but I am definitely on the upswing. Since I didn’t get to take those new pictures and work on putting new posts together, I am picking up a post I started writing a few months ago. I looked back over my drafts and this one made me smile as I reread what was already written and I

February 5, 2024 29 Comments

Art

art books | new releases in 2024

Well, now that I have more shelf space in the studio, I can buy more books! I say that partially in jest, but my book-loving mind does think that way to an extent. There is a practical, organized side of me, though, that understands limits are good and things are only valuable if I can interact with them meaningfully. They have to be accessible and useful to be enjoyed, so keeping that in mind, there will always be some limits. That being said, I really, really love and use my art books. I visit and revisit them regularly, so I feel like I can justify making more room for more books without feeling guilty. I have learned, though, that I need to be intentional about the books I curate, so I’ve gotten in the habit of maintaining a pretty meticulous art books wish list. When I see a book I’m

January 25, 2024 12 Comments

Art Supplies

more studio bookcases

Almost a year ago, I decided I really needed to address the stacks of books that had been moved from room to room since our move. I had dreams of built-in library shelves in the dining room, but it became clear that project wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Even if we were ready to tackle it, I needed more time to live in the rooms to decide if that was even what I wanted. So, I ended up buying four Billy bookcases from Ikea to use in the studio. You can read about that HERE. I was able to fit two on either side of the antique hardware counter and they were the perfect, inexpensive solution. I went with the thinner bookcases since I have a lot of heavy books and I knew wider shelves would likely sag over time. So far, that has been a good choice. I

January 22, 2024 10 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.

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.