Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 20 of 56

Artistic Endeavors

Art

oil paintings & studies from my break

During my winter break, I really wanted to get back into the habit of oil painting most days if not every day. In the late summer, early fall, I didn’t have very much time to paint and I found it difficult to make it a priority. Even when I had the time, I would sit in my studio, aimless. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to paint and the negative self-talk about my abilities and the potential end result of the painting were strong. I wish I could always say that I’m confident and inspired, but there are seasons when I’m not. There are seasons when certain creative endeavors feel like a slog. I think that’s one reason why I’ve delved into so many things. When I feel a little wobbly or unsure in one area, I slide over to another until the confidence and inspiration return. You can tell

February 2, 2022 29 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

embroidery workbook

While getting lost down an internet rabbit hole a few months ago, I found some lovely examples of . For a time, every school girl had an embroidery workbook to learn basic necessary sewing and mending skills. In a time when people just had 2-3 outfits and most items were handmade, these were as essential as typing is today. I actually remember, even in the 1980s, making a cross-stitch sampler in school. Although, at that time both boys and girls did the project and it was more of a craft than a life lesson. I was able to purchase a series of three antique sewing books from 1902 to1905, all completed by the same school girl. They are fairly simple, but some of these books can have miniature dresses, aprons, lacework, monograms, etc. You can see how women in the 1800s turned out such beautiful sheets, tea towels, and other

January 31, 2022 21 Comments

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

January 28, 2022 8 Comments

Uncategorized

making knitted Selbu mittens | tips for beginners

One thing I wanted to do this winter was to make a pair of Selbu/Norwegian-style mittens. I’ve always loved the style of them and have been drawn to knit colorwork for years. Over the winter break, I decided it was a good time to learn. When I started knitting last winter, I thought I might try making a pair of mittens, but I was initially discouraged by the “experienced” label on the mitten patterns in my book. I am definitely not an experienced knitter. I’ve made a few hats, a pair of ill-fitting socks, some potholders, and dishcloths. Certainly not enough to consider myself experienced. But, I have also learned as I try new things that you just need to learn the principles and then your options expand greatly. My mom taught everyone in our family and hundreds of other people how to play the guitar. She always starts her

January 26, 2022 34 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

take the easiest first step | encouragement

You know that hypothetical exercise you go through every once in a while – What would I rescue from the house if there were a fire, flood, or other natural disasters? Well, yesterday afternoon, we got to put that hypothetical exercise to the test as we were preparing for high winds and likely tornados in our area. We’re all safe and sound this morning and spent the night snug in our basement, but there were a few tense moments when the sirens sounded and alerts were echoing on four phones. And images of those three sisters in Kentucky, seeking shelter in their bathtub shortly before they were taken by a tornado, made me acknowledge that a good outcome isn’t certain. My heart has been heavy for that community and those families all week, but it was even heavier as all four of us, the two kitties, and Sebastian sat in

December 16, 2021 47 Comments

design

miss mustard seed wrapping paper

Launching Miss Mustard Seed wrapping paper all started with some lino block cutting during the Thanksgiving break. I created a pattern I really loved and others loved, too, so I decided it was time to stop putting “make patterns for paper and fabric” on my to-do list and actually do it. Not just doodle and fiddle, but make it digital, upload it, and sell it. This wrapping paper journey actually started over six years ago when I met with the then-owner of a quilting fabric company about creating a line. I had never done patterns before, but I felt like it was in me. I could see it in my head and I just needed to learn how to get that into a format I could communicate with others. I developed two lines and the whole experience ended up being a dud. I mean, I learned a ton and worked

December 9, 2021 46 Comments

crafts

lino printed wrapping paper project | christmas crafts

Over the Thanksgiving break, I worked on cutting out a lino block for printing wrapping paper and cards. The project turned out even better than I expected and, as I shared peeks of the process on Instagram, many people asked if I would share a tutorial. So, this post is it! Here is a lino printed wrapping paper project for beginners. We’ll walk through the materials you’ll need, the process of carving a “lino” (linoleum) block, and printing. | The pattern that I carved over Thanksgiving took me several hours, so we’ll use a simpler pattern for this lino printed wrapping paper project. Before we get to the details, I will share the process of how I made this one for those who are interested. The process is very similar, but I used some different materials. Instead of using an easy-cut “lino” block made of a rubbery material, I used

December 1, 2021 17 Comments

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

November 28, 2021 24 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.

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