Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 23 of 58

Artistic Endeavors

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

November 1, 2021 24 Comments

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

October 27, 2021 39 Comments

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

October 25, 2021 17 Comments

Art

3rd completed sketchbook tour

I actually finished my 3rd sketchbook back in August, but I haven’t taken the time to film a little sketchbook tour video. I like doing those because they hold me accountable, but I’ve also received wonderful feedback from people who have shared how it’s encouraged them. Keeping a sketchbook really has changed me as an artist. It’s helped me to loosen up, try more mediums, experiment, and explore in ways I didn’t feel as free to on a panel or on a piece that was supposed to be “finished” and good enough to sell. I’m falling in love with watercolors, pen & ink, and charcoal. I think oil will always be my first love with it comes to art mediums, but I’m enjoying the growth in other mediums. I’m also learning that growth in one medium helps you grow in others. I’m getting better at interpreting what I see in

October 20, 2021 15 Comments

Decorating

recording an audiobook for a decorating book

When I first saw the mention of the word “audiobook” in my book contract, I was a little skeptical. I mean, this is going to be a photo-heavy decorating book. A book that relies heavily on visual examples and, in most cases, is a book that looked at more than read. I do read some of my decorating books, but I usually look at the pictures and take away what I want from them. Sometimes I read them if there is a compelling story or if I’m eager to hear the design process and creative ideas behind a space. But, I confess that I have never bought an audiobook for a decorating book. But, as I was writing the Feels Like Home, I had all of this in mind. (Affiliate link.) I wanted to make sure that what I wrote was something worth reading and offered more depth and encouragement

October 14, 2021 7 Comments

Writing a Book

the feels like home book launch

Today is the day!! It’s the official book launch day for Feels Like Home! This book is over two years in the making, so it’s so exciting that it’s finally out into the world. I’m also thrilled to share that the is now available to listen to a preview and download. I’ll share more about the process of recording an and why we made one for a decorating book in a future post. I had a little fun with some confetti to celebrate the launch of Feels LIke Home, a project that I am so proud of. I’ve shared before that I think this book is some of the best work I’ve ever done. (And, I feel like I can say that because I don’t always say that.) Sometimes the work I do is good. Sometimes it’s just done. And sometimes it’s special. The process of creating this book felt

October 12, 2021 62 Comments

a slice of life

the feels like home giveaway

I am so excited to share that my new book, , launches in just four days! And this is the final giveaway to celebrate the book launch. This giveaway is appropriately named “The Feels Like Home Giveaway.” In this package of goodies are all things you can use to make your house feel a little more like home. They are all things that are comfortable, beautiful, and work together to create a homey ambiance. You’ll see what I mean as you look through this amazing collection of items… Of course, for the Feels Like Home giveaway, I have to include a signed copy of … I’m also tucking in a couple of things I crocheted – a dishcloth and a little scrubby… I haven’t made patterns for these specific pieces, but you can find other crochet patterns HERE. A beautiful handmade quilt made from fabric I designed by Marilla Melcher

October 8, 2021 782 Comments

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

October 4, 2021 41 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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