On my @marianparsonsart Instagram, I shared my very first oil painting along with this caption… Number one. This was my first attempt at oil painting just over two years ago. You can see my tentative use of the paint. The barely-there stippled cloud declares my uncertainty. The mishandling of the colors and weak composition show my lack of knowledge and … Read More
join me on my next step of faith
I know I’ve been cryptic about “things I’m working on” and “new projects” for the past few months. Those vague phrases are actually referring to several irons in the fire. You know about some them like the fabric designs I’m working on for Spoonflower and the oil painting course for beginners, but there are a few other projects that are … Read More
creative retreat with shaunna
Well, I made it back from Florida! The trip there was a little eventful (lots of delays, maintenance issues with planes, etc.), but I got there and only lost a few hours in the process. This is the second creative retreat I’ve done that wasn’t going to a planned/scheduled conference. Of course, attending a conference has a lot of value, … Read More
Personal Retreat Guide for Creatives
Last March, I went on a three-day creative retreat to Florida with a friend. She needed a break from her routine and so did I. So, we traveled together, split the cost of a hotel room, and then went our separate ways each day to get what we needed. That time was so valuable! I came back with decisions made … Read More
the cowbird egg of ideas
As I shared last week, some birds (I’ve since learned they are house finches) have built a nest on my front door, tucked behind my Christmas wreath. I have been watching the eggs with excitement and wonder. As someone who has never been much of a birdwatcher, I’m getting sucked into that fascinating world. A few nights ago, I peek … Read More
Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint turns 7
On April 27, 2012, I announced to the world (well, to my blog readers), that I would be launching my very own line of milk paint. That makes this Saturday, April 27, 2019, the official 7th birthday of the Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint line! And we’re celebrating with a walk down memory lane and presents! We’re running giveaways on … Read More
designing fabric & papers for spoonflower
A few weeks ago, I shared that my second quilting fabric collection with FreeSpirit Fabrics wasn’t going to be produced. (You can find that post HERE.) Thanks for all of your encouragement on that, by the way! The brief feeling of failure that comes with any news like that quickly shifted into excitement. This means I can take my designs … Read More
closed doors and open windows
Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call and I could tell immediately from the tone that bad news was about the be delivered. I had a feeling I already knew what that bad news was, though, so I didn’t feel the need to sit down to steady myself. “We presented your second quilting fabric line at our January show and … Read More