In recent weeks, several people have asked if I had always wanted to be a writer.  My first thought is, “I’m a writer?”  I sort of laugh and muddle my way through a somewhat articulate answer.  I started writing a blog, not because I think I’m a good writer or have an insatiable need to write, but out of a love for design and a desire to share my work with others.  I had no idea how may people would end up reading what I wrote.  I had no idea I would start receiving freelance writing offers.  And I had no idea I would try my hand at writing a book.  Yes, this non-writer is writing a book.  Crazy, huh?  This isn’t just a bunch of posts smushed together in a PDF and sold to make some extra cash.  I am playing author, photographer, layout designer, editor and all of the rest to put

I spent my entire day yesterday at an “Adventure Farm” in Lancaster, PA, which is perhaps one of the prettiest, yet stinkiest areas in the country.  As most of you know, my husband is a youth pastor, so we took a bunch of teenagers to go through a maize maze, slide down a hill on potato sacks, and ride through a hay race course on pedal cars.  My boys had a blast and we were all tired when we got home.  I didn’t get anything on my list accomplished and I didn’t write a blog post and I’m ok with that.  Well, I did get one thing checked off the list.  I’m making a pumpkin topiary for HGTV.com and I needed some pumpkins.  When I saw the sign, “Fill a wagon for $10.”, I knew I would be set.  So, this afternoon is all about pricing, making a pillow for the

Well, I had planned on sharing a dresser makeover and my new hand painted signs, but I forgot to bring my camera to the shop, so I don’t have pictures of them!  Darn it!  So, I decided to write another post in my series on starting a business. As I’ve been enjoying a lot of success in recent months, it’s made me think about the people who took a chance on me. I think in every business, the owner has to ask someone to take a chance on them. It can be an investor, a spouse, a business partner, a retailer… You have to sell yourself and then prove that you are worth the risk. My husband allowed me to take over a room in our house, part of the basement, our kitchen counter, and letter our van. He gives me time to do my work and watches the kids for

First of all, the Lisa Leonard giveaway is still going on, so make sure to enter!  I’m learning that, like mothering and household chores, keeping inventory up in a space is a never ending job.  The time is not ever going to come when it’s done and “I’m set.”  Especially because I make or find everything on my own, I can’t just order bulk.  Yesterday, I drove out to Wild Rose and Chartreuse to get my spaces filled up.  I also dropped off a load of items for the Lucketts Design House.  I was left alone in the shop for a few minutes while Lynette picked her kids up from school.  I relished the time to snap photos and “play” with all of the beautiful things in there.  I just couldn’t help moving things around!  Here’s a look at what is currently for sale.  Remember that we do ship, so

My MIL (mother-in-law) and I went to Hobby Lobby last week to buy some upholstery webbing and other supplies for current projects.  We had two fidgety toddlers, so I asked if she would get eight yards of upholstery webbing cut for me while I picked up some other things.  When we found each other, she was laughing.  The clerk at the cutting counter asked what the webbing was for.  “It’s for my daughter-in-law.”  “What is she going to do with all of it?” “She uses it to cover lampshades and things.” Blank stare. “She’s a designer.” “Oh.  Ooookay.” Some people just don’t get it.  So, I took my upholstery webbing and used it to cover a dated thrift store shade, which topped off a brass thrift store lamp that I primed, painted and antiqued.  Here’s how the lamp started.  It’s a very heavy, quality lamp, but I don’t know a