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Running a Business

Answers to Questions – Cameras, Prices & Blogs

I’ve received a few questions in response to Tuesday’s post and I thought I would share the answers with everyone. This post is very wordy and long, but I truly hope this helps those who have questions… Camera Advice First, I was asked to recommend a decent low-cost camera. I have not been a point-n-shoot girl for years, so I really don’t know what good bargains are out there. I do know that you can take awesome pictures with a point-n-shoot camera, though. Ms. Funky Junk herself, Donna, is a great example of that. Check out the photography on her blog. (She’s an award winning photographer with her point-n-shoot!) Read through her Photography Workshop Series for all of her tips and tricks. photo source When it comes to buying a camera, I would highly, highly suggest that you save your pennies and buy a digital SLR by either Nikon or Cannon. I’m

September 29, 2010 95 Comments

“She’s a designer”

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

September 13, 2010 90 Comments

A closed door, a kick in the pants

I’m sad to say that the shop that has sold my furniture and antiques for almost two years is closing this fall. I was really bummed and scared at first, but then I realized it’s the kick in the pants I needed to take some chances. This led to me going to the Lucketts Fair as a vendor on my own and it also led to a search for a new retail space. I was really excited about having my own little corner of a shop that I could decorate and redecorate in my style. It’s kinda like having a big girl doll house AND making money at it. I put my name on the waiting list at a couple of places and was ready to pound the pavement to find a new home, but, just at the right time, a new home found me. I received an e-mail from a woman I had

September 8, 2010 71 Comments

If at first it doesn’t sell…

…give it another makeover and try again. My aunt gave me this really cool antique bucket a couple of years ago. I had just started my decorative painting business and I felt like I needed to do decorative painting on everything in order to “put my stamp on it.” I painted a European floral motif around the middle and it sat in the shop and at three antique fairs without a second look. It was time to give this bucket a second chance and make it look much more “me.” I sanded off the floral painting and brushed on a layer of crackle medium. I’m not a huge fan of crackle, but it has its place. I wanted this bucket to look chippy and old, so crackle was perfect for this project. I then brushed on a sloppy coat of white paint and allowed it to dry. I knew I wanted to paint some kind

September 7, 2010 37 Comments

Are you sick of Lucketts, yet?

Well, I’m not quite done with sharing stuff about Lucketts. I know you’ve been reading about my weeks of preparation, the show itself, and the aftermath, but there’s still a little more to share, then I promise I’m going to move on to other things. One reason for taking video at Lucketts was practice. I am planning on making video tutorials for all sorts of projects from painting to sewing to wood working. I’m hoping a video will be an easier way for you, my readers, to learn how to replicate my look. I am really excited to make these and have already learned a lot about making, editing, and posting video clips. Speaking of video clips, I have one last one to share. In this video, you will get a tour of some of The Old Lucketts Store. The booth I show first is actually owned by Karen (aka The

September 3, 2010 23 Comments

Lucketts Design House

If you’ve read my blog recently, you’ve been hearing a lot about Lucketts. Lucketts is a tiny town in Northern Virginia, right near the Maryland border. There is little of interest there, except to people like us. Lucketts is an antique hot spot and it’s one of my very favorite. The Old Lucketts Store will keep you occupied for a few hours if you take the time to meander through all of the rooms and nooks in the old three story building. If you hit it on the right weekend, you can also sop up the inspiration that is oozing from the walls, ceiling and floor in their Design House. Not only can you bask in the vintage glory, but you can buy the things you love. picture source I want those brushes! The texture on them is just gorgeous. picture source Can you think of 100 uses for that industrial

September 2, 2010 29 Comments

Lucketts Pics & Friends

I am still playing catch up from Lucketts AND I’ve had loads of new requests for custom pieces, so there is no rest for the weary. There is a lot of cool things happening to me and my little business and I can’t wait to blog all about it. Sorry for the cliffhanger, but all I have to share today is more pictures from Lucketts. My booth was very picked over at the end of the first day, so I had to dig deep and bring some things from home. I brought one of my favorite balances…and it sold… …the side chair from my guest room…and it sold… …a mirrored end table that I refinished Saturday night…and it sold… …my living room mirror and sheet music wreath….and…you guessed it….they sold. It was a great weekend and worth the Saturday night scramble. I also got to meet so many awesome ladies.

September 1, 2010 29 Comments

Lucketts – Take Two

Sorry about the video getting chopped off yesterday. I am brand spankin’ new at this video thing, but I’m learning. Please give me feedback if something is not working properly. So, this video picks up right where yesterday’s clip cut off and runs through the end of day one. I have so much stuff to share, that I am overwhelmed! Hang in there with me as I sort through my comments, pictures, projects, e-mails, and events. Deep breath and one step at a time.

August 31, 2010 39 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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