Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

Preorder the Book

I Missed My Birthday!

I just realized tonight that I totally missed the 1 year birthday of my business, Mustard Seed Creations! On November 12, 2008, I registered my business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. This is a huge thing and I can’t believe I let it pass without a special dinner or at least a cake.

This year, I sold my first piece of furniture, had my first client, painted my first mural (for someone else), was a vendor at my first antique fair, and started my first blog. In addition, I found a great partner in business, Denise, who owns the shop that sells my stuff. It was a big year for my business. If you’d like to read more about the start of MSC, you can check out my post on how it all began. In order to celebrate this milestone, I’ll share pictures of some of my favorites creations from my first year. Click here to see my full portfolio.
In addition to all of my firsts this year, I have learned A LOT! I have learned new techniques, ways to expedite my process, what to buy (& not buy), and what style direction I really want to go. It was a very exciting first year and I know the best still lies ahead.
I want to say thanks to my mom, who is my biggest investor and pushed me into starting a business in the first place and my husband, who has encouraged me and helped me move more furniture than a guy should be asked to move. I’d also like to thank Denise, for giving me a chance (even though I showed up at her shop with hand painted ornaments in jeans with a mom, a toddler and a baby waiting for me in the car) and Laura Dreyer, who created an entire look for my business materials, including this blog. I am truly blessed.
Miss Mustard Seed
** Make sure to enter my Frog Tape Giveaway before it ends on November 30!

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

Instagram Facebook Pinterest Youtube Amazon X-twitter

you may also like

34 Responses

  4. How exciting, happy birthday!! Just from the looks of your blog and all your projects you post, you've got a lot to be proud of.

  7. Happy Belated Anniversary on your store, your creations are truly remarkable, I love them all and I adore your blog name its truly a wonderful gift to visit you blog today, thank you for sharing your beautiful desings.

    Blessings
    ♥´¨)¸.+´¸.•*´¨)¸.+*´¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.+´♥♥¸.+´
    ¸.•*´¨)¸.+*´¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.+´♥ Heidi ♥)

  9. Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I've truly enjoy your blog and have become one of your biggest fans. Looking forward to another creative year following you.

  11. It has been a fun year – thanks for letting me share it with you. I have loved watching you do something you enjoy and do well, and in addition can also put your creativity, business and time management skills to use. Jeff – thanks for all the support you have given Marian and also all the time and effort you have put into this business. The two of you make a great team.

    Happy Birthday,

    Love, Mom

    P.S. If you blogger fans only knew how much Marian loves a birthday party – you would be shocked that she forgot :). Most of her childhood was spent planning her next birthday party.

  13. Isn't it something to think how much your life has changed in one short year? I was thinking that myself on Thanksgiving. Blogging alone has changed me in so many ways. Congratulations Marian and Happy Birthday MSC! My business partner's name is Denise too! Ha!
    Kim

  17. Marian:
    Happy Business Birthday and congratulations on your success this past year. Your blog is always a must read for me….so many fabulous projects and wonderful ideas. Continued success!
    Jane

  19. Oh, I love to read how talented women like you got your start! So I'll be clicking over there. I always say, If you're not learning, then you're dead. You're going full-speed ahead and I admire you enthusiasm and fervor.
    Brenda

  21. Happy Birthday!!!!! You are an extremely talented person, and you are equally as nice. I love all that you do, and I am honored to be your "blog friend"!
    May God continue to bless you in the years to come.
    Traci

  27. Congratulations! You are immensely talented and I love seeing your creations and reading this wonderful blog! Here's to many more!

  28. I am in awe of your work. I have no artistic ability in me (but I can copy with the best of them :)). Your red flowered desk and your chalkboard desk are my absolute favorites. Keep up the creative work!

  30. Happy, Happy Birthday! Celebrate a year of excellent hard work! What a great joy it is to "know" you through blogging. Congrats… Dee Dee

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.

Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest Amazon

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Get Early access →

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.
Explore the shop →

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.
Shop Now →

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories

Looking for more encouragement?

Lucketts Spring Market 2026

May 18, 2026

Before I share my Lucketts recap, I wanted to let you know my next original art sale is Wednesday, May 20, 20206, at 1:00 pm Eastern.  For those interested in early access at noon, you can sign up HERE. On Thursday night, we packed our van with oil painting supplies,

Read More

Lucketts Spring Market Wish List 2026

May 13, 2026

I’ve reached that tipping point in my life where I feel like I probably have enough stuff.  No doubt, I passed that point years ago, but hunting for antiques and just the right piece for my house is still so much fun!  I have noticed I walk out of more

Read More
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This