I started my Home Decor and Decorative Painting business, Mustard Seed Creations in November of 2008, so a lot of my firsts happened in 2009. It was a year that exceeded expectations and I wanted to share some of my milestones with all of you.
I spent my first day painting outside the shop that sells my furniture and accessories in May at the Gettysburg Antique show. It was a great sales day for my business and the shop.
I was a vendor at The Old Lucketts’ Fair in Lucketts Virginia last August. It was a huge day for me and my painted furniture sold very well, in addition to my antique finds.
In October, the shop moved to a larger and better retail space in downtown Gettysburg. The owner gave me a lot of liberty to design and paint the shop in a way that I thought would look good. It was a lot of work and a big responsibility, but worth it. This business partnership has been an amazing one and has blossomed into a friendship over the year.
I painted my first themed children’s mural this October. It was a Star Wars mural that really stretched my ability.
I also did my first nursery mural for a client. I fell in love with this Pottery Barn inspired mural in pink and brown.
The other big event was starting this blog. I have been challenged and inspired by the blog world. As the icing on the cake, I’ve found some great friends in all of you! I already have big plans for 2010, including an announcement about a collaboration with a fellow blogger, the opening of an Etsy store, and a basement full of furniture that needs my help. I can’t wait to share it all with you.
This year I painted my first mural for a client – at a historic home in Gettysburg, PA. I painted a Rufus Porter style mural using their home and area barns and bridges as the subjects.
I painted my first custom piece of furniture for a client. It was a little frightening to pick up a treasured piece of furniture and paint it for someone else. Yikes! It was a great success, though.
I spent my first day painting outside the shop that sells my furniture and accessories in May at the Gettysburg Antique show. It was a great sales day for my business and the shop.
I was a vendor at The Old Lucketts’ Fair in Lucketts Virginia last August. It was a huge day for me and my painted furniture sold very well, in addition to my antique finds.
In October, the shop moved to a larger and better retail space in downtown Gettysburg. The owner gave me a lot of liberty to design and paint the shop in a way that I thought would look good. It was a lot of work and a big responsibility, but worth it. This business partnership has been an amazing one and has blossomed into a friendship over the year.
I painted my first themed children’s mural this October. It was a Star Wars mural that really stretched my ability.
I also did my first nursery mural for a client. I fell in love with this Pottery Barn inspired mural in pink and brown.
The other big event was starting this blog. I have been challenged and inspired by the blog world. As the icing on the cake, I’ve found some great friends in all of you! I already have big plans for 2010, including an announcement about a collaboration with a fellow blogger, the opening of an Etsy store, and a basement full of furniture that needs my help. I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Make sure you visit tomorrow to share your favorite furniture posts at my New Year’s Day Furniture Feature Friday link party. You can share any furniture related posts from the past year, so join in!
28 Responses
Congratulations on your many accomplishments this year! You're on my list of blogs I follow daily, and you do an amazing job! I forgot you live in Gettysburg. I live not too far away in Lancaster – small world. Happy New Year!
You have had quite the year! I wish you even more success in 2010 and hope that you will continue to share your talent with us all.
I surely am happy that I found your blog! I love your tutorials because you make me believe that I could actually do something! 🙂 Thanks also for your help in entering the small business world in Pennsylvania. My sisters and I are planning a road trip to Gettysburg to see your shop!
I'm so glad I found your blog! I look forward to following your accomplishments in 2010!
I have so enjoyed seeing all of your wonderful creations and look forward to more in the new year. I hope you have a very Blessed and Happy New Year. Hugs, Marty
I really enjoy your blog and all your amazing work!
How wonderful! I can't wait to move back to Va so I can hopefully stop by the store 🙂
How wonderful! I can't wait to move back to Va so I can hopefully stop by the store 🙂
What a wonderful year it was…. (Raise a glass) Here's to many more!
Congrats! BTW love that red desk, wow!
Congratulations on a great year! You are so talented – the ability to artistically paint is something I wish I had! Can't wait to see more in 2010!
Congrats on your year. When I win the lottery… I'm flying you to Iowa to help me out! Of course, it will have to be in June… the only month bearable to paint and be outside. LOL
Thank you for stopping by my blog this week, it means a lot to have comments from such talented people.
Happy New Year and good luck on your new adventures in 2010.
I can't wait to see what else you do.
~Amy
Congratulations on an amazing year! Your work is beautiful! I am sure 2010 will be just as amazing!
What a fab-0 year it has been for you. A big congrats!!! It is always wonderful when a fellow blogger is successful. Have a safe and fun journey. See you in the new year.
smiles, alice
I hadn't realized you accomplished all those firsts only this year. Wow. That's an amazing list to be very proud of!
So glad I found you not long ago. It's been great watching your accomplishments and learning from you. 🙂
Donna
Great job! I love that red dresser/vanity. I started blogging this past year, too, and noticed that all of the encouragement from fellow bloggers helped me to further pursue my painting (while getting a few things done around the house)!
Have a great new year!
-Trish
Congrats and happy new year! I love reading your blog 🙂
That red desk is to die for! Happy New Years!
Wow! You've had a busy year…and so successful 🙂 Well deserved for a very talented blogger and artist!
Everything is so nice. I didn't realize you were a for-real artist. The red kidney-bean desk is just lovely.
You have had an amazing year! I love your painted furniture and that firt mural is wonderful!
Happy New Year!
Penny
I am so glad to have discovered such a talented girl as you! And heavens can you paint! Since I can't paint a straight line, it seems a huge achievement that you do it all so very well. And so beautifully, I might add! May 2010 be all you hope it to be. I shall be here reading about your endeavors! Happy New Year from Cozy Little House!
Brenda
Where do you get all of your energy??? What a wonderful year!! I'm looking forward to seeing what's next on your to do list!
Have a blessed New Year!
: )
Julie M.
What a great year you have had. I wish I had known you were so close as I go up to Berryville VA for auctions once in awhile. I am from Martinsburg, WV so you are just up the road a bit.
Maybe one day in the summer I can stop by the shop..
Good luck in 2010. Sure to be a great year for you.
tammy
You've accomplished a great deal in 2009….you should be very proud.
LOVE the red pained antique chest, what a beauty!
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Hey–great murals. I'm so inspired by you. Adding your bling to my new painting/family blog.
Your work is beautiful! I also have painted furniture, some shabby-chic white pieces, with beach and seashore scenes, for a lovely seaside home in Cape May, N.J. I've also painted a few murals,but never really made any money doing it yet. I just started blogging, and I am amazed at your talent! You are such an inspiration! I truly appreciate your tutorials! I am enjoying reading all your old posts! Blessings! Linda
What a talent you have. The murals are wonderful. I too am a painter. And admire those who do awesome work. Kudo's to you.