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I woke up this morning sluggish and had very little desire to do all of the work I had on my list.  I didn’t want to paint any more.  I didn’t want to crawl around on my basement floor, sanding, waxing, upholstering.  I just wanted to work on things where I could sit down.  My awesome mom gently prodded me along.  We raided my house and got a lot of little things priced and packed.  I finished the last few pieces of furniture I had and started painting a few signs and some other things.  She then made me a healthy lunch of veggies and chicken salad and I started to perk up and we got a lot done. 

A bunch of teenage guys came to my house in the afternoon to pack everything for the fair into a 17′ truck.  It was so fun to hear them complement my work.  Teenage guys!  I didn’t think they would appreciate it at all, but they were very sweet and we couldn’t have loaded all of the furniture without them.  Pizza, cupcakes and some Madden Football on the X-Box made it worth it for them.  Plus they’re just good guys.  A couple of the youth girls volunteered to make some glitter letters for me as well!  (For those who don’t know, my husband is a youth pastor.) 

After dinner, I got the boys in bed and then slipcovered my last two dining room chairs from my set.  Well, it’s actually not mine anymore.  I sold it already!  I then made four pillows and here I am.  The only one left awake in a quiet house.  I couldn’t go to bed without sharing some more pictures of some of the furniture and finds that are snugly packed in the truck headed for Lucketts. 

I made a second feed sack chair…

…a dresser painted in Paris Gray…

…with awesome typography knobs from Vintage Skye…

…an ottoman upholstered in a feed sack…

…a small chest of drawers painted in Aubusson…

…a large dresser painted in a mix of Arles and Old Ochre…

…with more great knobs from Vintage Skye…

…a cabinet in Provence…

…a small bench…

…some chalkboards in vintage frames…

…a huge barn door and settee upholstered in an antique European grain sack…

…a leather-top side table in Emperor’s Silk…

…a monogrammed suitcase…

…several more wire caddies with clay pots…

…and I hung a tag made my Jami on each one.

Tomorrow, I’m moving everything into my pavillion and under my tents. 
Are you tired from reading this?  Cause I’m really tired from doing it! 
Sorry again for the basement photos and lack of details in this post. I can’t slow down to take beauty shots.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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125 Responses

  2. I can't believe I'm the first one to comment! Wahoo!! Who knows by the time I hit send there will already be someone who beat me to the punch, I gotta type fast!! Haha! Those pieces are amazing!! I wish so badly I could go, too far away. Maybe, just maybe if I'm dreaming big, I can convince my sisters to make a trip with me next year!! Good luck 🙂
    Julie

  5. Good luck with your sales! I love that feed sack chair. I wish I had a basement I could work in so we could put the car back in the garage. Unheard of in Australia unfortunately 🙁

  9. Girl, when doooooo you sleep? I am so happy to see that dresser in Paris Gray, that's the exact color I ordered! Aubusson is gorg too! And oh my word, loving those typography knobs, TDF!!! Your Luckett's adventure will be such a massive success but you MUST give yourself a wee break, you've so earned it. Gorgeous pieces all!
    xoxo
    Kate

  11. You are well loved. What a great family you have. You are such a hard worker. Bless you all. Have the best sale ever. Hope you get the chance to take a few pictures of the whole sale – but if not someone will and I'm sure there will be a way to see them. Sleep well. Drink your water. Eat healthy. Be happy.
    – Joy

  12. Great job with choosing some other colors.
    I just missed you by a week…..at Lucketts I mean. I did get to talk with Celeste today and welcomed her on board as a new "stockist". I am one of the "old" stockists but I love all of the Annie Sloan Products and I'm proud to be representing such magic paints, colors and waxes.
    Don't be afraid to mix the colors…..it's so much fun to come up with your own palette.
    Cheers and good luck this weekend. I am on my way to join Vicki, the other California Stockist at the 3 Speckled Hens show in Paso Robles.
    Anne

  13. Wow Marian, everything is amazing. You are so talented. Best of luck at Lucketts, I cant wait to see the pictures.

  16. Everything looks absolutely fabulous! You are sure to be the belle of the ball! I hope you'll post another video like you did last year. I loved seeing your booth "in action"!

    Feel free to answer this after all the hubbub dies down, but I have a quick question for you…do you find now that you are using chalk paint for most of your pieces that you really are no longer using your sprayer? Have you noticed your production time slowing down at all or are you like me and actually have MORE of a desire to paint with a brush now that you've discovered chalk paint?

    Rachel
    xoxo
    rachel@gillygrey.com

  19. Oh how you inspire us!

    You are an amazing lady Marian. As we prepare for our very first large show – The Farm Chicks in Spokane, WA, I continue to "channel" you each day as we paint another piece, spend another day in grubbies, and take another load of furniture to storage.
    "What would Marian do?" goes through me head often.
    I just know your Lucketss Fair will be the ultimate success.
    You go girl!

    hugs,
    Cori

  20. I hope you are asleep now. You need your rest! You make me tired so I'm going to bed.
    I so wish I could be there!
    Great stuff! Love them all…

  22. People tell me all that time that they're amazed at what I can get accomplished in a day…but, girl, you blow me out of the water I'm amazed at what you can get done in a time crunch. Kudos to you.

  23. Marian, what beautiful treasures you have made to take to Luckett's. I'd give anything if I were within driving distance! It's probably a good thing I'm in Texas, I'd need the 17' truck to get everything home! Wishing you a wonderful show and an empty truck to drive home after!

    Paula

  24. You are amazingly sweet at the end of an exhausting day to find the time and energy to share your wonderful creations with us.

    I have the feeling your Luckett's show is going to be fantabulous as each piece finds a home with a grateful buyer!

  26. Oh wow, I love that leather-top side table. Just spectacular!

    And I'm with Tracy — I live so far from Luckett's too.

  28. I hope you sell lots of stuff and get to have a break after all of this!! You deserve a few days off! 😉 Everything looks amazing (as usual). I really like the red piece. Twas my favorite!

    Good luck and best wishes this weekend!!!

    Gail

  29. I yiyi! Your killing me over here! I live in Wisconsin. 🙁 I'll take one of each, please! That barn door, settee and small feedsack stool are CALLING MY NAME…who am I kidding, it all is!
    Blessings,
    Mary

  30. Everything is beautiful! Good luck at Lucketts and remember to stop every once in awhile, have a look around and soak it all in. Can't wait to hear how great it was (but get some sleep first!)
    -Suzanne

  31. Good luck at the fair! Everything is beautiful and those teenage boys could even see that. Once the dust settles, you are going to have to get some rest. I'm so proud of how much you've accomplished and you will sale a ton of stuff this weekend. Who could resist?

  34. Love love love the first pic of the chair with the feed grain sack! Fabulous
    All your pieces look marvelous and yes, I am tired now
    Girl you must be exhausted. But I know adrenalin will kick in soon and you will be off and running.
    Good luck on your sale
    Hugs
    Oh and have fun
    SueAnn

  35. All I could think about while reading this post, was about how you are a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Please read verses 10-31 for some encouragement (especially before this weekend).

    God bless you, and your family, for all the work you do with your hands!

  36. It is a lot of work marion, so take care and get some rest when you can. I really enjoy seeing all of the different chalk paint colors. I would love to see you do a post showing each color done on a piece of furniture. Kind of like a color reference guide.
    Good luck!

  37. Thank you for the eye candy! I'm road tripping today with a group of girls to the Springfield Extravaganza. maybe I'll hi-jack them all and head to Luckett's, It would only be another 7 hours away! I can't pick a favorite…love it all
    Good Luck

  38. LOVE LOVE LOVE! it will be all worth it when that stuff flies out of your booth! can't wait to hear the progress along the way. now, get some rest! 😉

    amy

  41. You do an amazing amount of work each day……makes me tired. Love the Paris gray color on the dresser, and if I were there, I would be buying the feedsack chair and that ottoman. Beautiful pieces!

  44. You are unbelievably talented! Thank you for having a blog so that we can share in the beauty. May the sale exceed your expectations!

  45. Seeing all of these beauties makes me even sadder that I'm not attending Luckett's this year! I can only imagine how tired you are and I am sure that Pure excitement will be getting you through the weekend. Best of Luck!
    ellery

  46. Yes, it makes me tired reading all you do with two little boys. I never feel caught up after having my third and cannot imagine how tired you must be. God bless you and encourage you on the last mile to this wonderful event! I hope you enjoy every minute of the fair.

  47. Honestly ~ I don't know how you do it all. All I can say is God must have abundantly blessed you with boundless energy and His strength. You had me tired when I read all you did after supper and well into the night and you still had the energy to post these pictures.
    You may not remember but I asked you about pricing on a desk I painted that was similar to yours. It went off to our new store space and sold in the first 4 days the shop was open. Exciting, but I don't have the stash of furniture you have to replace things or the energy to do it all, so I've been scrambling.
    God bless your efforts and hard work at your show!
    Cindy

  48. Congrats! You have been busy and yes, you do make me tired reading this. Thanks for posting the table in the Emperor's Silk. I have been wondering how "red" that actually is. It looks more pink in the swatch. It is beautiful. Best of luck a the sale! Wish I could come!

  49. Such pretty things here, even with no "beauty shots" they speak for themselves. I was tired from just the initial sanding on my own coffee table, so I can imagine how whooped you must be!

    I sure wish I could come across some cloth sacks, but so far no luck here. I don't know that I would attempt covering a chair with them, but I have one in mind, if I do!

  50. Such amazing pieces !! They'll be gone before you know it !! Here's to a much needed rest after this weekend. Good Luck. Becca

  51. You are the energizer bunny personified!! I love that your family is supporting you, pitching in. The photos are wonderful and the furniture just yummy. I'll be there and can't wait.

  52. Hello Marian,
    Be sure to save those photos, as that will be the only way to remember these beauties. I doubt any will return home with you.

    Gorgeous…every piece!

    Good luck this weekend,
    Janet xox

    PS…..My Salvation Macy's had soooooo many fabulous French pieces yesterday and all were 25% off. I kept wishing I had your cell number to send pics to see if you were interested!!!!
    Met a mother/daughter and got talking blog talk. One of them mentioned your blog and I screamed "I know her!!!!" (kinda)
    We gabbed about your work for 30 minutes ;->
    They will coming to your booth, so be on the lookout. (Jen and Maryellen)

  56. Wow, seriously amazing all the work you got done! Sometime, I would love to hear how you find your grain sacks, and what price you think is reasonable. I've found a few here and there, but I just don't know much about them. Here's hoping that you sell everything at Lucketts!!

  58. I meant what I said the other day. You ARE a ROCK STAR! girl, i do not know how you do what you do and so much of it! Good luck at Luckett's – I hope you have a bit of fun amongst all that work.

    BTW – LOVE that feed sack chair!

  59. "Into my pavillion and under my tents" sure sounded funny. Like a gypsy with a crystal ball!!
    Have you ever made a piece you didn't like? cos I just did (latest blog post), except I don't have an awesome pavillion under my tents to sell it from. sigh.

  61. I love all of your pieces! You are truly an artist! I pray the Lord blesses the work of your hands! As I looked at all your hard work a scripture that I read this morning popped in my head. "She knows that what she makes is good." Prov. 31:18
    Lauren

  64. My mind is kind of blown by the amount of beautiful stuff you managed to create. I'll take one of each! Also, thank god for moms who nudge us to our second wind. Good luck this weekend!

  66. WOW! You have really done some amazing pieces!!! I am excited for you and know that its going to be a great sale! and you are going to probably crawl into a hole for about a week after its over! But boy will it be so worth it! Blessings up you and your sale!

  67. Hi Marian-

    Your section at Luckett's must be the best looking section as everything you refinish turns out exceptionally beautiful. You may end up taking over the whole store 🙂 You are very talented. One of these Saturdays I plan on driving down there.

    My best- Diane

  68. Those knobs are awesome, but at $6 each… how high are you pricing your items to actually make a profit? After you buy pricey knobs, the furniture item, the paint, the sprayer, decent paint brushes, and also factor in paying yourself for your time?

    I'm told my prices are too high, but once you factor in what goes into it [and I am NOT using pricey knobs]… they have to be priced where they are or I may as well not even bother.

  69. You are something else my friend. Your work is absolutely stunning and I'm so glad I don't live anywhere near you or Luckett's~ ha!! 🙂
    Hopefully you can rest for a bit now.
    Hugs~
    T

  70. First of all…..let me just say that your hard work and determination are such a great example….and you will be rewarded my friend!

    I can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!!!

    much love…..and the "huggage" is on it's way!

  71. Wowza! I'm amazed at how much you accomplish in a day!

    I'm trying to make some framed blackboards for my daughter's wedding and when I went in to find backing to paint, the guys just looked at me like I was crazy. What do you use that is thin enough to fit in a frame but can be painted with the chalkboard paint? Thanks for any help!

  72. What an incredible collection of items. And to think that every piece has been graced by your artistry. So beautiful. And, I could just hug you! You helped me make up my mind to paint a dresser! I love your grey dresser and the yellow one. Now, what color to paint the darn thing.

  73. You've inspired me this morning. Just started blogging in earnest. Have a neat painted child's desk and chair I picked up and was debating how to paint it. Think I'll just distress it and add some wonderful knobs to it (haven't found them whatever and wherever they may be yet.) I will blog about it at some point and will definitely link to your site. Love it.

  74. Hi, I'm new to your blog and actually watched your 6 part series on how to slipcover a wingback-AWESOME!!

    I saw the dresser that you painted Paris Gray (or Grey?) and would like to know what kind of paint you use?

    Thanks!

    jennykyancey@yahoo.com

  75. Tired of hearing about it and seeing your wonderful creations? NO!
    Where are your pavillion and tents located in Lucketts? And what time does the fair open?

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

  76. Good thing I live in Kansas and can't make it to the sale. I would be soooo tempted to buy everything! Wow, these pieces are all amazing!
    Beautiful!

  77. Triple LOVE it all! You are amazing (yeah I know you've heard it before), it's true. Wish I was close enough to pop on over. Good luck.
    mickey

  80. Can you please show us a picture of the blue cabinet behind the feed sack chair in this post? It looks amazing! Details please!

    AB

  84. As per usual, everything looks amazing! Quick question how did you still get the paint under the gold detail on the red leather top table? I have a leather top table with the same detailing and I really would like to show it off. Is am using regular latex paint or would I need chalk paint to let it show through? Thanks.

  85. You should take a bow now and pause for the applause. Wow, what beautiful things you have created, and will live on to give joy in so many people's homes. Not to mention the joy we get from looking at the pics. I am so inspired by those knobs too. I think i am ordering some later today if I get through my "redouxs". LOVE that the teenage boys compliment your work. Those are always the last people I would think notice, but I have learned that they are sometimes my biggest fans, (they think it is way cool to know a mom who paints furniture). We have a few of those around these parts too. How wonderful that they can serve too in this capacity, so good for those boys to do something out of their comfort zone.

    Love, love your newest feed grain sack chair. You are almost to the finish line, and what a cheering section you will have when you get there. Keeping good thoughts for you and enjoying being included on the journey. lots of love, -K

  88. I appreciate seeing ANY pictures you get posted since this is the best that it's going to get for me. I wish, wish I could be there this weekend. Have fun and good luck with everything!

  90. I'm with #16, I too would love to know if you've set down the paint sprayer moreso these days.

    Your pieces are outstanding! You have a gift for finding great lines and knowing just what to do with them. The knobs skyrocket the effect. Awesome awesome outcome! I'm not a yellow fan yet you've sold me on that yellow dresser. That's saying alot!

    Donna

  91. I LOVE that grey dresser! Why do you have to live so far away???
    Everything looks amazing! I know this is going to be a great weekend for you! I hope you have your spa appointment set for next week because you deserve it!! 😉

  93. Just came across your blog. It's super, very inspirational. It's made me want to redo everything in my house. I particularly found the tips on sewing with drop cloths helpful. I wish I could get to your shop. Many years ago when I lived in the area we took our Brownie troop to the Girl Scout camp nearby. Such a lovely area. You are so creative and have such vision. Much success at Lucketts.

  94. I am worn out just THINKING about all the hard work you are doing for the Spring Market. Best of luck with the final preparations and I know it will all pay off!

  95. best of wishes from rhode island. your work stands alone representing you in style, accomplishment, love and just plain hard work. please try to rest beforehand, and have someone take lots of photos for the rest of us greedy for more marionisms…so far away. you will be hearing the cheering from many many far flung spots as well as the bazillions of thank you's for being you.
    xoxo. wendy

  96. Great job! You are so amazing at how much (and how well) you get things done it a short time!
    Good Luck with the sale.

  98. I would never get tired of reading about your basement adventures! In fact I've often wished your photos were combined in a wonderful coffee table book so I could just flip through the pages while sipping coffee in the morning. your works are divine and drool worthy!

    Love the feed sack chair and really wish I could be there to buy it, in fact I would love to have about six of them for my dining area.

    I have to share with you…last weekend hubby and I were traveling through the Texas Hill Country, Fredricksberg was where we stopped for lunch and some antique browsing…I had to laugh when I spied some "french" feed sacks, or so the tag said, although I had my doubts…$60 each!!!! Not worn, in fact they looked too new. But my point is, feed sacks are so very popular right now and with some tenacity, one can find them cheaper than $60. But then that's just my two cents.

  99. I know your hard work and talent will pay off. I thank God for your parents – Mom especially. How fun to do all of this with her! Treasure every minute of it. And take lots of photos of her helping you. Especially when she makes you chicken salad for lunch to keep your energy up. I love your Mom. Sounds like mine.
    Ruthie
    thechristiangirlscottage.blogspot.com

  101. Wow Marian! You have worked amazingly hard and everything looks perfect! Wish I lived closer to come and really see everything…..

  102. Marian,

    Good luck at Luckett's this weekend! I know you'll be a hit; you can't miss with all that beauty and talent you have! Kudos to your mom and dad and hubby, and all those who helped make this a reality for you this weekend!
    Now get some rest after the show!

  103. I love your work. I also love knowing that you know God. It's extra special! Seeing your pictures taken from in the basement just shows me that I am not the alone in this wood shop journey, and us ladies are never afraid to work too. Love your ways of being ~ keep it up. Blessings to you daily ~ Andrea

  104. so glad your mom was there to help move you along. sometimes it takes someone who loves us and knows us so well. love your work, just found you a few weeks ago, but love it and you. awesome. good luck this weekend. hope you get rested up before you go.
    Laura Huffman

  105. WAY TO GO!!! You've done it! Now you can sit back and enjoy the show!!

    The leather-top side table….did you paint the leather part too? I think it's amazing if you did the criss-cross pattern on the top.

    You're going to have an amazing weekend; I'm so happy for you!!!

    Have a great weekend

  106. OH.MY.GOODNESS. What beee-U-tee-ful pieces! You are an inspiration!! Sending positive thoughts and many blessings on your weekend…and may you come home empty-handed! 🙂 –susie b

  108. I am just so impressed with your talent and your persistance. You inspire me to keep on getting my things done too. Looking forward to reading about the results of the show!

  110. Oh, just delightful!! All of it is divine.

    What paint brand do you use? If we can't get tothe fair, how do we purchase??

  111. All your pieces are to die for.. I'm sure you will sell each and every one of them! Your passion and devotion to what you do is very inspiring.. I can't believe how much you do in such a short time.. and don't worry about not staging the pics.. I'm just glad we get to see them all! Have fun and take care, Maryann

  112. I love it all! Too bad I don't live anywhere near Lucketts 🙁 I may just have to talk my hubby into taking a trip to that area in the near future 😉

  113. I have loved you and your blog for so long……i can't believe i just realized that you sell your stuff in the town next to me! I am definitely going to be there on saturday~looking forward to it!

  114. Hey friend! I cannot imagine the amount of work you're putting into this! And who needs a beauty shot when your furniture looks that good?
    🙂
    xo
    shaunna

  116. So glad to hear your human…I've been reading you blog for a while now and am always jealous that you get to sand and paint all day long. I work at a chocolate company and people always say it must be great to work here, I think right packaging concerns, marketing problems+++ Goes to show grass is always greener.

  117. Love everything! Just hope I can get there before your booth is emptied! You will be a huge success! See you Saturday, Sherry

  120. Looovvveeeeee this blog… and when I pulled out my local newspaper, the Loudoun Times Mirror, the insert had a full front page picture of your table and feedsack chair!!! I can send ya copy if ya want… hokie30sgirl@aol.com 🙂

  121. I'm short of breath just reading this. Good Lord. Everything is gorgeous. I'm scooping up one of those pretty mercury glass cloches if they're still there when I get there on Saturday. Love the knobs too. So happy you liked my tags enough to add them to your clay pots! Thanks!
    Can't wait to hug ya!

  124. I noticed the cover on your foot-stool was from BEMIS. I read his biography and how he started making bags for different products. It was a good book and I was tickled to see that *you* decorated with one of them! Google him and find more about him.

  125. OMGoodness! If you still have the Beacon grainsack chair, please let me know at lacanciondelsol@yahoo.com Thanks! LOVE your work, your blog, your booth, your endless energy, and the font of inspiration you daily provide! <3 Collette

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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