I signed the lease and got the keys for my very own studio yesterday. I’ve been talking and dreaming about one for at least two years. My business has always been spread throughout our house, wherever it will fit. It’s in the upstairs hall closet, the downstairs office, the entire basement, a corner of the family room and usually the living and dining rooms. It’s basically taking over. So, I absolutely cannot wait to get everything moved out of my house and into the studio, so I can start using it.
Here’s how it looks from the outside…
This is my view across the street…
You had better believe I’m going to do a photo shoot or two over there!
And here is the inside of my studio…
Like I said…it’s just a big open space. White walls, wood floors, big windows and really a wonderful blank slate for photo shoots, videos, workshops and yes, even some sales here and there. It’s not going to be a shop. I have too many other things going on to tie myself down to hours and keeping a store stocked, but I would like to have sales a few times a year and I will be open by appointment and I will have things available to sell when I teach workshops.
Obviously, I’m going to teach milk paint workshops, but I’ll also teach on slipcovers, upholstery, starting/running a creative business and maybe even styling and photography. I’ll probably try some different things and see what is popular. I am going to limit workshops to 12 (for now), so it can be a small, intimate group.
The light in the studio is pretty amazing, which is really what sold me on the space. I looked into a few other commercial spaces for rent, but the light didn’t look good. As I was snapping pictures of the space yesterday, I couldn’t help but take a picture of a chair, just to test it out…
Just pinch me. And did I mention it’s about a mile from my house?!
Since it is one big open space, we have plans to build some rolling walls that will section off a “back room”. We can then use those rolling walls as backdrops for different photo shoots. Kriste and I have already had so much fun brainstorming about the backdrops we want to make.
The maintenance/handy guys who take care of the property are going to hang some chandeliers for me and replace the small bathroom sink with a utility sink, which I’m excited about as well.
We’re moving everything in on Monday, so I’ll be sharing more next week as I figure out the space and get settled.
140 Responses
So excited to see what happens next. Love the floors, the lighting in it, and especially the view across the road.
Marian I am so excited for you! That space is amazing and you will have so much fun there! So cool the way God works things out for us!
Oh, Marian! That place is so YOU! ! The lighting, the floors, the columns–I just can’t wait to see what you do with it all! Congratulations!
congrats Marian, God knew just what (and where) your next step needed to be!!
Absolutely love the light! And the building across the way!
Are you kidding me!?? Seriously, could it be any better? I imagine you had to have been doing a happy dance and a few screams of joy while running around the room. Unbelievable! And the building across the way–oh my! This is seriously the best space! So happy for you. 🙂
WOW!!! that space could not be more perfect. The floors, the light, the great old building across the street.That building is a perfect photo shoot backdrop for your style. I’m thrilled for you Marian. It’s going to be so much fun watching you pull it all together. Congratulations it’s a beautiful space.
Congratulations….how exciting, I wish you success and good times!
Love It!
I cannot believe this space was available…two miles from your house! And you think God didn’t know exactly what you needed even before you did?
I am SO happy for you. You’re going to not believe how much more efficient you will be when you have a separate space for home and work. You’ll find yourself reenergized, more clear in your visioning, and even more invested in your home space. I promise you’re gonna love the separation for your mind and peace of mind.
Continued blessings, my friend-I-haven’t-met-yet.
Bravo and congratulations! I’ve been dreaming of one too….maybe…..one day….soon.
I’m so happy for you! Congratulations! I can’t wait to watch your progress on this place!
The lighting is amazing! Can’t wait to see all the photos and videos you’re going to shoot in the space. Congratulations!!!
Congrats. I love how everything keeps moving forward for you. You deserve it. Have fun.
The space is just awesome. I will love following along as you make it your own. It was made for your needs – even the view across the street!
Yippeeeeee for Marian and MMS !
763
XOXOXO
OOOps forget the 763…….what was the space originally used for ?
I look forward to all the “magic” that will happen in that space. It seems just perfect for you. The place across the street….divine!
That is so awesome Marion. You go girl!
How incredibly exciting, Marian! My house, barn and workshop are all overflowing, and I’ve contemplated getting a space in town, but I homeschool my youngest son, which is hard to do if you aren’t home, so I’ll wait a few more years. I’m hoping my workshop will at least get a remodel next summer.
I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing things you do with that space!
That light is wonderful! Congratulations!
Super excited for you. There are 4 rolling railway carts for sale in Lemoyne. They have high sides so shelves could easily be added. Just an idea.
Again, I am really happy for you. It is every crafty lady’s dream!
What an amazing space! The natural light is gorgeous and you totally scored on the neighboring building. Congratulations on the next season in your business! I am sure you will be successful in your endeavors! Can’t wait to see how the space evolves! ~Michelle
Sounds exiting! Goodluck dear!
What a beautiful space — it’s absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
Just fantastic Marian, A dream come true for you. Well done to all your hard work, talent and perseverance.
Fiona xx
Dear MMS, Congratulations on your new space. It’s totally cool! Hugs, Anne Boykin
Fabulous space! I would have leased it for the light alone but those floors are also wonderful. Looks like someone “rehabbed” over the top of a warehouse or something. I love when buildings are saved in one way or another rather than tearing down or allowing to just fall down.
Can’t wait to see the space as you move forward!
Wow, this is an amazing new studio! Exactly where I picture your studio should be! Can’t wait to see it all “Mustard Seeded” up, it’s going to be so wonderful for you xx
So thrilled for you. What a great space. Those woood floors rock. I can’t wait to see it after you have added your touch. 🙂
Heartiest congrats! The new studio (even its neighbor across the street) looks just like what one would imagine for MMS!
How exciting! So happy for you, I can’t wait to see the great things that will come out of this space!
Clearly this space was built with you in mind! God did have better things planned for you when your house wasn’t sparking interest. Blessings aren’t always obvious right away, but your faith told you to just wait…and look what you found! Congratulations and I look forward to the pictures of your space as you make it the MMS studio!
What a beautiful space! I know that a few years ago when I got my studio space my family was VERY grateful as I, too, was spread out all over our home. This will bring you so much joy!
Enjoy the light and space!
That is awesome! The space looks incredible, and I am anxious to see how you begin to move into and use the space. I am in Western PA so I can’t wait to hear about your workshop schedule! Congratulations!
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!
How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The light and space is amazing.
Perfect! From the first photo I thought “what great light” ! And those floors are to die for. So excited for you, I don’t think spaces like that even exist around these parts. Watching you develop it will be fun.
Well, if that’s not a “God thing”, I don’t know what is!!! Congratulations.
What a fabulous space!!! I am so excited for you and glad that I don’t live far from you and can get to one of the events you hold there in the future. Looking forward to seeing you add your style to the space.
Looking at these photos and reading about your plans, it’s so easy to imagine your happiness and excitement. Congratulations on your new creative space and having this dream come true!
Congratulations, what a great space and it will be exciting to see it come to life. I hope you will do a Christmas Open House!
What a dream, Marian!! I am so excited to see all that you are going to do with the space.
Congratulations on that fabulous space, Marian! It’s great that you found the perfect room so close to your home.
This is so amazing! I wore a big ‘ol smile through your entire post! I can’t get over how Miss Mustard Seed it already feels like at this stage! Congrats, and I can’t wait to see you fly even further in your new space!
I got goose bumps for you!! Here’s a pinch for you from me!
So happy for you.
Billie
What a gorgeous space. My mind whirls with ideas looking at it and I’m know yours already has great plans for it too! Congratulations. Many good things will happen here for you!
Absolutely fantastic space !
The big windows, the gorgeous floors, I can just picture the chandaliers on the ceiling.
When it is meant to be, life just falls into place.
Looking forward to your future endeavours!
WOW!! So exciting!!
Lovely space……I’m interested in the upholstery class. You have such great ideas…..have fun “playing” in your new space!
it’s lovely, I can feel your excitement from the UK – thanks for sharing, it’s great to have some good news and lots of creativity for us all to look forward to. ♥ ♥ ♥
Fantastic space. I have never seen one as nice. And,
with great windows to boot! You go girl!
Bless your heart!!!! We can see you jumping up and down!!!!
Nice!! I love the floors, are they origional? The inside looks so much different than the outside, it’s hard to believe it’s the same space.
Best of luck!!
Rita
I’m so excited for you! The space is gorgeous. I can’t wait for the slipcover and upholstery classes!!
It’s a beautiful canvas for you to work with!
Congratuations, hope you have customer’s lining up to take your workshops!
I know they will!
So excited for you! The space is wonderful – I can see the MMS brand potential all over it! I’m also excited because you are not too far from me and I want to sign up now for any/all workshops/shows 🙂 I took the CMB2 and loved every minute of your videos.
Here’s to the next chapter – wishing you continued success!!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you as you take this next step in your journey!
You will love having everything all in one place. Congratulations and good luck with this new venture. Would they let you swap out the ceiling tiles for one that look like a tin ceiling to go with those chandeliers you wrote about? That would be in your design aesthetic. How exciting! It’s also really wise of you to pace yourself with workshops and sales. As artists, we all want to jump in and share all the great things we do with everyone! Have fun!
Looks perfect for your needs. Great things come to those who wait and are patient, right? It will be so nice to have your home as a real home again. God knows what, when and where.
Congrats! I can’t wait to visit you when I come from NC to PA to visit my in-laws. Yippee! I’ll be planning our trip around your workshop schedule 🙂
I am so very excited for you in your new adventures
! Congratulations on your next step
Marian, congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Looks like a great space and just what you need. Seems like the ones across the street knew you were coming when they painted that building. Good luck with your new set up..Happy Weekend..Judy
You must be “over the moon” happy! What a fabulous place! I’m really happy for you. Would love to come for a class….even all the way from Florida. Happy moving!
Congrats! The space looks amazing. Well done.
That’s a huge space, Marian!
Hope you will have fun considering all the possibilities.
Oh my gosh it’s Perfect!!!!! Congratulations – so happy for you!!!!!
So happy for you! Your studio is already loaded with charm! I’m looking forward to the “Miss Mustard Seed” touch.
Those wood floors are pretty – really warm the place up, and yes…the light is wonderful. But I also love the outside. It’s not the typical “clinical” retail facade. I think it has great potential & fits you to a “T.” I would have a ball fixing that up. I only hope you don’t end up like me…a shop/studio full AND a house full of projects. Sooooo many people follow your blog. I expect you’ll attract all sort of folks from all over. PREPARE YOURSELF! :-)…Also like the idea of occasional sales. Maybe think about asking some of your students if they’d like to participate and sell some of their items. Lord, I wish I had your energy. What I wouldn’t do!
Congratulations Marian! I know how exciting this must be for you.
Congratulations!!! I am over the moon with excitement for you!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!
What a great place! SCORE! So happy for you!
Marian, I am so happy for you! It is a beautiful space and is just what you needed.
I am thrilled for you! Good Luck to you. I read you everyday and love your style and design.
Oh my gosh, I’m as excited about this as you are!! Going to be so much fun to see how you set it up.
Just the floors alone, would have had me so excited. They look quite old, while the rest of the structure looks newer. VERY exciting. Congratulations!
Congrats! Looking forward to you future posts utilizing this new space.
Wonderful open space! I know your business will grow leaps and bounds from here. It is a smart move to separate your private home from your business venture. All the best!
Congratulations for taking the next leap to living your dream. Blessings to you, with a year of bliss and joy to follow…(renewable each year!) Linda
God always has the best plan and knows just what we need and when we need it. Looks wonderful! You will have so much fun, what’s in the building across from you? Looks like an old ice plant?
I am so happy for you!!!! This space is beautiful and is totally you…..have fun. I am so darn jealous. I can’t wait so what you do with it. I know it is going to be fabulous.
So, so beautiful! So happy for you. Can’t wait to travel from Maine to PA to take your workshops. Big Congrats!
Congrads and best of luck as you spread your wings…:-)
WOW!!!!! So cool! So happy for you!! Bet your boys would love to scooter or skateboard on those floors! lol enjoy!! and see you at a workshop!
I can just see sturdy old-old Singer sewing machines on white folding tables for a slipcover class! Congrats on your clean, bright, warm space 😉
Wow, Marian, that’s the loveliest space I could have imagined for you! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. It’s perfect!
Savor Every Moment!!!!!!!!!
Lucky you, what a great place you found so close to your home. It looks like an awesome light filled space. Good Luck!!
Wow! So happy for you!
I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!
Marian – it is such a great space. Wow, love the natural light coming through….and those windows. Your photography will only stand to improve. Cannot wait to see how you divide the space. Congratulations on another new venture.
You go Girl!!!! I have a feeling He put you where you are meant to be. So excited for you and your new venture!
No wonder why you’re so excited-it’s fantastic! That’s thrilling!
Maybe, just maybe, there is a reason your house didn’t sell ? God sometimes has to help us find the right door to go through and I think maybe this is your door to your new future! Best of luck Marian! If I lived near you, I would help you move your beautiful things into this gorgeous new space!
YAY! It’s awesome!! So excited for you!
God has answered prayers and I am so happy for you!! It is a wonderful space for you to expand your creative gifts that God blessed you with!! God’s Timing is ALWAYS perfect!!
Marian,
I’m so happy for you. My heart sank when you shared that you decided to take your home off the market. But, God answers prayers this I know for sure. Just a short time later this beautiful space full of opportunities became available for you. I can’t wait to see what it’s in store . . . so many wonderful possibilities!
Congrats!
Wonderful!
All I can say is “WOW”!!! The space you rented looks so much like “you.” I am so happy for you. You were right when you said…”God had a plan for you”…when you didn’t sell your home. All the best to you on your new adventure!
Eeeeeeeee! It’s so awesome! And I’m so excited that I’m within driving distance to do a workshop at your new place someday.
My thoughts exactly!
How exciting! I grew up in B- ville and recognized that building right away! I grew up there in the 60s and loved it. I’ve been following you off and on through the years, I even ask you once if you needed a camerawoman for your videos before you were famous ha ha! Will have to get over and take one of your classes sometime and meet the famous Miss Mustard Seed from my hometown.
Congratulations! A dream come true!
Marian!!!! I am sooooo excited for you!!! I so wish I lived closer!!! I would definitely come visit, shop, and learn! I’m like 3000 miles away! Happy moving in day tomorrow!!! : ) I’ll be thinking of you!
Wowie Zowie! I could LIVE there!! Well done!!! I know you will have all the fun and success that makes your blog such a delight to read.
Alexis
Wow! it’s an amazing space! the possibilities are endless. I love the building across the street too. the best part is that your business will no longer take over your house and it’s only 1 mile away. all in divine order. can’t wait to see how your new space will evolve.
yes, i had to wait a long time to get a real studio, and now i have one! so i know how you feel, and am excited for you! i can visualize what you can do with such a blank slate — so big and open and light filled. and yes, across the street is inspiring! thanks for sharing. all the best to you, karen
Sooo excited for you! The windows are awesome and the floors beautiful. Chandeliers will be amazing! After following your blog for over a year and a half (your blog is the first I ever read and followed, and I still read daily), I finally jumped in, bought an antique dresser for my daughter and painted it. Still trying to find the right pulls (the holes are 3 1/2 inches apart, on a serpentine dresser, in the concave), but it turned out great! I also painted a built in shelving unit in a bedroom and it turned out well too. I’m hooked! Thanks for all of your inspiration, tutorials, and being real! You inspire so many and this new space is a great new chapter for you! Blessings!
PS any leads on pulls that have 3 1/2 in spaced screw holes? 🙂
Wonderful space! ENJOY!!! Very excited to see how you set it up.
Absolutely Amazing!! Best and blessings to you!!
You are so lucky-and SO deserving!! Congratulations!!
Marian, Congratulations! Looking forward to watching your blog as you make this space your own!
Marian~ I am so very happy for you! I can see it all filled up with YOU!
Cynthia : )
Wow wow wow! The barn doors across the street….I can hardly handle it. The perfect inspiration for your beautiful creations. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Marian! This is an awesome blessing.
Congratulations, well deserve. I`m dying to see it complete!!
Wow, nice!!! Congratulations. And it’s white with good light and wood floors with character. How perfect. There’s a little village near us with a lot of homes from the 1800s in a little downtown area – this inspires me to swing by and see if there’s any spaces for rent!
How perfect! Literally. I’m so very happy for this new leg of your journey and the fact that so many get to follow you on this part of your journey. Take it slow and enjoy and savor every second. I pray you the very best.
Blessings to all, Hope
How exciting, I bet when you put out your light at bedtime and settle down for a good nights sleep your brain comes alive and charges away at twenty-to-the-dozen filling your eyes with wonderful images and the great ideas you are excited to implement . Very well done for finding this place and only a mile from your home with such an amazing building opposite I can see many photo shoots there too. Many, many happy, prosperous & productive years there, Mary
How exciting for you! You must be thrilled. The place looks absolutely lovely and screams that it belongs to you.
Looks like a perfect fit for you. Congratulations!
Looking forward to hearing about your workshops when you are ready for them down the road
Wow what a great space! LOVE the floors!
Congratulations!! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to see what you get up to in this wonderful new space. Oh, the possibilities!
The space is fantastic! Congratulations!!!! I have followed you journey over the last couple years & I must say it is completely inspiring to think about the first day you mustered up the courage to walk into a shop to sell your wares & now how far you have come! Amazing!!! Congratulations & best of luck!
CONGRATS!! So very excited and happy for you! The new space looks amazing – wishing you great things with it 😀 PS – love the place across the street !
This is amazing! I kind of did not envision it finished. Will there be a shop too? Linda
Marian! Congratulations big time on the new space. My mind would be racing at night with plans for the space. The building/view across the street is worthy of becoming a print to sell. I can see it as a 6″ square in either black and white or sepia tone, with a large white mat and square black frame. Maybe even just sections of the building or…
Enjoy the new space!
{{HUGS}}
Joy
That is so exciting! What a wonderful space for you to grow in, I only wish I lived close enough to go to your workshops and sales!!
God is soooooooooooooo good!!! His plans for us are so much better than our own. God bless you as you move.
CONGRATULATIONS☆☆☆♡☆☆♡☆☆!
What a reward worth waiting for! I can wait to hear more and dont forget my offer…it still holds true!
In the meantime I’ll be one of many folks, I’m sure, watching and waiting to get on you first class list!
Cheers to you and this fabulous new adventure! – Sharon
Congratulations! That is so exciting!!
Congratulations! Beautiful space! Have loved watching this all evolve over the years I’ve followed your blog!
Congratulations, Marian!!! What an awesome, inviting space! I’m soooo happy for you! Can’t wait to see what you’ll dream up in this studio!
Congratulations, Marian! What an awesome and inviting space! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see what you’ll dream up in your new studio!!!
You Go Gurl!! What a great place!! I’m including a link to the site in Norway called Tilda’s World which shows some great pics of how they created ‘fake walls’ in their studio for photo shoots, displays and studio work. Just thought it was fun to see and may spark some ideas for you (as if you don’t already have 8 million running around in your head for your new wonderful space already)!! Enjoy creating in your new space, will be so anxious to see how it all comes together!
http://www.tildasworld.com/blog/page/12/
Don’t suppose they would let you switch out the drop ceiling tiles for something more fun? The stamped metal looking ones, maybe?
It is gorgeous! Those wood floors make me swoon 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you make of it!
Oh my gosh!!! It’s a beautiful space! The light is incredible. and I love all the white with the beautiful wood floors. It’s a blank canvas! Soooo inspiring. and that building across the street is a work of art. Wow…
It all makes me so excited for you…
Cindy
That is an absolutely breathtaking space with a wonderful view across the street! Love and adore the floors too! How perfect for you – Good luck but I know it will be amazing, so you don’t really “need” the good luck, because you already have it 🙂