I’ve had the “October 2021 Favorites” post sitting in my drafts for weeks! I knew time was ticking to get Christmas content out, so I kept pushing this post off in favor of sharing posts about Christmas decorating and crafts. But, I have some great favorites to share, so I thought I would combine all of my favorites from October through the end of the year into one final 2021 favorites post. Maybe you’ll get some ideas for last-minute Christmas presents or how you want to spend any gift cards you receive. Favorites are just always a fun thing to share, so here they are…
feels like home
Of course, the Feels Like Home book launch!
It was a culmination of a lot of work and a very exciting time. I am so proud of this book and it felt good to launch it into the world. Thank you for receiving it so kindly and with such enthusiasm.
pattern design
This is something that has been on my to-do list for a long time and I finally did it. I loved the process and the custom paper I printed so far. I look forward to do more and launching additional papers and fabrics in 2022.
These paper patterns and colorways are currently available HERE through Society6 and I’m working on fabrics from Spoonflower.
choosing keeping pigments
I explored mixing watercolors with this large pigments set from Choosing Keeping and I can’t wait to play around with it even more. I hope to make oil paints, pastels, and more watercolors. You can read all about my adventure into watercolor paint-making HERE.
timeless paris
I knew I would love this book and I definitely did. Timeless Paris is pure eye candy and is a wonderful consolation until I can travel to Europe again. It is a lovely tour of shops in Paris – antique stores, art supply shops, and so many other places that would be on my to-visit list the next time I find myself in Paris.
It is just a delicious book.
the Well-Loved House
This is another book that is so beautiful! You know I love decorating books and I just ate this one up. The decorating is interesting and charming but doesn’t feel completely inaccessible. The Well-Loved House is one I’ll go back to again and again.
seurat sketches
When I had the opportunity to buy this rare antique charcoal palette box from Ponder & Purchase and happened upon an amazing lot of vintage charcoals on Etsy about the same time, I felt like I needed to practice my charcoals to improve. One of the benefits of having beautiful tools is that they can spur you on to be worthy of them.
So, I started studying some charcoals of great artists and fell in love with Seurat’s drawings. It gave me a whole new love for his work. I’m not as into his paintings with all of the little dots, but his charcoals are captivating. When I bought the book Georges Seurat: The Drawings, I got a used copy for $70, now it’s $150+! This is why I get paranoid about out-of-print art books. Anyway, if you’re interested, just keep an eye out and it will surface for less. It really is a stunning book.
fountain pens
I became an ambassador for Luxury Brands of America, a distributor of fountain pens, inks, and other fine writing supplies in this final quarter of 2021. I have loved fountain pens for a while, but it has been so enjoyable to play with more brands, styles, and nibs. If you’re interested in tip-toeing into the world of fountain pens, I share a few affordable options in THIS POST.
In this digital world, I sort of love getting some ink stains on my fingers every now and then as I practice the art of writing and flourishes.
day trip to Sillwater
Jeff whisked me away to celebrate the launch of the book in early October and it was such a wonderful day. I must admit that I was resistant to it, but it was perfection and I can’t wait to go back to visit the antique stores and used book store in more depth. You can read all about that outing HERE.
It has been a great fourth quarter of the year and I am carrying a lot of momentum and enthusiasm into the new year, which is always a good thing.
Here are some of my blog reader’s favorite posts and product links shared from October through December 2021…
Decorating with Antique Quilts
A Day in Stillwater – The Oldest Town in Minnesota
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
A Few Affordable Fountain Pens
I love all of your posts! You have such a variety of interests and hobbies just like me. I never get tired of reading your blog. There’s always something new and interesting. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you in the new year!
You said what I was thinking…Merry Christmas to one and all.
Yes I echo what Dionne said. I so look forward to your posts every day and even enjoy the painting ones although I am not a painter. I did put the book in my basket. I bought a lot of Christmas books this year. Photos of Nantucket, Colonial Williamsburg places I have visited many times so nice to remember all the beautiful places thru books especially during a pandemic. Merry Merry !
I”m gifting your book to both my sister and my niece as Christmas presents. My sis and her husband are both Methodist ministers and have lived in church owned parsonages their whole adult lives. They’ve just retired into their OWN home and are enjoying putting their own stamp onto it. My niece and her husband just bought a townhouse in Washington DC and aren’t even moved in yet. I know your inspiration and encouragement will be welcomed by both.
Merry Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful time with the family and take time to rest up before roaring into the New Year full of vim and vigour!!
Marian your blog is a complete joy, your enthusiasm for creative pursuits is infectious and I’m looking forward to sourcing you more goodies in 2022, and, hopefully finding time to be creative myself.
Merry Christmas, Marian. I’ve been following your blog for years and I have to tell you, this year’s content was the best I’ve seen. Congratulations on all the successes you’ve enjoyed, like your wonderful book, and I wish you health and happiness for 2022. Oh, and thank you for the inspiration!
At the end of this year, allow me to thank you for several years (7 or 8?) years of enjoyment and inspiration. I love your own personal stamp and style, and so look forward to many more years of delight!
I’ve been sharing here for 13 years!
I love all of your posts! You have such a variety of interests and hobbies just like me. I never get tired of reading your blog. There’s always something new and interesting. Thanks for sharing this amazing article.