Trips are a funny thing for me. I am such a homebody and I dread the whole “experience” of flying somewhere, but once I arrive, I enjoy it immensely. I love meeting new people, seeing a place I’ve never been before, eating at recommended restaurants… And I must admit that book signings and workshops and TV appearances are fun, too.
Going to Wisconsin was the same way. Laura from the Ironstone Nest had been asking me for years to come visit her store and I kept pushing it back. I was just thinking about the whole leaving home and flying on a plane part and wasn’t looking ahead to the fun stuff. Another retailer in Wisconsin, Brenda from Harvest Home, asked if I would come as well and that nudged me into saying yes.
And I’m so, so glad. It was such a full, wonderful, inspiring trip and they truly rolled out the red carpet for Kriste and I.
We visited Harvest Home in Pewaukee first. Brenda, the genius behind that sweet little shop, had us over for a family dinner the evening we arrived. The buffet of food seriously looked like a church potluck, not a family dinner. There were about 14 desserts set out on the table. No joke.
And Brenda’s home was so lovely. I had a hard time making eye contact with everyone, as I shook hands, because the ironstone kept distracting me! She had the sweetest little footed bowl that I spotted almost the second I walked in the room. I also noticed all of the plants tucked in among her decor. She clearly had a gift with live greenery and I was really inspired by it. The next morning, I appeared on Real Milwaukee to promote the paint line and the event at Harvest Home.
Just finished the segment on Fox 6. Thanks @realmilwaukee! #mmsmilkpaint A photo posted by Marian aka Miss Mustard Seed (@missmustardseed) on
Kriste and I then went to the shop. I snapped some pictures around before opening… 
Kriste and I oogled and picked through all of the beautiful things for sale. We each picked out some clothes and accessories and Brenda, who is such a generous spirit, made our selections a gift. (I seriously wish I could shop for clothes there regularly!)
I painted two pieces throughout the day, giving a demo and explaining milk paint and the companion products as I worked. We were pummeled with rain three times during the day and it was super hot and humid, but the tents kept us dry and people came anyway. We were exhausted by the end of the day, so we grabbed a yummy dinner at Artisan 179 on Lake Pewaukee before heading to Sun Prairie.
We had a 4:30 wakeup call the next morning to appear on Wakeup Wisconsin. It was a quick appearance, so we were able to get a bit more rest at the hotel before heading to The Ironstone Nest. Laura’s talent with styling and display is jaw-dropping. Every view is pure vintage eye-candy.
Laura had a great crew to help customers and take good care of us while we were there. (The shirt I’m wearing is one I got from Brenda’s shop.)
We had a quick breakfast…
And then had a meet & greet time. It was pouring rain in the morning, so just a handful of people were there at a time, which I loved, because I was able to spend time talking to everyone without feeling rushed. I signed books and posed for pictures as well.
Kriste was even asked for an autograph, which was a special moment for her.
At 12:30, I did a hand painting demo to a packed room.
I painted a dresser for Laura in Grain Sack and a custom mix of Schloss, Trophy and Curio. The base coat was in Ironstone and a great example of how smooth and clean MMS milk paint can look.
We then went to another venue to teach a “picked & painted” milk paint workshop. We had 42 people in the class, so it was HUGE for a hand’s on workshop!
Laura’s furniture picker selected pieces for the workshop participants to choose from, paint and then take home. Isn’t that a neat workshop format?
We had a few contests to see who got the first few picks, but then it was like the Oklahoma land rush. What’s so cool, though, is that everyone seemed to get the piece they really wanted. There really wasn’t a dud piece of furniture in the bunch.
It was a happy-chaotic as everyone selected their colors and I walked through the different looks that could be achieved with milk paint. Veteran painters jumped right in while those new to milk paint waited for more details and personal consultations.
Somehow, through all of the craziness, all of the pieces were finished and looked amazing (a couple of them needed a little bit more drying time, but were almost there!)
The photographer for the event offered to take after pictures of pieces, which was an awesome idea. Here are a few of them…
That Flow Blue table is a stunner, isn’t it?
A few people had me sign the bottom of their furniture pieces, which was such an honor. I loved watching each person as they worked and fell in love with their piece and, hopefully, the milk paint along with it.
I think this chippy Mustard Seed Yellow coffee table with Ironstone details was one of my favorite pieces.
These events are always so overwhelming in the best ways. Busy, tiring, amazing, sweet, inspiring, encouraging…
And, in case you’re wondering, we did get to eat cheese curds. I wasn’t excited about it, but they were tasty.
And someone gave me a cow cookie. Fitting for me and for Wisconsin.
I got a few other gifts that I’ll share another time in another post, since this one is miles long already. I did put a video together of some footage from both of the events, in case you’d like to see more…
And here are the clips of me on the local news shows… The Real Milwaukee and WKOW, Wake up Wisconsin.
It was a great trip. Thank you, Brenda and Laura, for hosting me. Thank you to all of the people who came to meet me. Thank you, Kriste, for being a great traveling buddy. Thank you to Tumbling Sparrow Photography for the pictures of the Ironstone Nest workshop and to Maryjanes & Galoshes Photography for the pictures of the meet & greet. Thank you One Love Candle & Bath and The Home T for the gifts.
Thank you, Wisconsin.
You have such a beautiful soul, and it shows in all your pictures.
Tabatha
Marian,
I was so glad to meet you , and see you in action. You are such a real person and your love of painting comes through. My wife didn’t know what to expect, and had a great time.
I am reading your book right now. I am taking it slow, instead of racing through as usual.
Your book, blog, and in person, all inspire. Thank you.
Rick
I’m so glad I made the trip to meet you in person. It was a great time. And Kriste is such a beauty in person! Thank you for that memory.
This looks like it was so much fun! I would love to be able to go to an event like this someday.
It was well worth the trip as I enjoyed the whole day! Thank you and Kriste for taking the time to travel to Wisconsin and share with all of us.
Wow, that looks like such a full, wonderful trip. I love the format for the painted furniture workshop – how fun to pick your own piece from a gathered selection. I also really like the shirt you picked out, that just screams you!
I had to take a break….
To give my heart a chance to slow down. I’m booking a trip to Wisconsin soon! LOL! Love the pics you shared and would (sincerely) love to visit these shops one day. Glad you two had so much fun on your girl trip!
That’s me!!!
How fun to see me on your blog!
I was really concentrating on mixing that paint. ;). Good thing, it paid off ’cause my little end table looks amazing in my house. 🙂
And the picture of Kristie and my Mom mixing her paint, priceless.
We had a wonderful day!
Looks like such a fun time! How fun that the workshop participants got to select a piece of furniture there.
So, will you and Kriste be showing us the clothing you got at Harvest Home? Looks like a very full, wonderful, visit! Bet there’s a lot of people in Oregon (including me) who would turn out for an appearance by you. Thanks for all the links to WI Mustard Seed goodness.
Marian, as I read your post and watched the various videos, my heart swelled with pride and delight for all that you are accomplishing with your brand. I often tell your story to encourage others in their creative business aspirations. This verse and beloved book title came to mind as I watched you:
Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29 ESV)
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Seuss)
Be encouraged… 🙂
Looks like a great trip! And, weird side note, I love the music in the video. Seems like the perfect mix of vintage and modern for, well, YOU!
Hello Marian,
I love everything you do. You are such an inspiration! and so creative!!!
Would you share the title and artist behind your Wisconsin video? The music is so upbeat and happy, I would love to hear the rest of it.
Huggz, Lee
I love that sweet song, too. It’s called “Happy Mandolin” and it’s a free song in the You Tube dashboard.
Getting to be a part of your workshop in Sun Prairie will be a memory I cherish for years to come. You are truly inspiring and I’m so happy I finally had the chance to meet you, learn from you and in the end receive a warm hug! Thank you again for sharing your time and talents & signing my stool! Glad you and Kriste enjoyed your first time in Wisconsin!
Wow! What an amazing experience. I would be pinching myself for a reality check! Thank you for sharing.
This is so great. I think I have something in my eye (and it’s not poison ivy). I am so happy for you and Kriste. I love the synergy you two are getting from each other. Wisconsin treated you well, and that’s great to see too.
I am so very sorry that I missed you and Kriste when you were here in beautiful Wisconsin. (I was tempted to cancel my trip to AZ for my granddaughter’s graduation when I read that you would be here.)
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting both Harvest Home and The Ironstone Nest. I’m hoping to plan return visits in the near future – as soon as I complete a few “works in progress”. (But don’t hold your breathe – I’m a procrastinator extraordinaire.)
I hope you will pay us a return visit when I will be home and not out traveling.
Marian, It looks like both you and Kristie had a joyous time! Thanks for the recap of your trip! Kristie is such a great member of your team! The pictures of the ironstone nest are great! So many beautiful things to buy.
FABULOUS !!! Love your faith Marian,,,!!