Inspired You, by Miss Mustard Seed – a book review
Elizabeth
elizabethcaudell@bellsouth.net
Lori
Operation Magpie
lori@operationmagpie.com
Congrats gals! You have been emailed!
Once upon a time, an online friendship was born. Miss Mustard Seed and Funky Junk Interiors bantered back and forth, soon realizing they wanted to work together in some capacity.
So they created a successful online Workshop Series together, which ran for many, many weeks.
As time transpired, things got a little more exciting… opportunity started to knock for both bloggers. It was if the inbox could become Christmas morning on any given day!
Then one day, I recieved an email that flipped my world upside down. It was a book publisher knocking on my door!
Marian, being the friend that she was, immediately supported me and promised to make way for a place for ‘my book’ on her coffee table. Exciting times!
Well, that book offer fell through for me. But I just couldn’t be more pleased that it worked out for her. Look who has a book on her coffee table now!
So, yes, I’m totally freaking out that my friend got published. But I now have a duty before me. I desired to do a book review so it’s important to be really objective here, right?
So after I (kissed the book and danced around with it) casually cracked open the spine,
… wait. A. MINUTE.
Stay objective, stay objective, stay objective…
Seriously, my eyes stung and I was so very touched. Holding this book in my hand and seeing my name inside was like a message to me. It clarified that Marian would always be rooting for me, and what was possible for any of us through diligence and hard work.
It gave me renewed hope once again that my own book deal may come calling one day.
The ‘objective’ review
If you read Miss Mustard Seed, you know how her writing draws you in. Her words, although perfectly casual, fit together like a well made puzzle. A way with words comes naturally to Marian and she delivers her trademark style throughout the entire book.
The book isn’t just tutorials nor just one big beautiful photo shoot. It’s built like a storybook of sorts. Think of it as an inspiring adventure with both photos and tutorials alongside stories, that gently encourage you to push outside of your comfort zone, and discover what you’re truly capable of. If you give yourself a chance.
There’s sound advice on how to bargain shop, fix things up, and make them yours.
The tutorials come with crisp pictures and clear instruction on how to paint, distress, wax, sew, build, and more.
I’ll be honest. This is the kind of book you wish was twice the size. You’re simply left wanting even more. But there’s MORE than enough to be able to refinish furniture, sew slipcovers, paint, and even appreciate what you already have.
When I received the book, I made sure to treat myself to a hot tea or coffee, warm blanket, ease into a comfy chair and enjoy the ride. It was like a little 1 on 1 conversation with Marian. When I finally turned over the last page, it made me sad. I would miss her. And I do.
Knowing the book is only an arm’s length away is a good thing. This book will always have a special place on my coffee table.
Confession? I was encouraged to build my new coffee table BEFORE the book arrived because I wanted to keep my promise of proudly displaying it on a cool coffee table.
And it’s even big enough for two. 🙂
Well done my friend, very well done. I am so proud of you!
Now please come over and sign it, k? 🙂
ENTER TO WIN INSPIRED YOU
Would you like a chance to win Inspired You?
I’m giving 2 away!
Leave a comment, telling me something you wish to accomplish one day, and you’re in!
For a second chance, comment one more time after you social media this event any way you choose. (blog, tweet, FB, pin, G+) Let’s get the word out that her book is released!
Giveaway is avail to Canada and USA. You must be over the age of 18 to win. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end Saturday, November 10th and be drawn by random and the winner will be named in this post. Please include your email with your comment if it isn’t linked to a blog otherwise a new name will be drawn.
Get inspired by the best!
Socks for Sandy now has it’s own Facebook page! Click above to see their immediate current needs.
The two winners for the FOLK magazine giveaway:
Christmas 2012 – Lavender Dreamer
1 year subscription – Nova
Congrats you two! I’ll be emailing you for your deets!
Winners of Inspired You giveaway:
Elizabeth
elizabethcaudell@bellsouth.net
Lori
Operation Magpie
lori@operationmagpie.com
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What a lovely friend you have.:) I would be overjoyed to win this book. Something I would like to accomplish and have oned day is my own craft/office shed. It would be my women cave. 😉
I am totally inspired to some day make a slipcover for my couch… That would be an accomplishment!
Susan
WOW, looks like a Super book to spend an afternoon reading.
I would love to refinish an antique wooden toolbox that belonger to my Dad’s Father and give it to my son.
I started following both of your blogs when you were both trying to hit 4,000 followers. It’s been so inspiring to follow both of your journeys. Someday I hope to finish all of my unfinished projects. I live in a museum of good intentions!
I’d love to win Marian’s book!
Someday I’d like to paint something with her milk paint.
It kinda scares me right now but I’ll work up my courage to try it!!
♥’s
Sherry
I would love to win this book! Most of our furniture is far from new…and I need all the help I can get to get it spruced up! Thank you!!!
I so loved reading your post! I ordered her book the minute it was available on Amazon and I love every page…. it is a fabulous book. What a special friendship!
I think this is going to be a lovely book and I would love to win a copy. As for something I would love to accomplish someday-I would love to learn to play the guitar!
Marian is fabulous & one day I hope to meet her & stalk her for a day in person 🙂 Thanks
I tweeted the giveaway. If I could get away with it, I’d tell everyone at work when they call in lol
I am with Eunice 100%!!!!! Ditto what she said!I am not sure I can wait to win one…I think I am going to go and buy one today :)…However, I am thinking that they would make great gifts to encourage some friends to lead their “inspiring” lives. Creating is great therapy…
I want to have a comfy cozy and awesome looking house like I see in all of your photos!
Thank-you! But please know, it’s rarely that clean or done up just so in real life. I guess I need a behind the scenes post soon! 🙂
Just recently found your blog, and have fallen in love with every project 🙂 Last year, at the age of 48, I went back to school part time to finish what I started 30 years ago…a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. My hope is that I can continue to juggle family, work and school and realize my dream of graduating college.
PS: One of my graphics projects was to design a logo for a fictional trade show event called…Funky Junk!
Thats just what friends should do is inspire each other to be better and what a friend you have there. I have always wanted to open a small shop on my property for all the primitive creations I have made and still have lodge up in my head. Just a charming little shed I have in my backyard, to go out and create in! I love the book cover itself it just draws you in. Thank your friend Marian for me:)
The book is beautiful, love the way it’s presented. When I return home, I intend to finish the chairs I’ve begun…they have been painted, now all they need are the cushions recovered.
I have been wanting to paint an old dresser. I was going to get this done this year but now it will not happen until next year. This book looks really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.
You ladies are so inspiring. I hope to write a ebook someday. Thanks!dorene(at)pine(dot)net
One day, one day I would love to open a small furniture and decor business. I’m on my way with a booth at a local antiques market. People like you and Marianne have inspired me to take a chance and do what I love to do!
I would love to win Marion’s book..I need to try my hand at slipcovering two chairs.
I would also like to try her milk paint on an old cabinet..
Thank you for the opportunity…Gail
I want to be known for my love and compassion, a life flowing with grace and humility…..
Just linked it onto my Facebook page!
Yay, so very excited for Miss Mustard Seed!! Something I would like to accomplish?? I would love to have my home in a magazine someday…like you 🙂 My grandmother (and biggest fan) used to always say “Your home should be in a magazine” and I would often over hear her say to others “Don’t you think Laurel’s home should be in magazine?” It warms my heart to think about it…of course she was a little “bias”. But I think she would smile down from heaven if it ever really happened 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book!! Laurel
I would love to accomplish a yard of beautiful flowers for all to enjoy as they pass by. This book sounds amazing and I would love to have it. I love your coffee table too!
I would love to win her book. My dream is to open a main street store front selling local artisans crafty goodness. R Larsen
I would love to display this book on my coffee table as well. It is on my Christmas list. If I happen to win and one of my kids buys me the book I will be able to share the love.
I have several pieces of furniture I recused from the side of the road and a rocking chair I would like to reupholster…..I need this book!
Funky Junk and Miss Mustard Seed have been my daily reads for quite some time!
I shared this on my Chipping with Charm fb page too 🙂
Don’t enter me in your giveaway…I already have the book. Although I only “met” Marian about a year ago, I consider her a friend. My name too is in her book. When I saw it my heart was beating so fast it almost jumped out of my chest. I love this post, I love your review…and I feel sure that your very own book will soon join hers on your coffee table. Have a good day ~ Ann
I have a gossip chair that I want to redo and refinish. Miss Mustard Seed’s book looks amazing.
Karen
Donna, thanks so much for your generous give a way. You and Marion both have inspired me to do more! I want to work with milk paint. Learn how to wax better would be another great one!
On a side note I have mailed my socks for Sandy off. My hope is they could get there before the storm.
Smiles, Alice
Ps waiting for your book too!
I have always enjoyed each and every one of Marian’s blogs. She is very easy to read. She is a gifted writer and also very talented. I have learned a lot from her. She is my inspiration. Someday I would love to learn to paint like her. For now, I would just really be thankful to read her book 🙂
Blessings to you and yours.
I want to make covers for my wing back chairs…need some inspiration for sure…and i really want to make something out of a pallet. 🙂
thanks for an opportunity to win.
to build something ang. merk(underscore)doug(at)alliancecom(dot)net
I would LOVE to have a copy of the book! I would love to have a booth where I can display and sell creations using chalk paint and milk paint and any other medium that strikes my fancy. You and Marian are such an inspiration for creating.
I’m waiting for my studio to be finished so I can be organized and create wonderful items. It should be in a few months and I’m so excited.
I have posted on my facebook about Marian’s book. I pre-ordered one and am awaiting it as I type. Yaaaah.
Thanks for the giveaway! Someday I’d like to write a book too.
I definitely want to build some day! We’ll be moving to a new home soon, and I hope to build something special for it.
I would love to win this book! I hope to refinish or paint a china cabinet that has been passed down to me from my mother-in-law, but I am absolutely terrified to touch it.
I would love to be in on your Book Giveaway. I think your projects are just so cool. This weekend I am re-purposing and old cedar fence section using the wood to build a Nut Feeder for the birds. I have an old water pipe I am using as well.
I absorb all the inspiration I can as I am trying to make my home our own since purchasing from my in-laws 4 yrs. ago. Unless the good Lord gives me the $ to gut my kitchen, I’d like to paint the pine cabinets and replace the turqoise counter top. I will post on FB. Thank you both for sharing your talents!
Ohhhhhh I would love to win this book. I visit Miss Mustard Seed every single day (you, too!) and just love everything she touches. She is my idol! I don’t want to write a book, but my dream is to bring in more customers, create for more people and get so many orders for my work that my head spins. Yessiree – that’s MY dream. If you’re interested in seeing what I do, please contact me.
kosec@sbcglobal.com
First a I would love for us to be able to finish our house which was put on the back burner after a series of health issues and then followed by job loss… then to purge and have decorated so that I could have friends to walk through a finished and decorated house!!!
thanks for the chance!!!
ti
Ti Bo, your link isn’t connected to an email. Could you please delete your comment and comment again with an email inside your comment? Thank-you! I said comment 3 times in one sentence…. yikes. LOL
Looks like a fantastic book! I would really like to learn to paint a piece of furniture. I have a bedroom dresser that I would like to make over.
I have been so blessed to have found your blog and Marian’s blog. Both of you are very talented and have inspired me to follow my dreams. I would love to sell crafts and re-purposed furniture at a local home decor booth or thrift store someday and now just trying to get the courage to follow those dreams. I would love to have Marian’s book – I know it will be very inspiring!
🙂 I would love to not be so lazy and create what I want to create 🙂
I tweeted the giveaway.
https://twitter.com/stamp202/status/266540902804246530
I lov Miss Mustard Seed and everything she does. She is wildly talented and an inspiration. I would one day love to have a shop to sell handmade goods and furniture.
Discovering Funky Junk Interiors blog was the day my creative juices really started flowing. Taking the tour of your beautiful home only made me want one just like it! To have a chance now to win Inspire Me to give me even more inspiration and know-how is very exciting. Someday I would love to have my own little workshop where I can just create, create, create!
I hope to get brave enough to try my hand at making a slipcover. Thanks Donna for a chance to win a copy of this book.
Blessings,
Linda
Sharing the book giveaway on my facebook.
Blessings,
Linda
What a lovely book and how fabulous to be inspired by God…nothing better than that! I have a second bedroom that is waiting to be developed into a guest room (for my grandson, family and friends)/work-art room (for me to create till my heart’s content! If I can accomplish those two things in that room, it will be a great achievement!!! Thanks for the opportunity. Robin rtinsley_54@yahoo.com thegoodlife54.blogspot.com
I wish to be a better photographer but with more confidence and practice, I should get there. I’ve been reading MMS for quite
some time now and love her work! Owning a copy if her book would make my heart sing!
hmm… what would I like to accomplish? Well lets see, I have a child size Roll Top Desk in my basement, and I have a beautiful dresser I would like to finish up.
Really tho, I’d love to actually learn to MAKE things with wood, rather than just paint over them. That is my life long dream!!!
Kisha
Sunflowergal74@yahoo.com
sunflowergal74.blogspot.com
Kisha, I get it! The world changed when I started making my own stuff. I totally totally get it! Pick up a tool and just try! That’s really the key. 🙂
I would love to be even more creative!
This book sounds awesome!
Hmm… I want to have children and own my own business so I can work from home!
I think I will have to buy Miss Mustard Seed’s book, if I don’t win. Very nice post about your friend.
You sold that book to me! I want it. I have so many projects I want to do but I think the hall bathroom needs to come first!
I can’t wait to read this amazing book! I’m love to accomplish have a small successful business working with found and restored treasurers.
Just tweeted from @MainStrDesign! Best of luck!!
I have a Empire oak dresser I bought last summer. I need to find the courage to figure out how to fix the bubbled top. Marian just jumps in and tries new things using her DYI experience as the foundation of her design work. I am hoping that reading her book will give me the courage to do the same.
Donna Allgaier-Lamberti
http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
ok I shared on my Face book page – http://www.facebook.com/thesunflowergaldesignteam 🙂
thank you again for the opportunity to win!
I can’t wait to read Marian’s book. It’s already in my cart on Amazon for a Christmas present to me if anyone asks, so if I could win it here instead…
Olivia
Livvie365@gmail.com
I would like to attempt a slip cover for an older style chair that has lots of charm. I have been following both you and Miss Mustard Seed (I refer to you both as “my girls on the internet” for a few years…my daily dose of creativity!) I would like to win MMS book to have some of that creativity on paper!
I want to paint my corner hutch I’ve had for 30 years with MMS paint. My husband suggested I take it to a professional painter – ouch!! I could do it in a day with MMS guidance and her paint!
I just want the time to create.
MMS’s book has been on my list of reads! I’d someday like to paint my 100+ year old piano, but I’m scared to death. It is looking pretty disheveled, and not in a funky, cool kinda way. Someday, I WILL tackle this project… I think. 🙂
So very cool!! I would love to find more balance, to do the things I want with the things I need to do 🙂
Tammieblonde@gmail.com
Oh my goodness!! I am so excited for Miss Mustard Seed. Her blog (and yours Donna) were the first I fell in love with. I am so proud of her. Congratulations to you both. You are amazingly talented women with bright futures ahead of you. As for me? I would like to keep growing in my creative endeavors. I would like to walk in confidence and not be afraid. I would love to win that book, because it would feel like I was getting personal instruction and encouragement.
Hello Donna….I have a dream to start a family woodcrafting business..we make things to give as gifts and to decorate our home and part of that dream is to maybe begin teaching others via weekend classes how to create such things for themselves…ok 🙂 and while I am sharing my heart -I have always had the desire to write a children’s book {I taught in a Christian school for 12 years}….but, for now I am loving being full-time Momma to my 20, 17 and 13 year old children!! Keep your heart strong Donna and God bless! Becky J abcjones@comcast.net
I tweeted it!
https://twitter.com/houseonharrison/status/266551940790505472
I have worked as a nurse for over 30 years but my dream is to someday craft and sell/give away all my treasures to share with my family and friends. My latest projects all have stemmed from either junk around my small farm or from my local restore shop. Creating keeps me sane, but my house kinda messy!
I hope to reupholster a chair from my Tante–I have never done it but I am determined to get this chair done…
My dream is to open a tiny funky, junky, chippy shop named ElaBlue. Ela for what my Grand Daughters call me and Blue for the name of my first horse.
I can’t wait to read her book (and yours when it comes out)! My next project is to paint a hutch.
when I retire I’d like to learn autobody work, then redo the paint & body work on my old car.
What a lovely review. I hope to open a successful occassional shop that inpires people to create beautiful and warm and comfy spaces in their homes.
My dream is to have enough readers to get sponsors and advertisers and to have my own stall in a really really cool vintage/antique store. I am so inspired by Marian, you, Shaunna, and Susan! You guys inspire me to keep writing and keep going! Thanks so much.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been looking on craigslist, goodwill, salv. army for a sideboard to paint. I’m trying to be patient so I make the right decision and don’t just give up the search and settle for one I don’t really LOVE.
Hi Donna!I so much enjoyed seeing you at Bella Rustica and then following all your comments before and after! It is great to hear what you have to say about the beloved South! One of my regrets is that I didn’t buy any of Miss Mustard Seed’s paints that day. I haven’t gotten up the nerve to paint some old pieces I’ve collected and this book would help me decide how to get started!
I want to feel well enough again to be able to do any ne thing in this book to make my house a home for my family again.
Shared the book on Facebook! Hope you have a blessed day. Thanks for all your fun ideas.
theyellowhousefor8@cox.net
Hi! We just moved into our new house. I would love some help on how to turn this house into a home! That would be such an accomplishment 🙂
Shared on Facebook..let’s see. Love to try a slipcover and screw up enough courage to paint over my dark living room furniture. Ellen epjohnson@skybeam.com
Inspired by you, Miss Mustard and the other great women (well mostly women) of these blogs I have started refinishing/repurposing furniture again and even just started my own blog. One day I would like to be able to retire early and spend all my time doing this 🙂
Thanks for hosting this give away,
Julie
renew.create.restore@gmail.com
Would love for the vintage concept store I co-own to get national recognition someday and to get our own private label vintage reproduction dress designs produced. Also would like to do something with you someday…bring you to Calgary for a fabulous workshop!!!!
Pick me..pick me 🙂 I would love to win this book and dream of the day I will own my farm with all reclaimed items.
The most immediate accomplishment for me would be making drop cloth slip covers for a couple chairs in my living room. I’ve had the drop clothes for months–just need the time and motivation! Thanks for the chance to win Miss Mustard Seed’s beautiful book.
Thanks for the chance. One day I would like to attemp to refabric a chair, and make my own curtains. I have a sewing machine now just need to learn how to use it. I would love a copy of the book. Congrats to you both.
Way to go! both of you!
a couple of years ago i identified a few goals for myself:
*do art full time (check)
*get a real studio (check)
*get my work into a gallery (check)
*teach my art techniques to others (check)
*write a book about my art techniques . . . . hummmmm
Donna, you are an inspiration!
thanks for the chances to win Marian’s book!
i’ve tweeted and pinned!
now, go do more awesome things!
In my immediate future I’m looking forward to completing my MBA! 🙂
This book looks amazing and have been inspired more than one by her creations! 🙂
A little over a year ago I didn’t know the world of bloggers were out there to inspire, encourage, open up a new world of connecting with like minded women who want to make their homes uniquely theirs. I love how it has changed my life! I hope to have my own blog soon too. It would be so awesome to win Miss Mustard Seed’s book, to cozy up on these winter days and get lost in her world of ideas!
Thank you.
~Debbie
shadowhaswings@aol.com
Tweeted this great giveaway.
https://twitter.com/PamBallard1
I am on my way to accomplishing something that is in no small part the result of both you and Marion. I have been inspired to start my own antique/junk/refurbishing business. I am setting up my Etsy account now and blog next. Hopefully will be in a very nice antique mall by the first of the year. You both are a great inspiration!!!! THANK YOU!!!
Ahhh!! I want to win!! And I want to be creative everyday, not just part time. You are truly an inspiration
what do i wish for one day? To actually be living on our farm with several guest cabins and a little shop stocked with collected and unique pieces made by myself and others. but for the time being to have the courage to step out and be artistic again. to learn to paint and actually sell my work… whether it be sachets made from vintage sheets, shopping bags from reclaimed fabrics, or funky cloth flowers… Basically to step out and not be afraid!
I’m a loyal MMS reader. But I’m still working up the courage to paint a piece of wood furniture. I’ve watched all her tutorials and I have the piece to paint, but… I’m afraid of ruining it.
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com
I would love to win Marian’s book! Looks very cool!
pinned it! I know one day I’ll have one of your books gracing my table as well! I just want to say how much of an encouragement you are to me… its amazing how long its been now. even when i fall silent for long periods of time… well you are still an encouragement even when you don’t realize it. Take care now.
I shared on Instagram and Facebook via Instagram…
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that one day I hope to have my own craft store/antique shop together, showing how the two could be used to decorate! Long ways away! But a dream!
Love to see folks follow their creative hearts!!
Would love to receive a copy of the book – I always find inspiration in others’ work!
Thank you.
I have to first say I love your coffee table and the sofa (well the wooden frame of the sofa actually lol) and I would really love a copy of the book, looks wonderful!
Thanks! Juls
I would love the opportunity to win MMS’s book and learn how to reupholster the seat of my newly chalk-painted chair! It was my grandma’s, so I’m so glad that it’s coming back to life.
I love the way you support your friend. She has a treasure in you. My dream is to have a successful blog. (I have my own definition for success:)) Thank you for sharing her book. I hope yours is next.
I would love to win this beatiful book and be MORE inspired!! Over the thanksgiving holiday I’m going to make curtains for my living room.
Thanks for a chance to win this book! One item on my “things to accomplish” list is to paint a dresser and repurpose as an entertainment center for the living room.
I pinned about this giveaway. 🙂
Oh my wow. I would really love to win! There are so many things I one day hope to accomplish!! As someone else said a woman ‘cave’ with an area to craft, paint and sew would be an absolute dream. I also like doing crafty things w/ my 3 year old daughter (she loves glueing, finger painting, taking pictures…)and I think it would be super fun to paint a table or a chair with her as a fun project. Lastly, I dream to one day have my own storybook home/farm filled with reclaimed and repurposed treasures so I can create a blog to post photos, inspiration and diy projects. That way I can maybe have people ooh and awe over my home/life as I do now with the blogs I read now, such as yours 😉 Thank you so very much!
What a great coffee table book. I would love to try a MMS milk paint project
I have both your blog and Marian’s on my toolbar so I can click quickly to get my daily ‘fix’. My goal – I would love to do something with the 50+ pallets I have stacked up in our barn and your coffee table is the perfect inspiration!
Susan
thistleberrycottage@gmail.com
I would love to win Miss Mustard Seed’s book! Someday when my kids are a little older i want to have my own space in a place like Lucketts, or maybe my own store where other people have a space in my place!
My dream is to make the home we’ve just moved into a reflection of who we are now, as this is our last home (we hope)! My pie-in-the-sky dream is to have a booth, or shared space, in a shop someday, where I can share my fun finds from Estate sales with others, for an affordable price (basically, what Marian already does)!
Oops! forgot to leave my e-mail address! jchayward521@gmail.com
Congrats to MMS and your day will come soon Donna! I would like to finish organizing and scanning our zillions of old, old family photos. And find an old piano and paint it white. Not necessarily in that order. 🙂
What a lovely book! My sweet husband is building out a space in an old warehouse for my studio! I am so excited! We are in the design stage now working with an amazing architect. Slow going! Winning the book would give me inspiration! Thanks for the chance.
As everyone has already stated, I’d love to win this book. Maybe I could work up the courage to paint my kitchen cabinets.
Deb Plapp
thebee52@frontier.com
I tweeted and pinned!
Would luv to re-finish an old dresser and find some matching handles for it too!
I luv MMS’ blog too, but luv yours more…
I remember finding MMS thru you, Donna. Yes, back in the old contest days. You’ve both been so inspiring. MMS’s book also has video content and the one I watched was completely wonderful. Your turn will come; soon I hope! You are an original and deserve a book/TV series/major motion picture.
~pogonip
I am wanting to paint an old dresser that used to be my changing table back in the day. I think it would make a great tv console in robin egg blue! Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win a copy of this book for more inspiration!
I don’t usually participate in giveaways but this one is different. I’ve been following Marian’s blog and hope that her book exceeds all expectations. What would I like to accomplish…..master my Cricut (since I am not very good at hand-lettering).
What a wonderful Giveaway!
I would Love to be able to build furniture like you!
A coffee table, a desk…
You inspire me as so does Marian!
sandraallen260@centurytel.net
I’m desperating trying to get the courage to paint our first bedroom furniture. It’s good furniture I’m just so scared I’m going to mess it up. But by reading your blog I just about have the courage! Thank you so much for the chance to win this beautiful book – can’t wait to read it!
Shared on my Facebook page. (Sandi Allen)
I found you and MMS about the same time almost two years ago!
I don’t think I’ve missed a post since from either of your blogs, and have thoroughly enjoyed them all!
I was a totally new to blogging, trying to find my way, and learned a lot, and got a lot of inspiration from you both—THANKS, more than you’ll probably ever know!
I can’t wait to read MMS’s book, and hope to YOURs too very soon!
Catherine
What a wonderful book, review and generous giveaway! What I look forward to doing is squashing my fears of tackling a project..specifically our kitchen table. It desperately needs refinishing, but I just cover it up with a tablecloth! Macintosh603@hotmail.com
I am dying to get my hands on Marian’s book! You both inspire me to be creative and try new things…I remember when I used to look at decorating as something you did by going to a store and buying new things to put into my home. Not anymore. Something I want to do? Find a way to make a the switch to a Creative Career. Thanks!
Love Miss Mustard Seed..
love Funky Junk Interiors!
have followed both for several years now..
always inspired!
altho I love thrifting and re purposing..
my real passion is my Photography..
together with my sis, we hope to soon join the Crafting shows around Florida, selling our unique brand of coastal beauty!
Loui♥
Mountain Mermaid
http://mermaidlouie.blogspot.com
I just shared her book post on my FB page…Happy Day!!!
Justed Posted on Facebook!
XX crossed fingers!!
Loui♥
FB Lou Windom
I am slowly working on a dinning room table and chairs.I have sold my beautiful store bought set.My husband is building a new table and I am in the process of putting together mismatched chairs. I really need to be inspired! Thanks for this opportunity.
I follow you and MMS and have for some time now. If I were lucky enough to win her beautiful book, I would recover a couple of Craigslist chairs I got to go with some furniture I inherited from my grandmother. It looks like the book is packed to the gills with tutorials! What a treat!
Hmmmm next project? Just one? Think I will spray paint my polished brass ceiling fan in a deep red to match the other accents in my kitchen. I even brought home a box from work to do it in. Planning to just take off the blades and globes, tape off the ceiling and cut the box to fit to protect the rest of the area. The big question is should I leave the blades wood tone or paint those red too? Perhaps one side red one side wood tone? Charlotte Barnes, Midlothian, Va
I”ve always wanted to learn sign language. Would love to win this beautiful book. Thanks for the opportunity !!
I posted this on FB.
Wow something I want to accomplish soon? Hard question because there are so many. But right now I am putting in new granite countertops and it has pushed me to actually start to paint the kitchen. All of it, walls and cabinets as well. And get new appliances, so fun to have a new kitchen soon. Will be blogging about it.
Of course one other thing I would love to do is to meet both you and Marion. You don’t live as far away as Marion does, but not sure this will ever happen. Looking forward to have you write a book as well.
Hope to win this awesome book.
I just tweeted about your fabulous giveaway here:
https://twitter.com/JBsVintage/status/266613567367827456
Thanks for the opportunity to win this wonderful book. My dream list includes publishing a book myself and seeing my products in retail stores. Have a great day!
Ha. I just want to get SOMETHING finished in my house. Every room is in construction mode. That’s what I want for Christmas – a bathroom sink.
I just tweeted your giveaway.
https://twitter.com/loribelle
What a great giveaway! I’ve been fans of BOTH of you for a few years. Glad to see you are both getting the credit you deserve. I want to slipcover my couch. Thanks for the chance.
my husband and i are trying to accomplish the remodel of a 90 yr old house. there is an old cottage on the property and i am working to open that as a “junk” shop. and daily i ask God to accomplish His will through me. thanks for your blog. gives me inspiration! melody
Donna, thank you for this opportunity. I am doing something next week that I thought would never happen. Almost 2 years ago my husband and I moved an old grainery onto our farm. We have been slowly redoing it into my workshop and a place that I can sell my products. Well I am having my first sale next weekend and hope it will go well. That is seriously stepping out of my comfort zone. Thank you for all you do to inspire me daily.
Robin
Decorating my living room..I’m at a complete loss! Two walls, one window, open to the kitchen. Lost!
I hope to some day soon , build our own house. This book would come in handy with all the tips. I found you recently, but have read Ms. Mustard Seeds blog for awhile. You both have very cool styles. Enjoy your creativity! thanks for offering this giveaway!
I also pinned you to my Pinterest site
just “pushed in a pin” for the book, “inspired you”
I read your blog everyday and have never left a comment, but a chance to win this book made me start typing. I love what you and Miss Mustard Seed (I read hers too) provide for the DIYers. Your projects inspire me, the novice, to jump out there and try it. I am trying to decorate my house in the classic Cottage Farmhouse style and this book would be perfect. Thank you for inspiring me. Beth elizabethcaudell@bellsouth.net
How about decluttering & organizing my house! :o)
I follow you both and would so enjoy having a copy of her book. There is a property near my area-in an historic district- with a 1928 short sale house. I have fallen in love with it. It is overgrown and charming and begging for someone to love it. There are already two bed and breakfast places on the street, so don’t know that it could support another… Everything I see on your site and Marian’s, would inspire what I could do with it all.
Love both of you two’s blogs and tutorials. I want to finish my nightstands that I made out of a vanity. Could really use her book for further instruction on distressing and waxing. Thanks Donna!
Love both of you two’s blogs and tutorials. I want to finish my nightstands that I made out of a vanity. Could really use her book for further instruction on distressing and waxing. Thanks Donna!
Beautiful book and you have a gorgeous site. Great eye candy. I have a spare bedroom in my house that I use as an art room but it has also become a catch all. So I would one day love to turn in into a real art studio. A space where I could go that was organized, calm, beautiful and my creatively would flow.
Love your things and creativity! I too yearn to write a book..a children’s book…I love crafting and making things for others..Bless you both!
I would love to someday have my blog become as successful as yours and Miss Mustard Seed’s. I would also love to someday write a book. You two are both inspiring!
http://www.restorationredoux.com
I’m very happy for Marian and the successes that she’s having. She just seems like a warm and loving person and it shows in everything she does.
Her book is on my Christmas wish list (hint, hint…to my family). I would love to paint something and have it come out as beautiful as everything you and Marian paint. You two have the Midas touch when it comes to furniture.
To completely finish one room in my house! Set up my studio. To build a shop out back. Oh wait, you said one. Can’t choose.
🙂
Book pinned and ordered.
I’m not sure which of your blogs I discovered first, but I’ve been reading both of your blogs for about 2 years. (I’m sorry I don’t comment much.) I enjoy them both. My style lies somewhere between your two styles, I think.
My secret dream is to have pictures of my home in a magazine some day. I don’t want to write the article or take the pictures…just have them magically appear in a magazine! It could happen, right? 🙂
We moved to this place five years ago and I have yet unpack it all and get it together, Every time I have taken on the task something major happens and I have to leave it sitting undone. It has been two flooded basements, an illness and an ice fall leaving my arm in a cast. It is starting to drive me nuts, somehow i have got to get this place in shape and finished, I am not getting any younger….LOL….
I posted you blog on FB.
I would love to paint my grandparent’s old set of armoires and the matching night table. We use it as is, but I’d really love to freshen them up some day.
Hi Donna,
As a fellow Canadian,(I was born an army brat and raised in Chilliwack BC.)I need you to know how wonderful it is to have you as such an inspiration.
I’m brand new to blogging and have just created my own site. It’s called Just shut up and paint and I would love to be able to continue to expand my furniture re-inventions enough to sell from my site as well as from my weekly flea market booth.
Marianne’s success shows you that with a little imagination, and a whole lot of positive thinking, miracles do happen!
Paint! I love it….tole painting for 30 years…painted china..just now learning to paint furniture. Miss Mustard Seed is just plain fun to read…so I know her book is Fab. I would love to organize my craft room one day. Congrats on being a wonderful friend!
Donna, what a sincere review of her book. I love how you described all the features of this book. You definetly make me what to get this book. As for one of the things I want to accomplish is . . . To open my own handmade, trash to treasure home decor business. I have the entire imagine in my mind and know how I would display, run and recruit consignments. One day!
Pinned it!
I have dreams of one day publishing my own book. Stories like this encourage me, and I hope that one day you have a book published, too, Donna. Hang on to your dreams and keep working!
I’d love to win Marian’s book. My email lorrieorr AT gmail.com
And it’s Pinned!
I have recently lost my husband to cancer and interior decorating and blogs like yours have gotten me through my first year alone.. Thank you would love to win a copy of your beautiful new book… Thank u
I am so happy for Marian! I have followed both of you for so long that I feel like I know both of you personally – what a wonder is this blog-world! What I would like to accomplish (aside from cleaning out my house) :-), is making your neat crate w/ license plate – I have both, but somehow have not managed to put them together yet -LOL – like what to do if crate is too wide or too narrow?
Wanda in NH
wandalee3@aol.com
I have also tweeted and FB’d it!!
wandalee3@aol.com
Wanda in NH
I love your site and how it inspired others to take chances. I wish to be able to make a living off the things I make.Thanks for all you do!
Two things come quickly to mind…give Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint a try, and build a coffee table out of pallet wood!
Thank you, sweet Donna!
xo
Leah: )
swtleah@hotmail.com
I have a vintage couch that I got on Craigslist for $25. I want to recover it and add casters and make it a cozy dinning table sofa!
Great review Donna! The book looks and sounds amazing! Can’t wait to see it! You are both bloggers that I have found so inspiring and I am so impressed by the success of both of you! I do hope you have a book of your own one day too!
Trying Trying Trying to win a Miss Mustard Seed Book!!! What would I like to accomplish someday? To know what I want to accomplish some day. To really know.
I posted the give away on FB. Had to. My favorite two bloggers talking about each other.
I have followed yours and MMS’s blog for years now and I wish to have just an ounce of your success. You both have inspired me over the years. Congrats for both of you. It is well deserved!!
I am so happy for Marian, I love her blog and I am sure her book is just as wonderful. My biggest dream is to open my own store full of vintage and antique items and some new things thrown in the mix.
Thank you for offering such a great giveaway.
Melanie
I recently had to downsize and will be moving to the southwest. I will be pretty much starting over with furnishings and decor and would love this book as a guide. Thank you for the opportunity.
I shared this with my friends http://www.facebook.com/mommahenscoop?ref=hl#
I am currently in the planning stages of building & upholstering an ottoman. You all inspire me so much!
I want to get my blog up and going. So many of you are such inspiration (meeting Miss Mustard Seed at Haven was great). Can’t wait to get the paint and also to try some of her new paint.
I shared on FB.
I’m so happy for both of you as I read your posts! I have been following you both for over a year. Seeing your accomplishments keeps me going with my own ventures! Thank you! (When you liked my pallet art…I was over the moon, too!!) I would love to win her 1st book.
I have a list a mile high of things I want to accomplish, but the one I would like to do the soonest is turn my shed into a studio/workshop.
I tweeted this for another chance! 😉
Since I am retired I would love to travel more….since my husband and iI are homebodies….that’s a pretty big wish!
Love your blog! I read it almost daily as well as Marian’s. I would like to one day make operation magpie my full time job!
I would love to have a mix of antiques refinished/re-purposed furniture (that I have done myself) in every room in my home. My email is karen(dot)patriquin(at)gmail(dot)com
I have recently discovered the world of blogging while searching for painting furniture. Now that I have found wonderful blogs I have become inspired to paint my own furniture and even try a few crafts! I would love to have a space one day where I could possibly display my finished furniture/ crafts and maybe have people love my finished pieces. Thank you for the chance to win “Inspired You”.
I have been working on setting up an Etsy store…forever! But, this is the year I’m gonna get ‘er done! 🙂
Desiree Siegel
theswedishcowgirl@hotmail.com
Of course I have recently discovered Pinterest so I just Pinned this giveaway for a second chance to win! Thanks again 🙂
I shared your giveaway on my face book page and my blog! What a wonderful giveaway!
Desiree Siegel
Oh Donna…. I LOVED your post. That was really special to read about your friendship with each other. My daughter, Andrea, bought her book and so I spent some time reading it and it truly is a lovely book. I need one of my own!!! The thing that I am really looking forward to doing one day soon is moving into our “in the process of building” new farmhouse! Thank you again for all your inspiration… and now when I read your blog I’m always so happy for the lunch Andrea and I got to have with you at Bella Rustica! Hugs to you! ~ Dori ~
I would love to one day make enough money off my blog to pay my health insurance. I know that sounds ridiculous, but this is a major issue for my husband and I. I would love to win the book, I am a big fan of yours and of Miss Mustard Seed!
I shared on my personal FaceBook. 🙂
I tweeted it!
I would love to win Marion’s book! Both of your blogs inspire me! I hope to get the courage to paint several pieces of furniture with MMS paint & better learn to appreciate what I already have! Cindy at Ceddins965@yahoo.com
It’s so encouraging to have fellow business friends support you in your business. You are blessed!
I shared you on FB
So many projects partway done, or still just in my mind’s file folder… but one day I’d love to accomplish enough of them that I feel comfortable hosting get-togethers at our house, and to have it decorated in such a way that it looks naturally “collected over time”.
lion5798@hotmail.ca
pinned! ^(lion5798@hotmail.ca)^
The books sounds so interesting. What I would like to accomplish some day is have all the furniture (projects) I have stored in my husband’s wood shop finished and out of his way.
Run a marathon (even if it means getting off my couch)
Someday I’ll finish a slipcover I started years ago.
Love MMS! She is so awesome! Can’t wait to own her book! Someday I would like to find my niche refurbing found furniture (kind of like Marian!). Thanks for the opp!
I would love a copy of miss mustard seed’s book! I also hope to have a successful booth ay our local antique mall full of lovely painted things. :0)
Just posted this on FB! Thanks!
I would love to have my own Etsy store one day! My goal is by the end of the year. Thank you for the book giveaway!
I would sooo like to go through my treasures, just keep my special pieces and pass the others on to someone new. Enjoy ur blog!!
Boy, would I love to just keep my special treasures and pass the rest on to others to love.
Enjoy ur blog!!
Someday I’d like to have a huge workshop to work on projects just like what I imagine are in this inspiring book.
pinned it!
i love resurrecting old furniture and having it adopted by an enthusastic new owner.
There are so many more pieces of lovely old furniture looking for new homes. I need more inspiration to transform those pieces and would love for it to come from miss mustard seed. sharon at konyha@hotmail.com
Just pinned the book in my book board. Can’t wait to see it in person (the book that is).
i’d love to win miss mustard seed’s book! i’ve been a fan for so long…and found you through her!!! one day…i’d like to be finiancially independent. after many years as a stay at home mom and trying to work again…and taking much lower pay than i was making 15 years ago, it seems almost unreachable…but that’s my goal.
We are a military family so I would love to someday have a house that I live in for more than 3 years and that I can do more than “temporary decorating”. I want to make it my home!
I hope to get my bedroom furniture painted!
I shared on FB! Thank you.
I plan to paint my dinning room suit with either MMS paint or Chalk Paint.
I would love to win a copy of Marion’s book.
Creative Hugs,
Yay! Please add me to the ever growing list of admirers to her book and your blog. I would love to be able to look
at a book of all your top projects too. Can you tell we all love a good project? hahaha….Procrastination is gone forever, I’m
now rushing to finish one project just to start another one I have seen on your blog. Maybe if I had a staff I could get things
done quicker!
Have a great weekend.
Debbie
One day I hope to own my own home and dive in to the decoratin g.
I would love to win her book! I refinished several pieces of furniture following her instructions, and can’t wait to use her milk paint in my new home. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
I’m also pinning to my Pinterest 🙂
Looks fabulous, and one day Donna, in Gods time we will all be clammering for FJI’s decor inspired project book sitting on our coffee tables. But for now, your kind heart is offering this amazing give away of MMS book and I would so love to win. One day I too want to write a book. On what…I do not know just sounds so exciting. Thanks for all that you do to inspire, motivate and encourage us. You are a doll. Be blessed!
I think it’s going to be a good one and it’s seems quite promising too.
I have been pretty good about checking projects off of my list lately. Two I have left are to paint the inside of my wardrobe (I painted the outside white) and to update a little sweater armoire in my bedroom.
I love Miss Mustard Seed. She is such an inspiration !
Kristen
searchforgod@yahoo.com
Your books is amazing. Its very inspiring and makes me want to have a book of my own. I hope I can win this giveaway. I’ll tweet right away.
Ecommerce Australia
My accomplishment…
To walk into my house after a long day and to feel like it’s mine, a true reflection of me and my family.
and tweeted!
I would love to win Marion’s fab book. Thanks to you both for all the wonderful inspiration! I would someday like to refinish a piece of furniture with chalk paint! Thanks, Kathy kradams54@hotmail.com
I love both your blog as well as Marion’s blog! So inspirational…..and I need a lot of inspiration right now as my husband and I just bought our first home. And I need to furnish and decorate every inch of it from scratch. On a VERY tight budget. I am in the process of refinishing my first piece of furniture, a dresser my momma had for years. She went to be with the Lord recently, and I am excited to breath new life into a piece she dearly loved. I will think of her every single time I look at the dresser. The problem is I have a perfection problem, and can’t seem to finish the dresser. I need to get over it!
I hope to find and redo an old hutch for my kitchen!
Jody at djlfindlay@telus.net
I would LOVE this book!!
DBruns51@gmail.com
*after dancing around the room and kissing the book*
ROFL!
I would love to love to read her book 🙂
I have just the place for it on my table.
(fingers-crossed.)
I would like to finish nursing school.
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
Oh my goodness! So many things I want to accomplish! I would love to start by having my home look as nice as those pics; maybe a book could help me out!
I would love to win a copy of Marian’s book. Thanks for the chance.
Suzanne
Your blog is such a great inspiration. I LOVE creative people! I am inspired by you! I have been fine tuning my goals over the past year. My first goal was to start a blog – which I did. Now, I want to work on fine tuning the blog. My over the moon dream would be to one day write decorating tutorials or be published in a magazine. It kind of feels strange to share that “out-loud!” I would love to have a copy of this great book! Just a regular girl with big dreams and willing to do the work to get there! INSPIRING!!!
This is awesome. You and Marian are such inspiring women. It’s been a pleasure watching you two attain your dreams. The skill I’d really like to have is to be able to sew well enough to do slipcovers and other household items.
I would love to win this beautiful book!
I would like to have a business wherein you decorate a client’s home using what they have and styling their home.
I have so many projects I want to get done around my house! My family has ranched for over 100 years and I KNOW there are amazing items laying all around but my eyes don’t SEE the potential… I’d love to be able to see through someone else’s eyes on what I could accomplish!
I have so many projects I want to get done around my house! My family has ranched for over 100 years and I KNOW there are amazing items laying all around but my eyes don’t SEE the potential… I’d love to be able to see through someone else’s eyes on what I could accomplish!
What a great early Christmas gift that would be ! I ‘d dream to be as talented and creative as you are, and your blog inspires me.a lot! A felow Canadian !
I pinned your giveaway ! Thank you so much for sharing this book, it looks amazing, very inspiring, as your blog is, as bewuty in nature is too!
I would love to accomplish my dream of owning a working farm. For now, I’m settled on Brown Acre=).
WOW! How exciting!
I’d like to re-upholster a couple of old/antique chairs I picked up on Craig’s List… they are like one I inherited years ago, from my mom-inlaw (was severly damaged when I moved).
I’m looking forward to seeing this new book! from Miss Mustard Seed…
hugs
arlene
pinned also
I’d love to win the book and it’s nice of you to offer this give away. I hope you get your book deal some day. I have an old wooden rocker I want to refinish but I’ve never done anything like that before.
Oh my yes, I’d love to have Marian’s book; I read her blog daily. It might give me the confidence to try my hand at making dropcloth slipcovers. Our cat-clawed loveseat is embarrassing but too comfy and solid to replace. Thanks for this giveaway. (Wish I used social media for a 2nd chance at winning, but I don’t.) P.S. Nice to read about your history with Marian–gave me an extra-big smile.
i wish to accomplish hanging photos in our new house, we have been in one year and I am scared to punch nails in the walls 🙂
This book looks fabulous ! I am hoping to take a carpentry class and make a piece of furniture from salvaged pallet wood, one day.
Thank you so much for the great giveaway!
Goal: continue to grow my art,and my online exposure.
Broknmemorez@AOL.com
I also pinned it to Pinterest – jns vintage design
Thanks!
I want to finish all of the “works in progress” that I have EVERYWHERE! I know this book will inspire me!! Thanks you so much
I would love to accomplish what both you and Marian have. Online and offline success at doing what you love. I would love to win Marian’s book. Congrats to her and to you for your encouragement, as it is evident that she greatly appreciated it!
Liked this event and tweeted it.
I have never done anything with furniture except re-webbing my Shaker chairs. No painting, no upholstery, no slipcovers. I want to start. NOW!!!!!
My fingers are crossed….I’d jump for joy to receive Marian’s beautiful book!
Thanks so much for entering, everyone! We have two winners!
Elizabeth
elizabethcaudell@bellsouth.net
Lori
Operation Magpie
lori@operationmagpie.com
Congrats gals! You have been emailed!
Donna
I would love this book to have on my coffee table and read with a good cup of somethin’ on a chilly, winter day. My goal is to continue to learn new skills on new tools!