If you’d like to take advantage of this sale, just email your order to Mandie@altard.com and your samples will ship the same day!

In-Stock Colors: Alaskan Tundra Green, California Gold, Cinco Bayou Moss, Cottonwood Sienna, Destin Gulf Green, Kentucky Mint, Kissimmee Orange, Maine Harbor Blue, Memphis Blue, MIchigan Pine, Nantucket Spray, New Orleans Purple, Pickerington Violet, Pittsburgh Gray, Sedona Red, Simply White, Smoky Mountain, Spring Hill Green, Vermont Slate, Vintage White.

  See the Full CeCe Caldwell’s Color Chart here.

  For those of you who have been with me since the beginning, you know that I painted from my home garage for 3 years before opening my store last June.  Before painting furniture, I worked in the Oil & Gas Industry in Tax (snore!), and then I did the crazy coupon thing where you buy 784,254,893 bottles of shampoo for 19 cents.  I got so into couponing that every closet overflowed with toothpaste, shampoo, and free glucose monitors that we started renting a booth at the local flea market in Lubbock and selling it each weekend.  I don’t know how to do things in a small way, and moderation has never really been in my vocabulary.

    I’ve always dreamed of owning a store, and to have that dream come true last summer was thrilling and humbling at the same time.  Although it’s been totally awesome, it’s also come at a price I’m not willing to pay anymore.  I can’t juggle my family, my husband, 3 kids under age 12, my home, serving at church, custom painting, and everything involved in running a retail store.  I had hoped I was SuperWoman, but it turns out I’m not. :0)  I’ve been trying to do so many things at one time that too many things are getting done half-way and that’s just not okay with me anymore.

  I’ve always been a hard worker.  I went out and got my first job as soon as I turned 15, because I wanted to make my own money.  I made pretzels in the mall at The Pretzel Maker.  I worked there until I was old enough to be a Hostess at Olive Garden.  I worked there until I was old enough to wait tables.  At each job, I worked non-stop while I was on the clock.  My work ethic caused me to be promoted to Assistant Manager as a 15 year old at the Pretzelmaker, because I would clean counters when there were no customers while the older teenage workers stood around and talked. I’ve always had this personality that if I’m going to do anything, I want to do it with excellence, or not at all.  I promise I have a point- I’m not just telling you this to brag about my resume. ;0)  When I was a waitress, I use to get so mad at the Manager because he would want me to serve 5-6 tables at a time, and I felt like I could only give mediocre service to that many tables at once.  Being mediocre at something is torture to me. I knew I could excel at serving 4 tables at once, and give those customers an excellent dining experience.  I’ve always wanted to do things to the very best of my ability, or not at all.  

  I’ve learned a lot in the past 4 years growing Altar’d from nothing, to a brand that I am proud of.  I have the best clients on earth, and I love what I get to do for work.  I’ve made many sacrifices, and worked crazy long hours to get here, and the gray hairs are all worth it.  I know I could never have gotten here without the support of my Husband, who made my first website when I was too afraid to step out.  I would have quit a long time ago if it weren’t for the constant encouragement from some of my long-time clients who have been my biggest cheerleaders all along. 

   I’ve had a couple of personal tragedies in the last few years that have really made me step back and consider how I spend my time, and what my priorities are.  There have been times that I’ve gotten so wrapped up with a demanding client that I’ve put my family second in my attempt to people-please.  One of those moments that I’ll never forget was when my Dad had emergency open heart surgery for a quadruple bypass.  I drove to the hospital in Beaumont with my Sister and Aunt, and once my Dad was in recovery and doing well we all drove back home take care of our businesses, and to shower and pack our bags to go back and spend more time at the hospital.  I could have stayed there with him longer, but I drove back home because I had a pushy client who wanted her piece of furniture finished quickly.  I spent the day painting, and took my kids to Panda Express for Dinner.  I got the frantic call from my step-mom as soon as we sat down to eat that my Dad had taken a turn for the worse and we should all get to the hospital ASAP.  I drove my kids to my moms, and met my Husband who then drove 90 miles an hour to the hospital over an hour away.  I got the call on that drive that my Dad was dead.  He died completely alone because we all left to take care of things we thought we had to do.  He had a pulmonary embolism, and was gone before we could get there.  I spent the last day of his life painting a piece of furniture instead of telling him how much I love him.  I don’t ever want to get my priorities out of whack again, and I feel like they have been and it’s time to change.

  When my lease is up at the end of May, I’ll be closing the doors of Altar’d Designs in La Porte.  I’ll still have paint and furniture at the Pasadena Antique Mall, and I’m in the process of adding 2 new locations across Houston as well that will have both lines of paint, brushes, waxes, furniture, and more.  Locations that I don’t have to be at on a daily basis, because the school nurse seems to have my number on speed dial lately. :0)  I’ll still do free demos at each of these locations, and teach Workshops like I always have.  I’ll create unique furniture and offer it for sale, and I’ll add some new things to my list too- like creating How-to You Tube Videos and online workshops.  I’ll still create new finishes, and try to blog more often.  I’m going to work on projects I can do while my kids are in school, so I can be fully present when they are home.  I’m finally going to wash all of my laundry, and clean my house too. (well, maybe- haha!)  The biggest change is that after May I will no longer be doing any custom work.  I’ll find a great piece of furniture, paint it, and offer it for sale, but I won’t be painting client pieces or doing commissioned work.

  My first big project that I’m starting on today is my new eBook.  It’s going to cover everything I’ve learned the hard way in the last 4 years in this Business.  Everything from how to find great furniture, to how to schedule custom work, how to balance life (learn from my mistakes!), to how to make your dream a reality, Marketing, Social Media,  Sales, operating a business, best practices, and more.  I don’t know how long this project will take, but if you have any specific questions you’d like to see answered in this eBook- leave a comment here, or email me Mandie@altard.com  If I use your question in the eBook, you’ll get a free copy of the eBook before it’s released.

French Dresser Before

This piece is currently available for $625, see more photos on our Facebook Page.

    My hope is that we can all use what we each love, and all support one another.  I do not want to start any kind of war, or ugliness.  I’ll do a better job from here on to keep the negative off my blog.  Here’s where I need your help.  If you represent one of these brands (or any other furniture paint lines that I don’t know about yet)- and you’d be willing to guest post here about the paint line you represent or use, and how it’s different than others on the market-  I would love to talk to you.   I would love to hightlight the differences in each line, and give you all a more unbiased look at the different brands.  If you do not sell one of these brands, but you’ve used them and written a blog post about them, I would also like to link to your posts for others to read more about each line.  So, once I have the post for each brand up, I’ll ask those who have experience using one of these brands to link up and share your personal experience with it.

  If you’d like to guest post about the brand you love or represent, please email me- Mandie@altard.com

    I’ve gotten some not-so-nice emails and comments about my post the other day about the difference in Chalk Paint Brands. (I’m not shocked, and I’m a big girl)  My post on MY WEBSITE was my personal experience with one brand, how I was completely turned off to the paint because of some less than ideal results I got in my own home, and how I eventually found another brand that won me over- so much so that I decided to sell the products from that company in my store.  I wasn’t trying to bash a paint line, or throw anyone under a bus. (I would have specifically named the Retailers who were unhelpful if that was my goal)

    There are many lines of chalk paint out there- Annie Sloan has trademarked the words “chalk Paint” so that everyone else has to call their paint something else, but it’s all basically the same concept- paint that you can apply to furniture with no sanding or prepping.  And, for the record, I LIKED ANNIE SLOAN PAINT when I used it.  I did not like the wax, and I had a bad experience with my chairs because I was not aware that I needed to re-wax them to maintain durability.  I did not get answers as to what went wrong from anyone within the company that I asked, and that was frustrating.  End of story.

   There are other chalk paints on the market, and other chalk/clay paints- just a few of the brands I’ve heard of are Maison Blanche (beautiful colors!), Kathy Van Gogh (earth friendly too!), CeCe Caldwell’s, and Annie Sloan.  There are new paints coming to market every single day.  Healthy competition is great!  America was built on Free Enterprise, and having choices makes the world a better place.  For the record, I have not tried the other brands, so I can only speak about the ones I have tried, and my experience with those companies.  Some of my great friends sell the other lines, and we all get along very well and support one another.  I am not against trying their brands, I use all kinds of paint every day in my Studio.  I use Behr Latex, I use CeCe’s Chalk/Clay paint, I use Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint, and I use Martha Stewart and so many others. 

  Here’s part of a comment that got me thinking yesterday:

“I have a feeling you will be losing many followers and sponsors. What sponsor is going to take a risk of advertising with you when you could turn on them at any minute. I think you need to think long and hard about this post.”

  And then I realized that there was something I haven’t shared with y’all in the past 4 years…  I do not have paid sponsors. (Those brands under my “Sponsors” tab are people who have products or businesses I love, and I put them there for FREE)  I do not do paid posts.  I do not accept free products in exchange for blog posts about them.  I do not take any money to promote any products. (And I do not have any problem at all with anyone who does, it’s just not my choice)  I do have Affiliates who sell my eBooks on their websites, and each month I pay them each half of what the eBook sells for.  If they choose to no longer sell my eBooks on their website because I have said something they don’t agree with, they absolutely have that right.  I’m not going to live my life in fear of that happening though. 

   In my eBooks I show photos of all of the products I use and love- brands like Purdy, Behr, Rustoluem, Norton, Ryobi, Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart, and more.  These companies don’t know I recommend their products, and they don’t pay me to say I like them.  I added them to my eBooks because they are GOOD, and they WORK.  Thanks to the awesome people who read this blog, over 8,000 copies of those eBooks have sold to date.  If I tried a product and it didn’t work, or I didn’t like it- I didn’t add it to the book.

    Some may say I’m not a very good businesswoman, but honestly I didn’t start this business to get big corporate sponsors.  It’s just not on my radar or to-do list.  I want the people who read my blog, or my facebook page to know that anything I recommend to you is only because I love it, and not because I get paid for it.  The one exception to this is that I did decide to become a Retailer for CeCe Caldwell’s Chalk/Clay Paints because I LOVE the company, the PAINT, the People, and most importantly the Owner.  I also decided to become a Retailer for Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint because I think Marian is one of the most beautiful (inside and outside) people on earth and I love her milk paint line.  I do make money when I sell a can or bag of paint.  However, I also spend hours each day talking to clients and customers about the paints, giving them step by step instruction, encouragement, suggestions and trouble shooting.  I offer free demos to show people how to use the paints, and I answer emails, texts and phone calls even after my store is closed and I’m at home with my husband and 3 kids- all because I LOVE the brands and believe in them.

  I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to those of you who have followed me since the beginning of Altar’d- the College Station Craigslist days, and every day after that.  Thank you to the people who just found this page, and those who stick with me even when I say something you don’t agree with.  I will be FOREVER grateful for your kind words, encouragement, and for buying the pieces of furniture that I’ve poured myself into.   When I started Altar’d it was my hobby, and I had no idea it would ever turn into a business, or much less ever make a profit.  I didn’t seek out big companies to pad my pockets, and I never will.  I want to always be free to have my “Let me tell you what” moments and share my experiences in a real and honest way.  A dollar will never be more important than telling the truth, and giving you my honest opinion- even if that makes me unpopular.  I understand if someone read my post yesterday and no longer chooses to follow my page because they don’t like what I’ve said.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that.  I’m not looking for fame, fortune, or popularity.  I just want to create gorgeous furniture, have FUN doing it, and help as many other people as I can to not have to learn everything the hard way like I did.  If you’re ever down in Houston, come on by- I would love to meet you and talk about furniture!

XOXO Mandie Morris {Altar’d Designs}

    I am asked this question at least once a day, either through email, in my store, on facebook, and during my demos. I’ve worked with both lines, and the following is my personal experience.
  I’ve been painting furniture professionally for 4 years now, (and unprofessionally for many years before that as I learned everything the hard way). I’ll admit that when chalk paint became popular I was skeptical. It sounded too good to be true, and I knew first hand how much work is involved in painting furniture with latex paint.

  A couple of years ago, I ordered several quarts and waxes from an Annie Sloan Stockist and gave it a try. I painted several pieces for my own home- I have a true road test in my home- 3 kids under age 11, 3 dogs, and a Husband. I used AS for 6 months, painting many pieces, including our dining table and 6 queen ann chairs. I loved the ease of use with the paint, but the waxes smelled very strongly and were difficult to use. (think arm muscles burning and wanting to throw the wax can) I painted and waxed my dining chairs and loved them…for 4 months. Then on day, I noticed oily fingerprints EVERYWHERE. The chairs had all kinds of oily marks, and no amount of cleaning removed them. I emailed the stockist to ask what went wrong, and never heard back. I emailed another stockist I had purchased from and was basically told that I was doing it wrong and that I should take a $300 class to learn how to properly use AS wax. (umm. No thanks) I was even told that my kids must be extra greasy. (I kid you not.) I was left with no real answer as to what went wrong.  I’ve painted furniture for 4 years now with latex paint, and had never encountered this problem before.  I vowed then to never buy another quart of chalk paint again. Ever. I sold my dining chairs in a garage sale, and tried to forget the experience.

  I figured out later that wax deteriorates over time with cleaning, and once the top coat of wax is gone, the matte paint will absorb oils and dirt, and it will show.  This is true for all waxes, and all chalk paints.  Wax must be reapplied every few months or so depending on use, to keep a durable surface.  The problem with this is that some waxes are so much work to apply that after you’ve done it once, you never want to do it again.  CeCe’s clear wax is not like that, it’s super easy to add another coat like furniture polish.  I’ve used Minwax Paste Finishing Wax, Annie Sloan’s Wax, Fidde’s & Sons, and CeCe’s.  Hands down, CeCe’s is the easiest to work with, and the only odorless, all natural wax.

  When I posted about my chairs, several stockists put ugly comments on my blog, sent me ugly emails, and Annie Sloan commented  on my blog that I obviously didn’t understand her products. (She was right.  I didn’t understand paying almost $40 per quart, plus shipping for something that didn’t perform like it promised.)  If I had known that I would need to rewax my chairs to keep them durable and free of oily prints, I definitely wouldn’t have used wax.  I now know that I can use a different clear coat, and have durable, wipeable chairs and tables.

  A few months later, my friend Allison, who owns Refunk my Junk  emailed me and asked if I had heard of CeCe Caldwell’s Chalk/ Clay paint. I told her that I had, but that I had a bad experience with chalk paint and didn’t want to use it ever again. (I was still mad about my chairs, and my lack of real answers) She told me about how CeCe Caldwell’s recognized a need for a durable, wipeable clear coat for the chalk/clay paint for high traffic surfaces. (Like kids tables, dining tables, dining chairs, etc.)

 I was so impressed that CeCe’s recognized the need for a durable topcoat, and that she created the solution.  CeCe’s Satin Finish can be used instead of wax for a durable finish on high traffic pieces. 

   I ordered some Vintage White CeCe’s from Allison and decided to give it a try. My first CeCe’s project was this buffet, and I completely fell in love with the paint that day. The absolute coolest part of using CeCe’s chalk/clay paint is that you can use a damp cloth (wipie, wet rag, etc.) to distress the edges and details and not create any dust at all.  You can “wet distress” Annie Sloan Chalk Paint too, and the main difference between Annie Sloan and CeCe’s is that Annie Sloan contains some latex, and has a slight odor and VOC’s.  CeCe’s is made of Chalk, Clay, and other all natural ingredients and has no odor or Voc’s.  It’s safe for children, pregnant women, and indoor use without a respirator.

   So, you can paint a piece inside your house, distress it, and wax it with no odor, no prepping, no dust, and zero VOC’s. Sounds too good to be true right? Well, it’s not- and I have the house full of kids and dogs to prove it.  Every ingredient in every CeCe Caldwell’s product is listed right on the can.  Not so for other brands.

   I have many painted pieces in my house, and we do not own a coaster, or a trivet. We LIVE in this house, and my pieces painted in CeCe’s look as good today as they did last Spring. I ordered more and more CeCe’s, and each time I had a question Allison was right there to answer.
  A few months later, I went to the Haven Conference in Atlanta. After one of the classes, I was leaving when a very nice lady walked over and asked if I was Mandie Morris. I said “yes ma’am” and she introduced herself as CeCe Caldwell in a whisper voice. I was so surprised and excited to meet her! She is a very kind woman, who is retired and prefers to remain anonymous. She and her Husband invested their life savings to create paint line that is 100% Green and Environmentally Friendly. Her Husband is a U.S. Veteran, and he works in the Production of the paint. CeCe invited me to Dinner that evening with some of the other CeCe’s Retailers that were at Haven. I really enjoyed talking with her about her company, and how she loves to garden, how painting with her grandchildren around convinced her that there was a need for a zero VOC furniture paint. Can I just tell you- I was so impressed with CeCe as a person that evening- by how humble, real, generous, funny, down to earth, and kind she was that I decided that I was going to save my pennies and try to become a Retailer. I came home from the Conference so excited about the possibility of representing such an awesome company.  I also sat beside Jill from Bungalow 47 at Dinner, and she was so much fun, we laughed and talked about business, paint, and life.  Jill was also a huge part of my decision to join the CeCe Family.  Jill & Chantelle are Disributors in Michigan, and Chantelle was so helpful when I was learning how to work with CeCe’s.  It’s so nice to know that the people who sell this paint really are a phone call away, and won’t hesitate to help you.

  So, that is the long answer about why I use CeCe Caldwell’s Chalk/Clay Paint.  If you use Annie Sloan and love the paint, you should definitely try CeCe’s wax- you won’t believe how much easier it is, and it has no odor.

   Every CeCe’s Retailer I’ve met, talked with on facebook, or emailed have been normal people like you and I, completely kind hearted, entreprenuer moms,  generous, willing to help, and people that I would want to be friends with in real life. They will talk to you for hours if you run across a problem or just have questions. They will welcome you into their shops, and make you feel at home.  They will be your cheerleaders.  And, they are also some of the most talented artists I’ve ever known.   Allison ,  Jill & Chantelle , Donna, Shelly, Debi, and so many others have gorgeous portfolios and tutorials on CeCe Caldwell’s Chalk/Clay Paint.

  CeCe Caldwell’s is my choice for chalk/clay paint because it’s 100% Green, Zero VOC, no prepping, no sanding, no odor, nothing harmful, completely safe for pregnant women and children, and so are the waxes. The waxes are easy to use, safe for the environment, and have no odor at all. CeCe’s is made in the U.S.A, and the owners live in Arizona. Their money stays here in the U.S.A, and the company is owned by a U.S. Veteran, and run by the entire family.  The colors are gorgeous, and the products are easy to use. The Retailers won’t tell you “you’re doing it wrong”, they will grab a brush and help you create your own masterpieces.   Find a CeCe Caldwell’s Retailer  close to you, and give it a try. You won’t regret it.

XOXO Mandie

    For a couple of weeks before she arrived, I worked crazy hours to get the shop cleaned up (we get a lot of paint on the floor!), organize the details, and arrange the Breakfast & Workshop.  Some of my very best friends came in from all over the place to help with the weekend’s events.  Amy drove in from Dallas, Stacey from New Braunfels, and Audra from Alabama- who stopped in Dallas to pick up her Mother-in-Law, Angie.  I met each of these ladies through Altar’d, and we just all really connected.  We had a blast over a weekend together at the Haven Conference last June, and when I heard that MMS was coming to Houston, they are the ones I called for help.  Anna would have been here too if Washington and Texas were closer together.

  The weekend started on Friday, when I picked up Marian (MMS) and her Mom Kim at the airport.  (Amy affectionately named Kim “Mamma Mustard Seed”)  We drove through Houston towards Kemah, and checked in at The Boardwalk Inn at Kemah.  We had lunch and I was pretty stressed out hoping I hadn’t forgotten any major details for the weekend’s events.  Marian was so kind to me, she told me not to stress, that everything would work out and perfection didn’t matter.  I left after lunch to give Marian and Kim time to rest (they woke up at 4am that day to get on the plane), and to run back to my Studio to finish the last minute things.  Audra & Angie were there, and they helped me finish up getting ready for the Milk Paint Demo that evening before it was time to pick up Marian and Mamma Mustard Seed.   Marian did a great job in the demo, and everyone loved talking to her and getting to ask questions about milk paint.  Marian signed her book for guests, and we sold out of every copy we had in the store!  My good friend Jennifer of Metamorphose  Studios, came that evening and gave Marian a gorgeous Union Jack Ottoman that we all LOVED! (Amy and Mamma Mustard Seed created a “Redneck Suitcase” for it out of a chair box and a duct tape handle)

  After everyone left, we went back to the Kemah Boardwalk for Dinner at the Aquarium.  Amy, Angie, Audra, Jennifer, Marian, Kim, Stacey, Colby, and I talked and laughed for a couple of hours even though we were all exhausted.  We talked about so many things, and one thing I have to say about Marian is that she is so real.  So normal, inspiring, easy to talk to, low maintainence, and just fun to be around.  When you read someone’s blog, you really only see what they want you to see- so meeting her and seeing that she really is someone I would want to be friends with in real life- was very cool.

  The next morning, I picked up Marian and Mama Mustard Seed bright and early for our Breakfast with Miss Mustard Seed Event over at Mainly Drinks.  The breakfast created by Chef Robert was absolutely amazing, and the conversations were so much fun.  The owner, Deb was a wonderful hostess. We gave away Miss Mustard T-shirts that Marian brought, Milk Paint, Wax Brushes, and everyone got a sample jar of MMS Milk Paint.  Marian signed more books, and then we all walked over to my shop to set up for the Workshop.  The Workshop was full- 21 Ladies painting, laughing, making new friends, learning from Marian, and creating masterpieces for their homes.  It was so much fun!  Lesley of Saving Grace Creations  came down from Spring for the day, she’s the other Houston Retailer for MMS, and we’ve been friends for years, so it was great to spend the day with her as well.   I met Christal, who was one of the winners from Marian’s ticket giveaway- and we just clicked.  She’s the Children’s Pastor at a Cowboy Church outside of Houston.  I know for sure that God intended for our paths to cross, and she actually made me cry during the workshop as we were talking! (I picked on her all day for that!)

  When the last guest left for the day, we all loaded up and went out to dinner at Papasitos.  I had invited Christal to join us while she was making me cry at the workshop.  We wanted Marian to experience good Mexican food before she went back to PA.  Marian and Kim had another early morning flight, so we went to Dinner before dropping them off at their hotel near the airport.  We were all so exhausted, but the food and conversation was excellent!  The very best part was when we ordered Queso, and Marian loved it!  Then, she asked us what an enchilada is, and we all had a good laugh.  We were just about yelling across the table to talk over the Mariachis, and we took a few photos where I look as exhausted as I felt. 

  The next thing that happened spoke volumes to me about Marian’s character, and is something that I will never forget.  We had 7 in our party that night, but behind us was a table of 15 or so.  At one point, a mom and her little boy (the cutest little boy, with big tears in his eyes) came over and said he had lost the head of one of his lego guys and they were looking around under their table.  Her little boy was just distraught over this lego guy, because he bought it with his own Christmas money.  Without a word to each other, we all turned on our phone flash lights and went under the tables looking for the missing guy.  I’m sure we freaked out the waitress because she ran over to see what we were hunting, and looked at us like we were crazy when we told her. 

  Here’s the part I will never forget- as tired as we all were, and Marian the most exhausted I am sure- she was on her hands and knees on the floor of Papasitos with the side of her head on the floor looking under the table base to find the missing guy.  Y’all- her ear and hair were on the floor searching for a lego head for this little boy.   I was more impressed with her character and kindness than all of her talent (and she is one VERY talented lady).  We were all searching and climbing around, and as we sat back up I realized that God has given me some of the greatest people as friends.  Our party was made up of 6 moms, and a Dad- so we all knew the heartache that little boy was going through, and we all wanted to help him.  Eventually the missing guy was found, and that little boy was THRILLED.  Our table erupted in cheers and clapping, and again people stared at us.  He was so happy and relieved that he started crying again when he came over to thank us for hunting with him.  His bottom lip was quivering, and tears were streaming, and I started crying just trying to talk to him.  We finished up dinner and all hugged goodbye before heading back to the hotel.

  We drove Marian and Kim back to their hotel, thanked them for coming to Texas, gave them big hugs and went home to crash for the evening.  On the ride home, my awesome Hubby Colby  (who totally made this weekend possible by being the most amazing supportive Hubby and Dad ever) said that what had happened that night was a picture of how God feels about us.  He aches over the one lost, searches us out in every dark place, and is overcome with joy when we are found and reunited with Him.  I know Colby put it much more eloquently, but I was exhausted, with my shoes off and feet on the dash board as he drove me home.  I thanked God on the way home for friends who have such big hearts, who would come from several hours away to help a friend in need, and who share the same heart of compassion and love for others, and all have a GREAT sense of humor.  I am VERY blessed to call these ladies friends.  I am honored to carry Marian’s Book in my store, and her Milk Paint, and to call her my friend because of the woman of character she is.  I know Mamma Mustard Seed had a lot to do with who Marian is, because she was just as wonderful, caring, and gracious as Marian.

{Audra, Me, Amy, Stacey}

  I am notoriously bad about blogging- I still haven’t told the story of when I met CeCe Caldwell last summer-but I promise to soon.  Let me just say that I am blessed to carry paint lines of 2 Ladies who I REALLY admire, and consider friends.