Hello, It’s me!

 So it may have been a year or seven but I felt it was time for updating you. It’s been a time of adventure and equal parts challenge.  

I put down blogger and just plain old created. I ventured into new creative territories and have enjoyed it immensely.

About three years ago I became sick and didn’t know what was wrong. After many doctors and too many appointments it was discovered that I have Lyme disease. This has been the battle of my lifetime. And a battle I am still fighting. 

I went from two shops to one and started to explore other social media avenues. But I may be a bit behind there.  I’m playing catch up as I rethink myself.

Sometimes we are pushed to rethink our direction and ourselves creatively. It’s time for me. I need to stay ready for all changes and push myself to remain vulnerable. That’s the risk right?  I’m willing. 

So look for more from me. 

Molly

This is why I love what I do...

A lovely little note from a customer at Chartreuse & co.

Molly,

My wife, Cindy, and I visited your area at Chartreuse last Saturday. I am the proud owner of one of your paintings, I believe it is called "Bro". Needless to say, as soon as I saw it I snatched it up. We both love it and will give it a good safe home. Thanks for such great work, keep it up.

Thanks a bunch,

Greg & Cindy

My response...

I am so thrilled to hear Bro has a good home.  He watches over making sure all is O.K. with his herd.  Ha.  Enjoy.  I so appreciate your note.  I am only sorry I did not get to meet you and Cindy as I was there but running around quite a bit.  Next time.  Thanks again.

Molly

SO Bro has a new home and a lovely herd to watch over.

Makes my day!

Molly

Hello? 

 Hello old friends. 

 Hello? 

 I am back!

See my new pumpkins?

Here is the funny thing with blogging...

I admit I check for comments. 

 I do. 

 I am 52 and I still want comments.  

There, I said it.

That said.  Please check out my FB page at

Molly Susan Strong

(Yeah, I want you to like me there too!)

 for new updates on the sale this weekend.  

Chartreuse & co. pictures of sale

The above link takes you right to

the Chartreuse page and loads of pics 

of great finds...

a handpainted dresser 

in A.S. French Linen, Coco and Old White

.

Some new art from me.

So say hello.  I am pitiful!

No I mean it...pitiful.

Molly

More Press...Go see The Barn Show

An article about The Barn Show in Gambrills 

was written up and pictured in The Capital. 

Gail of The Kramer Angle is one of the talented ladies at The Barn.

 AND guess whose nest painting was in the photo...

MINE!

She has another show coming up soon 

and I know it will be full of goodies including some of my art. 

 It is a great sale and only a few times per year. 

 Next one Sept. 27-29.

Here is a larger picture of the nest. 

 It was painted on an old enamel table top...

I used the back side!

Go see my girl Gail!

Check out The Barn Show website here.

Molly

Hello it's me

Ages since I have been here.

  Many sales, paintings, too many "to do's". 

So many have asked where did I go,

 did I stop painting, disappear into thin air?

  Ah, not quite. (Wishful thinking)

   I have been using Face Book 

as my main venue to show my latest work...

I can be lazy like that.  

But I thought I should at least showcase 

some pictures of my work once in awhile,

 blab on about some new find,

 discuss odds and ends 

and mostly be inspired by YOU. 

 I miss the creativity and fun.  

So here in pictures is what I have been up to these days, 

or years, whatever...

New Website tweaks

Click above and go peak and leave me a note there...

New business card design...

(contact info on back)

New art...

I have a thing for cows...

Love all things beach...

Obsessed with nests...

Always a ball jar 

and seasonal goodies in the shops...

SO I make absolutely no promises about regular posts.  

I am too old to fall into that one! 

 Let's just say I did it today because...

  I felt remiss.

  Needed to push myself.

  Felt old and worn out. 

 Did not want to paint.

Needed a new look.

Shit, need a haircut.

Anyway friends, Hello again. 

 I missed you.

Molly

Vacation for a bit

I will be off the blog for awhile.  I am helping my Mom move into her new home in Michigan next week.  I look forward to feeling the Fall season a bit and taking a break. The cider mill is a must in Michigan.  I hope to do some good picking too!!  I will be back with more creations, I am sure sooner than later.

I am hoping to spend some good creative time, exploring my art as I turn the big 5-0 in a few weeks.  My how life can move so fast and before you know it,  there you are.  I so remember the days when I never thought I would be "that old".

  Reflecting on one's life and the passions that drive us, is a gift.  For me it has always been those I love dearly, my husband, my children, my family and friends.  Thanks to all they do to make me who I am and give me the inspiration, and sometimes the nudge, to create and be the best I can.


 Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.

--Albert Einstein

I love my peeps. 

See you soon!

Molly

AS to the rescue!

Huge fan...say no more.

Old White and Country Grey joined together

is

pure

simple

beauty! 

Country Grey is not getting it's credit!

Warm and goes with everything.

Try it.

You will like it!

Nothing distresses like AS paint!

Even the hardware gets a wash!

Blah to breathtaking.

See that shine...

NO priming with AS either!

Stay awhile!

Molly

Go share at Shades of Amber inc-- AS Party

Market Monday - Fall, fall everywhere

'Tis the season

Crunchy leaves,

 Sunflowers

Apples

I have a thing for signs on salvaged wood. 

 The beauty of saving something and turning it into a bit of art. 

 Love that.

  The barn doors are really my thing. 

Big and bold statements in the home.

 Original paint.

Crusty hardware.

What could be better?  I used a graphic

from Graphics Fairy...of course.

I altered it a bit here and there to fit my salvaged door. 

I likethe graphic nature of fonts.
 And add the freehand detailing for a one of a kind piece.

Waa laa, fall inspired art.

I love the change of season. 

Makes me feel full, warm, cozy

--even in the muggy heat.

Thanks to all for sharing on Market Monday. 
So many fabulous things to see.  Go take a peek at
Atelier Cecilia Rosslee
to see some gorgeous art.

Love her style and use of color.

Her work is simply yummy.
Go say hello!

Molly








SO...what are you waiting for?

MARKET MONDAY

Here are the rules:

1. Must be a follower here.

2. Anything goes, show us your creations.

3. Place my button in your post, sidebar or use a text link.

4. Go visit someone new...show some love!

Market Monday with Linky -- Creating from Nothing

My favorite motto:
Something from nothing.

I did not really make this from "nothing"

 but it has a story.

The legs, once white, were sitting

 under the back deck at The Cottage. 

 I inquired and they belonged to some

of the great ladies there...not yet in use. 

Nice shaped iron + paint= fab base

Now the top.

This is my final weathered technique.

It was a blonde wood with

 stenciled pineapples...a la 80's.

Yes again no before pics. 

 I get to excited to transform it all.

I removed the base

(going to use on a great door I scored and build a table).

I was closely looking at a table top

on a farm table in The Cottage. 

What made it look so cool?

Old stain, old paint, lots of use. 

 I can do that!

SO here is my process for the wood:

1. Sand...be messy, do not remove everything.
2. Stain.  I use a dark walnut stain.
3. Dry brush with AS Country grey in a random pattern.
4. Sand again, leaving paint in different places.
5. Stain again and wipe off.
6. Wax with AS clear wax for protection and even better patina.

The chairs are another story!

Gotta love these lines.

I have four for this table.

  All the arms tuck neatly under the table top.

A few seasonal goodies.

Barn Party - one of my hand painted signs.

Come have a cider and sit a spell no?

***

Now for

Market Monday

RULES:

1. Must be a follower here.

2. Anything goes, show us your creations.

3.  Place my button in your post, sidebar or use a text link.

4. Go visit someone new...show some love!

A big thanks for all who came by last week for my first link up. 

Let's get started.

Be sure to visit this Chalk Paint Party too!

Shades of Amber inc.
Catch-glimpse-party-44

Molly

 

Market Monday with Linky -- My REAL reasons for loving Chalk Paint!

My first real linky for Market Monday. 

Please come in and stay a bit.

BEFORE 80's GAH!

AFTER Ahhh

 I really wanted to share my top reasons for loving Annie Sloan's products.

We hear so much, see so many great painting but let me simplify.

1. EASY

No need to seal, sand and toil--right over anything, metal, wood and more.

Look at this 80's shine on the above piece, I did nothing before painting.

 Coverage is amazing.

Before wax

2. Water based

Easy clean up and mixing to

 create your own custom colors

or water down for a wash.

Here I mixed Country Grey with

 Old White trim and

 a special mix of blue for

additional subtle accents

 on the curves of this piece.

3.  THE COLORS

Nothing can beat the sophisticated,

muted to bold,

 one better than the next.

Where can you buy?? Link below.

Jolie Design-Stockists for Annie Sloan

4.  The wax

Soft buttery and easy to apply with

 great protective qualities.

The wax also ups the patina...

clear provides a subtle change

 to a richer tone

of the color you use. 

The darker wax really letting you add patina

and "age" or pop trim

and deco accents and crannies.

This piece I did clear and then accented crannies with dark.

Now here is the deal...

oh please oh please

yes I am begging...pitifully

Link up one of your creations. 

Any creation.

 Link back here to my blog and share the love. 

Go visit a link here and

 let them know you came by.

Click here for a AS giveaway--
 Shades of Amber inc.

Molly

Seasons changing...

So I told you I got the new laptop...

awesome

and bad.

One of my new signs is fitting.

I have some issues.

My files did not all transfer...

I do not know the new photo editor yet...

I am old and set in my ways so must open my mind.

Dang it.

So onto something more fun.

Fall signage

And many sayings like the Alice saying...

Or Cinderella.

So my miracle,

learning to navigate this new laptop,

 may take some time.

Be patient with me.

Now go visit someone new who has left a comment here.

Stay tuned for a fall sign giveaway.

Molly