Welcome to Tell Us Tuesday! Each week, I’ll have a guest artist answer a few questions and wow, I have a fantastic lineup for you! I hope that by hearing from such a diverse pool of creative people, we will take away interesting and different perspectives. This may help in your own endeavors, be it painting furniture for fun, working on your home and creating your own style, or starting a blog or business for profit. The questions range from the artistic to running a successful creative business.
I consider all of the participants to be my true friends. We may not have met face to face (yet) but I know that we all support and inspire each other.
This week we have the lovely Cassie Bustamante. Cassie is eclectic and bold with her design choices and I love to take a sneak peek into her home! She also is a business woman and part-owner of Sweet Clover, a vintage home decor barn sale that runs once per month in Frederick, MD. I have known Cassie for years and find her to be an inspiration!
Interspersed in the questions are pictures of Cassie’s amazing work. Click on the picture for a link back to her original blog post on the piece. Links also at end of post.
Coastal Blue Mid-Century Dresser by Cassie Bustamante
When did you begin to paint furniture and/or create projects for the home?
I began DIYing projects in my first home in Louisiana, which we purchased in 2003. I made curtains and pillows, painted walls, tiled a backsplash. The first pieces of furniture I painted came along when I was pregnant with my first baby in 2005.
When and how did you start your website/blog?
I really had no idea what I was doing and googled how to do it… I started with a blogger blog, and used it to share furniture projects hoping to market my business. That was way back in the early days of blogging in 2009.
What would you consider to be your unique style and what inspires you?
As much as the word is overused, I would have to say my style is eclectic; it’s truly a mix of all the things that I love. My theory is that if you love it, you can make it work in your home. And when you don’t love it anymore, say goodbye and bring in something new to spark you. I am constantly inspired by nature and the change of seasons, my children, and whatever unique pieces I happen to find and fall for. Of course, I am also inspired by other creatives and design magazines.
How do you choose which type of paint or finish to use on a piece?
Each piece of furniture has an inherent style which suits it; the furniture tells me what finish to apply. If it’s a sleek mid-century piece, then I am most likely applying a more modern finish. If it’s a weathered piece with chippy veneer, a distressed painted look works. I gravitate towards mid-century dressers which are my favorite pieces to work with and style.
Kitchen Design by Cassie Bustamante
Do you consider both writing your blog and working on a project to each be a creative process? Which do you prefer?
Absolutely. I am a very moody person (just ask my husband!), so I have to be “in the mood” to write or paint/create. I love both equally but don’t produce well on demand in either departments. I need to be in the right frame of mind to create or write.
What is your favorite part of the creative process? The initial brainstorming/inspiration, working on the piece, the finishing touches (staging/photography) or writing and publishing the blog post? Least favorite?
When it comes to a project, the initial brainstorm is my favorite part… when I find that special something that speaks to me and I can’t wait to transform it. The actual process can be mentally soothing, but it’s not as “fun.” I typically do not enjoy writing about finished projects; it’s a step by step or play by play post that frankly bores me; but I do recognize that it’s information the readers want. 🙂
DIY Kilim Inspired Dresser by Cassie Bustamante
What do you believe to be the reason for the success of your blog and business?
The reason I am successful is because my definition of success is not typical. I define success as doing that which makes me happy and brings in a little extra income. If you were to look at both my blog and business from a numbers perspective, you might see that neither are really a big success on paper. However, both fields fulfill me creatively and socially, and allow me to have a flexible schedule which is important to my number one role as mother.
What advice do you give other creative people wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t follow in my footsteps, or anyone else’s. Create your own path. No one else can do what you do.
Living Room by Cassie Bustamante
Up next week, Deb from Seeking Lavender Lane! I cannot wait share her work and hear her story. I am very honored that so many of my amazing blogging friends have agreed to take part in Tell Us Tuesday!
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thank you so much for having me here today, suzanne! i am sorry by blog is a mess under construction at the moment!
Hi Cassie! You are so welcome! Loved having you and can’t wait to read your newly designed blog!
I’m so glad Cassie participated in this series. I have followed her for years and enjoy her blog. Cassie introduced me to Lamp Black by General Finishes and it opened my eyes to a world beyond Chalk Paint! 🙂 She’s always so generous in her comments to other bloggers and always responds to comments left on her very popular blog. And the best part is she always keeps it real!
robin, if i could come through the screen and kiss you, i would!
I love this series, meeting new bloggers and learning a little more about the ones I have followed for years. Thanks, Suzanne.
Hi Deb – you are welcome!
Oh my Cassie does beautiful work! Just loving this series Suzanne and looking forward to seeing Deb’s feature next week.
Hi Marie – isn’t her work just amazing? Her new blog is awesome, too. I am contemplating changing mine yet again (must be mad). Cheers!
I have always loved Cassie and all the inspiration (decor and life) she has to give 🙂