A Behind The Scenes VLOG with Suzanne Smith - Creator of Blue Butterfly Cookies

by Mari Robeson


In today's Episode I'm speaking with the talented and charming, Suzanne Smith, creator of Blue Butterfly Cookies 🍪🍪🍪 This is the journey of how a life long fitness trainer took a leap of faith and opened a cookie business during a pandemic! I always love knowing the stories behind why someone decides to  open a business, how they do it, and hearing their inspiration. Suzanne shares why the butterfly is significant and the reason why these cookies are so delicious. She says they are 'Happiness in a Cookie' and I couldn't agree more. I have had these cookies and I told her she has the 'Million Dollar' recipe because they are better than any I have ever had. She is just getting started and is most definitely one to watch!!!

Over on my YouTube channel! Don’t forget to subscribe if you are enjoying these Episodes!


One Room Challenge - Week 7

by Mari Robeson


It actually feels really great to get back to painting walls and sewing panels. Our country has been through so much these weeks that it’s clear we are in a marathon. So just like a runner needs to rest, we too need to take a break now and then to re-boot. This past week I worked with the SLO County Arts Council on curating 13 talented artists who all willingly said Yes immediately when asked to donate an original piece of art to raise funds for R.A.C.E Matters and all the hard work they are doing for the Black Lives Matter movement. The auction is on Instagram @SLOCountyArts and ends this Sunday! Below is the piece I am donating.

8” x 10” x 1-1/2” Acrylic on Canvas with Resin

8” x 10” x 1-1/2” Acrylic on Canvas with Resin

So yes, I am far behind on my Living Room make-over but the wonderful people over at the One Room Challenge headquarters have graciously extended the final reveals to July 5th! Good grief! Thank you ORC!!

My list is looooooong! I did accomplish to get 2 walls painted and some of my fireplace wall but there are many layers to come so this is going to take a minute. Plus I still have to finish my huge painting for my forth wall. I have more light fixtures coming but I love this picture light! I had no idea that it has a dimmer and it cast the most perfect glow at night, so cozy and charming!

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I am in the home stretch! I can’t wait to reveal it all. I’m starting to feel the vibe and I’m loving it. In the mean time, I hope you’ll head over to Instagram and purchase some art for your collection and support this wonderful cause! Of course also pop over to the One Room Challenge website and follow all the amazing designers and decorators for oodles of inspiration!


Episode 41 - Interview with Artist, Neal Breton

by Mari Robeson


Thank you for joining me for today’s interview with Artist and President of the Board of Directors for San Luis Obispo County Arts, Neal Breton. We recorded this Episode two weeks prior to the tragic death of George Floyd. We chose not to air the episode these past few weeks so that we could listen, learn and educate ourselves, an on-going process.

We also wanted to offer a way to help the Black Lives Matter movement. If you are tuning in prior to June 21st head on over to the SLO County Arts Instagram feed this weekend where they will be holding an Art Auction in support of Black Lives Matter (100% of Funds Raised to go to R.A.C.E Matters SLO) to be held on their Instagram page, @slocountyarts, June 19th-June 21st, 2020.

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In today’s Episode with Neal Breton, we talk about his creative journey as a fine artist and what brought him to the Central Coast where he now not only paints but is also the President of the Board of Directors for the San Luis Obispo Arts Council. Neal’s colorful pools and landscapes just make me happy! I was so excited to find him and learn more about why he paints and the evolution of his art. We both believe in the power of Art as a way to bring joy into the world. Something much needed right now. We also talk about the changing art scene on the Central Coast which I hope will only get better and better with Neal leading the way.

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LISTEN AND WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Website: http://nealbreton.com

Instagram: @nealbretonart

San Luis Obispo County Arts Website (Previously Arts Obispo): https://www.artsobispo.org

Instagram: @slocountyarts

Art Auction Donation Page: https://www.artsobispo.org/arts-auction 


One Room Challenge - Week 4

by Mari Robeson


Half way through the One Room Challenge on my Living Room make-over. I feel a bit like I’m in quicksand. I’m working on finishing a large painting which will be a focal piece in the room and it is taking for…..ever….! My plan is to finish it in the next week so I can move on to painting the other two walls in the room. Hopefully those will go a lot quicker!

Today I ordered the picture light I will hang above my Princess painting. I plan on painting the wall behind it black with the shape in my sketch. This gives more weight and interest to that corner of the room where my new chaise will go.

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I also ordered a few accessories and I’m super excited about a gorgeous pillow my friend, (former VP of Product & Development at Pottery Barn - who now has her own fabulous textile company), Marie Joie Hughes is sending me! It Is Di-Vine! I can’t wait to share it with you!

My only concern is the sofa I ordered months ago…with the shop going out of business because of Covid (breaks my heart!), I’m so hoping the factories in LA will be able to open safely soon and I can receive it before the challenge is over. A small problem in the scheme of what is happening in the world for sure but it would be lovely if it could happen!

That’s it for this week. Make sure to follow all the amazing designers on the One Room Challenge website and a special Thank You to Better Homes and Gardens, the official media partner for this really fun and inspiring event.



The World Of Interiors!

by Mari Robeson


Thank you Conde Naste for finding my art all the way in California! I love this magazine and I’m so honored to be a teeny-tiny part of it! Plus it’s the June issue. My Birthday month! I had to render the cover to Celebrate!

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My painting “Beauty & The Beast” in The World of Interiors - June 2020 Art Edit

My painting “Beauty & The Beast” in The World of Interiors - June 2020 Art Edit


One Room Challenge - Week Two

by Mari Robeson


Where does time go? I can’t believe it’s been a week already since my last post! I have pretty ambitious Living Room make-over but I did make some headway this week.

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I’m painting a large ‘Room Interior’ painting for a niche on one wall. This is the most time consuming project but as soon as I finish that I’ll begin on painting the fireplace surround.

In the meantime, I’ve ordered my drapes and hardware. I like the look of a French drapery rod and since my house is French, I went with that. I ordered them from Amazon along with the round mirror for the fireplace, the heating vent covers and the ceiling medallion. I’m still deciding on what color to paint it.

I’m also still waiting on my sofa sectional that I ordered over two months ago. Fingers crossed things get better and the LA factory can open back up but until then my new chaise and ottoman just showed up from Wayfair so that’s exciting!

In between all this painting, I’m designing some new textiles for throw pillows and fabric for my cabinets.

This project has been so much fun and I’m really enjoying all the participants and what they are creating! Make sure to head over to the One Room Challenge website and check out the Featured Designers for loads of inspiration. Until next week! xoxo Mari


A Little Behind the Scenes Look at my Studio & Art

by Mari Robeson


I did something fun! My beautiful daughter, Serena Robeson, is a Senior at Cal State Channel Islands majoring in Graphic Design. She had an assignment to interview a working artist and I was so, so honored that she asked ME! Since many of you have also asked me to see a studio tour, we thought we would take a small excerpt from her interview and create a short video! I hope you like it!! xoxo Mari

PS I’ve signed up to participate in the One Room Challenge! Check back here Thursday to see my Mood Board for my Living Room make-over which will include the finished version of the painting I am working on in this video! More to come!


Interview with Dancer / Choreographer / Studio Owner - Pam Rossi - Ep 39

by Mari Robeson


I am so incredibly honored to share today’s Episode with you!

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Guys!! I interviewed Pam Rossi! She is the daughter of legendary dance queen, Pat Jackson. I was privileged to be an American Dancer & teacher for Pat Jackson. This is the incredible story of her daughter.

Pam Rossi’s dance career started as a Solid Gold dancer and as a Sahara Girl for likes of Jerry Lewis, Johnny Carson & Don Rickels... but that was just the beginning! She has worked with Cameron Diaz, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, Dan Ackroyd, Tom Hanks, on and on and on! Including my favorite, Lucille Ball! We talk about all of it and more on today’s episode.

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Now she runs an award winning dance studio in Moorpark, CA. I can’t even list here all of the amazing people she has worked with and things that she has done!

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If you are a dancer, this is the episode for you!! Pams advice is insightful and inspiring. Her journey as a professional dancer, choreographer and studio owner is such an amazing story!! Please enjoy today’s episode over on my YouTube channel! I’d love it if you would subscribe and please share with your creative friends!!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow Pam Rossi Here:

Website: Dance-Ten.com

Facebook: Pam Rossi Dance Ten

Instagram: @PamRossiDanceTen


Interview with Chantal Larocque of Paper & Peony

by Mari Robeson


I have such a happy and colorful Episode for you today! I came across the gorgeous paper flowers created by French-Canadian artist and author, Chantal Larocque, on Instagram. You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of bold colors and flowers, so visiting her feed makes my heart pitter-pat in all the good ways!

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I was thrilled when Chantal said she would share her creative journey with us all on my podcast because it’s such a unique creative business and yet just another way you can be a thriving artist in this amazing world of ours.

Chantal shares with us how creating a beautiful scrapbook in memory of her father turned into a blossoming business. It didn’t just happen though, it was an evolution of events and quite an interesting story!

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Now Chantal’s creations have been featured by companies like Chanel, Dior, Perrier-Jouet Champagne just to name a few and her work was even chosen to be the featured art for the Canadian Stamp! She is also the best selling author of DIY book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers! So you can see we had quite a bit to talk about!

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I think you will really like this Episode, especially her very helpful and insightful advice at the end!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places you can Follow & Support Chantal Larocque:

Website: PaperandPeony

Instagram & Twitter: @PaperandPeony

Facebook: PaperandPeony

Chantal Larocque’s Book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers