Event Review: Bast Brother's Spring Festival

This past Saturday I participated in the Bast Brothers Garden Center's Spring Festival. It was a beautiful day with the best weather you could hope for in April! I wanted to have ample time to setup so I arrived around 6:30AM and began unloading my truck. I setup my Pro Panels and print bins then was able to start unloading my inventory before needing to park.

Since I practiced my setup at home in my garage, it was breeze to hang up the metal and framed prints. I referenced pictures I took from my practice run. I was really glad that I took the time to figure out where everything would go because I feel like that is one of the most difficult parts!

Before the event started I had some time to walk around inside the greenhouse and met some really great vendors. Marion of KakeMi 90 Second Cake was so sweet and we talked about ideas of how to enhance her setup and new products ideas. I also talked with Kristin of Milkmaid Paperie about her awesome products and how important a story is for customers to connect with our artwork.

The event was very well attended! There was a constant flow of people throughout the greenhouse the entire day. I met a lot of great people who have not seen my work before and had conversations about custom paintings or products. I look forward to bringing those ideas to life!

Since I was doing the event solo, I didn't have time to walk around but I was lucky to have a couple of friends stop by to allow me a break to go to the bathroom, which was greatly appreciated! Below are some pictures from my practice as well as the day of the event. Enjoy!

Practice Setup

Practice Setup

Practice Setup

Practice Setup

10 Minute Christmas Card Holder

Now that our house construction and kitchen are finished, I finally have the opportunity to decorate this winter. What better way than with the beautiful Christmas cards we receive from family and friends? Here's a crafty post for displaying Christmas cards this holiday season and will only take about 10 minutes and about $3.00!

What you'll need:

1. Stapler
2. Ribbon (without wire)
3. Scissors

1. First, wrap a piece of the ribbon around the cabinet door vertically and cut it to size.

2. Use the piece you cut as a template for the other cabinet doors you want to decorate (I was covering four cabinet doors, so I cut three more ribbons).

3. Next, wrap the ribbon horizonally around the cabinet door and cut it to size.

4. Repeat step 2 for the remaining cabinets' horizontal ribbons. 

5. Make bows using this method:

6. Wrap each cabinet with the ribbons and secure them using the stapler. I wrapped the vertical ribbon first then the horizontal ribbon. 

(Inside the cabinet door)

Note: I placed my horizontal ribbon right above my hinge so they would be the same height.

(Inside of cabinet door) 

7. On the front of the cabinet, attach the bow where the ribbons overlap. I stapled it in an inconspicuous spot inside the bow. Make sure you get under both ribbons and over the bow before attaching them. 

Viola! You're ready to display your family and friend's seasonal greeting cards. You can use clothespins or pins to attach them. I have some leftover mini clothes pins from my sister-in-law's bridal shower that I will be using. (You can read about it by clicking here)

Note: I left two cabinets without bows for variety and to maximize card displaying.