It just isn’t every day that a girl gets to walk into a craft store and decorate to her heart’s content.
But that’s exactly what I got to do. It was a few days before our big Michaels Hometalk Pinterest Event, and I paid a visit to the Michaels Abbotsford store. Amanda showed me around and led me to the craft room where we started talking displays. I asked her if she desired me to play around with a few things reflecting my style.
While my request may have seemed quite casual, it was anything but. I was screaming inside when she said go for it! How fun was it to have an entire store at my fingertips to style away as I please?! ACK! Dream talk.
Did I ever tell you the story on how Woodward’s (dept store that is no longer around) refused to hire me for their display person? While I was busy selling shoes, luggage, mens wear and diapers (yup…), I’d watch those in display with such a longing. You can bet as I filled up this buggy, I was thinking that I’d finally made it!!! Even if it was for a couple of hours. 🙂
Dear Woodwards, look at what you could have had! Think they’d ever have recovered?
This table was the place I’d ultimately display the crafts I made for the event, plus house some stock for the crafters to shop from. Can you pick up my style in this beautiful mountain of awesome?
And I HAD to include this cutie pie setup of the birdcage and plant originally inspired by Two It Yourself!
The whole time I was decorating away, I giggled. This was Too. Much. Fun! And I secretly was wondering what on earth the Michaels gals would think of my off the beaten path ways. I could seriously have stayed here all day and done the whole store!
While this stylist wannabe never wanted this moment to end, I glanced at my watch, knew I was running late, I (SOOOO) reluctantly packed up and head home, feeling positively giddy! Thanks Amanda, for humouring an old wish you helped make come true. 🙂
Two days later…
It as event day! I packed up a bunch of supplies and head on out. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. How would I be perceived? Would anyone even show up? But excitement won the race and I was eager to get in that space and craft my heart out!
And I was met at the front door with my own mug! I mean, LOOOOOK! The pictures of my projects were printed out and everything! I was so honoured! I should have stood there offering autographs, right?!
Well, I mean, if someone had walked in and actually WANTED one, you can bet I would have! But you know, I couldn’t just STAND there waiting for fame to hit. I had crafting to do after all… 🙂
And then… this. Oh my word… the room!
Wouldn’t you love to have a craft room like this in your own home? The pictures do not do it justice. It was gorgeous. And there were stacked displays of all of my favourite things’ all over the place.
And then it was time to open the flood gates. Could we possibly fill up even half this table with glorious crafts and lotsa laughter?
KABOOM! And then we did! Oh my, was this ever a blast! It was sorda like hosting the coolest birthday party with everything you could ever possibly want. I’m convinced that crafters seriously need to be more like kids and do this for their birthdays.
Inspiring Topiaries in a crate
And I was very touched that so many mimicked my own projects… sheeeesh guys….
Here is Susan whipping up a burlap IDEAS board to be inspired by… beautiful!
Oh these two cracked me up… I could have sat and listened to their stories all day. No no… don’t leave!
How cute are these topiaries? Rosemary and Judy had big plans on finishing touches once home. They were so gorgeous!
And THIS one had all kinds of different moss.. truly stunning!
Sandy and her daughter joined us too! And what lovely creations, the Dominic one is for a baby’s room. Isn’t that a sweet idea?
I sadly didn’t manage to get shots of everyone. Too busy crafting I guess!
Joanne manned the craft room while we summoned her for all kinds of colourful requests. To have a crafting expert at your beck and call was pretty cool!
And I coulnd’t end this post without a shot of the glorious selections within our reach. Michaels Abbotsford is truly a very beautiful and well stocked store.
Chalkboard labels have really kicked into high gear… I can think of 1000 uses for these guys.
These gals became like family in a matter of 2 days. They truly pulled out all the stops to make everything run like clockwork. It was so enjoyable! Thank-you so very much gals, you made me forget to be nervous!
Ahh… and then there’s the gift basket. Yes, they gifted me with a lovely crate filled so many cool things they knew I’d love! (more coming soon)
Sigh… I was so spoiled on this day in every way. Lovely readers, a new crafting family, and gifts. Thank-you Hometalk and Michaels, for a wonderful excuse to have a crafting blast. 🙂
Disclosure / I have partnered with Michaels and Hometalk, but all ideas and opinions are my own.
Looks like you had a successful event….everyone looks very happy with their projects!
This is great- Looks like you had a blast. Getting creative using different elements is always a good thing. Really enjoy your blog!
Carole @ GardenUp green
Too much fun! I like the craft party idea and just may check into it for a Mother’s day event at the Michaels near my daughter.
Michaels should really hire you to visit all of their stores!!! Love your use of the burlap as tablecover-can’t wait to try that this spring on my Easter buffet table. Maybe I will run spools of pastel gingham ribbon haphazardly on top of the burlap too-yay! Great job!
You obviously put a lot of work into this and were rewarded graciously. It’s a win-win. Additionally, Michael’s has a new customer because I have got to find one and pick up some of those things.
You are such a lovely lady.. Glad you had fun once your nerves settled down.. Maybe they’ll have you back..
Oh what fun, I wish I could’ve been there 🙂 May I have your autograph? 🙂
You are so cute! Really. In every way. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy you, your blog and everything you do! A little validation never hurt anyone doing a good job.
Good morning to you from Pacific Standard time. I am so happy you had such great replies about Pinterest project day. Sounds like everyone had a great time.
In Fresno CA Michaels did not participate in the event. So Sad. Maybe they had no access to craft people in the area.
Love your posts. Someday I will take pics of my little dog collection. They are not rustic like your but I love them just the same.
I would have loved to have gone. I am actually lucky to have a Michaels close by, but it did not participate. But I am going to have my daughter’s 4th birthday party there in a few weeks–I can pretend I am you!
Looks like a fun time!
I knew you would have a good time! I SO wish could have been there to hang out with you and all your new crafty friends.
Crafters UNITE!
-b.
Oh, how I long for the days as display designer. Yes, that was my JOB! The craft store was same size as Michael’s and I was also their floral designer. When I wasn’t doing a custom floral design, I’d be staging some new product line. Such fun, I can’t tell you. And can we talk Christmas!?! OMG, you haven’t lived until you have an entire store to pull from. Twenty-six trees I’d decorate.
thanks for the fond memories. I’d forgotten how much fun I really had back then. 😀
Congrats, Donna! It was a huge success, AND you had a blast. Can’t get much better than that!
xoKathleen
You have the golden touch! I WISH I had the opportunity to use the things in the store to set up the gorgeous display you did. You did a fabulous job Donna! Your table is beautiful. I’m sure you made all those women happy to just learn from you for a few hours!
Susan,
You did a great job with the items you had to work with, your display was Fabulous!
it gave me so many wonderful ideas. Cindie & I were very happy learning from you, and making new friends. We were wish we had more time, (next time we’ll be there on time) 🙂
Glad you had so much fun. I was lucky enough to be an Event Coordinator at a Michael’s in Phoenix. What a dream job! Spent all day coming up with new ways to use all the items in the store and displaying them, new classes to offer, oversee the teachers and sooo much more. Too bad a company from up North had to buy them out and decide that all the stores needed to look alike. Terrible mistake, maybe they have changed it in the last 6 years.
Loved this! Thanks for sharing.
Your display is fantastic, Donna! No wonder Woodward’s went under – they couldn’t see talent in front of their faces!
Your event looks like so much fun! I love that so many of the crafters mimicked your projects. What a compliment!
Sounds like you had a super blast. There is nothing like spending a whole day with someone who speaks our craft ot “art” language and you spent 2 days with them. I am envious but so happy for you. Wish I lived closer and could have ben with one of you ladies. 🙂
What a fantastic day you had! I looked last week and there wasn’t one near me, I wish there had been…maybe next year? I’ll have to look around and see how the other bloggers made out on their day, but I’m sure they had as good a time as you did.
Debbie 🙂
how did I totally miss the fact that you were there?? I would have come to stalk you and ask for your autograph!! 😉
Love everything you do,
Leanne
Because (I Think) I Can
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