A dear friend called me on a Friday and encouraged me to create a video entry for the Twin Cities Live, Craft Star competition. The deadline was the following Monday so, I knew I had to make something, and quickly! Everything about this project and the potential it held was so enticing. I was delighted when I got the call that I was one of four finalists!
One of the show's producers gave me the run-down of next-steps. She told me that I would have $150 to spend at Joann Fabric's & Crafts, to create a tablescape based on the theme I would choose at random, the day of the shopping spree.
I met the other talented finalists, with the producer, and videographer. We all huddled around the fabric aisle to draw our theme. I pulled 'Baby Shower.' I grabbed a cart and headed to find some sales! This was the most challenging part of the whole experience! I knew I would look like a crazy lady, as I talked to myself the whole time planning my tablescape- but the efforts I put in the store would directly impact what I was able to create.
I wanted to challenge myself by going through every aisle in the store. I looked for larger pieces that were inexpensive to add color, impact, and balance to the smaller crafts I would be making.
Joann Fabric & Crafts has great decor props. I am talking like, 'Hello Create & Barrel.' The largest pieces on my table were all 70% off and can/will be used year round.
Best Friends Forever. This fellow was the first goodie I put in my shopping cart. He was $7.50.
Well, Hello Little Cutie! You are $12 And Coming Home With Me.
With a full cart, I was ready to check-out. I spent $149.95! I spent nine days planning and making goodies for the Enchanted Baby Shower.
Here's the video of me presenting the tablescape on Twin Cities Live:
Projects:
Plant Trays are awesome to make into serving trays. I purchased various sizes and spruced-them-up with some paint. I kept the paint choices neutral so that I can use them often.
Napkins- Folded in the cutest bow. Added felted shapes and moss with a colorful string napkin ring.
Click This Photo For a Folding Tutorial. My Gal, Katie of Uncommon Creative Studio, is the Linen QUEEN. She's just amazing!
Drink Tray- I bought a wooden slab, painted it with Martha Stewart's Chalk Board paint and added drawer pulls. The text, " Bottoms Up' is perfect for drinks or later to put this tray on a baby changing table for lotions and powders.
Food Serving Tray- Flipped two ceramic lanterns over and added a wooden slab. Light metallic painting on wood with chalkboard paint border. This is a stylish and inexpensive solution to add height to your table. This is also a great trick to use when you have a small serving space, as food can also be served under this tray. I will be putting LED candles in these lanterns for an evening patio party with friends. The reflections will be pretty on a the serving table.
Topiary- Add moss, small purple flowers, grape vines from my garden. Painted ceramic vases with metallic paint.
Baby Banner- purchased chalkboard banner set. I swapped out the twine for a pretty ribbon. I also wrote the word LOVE on the other side of the banner. This will be a cute gift to give to the new parents to hang in the baby's room. I also used the 5th triangle from the banner to make a little sign for the DIY Sugar Scrub station.
Sugar Scrub- Add two part sugar to one part coconut oil. Spray desired scent into sugar mixture. Decorate lidded jar with Shower theme trinkets. I found a great vintage- inspired plant mister while shopping at Joann Fabric's. I added my almond scent with water to this adorable vessel.
Gnome- Add a personal message to gift to parents. This little guy is under $10 and can be enjoyed year round.
Candles - Purchased a six-pack of glass, votive candles for under $6. These are great to wrap printed papers and ribbons around. These can easily be updated throughout your holidays by changing the paper and ribbons.
Moss Hill- I love instant foam. You can purchase this for dirt cheap at the hardware store. This creates an organic shape. Paint and hot glue moss and miniatures. This will be cute on a bookshelf.
Chandler & Baby Mobile- Use embroidery hoops, add simple shapes with a needle and embroidery string. This is great to tie to a dining room light fixture over your serving table.
I am beyond thrilled to now have the opportunity to be a regular contributor on Twin Cities Live! Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support from my friends and family. I am still cleaning-up moss in my house, but this experience is so worth it!