In case you missed stopping by at my Open House yesterday.....or, maybe you live too far away in Canada or something and couldn't justify the cost to fly in....here are some photos around my house of what you missed!
This first photo shows my Valentine's Day display. Several of the "big" projects were inspired by things I'd spotted on Pinterest. For example, that awesome banner was designed by Amy O'Neill. When I saw it, I knew I needed one, too. The framed art was inspired by a project by Sara RImmelzwaan.
In the middle of that display are three bowls and a rectangular bucket. Can buckets be rectangular? This is where my guests could fill their favor! Each bowl contained a different flavor of Valentine M&Ms. I decorated some treat bags that I picked up at a local craft store. I think everyone was shocked when they found out I purchased treat bags. SU doesn't currently sell kraft paper treat bags. Want a closer look at the bag? Here it is...
I didn't create display boards for this Open House. Typically I create boards that contain all of the punches, dies, DSP, and embellishments in the Spring Catalog. I also create boards for card displays. I never know what to do with these boards when I'm done - AND, they block a lot of light that comes into my living room. Instead, I had a table that contained all of the embellishments and punches - along with project samples - that are in the Spring Catalog. The big 12x12 framed piece is actually a Magnet Board and is a class I'm offering in March!
Many of you have voiced some frustration with the Sale-a-Bration Brochure. You may have found it difficult to figure out what is what. Well, to help with that problem, I had one area dedicated to everything you can get for free! Along with a card display featuring projects made using the freebies! (Yes, I realize it looks like my card display has leaves.)
I mentioned earlier that I didn't have display boards for card samples. Instead, (inspired by Pinterest), I decided to string them up on my walls. I had a dozen strings of cards between my living room and dining room. You'll see a few of those in the background of this next picture of my hot chocolate station. Mike and I made homemade marshmallows and provided a variety of hot chocolate. I thought the hot chocolate was a fun treat since it's been SO cold and snowed the night before. There was also tea and coffee - plus bottled water and snacks which I didn't photograph. If you look to the left of the table, you'll spot my Plinko board! Everyone who stopped by had the opportunity to play Plinko and win a prize. This is a fun idea I got from Stampin' Up! When I've been on the Founder's Circle retreats we played Plinko every day for free prizes!
In my classroom, there was information about upcoming classes. I also had sign-up sheets in the living room for other classes that weren't exactly bulletin board material. You may recognize the banner I created with the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit last week. For more information on my classes, you can click here.
Finally, in my classroom, everyone had the opportunity to make a free project.
excellent open house as usual Kristen!
Posted by: Patty Jo | January 27, 2013 at 11:10 AM