week five - 2025

This week I was printing and die cutting away to fulfill last minute wholesale Valentine’s Day orders. At the end of the week I finished prepping for the I Heart Indie Markets at Koval Distillery. It may sound like overkill but I do a physical set up of shows beforehand. I display everything exactly to the specs I’m given for each show since they're all different. I want to make sure I’m prepared and remove as many potential issues before I get on-site. Oftentimes, when you show up, things aren’t always as expected, the closest outlet can be 10’ away, or there’s a pillar in your space or a myriad of other hiccups. A dry run helps control what I can. The show was fun. My last show was One of a Kind in December and this one was a great first show back. It was a nice pace and I saw lots of friendly and familiar faces. Thanks to everyone for coming out!

In store, I installed some new lights and a pegboard for stickers. I’ve been struggling how to display sticker sheets for a while and finally gave in to pegboard. I love pegboard in industrial spaces, like my print shop, but have been reluctant to introduce it into the storefront, I prefer vintage type displays and feared it may feel too modern. It looks better than I imagined. I did have a little snafu, the hooks I ordered were advertised as fitting 1/8”-1/4” pegboard. They did not. So instead of a beautifully stocked new sticker wall, this week we had a naked display. Whoopsie. New 1/4” hooks have arrived and I’ll be finally getting it together this week. 

Speaking of this week, Saturday is our For the Love of Local event!  Our space will be hosting four local vendors who don’t have a dedicated retail storefront. We’ll also have valentine treats and hot apple cider. Stop by and discover beautiful gifts to give or keep! Michelle Starbuck Designs will have handmade jewelry created with semiprecious stones and vintage stock. Katherine Anne Confections who specializes in truffles, caramels, marshmallows and decadent hot chocolate will be joining us. The Floriography Fellows will be bringing dried and fresh floral arrangements, dried floral wearables and spell jars. Him + Her Vintage will have their bespoke loose tea with the perfect glass vessels including a wood spoon, delicious to sip and pretty on a shelf. Lastly, you’ll be surrounded by letterpress greeting cards, specialty pens, beautiful stationery, journals and useful goods in our storefront. All perfect gifts or Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day. See you Saturday!

On a personal note, it was the new moon this week and I joined The Modern Astrologer for her new moon meet up where she reviews the energy of the moon, something I’ve been in tune with since I can remember. Her events are filled with great insight and affirmations of what I’m usually feeling or dealing with, I love it. If you’re interested in joining her community Astro Curious, check it out. I'm a member too. 

We joined up with friends old and new at a meet and greet for The Skee League at Begyle Brewing. If you don’t know, Chicago has an adult skeeball league and it’s amazing. My team, Freaks and Skeeks, have been rolling since 2016 and we love it. Plus it gives us a chance to catch up with one another, our team is Tom and I plus our besties Jaime and Adam. This pic pretty much sums up the league. It's full of kitch, puns and fun. 

Lastly, we ended dry January with a toast and my favorite wine, White Rose Estate Pinot Noir. We visited Willamette Valley a few years ago as a celebration for Jaime and Adam’s 40th birthdays. White Rose Estate was by far, my most favorite space and wine of the trip. Tom and found ourselves talking about it again and again so for Christmas Tom gifted me their wine club. It’s quarterly, costly but oh so worth it!

I think that covers it! Thanks for following along. Hope to see you Saturday.