week forty 2025

Better late than never, right? I obviously missed our usual Tuesday weekly update. But I have some fun stuff to report sooooo - taa-daa! I’m here with your week 40 highlights.

Last week was a hustle from start to finish. I had just gotten back from vaca and had a to do a mile long list to complete for Apple Fest. It was a race to the finish and I clocked in some long days at the shop BUT, it all got done. I printed three new cards for the event. Happy to report, they were all a hit. There was a common theme of customers at Apple Fest, the really LOVE fall! We sold more fall and Halloween cards than ever before.
I loved it.

I also had four new stickers made for the event. The Chicago postmark and the vintage ghost blow mold were the big sellers. 

I was floored by the crowds at Apple Fest. It was amazing. Friday was real busy and all the vendors kept telling me, “just wait till tomorrow”. They weren't kidding. Saturday was non-stop. I was selling cards before the fest was officially opened. We all expected Sunday to be a little slower. Nope. In fact, it was even busier. It was bonkers, in the best possible way.

I was nervous to dip my toe back into the outdoor market game but every maker friend that I asked, which markets are the best, all mentioned Apple Fest. I’m glad I listened. It was a record breaking market for us. We served over 400 customers in three days. Thanks to all who came out and shopped with us. And a special thanks to Myriam for helping. I needed the help but even more fun was spending the time together and laughing through it all.

I know I’ve mentioned Donovan on the blog before but if you aren’t familiar, let me reintroduce her. Donovan is an amazing mail artist and pen pal. She creates one of a kind mail pieces for every letter she writes. And she writes a lot of them. You can follow along with her mail and life adventures on Instagram. You can support her by investing in her Patreon - Selvage, which rewards you with amazing creations monthly. Donovan will be coming to a. favorite design to host her 2nd Halloween Mail Art Party on Tuesday, October 14th from 4-7pm. Come create and share the magic of snail mail with Donovan & us!

Random Randomness...
• While printing and prepping for Apple Fest, I had lots of time to listen to an audiobook. I was looking for a thriller and was recommended Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. It is NOT a thriller. It's horror and I hated it. Any and every imaginable assault that can happen to a woman was in this book. It was disturbing and the stuff nightmares are made of. I've never not finished a book but I was tempted multiple times to with this one. If you like horror, maybe you'll enjoy this. But please know, I warned you.
• Along with all the busyness of Apple Fest prep, we had a concert on Monday. We saw Garbage at the Salt Shed. It was epic! I loved Garbage in the 90's and they played all my favs. They rocked. 
• Tom and I also went to the Cubs Wildcard playoffs Thursday! It was insane. The energy was palpable. We spent most of the game standing and tensions were high. In the end, the Cubs pulled it off. It was amazing. And the Cubs moved on to the Division Series. Very exciting. 

That covers it for week 40! Go Cubs Go!