This past weekend I attended the first Midwest DIY Blogger roundup in Chicago, Illinois. The two-day event was held at the famous Randolph Street Market in downtown Chicago. For those of you not familiar with the market, it's been ranked one of the "Top 10 Antique Flea Markets in North America." And yes, you should be jealous.
The event was put together by Karen Marie Kedzuch of Dragonfly and Lily Pads. And I have to say it was a true labor of love. The goal was to get some of us Midwest DIY bloggers together for a few days of networking, DIY demos, and (of course) shopping at the Randolph Street Market. I could only make it on Saturday, but I am so glad I went. I had no other blogger to go with, so I was a bit intimidated at first, but Karen and all the other bloggers made me feel very much welcome and at home which was really nice.
I was very excited when I learned that one of my all-time favorite bloggers, Gina Luker from The Shabby Creek Cottage, was going to be there giving the keynote speech the first morning.
It was very inspiring to listen to her coming up story as a writer and kick-ass blogger who makes a great living doing what she absolutely loves to do! If you don't already follow her (and who doesn't?) you really have to check her out.
I was lucky enough to be there for three DIY demos, the first by Jen Rizzo of Jenniferrizzo.com
Jennifer showed us her take on how to personalize a terrarium (a.k.a. any large glass container) with seasonal and/or sentimental items that we can use as unique candleholders.
The second DIY demo was by Karin Chudy of Art is Beauty.
Karen demonstrated how to convert a side table into an upholstered ottoman with Karen's help.
And the third demo of the day was by Leeanne Lee from Diva of DIY.
Leanne showed us how to make your own personalized mudroom
backpack station with Karen's help. She was all over those power tools!
After the demos I got to walk around and shop the market. Mr. CBD was his usual charming self and accompanied me there so I wouldn't have to go alone. We walked around and had fun perusing all the awesome stuff. Here is just a small sampling of what we saw there.
Rusty, galvanized goodness!
Apparently there used to be a Nehi soda distributor in nearby Rockford, Illinois.
I so want this map table!
Industrial goodness to the max.
I did manage to pick up a few small items (you doubted me?) and they'll be
mentioned in a separate post. So keep an eye out for that.
It was a fun day despite the downpours that occurred more than once during the day. We were happily dry in what's known as Sally's Cabana at the market. There was awesome food and drink all day long and a fabulous swag bag!
Nothing like a few painting supplies to get those creative juices flowing!
I'm sorry I had to miss the second day. Three more DIY demos were held. One by Karen Marie Kedzuch of Dragonfly and Lily Pads, one by Melody Smith of My Passion for Décor, and one by Jessica Cramer of Designers Sweet Spot. Please check out all of these fabulous ladies' blogs!
The sponsors were awesome as well, namely, Hometalk, Blitsy, DecoArt, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and The Randolph Street Market.
I loved the experience, but I loved meeting other like-minded bloggers even better. If you ever get an opportunity to attend something like this I highly recommend going. It's a great experience.
Thanks to all the organizers and sponsors for such a super event!
I absolutely can not wait until next year!
I also can't wait to get started on a new project using some of my swag, so stay tuned!
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Looks like a great time! Wonderful swag! I have always enjoyed meeting fellow bloggers at these events! I know you loved every minute!
Sounds like you had a very enjoyable time - thanks for sharing it with us. I also love those map/architect cabinets. At one time I thought about looking for one that sits up higher to store jewelry making supplies and such, but after seeing the prices I backed off.
Enjoy your evening.
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