You would think that I would be able to come up with a more creative title than this but apparently I am not one to be mysterious or clever. Just putting it out there. Take it or leave it.
Today’s post is all about our experience creating a booth for Rust-Oleum for the Haven Conference and a little recap on teaching our first ever class. It may not be our normal how-to or DIY instructional but it definitely falls into the category of ‘what we are up to’ and honestly, I don’t ever want to forget how this felt or how much work it was or even how proud I was afterwards.
So first things first. What the heck is Haven? Well, if you are a home-blog follower you may have heard this name floating around the inter webs. It is a conference for design, building and DIY bloggers that is meant to educate, inspire and connect you with other bloggers, brands and people. You can learn how to build a website, improve your SEO, make money, find your style and even how to finish your garage floor 🙂 And I have crashed the conference for basically it’s entire existence.
The first year I attended, John & Sherry Petersik were the key note speakers and I was their babysitter. The following year Sherry asked if I would do a class with her….we talked about the exhilarating topic of friendship….and then year after year I would come with a baby on my hip to say hi to a few friends and squeeze some shoulders. But I guess I never really fully attended for two reasons….one is kid related…and the other is that I never felt like I quite fit in….a lot of the women had laser focus on making their blogs successful….so many would talk about customer service with readers….and there were so many sessions about money or social media growth or things I just couldn’t connect with. Those aren’t bad things. I don’t want to sound like I am throwing shade. I am simply saying that I am not business minded. And people that ARE, well, they tend to intimidate me. I never felt quite adequate enough. Like I was too old school or not smart enough or TOO CHEAP to really figure out how to make this blog a business. or even work well with other brands.
Enter my darling Jeremy Bower.
I know that some of you have noticed that lately we have been partnering with more brands for posts. I think of these partnerships as a badge of honor. Before Jeremy was advocating for me on the business side, I would have never put myself out there even if it was something I REALLY wanted to try. And as for working with brands, I don’t have to work with them….I GET TO. I don’t get strong armed into saying things I don’t want to say….I get to share my voice, my opinions and my thoughts on different products and services…and a good brand will support that voice. And one of my very favorites is the family over at Rust-Oleum. I started doing side projects for them almost three years ago. It was just a side gig. I would spray paint some things for them and write instructionals. We called it dating because that is what it was. I really feel very thankful for the folks at Rust-Oleum because they gave me the courage to believe that the work I was doing was worthy. I don’t know if anyone else can connect with that feeling but it’s important for any one to believe in themselves….and even though Jeremy kept on encouraging me, the feeling of confidence really came from brand validation. So you can imagine my mixed emotions when it came to a phone call this past summer when our contact at Rust-Oleum asked if we would be interested in putting together a booth for them at Haven.
I know.
I kinda had a mental freak out. The deepest parts of me felt not worthy. not original enough. not talented enough. Logistically, how could we even attempt this? who would watch the kids? who would build it out? and what if it was a complete and utter fail in front of all my peers and humiliating to a brand that we love? and then Jeremy….my sweet encouraging husband who is all business all the time said YES. He knew deep down I wanted to try. He knew that I would probably come up with a million excuses why it was not gonna happen. He knew that I would feel a crazy amount of OCD and anxiety. And he also knows that it would stretch me in a way that I would love. So we put together a PDF of three concepts and pitched it to them. I was nervous and happy all at the same time. They came back to us and said, we want this one….
A few more phone calls later, we tweaked the original plan. They wanted to show off as many of their products as possible…and if you know anything about their product portfolio – it is VAST. They have paints and stains and spray paints and kits and cleaners and EVERYTHING. Our plan was to make a big colorful backdrop using their spray paint colors. Then it would be flanked with cubbies to show off lots of smaller projects that incorporated kits and sprays and stains. The floor was going to be covered with FLOR tiles (we thought this would be easiest) and then there would be a big desk with storage inside for odds and ends and products and info. The desk itself would be finished with their linen white chalk paint and the top would be covered in their Rock Solid garage floor coating.
Once everything was finalized and we got the go ahead, Jeremy constructed these three giant panels out of 2×4’s and under floor layment. And then I got to work making the colorful mural. I am always super inspired by street art….and one of my favorites is the contemporary street artist that goes by the name HENSE. He is an Atlanta native and did the mural that is in the photos above. Aren’t the colors and movement SO GOOD?
Well, after spray painting this giant canvas….I am convinced that I would like to spray paint. all the things. No seriously. the next time you see graffiti art….it might just be mine. I am committed to this movement of moms-who-vandilize. #justkiddingnotreally
Seriously though….I would really like to spray paint more art….it was amazingly like therapy. And I did a time lapse…would you even be interested in seeing that?
The other giant piece we had to construct was the desk. I found a plan online that I could adapt – more on that later – and basically just made the side panels and the back have a cool design. It was my first time using a router but it turned out really well.
Here it is when we were painting it! It’s very contemporary and HUGE. Thank goodness we put on casters because otherwise we would have never been able to put that bad boy on the truck.
So after a couple weeks of blitzing on this giant to-do list, the day finally arrived. My mom said she would watch the boys….we wrote the entire schedule and food arrangements and everything on a list….and we packed up the truck and threw some clothing into a bag to get ready for Atlanta. To say I was nervous leaving the boys is an understatement. And on top of that, my fingers were crossed that the booth would turn out.
And then Jeremy called me as I was doing the last minute task of dropping off Will at school…..
“Katie. I think I am having a panic attack. I can’t find the keys to the UHaul.”
Yup that happened. An hour and a half later, we found them dropped into a clamp drawer. right where we thought they were…um…yeah.
The hiccups to the grand plans continued….the hotel folks and the Haven folks thought our designated booth area was in this area. It was measuring about a foot too narrow but we just went with it. Until the Ryobi reps told us that we had set up in their spot. Whoops! So we deconstructed and moved ours to the REAL designated booth only to find that FLOR carpet tiles are not a good idea for hotel carpeted floors. It was a hot mess. So I ran to Target, threw a last minute gray and white find in the cart and headed back.
I gotta give a shout out to Jamie from Rogue Engineer….she and I met last year at a Rust-Oleum event and she helped me drag that rug through Target and not break everything. Also she did not judge when I randomly bought a Kitchen-Aid mixer. And then she helped me hang all the letters for the backdrop. Such a sweetheart this one….
In the end, it turned out exactly how I had hoped.
The desk gave visitors a place to perch (these stools are everything!) and the rug laid great over carpeting. #lessonlearned
The cubbies were filled with Rust-Oleum projects and info and product and they were interesting and colorful and fun.
I was obsessed with the majority of the vases and decor and the colors are SO cute.
Those little magnet cups are actually from the Home Depot and the Rust-Oleum people sprayed them and put little fake succulents in them! Aren’t they adorable?!
And I loved this pineapple. Sadly it cracked in the back but still…I think it’s worth recreating.
I made a little sign that credited the inspiration for the backdrop. I had my friend make one with a Silhouette cameo (my first time ever using a cutting machine) and now I REALLY want one. I didn’t have a chance to stop by the Cricut booth so maybe I want one of those. Any opinions on which is better? I might actually be a tshirt designing fool if I get one. Just saying. If I go missing for weeks on end….I am in my basement cranking out day of the year underwear.
One of the things brought was this little glitter dog. I felt like he was our mascot for the booth. He, like our booth, isn’t like any of the others out there 🙂
The best part was seeing the whole thing set up and then being able to roll the desk away for selfies each night. I love seeing your pics in front of the spray paint wall y’all! And honestly, yes, I was relieved that the work setting up was over and it looked great….but really this is an experience I would have never tried without the encouragement of loved ones. Even at 35 it is hard to be brave….but oh so worth it.
I also managed to snag a few pics of folks talking up the Rust-Oleum team in the booth.
If you are one of these peeps (sorry I can’t recognize all the back sides!) I would love to hear what you thought of the booth in person. What worked? What didn’t? I’d love to know.
(Girl in orange dress with cute bag)
Another big first during Haven was teaching a class. We were asked by Rust-Oleum to teach the class about the floor coating that we put in our garage. It was the best time ever…..Sunday morning at 8am. My voice is dripping in sarcasm.
We absentmindedly dressed alike….and then the funniest thing happened. Jeremy decided to do an introductory joke. The only thing that was missing was a punchline. It was like crickets had died in the class. I DIED LAUGHING. Poor Jeremy was suffering from Sunday morning no caffeine. It was pretty much a moment I will never forget.
The whole class was set up by the Rust-Oleum team and they did an amazing job. We didn’t have to do anything.
This is Jamie, Katie and Vincent and we got to know them a little bit better over the weekend and I gotta admit – they are those kinda people that are just so kind that it hurts.
Here are some photos that Vincent took of the class – ignore our ridiculous posing….
Vincent was a photographer for many years so of course his pictures are so good!
The entire class was able to learn and attempt to use smaller size units of the Rock Solid on wood. It was such a fun time and for real….considering it was really early on a morning following the big dance party the night before….we had a blast with the other bloggers. They were all sent home with Rock Solid coasters and then someone won a whole lot of Rock Solid….enough to do their own garage in the color of their choice!
So of course we learned a few things…this being our first class ever. First – it helps to have all the supplies set out. It was a messy adventure but really, hands on stuff is our jam.
Secondly – realize that your preparations aren’t the only ones. We failed to do this well. We had a powerpoint with talking points and we scrapped the plan when we saw their computer hooked up with video. You remember that video? The one where I squeeze the floor coating bag like I am milking a cow? How could you forget?! I think if we did it again, we would have realized that we could do both the slideshow and the video. Lesson learned.
And lastly – you are only as good as the team. We can’t thank the Rust-Oleum team enough. They were awesome! Not only were they understanding of our hiccups but they also were really encouraging and made us feel like worthy of representing their brand.
And to answer the question of what happened next…..welllllll…..we broke it all down….loaded up the truck and brought it all home. Yup. We negotiated that we would get to keep the stuff we brought so we probably will find homes for the stuff in our house….or just tweak it for other spaces….or do something else cool with it. I only have plans for the cubbies right now 🙂 I have no idea what to do with the rug. But it’s all fun stuff so be on the lookout for those things in the future floating around the house!
And if any other moms are out there….maybe questioning if you lost yourself in kid stuff and are no longer relevant….I get it. I do. I feel that 99.5% of the time. And even as I looked at all the other booths….all of them were pallet walls, shiplap or polished signage….and then I look at my street art inspired spray paint explosion of color….I gotta tell ya….there was a twinge of doubt. I thought maybe I am not like everyone else. But then the mom in me said “Just be you. You is enough.” By putting myself out there….allowing someone else to watch my four kids overnight (the first time! ever! I know!)….it felt like I regained a little confidence. A boost. And I hope that no matter where you are, or if you are doing a big work project or going for something new…..that you hear my voice in your head…..or your voice reading this in your head….YOU WILL CRUSH THIS. Just be you. You is enough.
P.S. We’ll be running an Instagram Giveaway on Wednesday night for enough Rock Solid product to cover a two car garage. So be sure to follow us @bowerpowerblog
Great job Jeremy and Katie! The booth looks amazing! I would have loved to have been in your class.
This was a great post! I’m a SAHM/freelance graphic designer (very part-time with young littles) and I so often have doubts about my skills and talents because I feel I’m so often caught up in mommy stuff and not staying as fresh with designy stuff. I often find inspiration in random and small things and in art school this was my strong point, but lately has become a source of doubt. Am I not trying hard enough? Is it too simply/silly? Thank you for sharing your heart and being raw with your emotions and self-doubts. I needed to read this to reassure me that I’m not the only one and that I really am going to crush this! 😉
Great job Katie!
To answer your question I opted for the silhouette cameo over the cricket years ago. I didn’t want to have to buy cartridges for everything and with the silhouette I can basically cut out any image I can find and use all the fonts that are already on my computer. Plus, I’m a teacher and at the point I bought one teachers automatically got $50 off. Seemed like a good deal, and I love it, use it all of the time! I’m in the middle of cutting quotes out of vinyl to go above every teachers’ classroom in our middle school hallway. Nothing like last minute!
Awesome job! The booth looks so professional and I love the mural. It’s beautiful!
You and Jeremy totally crushed that Katie. I love the booth. It’s colourful and original and really speaks to the Rust-Oleum brand. The seminar looked like a lot of fun too. I know how much work goes into organizing these things and it can be daunting (especially at 8am, ha!). Yay you for trying something new.
Wait- can you paint a kitchenaide mixer?? I WANT TO PAINT A KITCHENAIDE MIXER.
Unless maybe that mixer you bought was for something else, then never mind.
But seriously, I totally want to paint a kitchenaide mixer.
It looks awesome! I am always so inspired by how “real” you are. I love that you are happy to be you, and that you’re not afraid to share it with us. Thanks for the kind and wise words regarding motherhood. We’re foster parents and have 3 littles 2 and under, so yeah, I’m feeling pretty lost and inadequate these days.
I’m a longtime lurker and non-commenter, but you inspire me daily. You inspire me to be better about making our home look and feel more like a home and not just temporary (we’d been here for 13 years), you inspire me to be a better mom, and lastly…I think we would be great friends. Keep doing what you do because your awesome and your hiccups just make you human.
I heard your class went pretty darn well! 🙂 And the booth was, of course, amazing!
Aww thank you Amanda 🙂
xo – kb
Aww – foster parents are a whole new level of motherhood! You are doing awesome!
xo – kb
Aww thank you Alicia!
xo – kb
Thank you!
xo – kb
Aww Jen…you are sweet. You always make me feel good 🙂
xo – kb
Thanks Trela! I have no real experience with either and it helps to know!
xo – kb
I’ve heard you can vinyl them! I don’t know about painting though.
xo – kb
Congratulations, I LOVE the mural, you did an amazing job! You are so stinkin’ creative. Also, I appreciate the encouraging words at the end of your post. I’m about to set off on a new path and it’s very daunting, so thanks for the message.
That looked great!!! I’d love to see some how-to on that desk!! I think that could translate to lots of projects– like an island, etc. You are a great Mama, blogger, designer… And I love how you use this space to share Jesus too. : ). Thanks for sharing your heart. I’m a stay at home mama of 3 and an architect, and it sometimes makes me laugh when I’ll be presenting a design and think– do they know I was wiping a butt an hour ago? Or that I’m doing this call from the back of my closet so they don’t hear screaming kids. Ha! I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Hi! Hoping you can help me…in the inspiration board pic with the cubbies, spray paint, lamps, etc., from towards the top of the post where are the white lamps from?? They are exactly what I’ve been looking for for a bedroom makeover. Thanks!!!
The class was great Katie & Jeremy… despite all the denim. Ha! It was a great pace for a Sunday class after a long weekend and a late Saturday night for most people. Entertaining and interactive! Just what everyone needed. Plus… I’m pretty sure every person in the class has decided to try that floor somewhere around their house. Such an awesome product by the folks at Rust-Oleum!
You make me laugh. In a good way. You are a young woman with FOUR babies who has a wonderful, entertaining, informative blog that we all enjoy. Your home is beautiful, your kids are happy, you are in a loving relationship, you are constantly D-I-Ying some fabulous project, are called on by major companies to partner, and… you are plagued by self doubt! Please take a minute to think about all you are doing and have accomplished. You are awesome. Keep up the good work. And yes, I’m dying to see the video of the spray paint. I want it on all my walls! Do it in your fabulous garage!!
I love that backdrop!! The whole booth looks amazing.
My sister and I bought a Cameo together back in 2013 (or 14). We had great plans for it but can never seem to get the hang of it. When it’s at her house I want to try and make something and vice versa. We get it set up, get reacquainted with it, spend time and then FAIL. Make us an offer….we’ll give you a great deal.
How awesome!! I’m neither a blogger nor very creative but you make me feel like I could DIY anything! I would love to see a time lapse of the spray paint canvas. It’s very cool.
Your class was so fun, very well put together! And I was so giddy to meet you! (I hope you got to finally eat!!!) LOL! Well done both of you!!
Loving that colorful mural replica and the story about the courage to try!! Good post.
Oh my goodness! I freakin love you! I can totally relate to how you said you felt at Haven…I mean I think the SEO and pics are important, but I mainly want to DIY. I can’t believe you made the background for the Rust-Oleum booth and all the rest of it! It was one of my favorite booths, visually! I Love Rust-Oleum and would love to work with them…pretty much all of my DIY posts use their product #paintallthethings. I am so glad I got to meet y’all and I can’t believe I had not stumbled across your blog before now! I used a Cricut for the first time at Haven and love it! I have been trying to come up with some projects, so if you have a tee-shirt request let me know 🙂 I look forward to hopefully seeing you next year at Haven.
PS-I won the Rock Solid, so I may be hitting you up for some tips so we don’t screw the whole thing up!
Mary
Please share the time lapse video! (And a blooper reel). 🙂
Love the painting you did. Your booth is amazing. Great job Bowers.
{I love Rust-Oleum spray paint ~ that’s all I use}
I would loooove if you would create a print of your spray painted board! I would be all over that sexy pants print!
Having a booth that is a different style than the “norm” is such a good idea. Blogland is filled with white walls, white kitchens, white exteriors…and that is all pretty but does get a little boring. I love that you and Jeremy stepped out with a BRIGHT and COLORFUL idea to break up all those shiplapped and planked walls! Plus, when your slogan is “paint all the things,” painting it all white or staining it wouldn’t quite fit 😉
Yes, you should always do time lapse videos, they are great! Also, where did you get the capri’s you were wearing in the first photo (love them & the Empire tee)
🙂
Yes – please post the time-lapse of the backdrop. It looks awesome!
I love that last paragraph!
I will take the desk thing and rug off your hands! Love them both. You killed it. I really love the street art backdrop. I think it represents the brand well. Now I want to spray paint all the things! Glad you had a night away from all the kiddos. We forget sometimes how we can enjoy the quiet. And you should have guilt free.
I LOVE the booth. I kinda want to make something that crazy fun to put on my dining room wall now lol. One of the main reasons I follow your blog is because of your creative genius. You think of things I have never seen or think to do and I love it! I’ll admit the sponsored posts get a little overwhelming sometimes when there are bunch in a row but I love that you are getting paid to do what you love and are so so so good at it!!! great job!
Tears with that last paragraph…I am a SAHM with 3 kids under 5, the youngest being 3 weeks old. Irrelevant is the exact feeling–even though I know my “work” as a mom is incredibly important. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Looking at the finished product, I can’t believe you had such doubts! Everything looks professional and amazing. Great job, Katie and Jeremy!
The Rustoleum booth was my FAVE!! I visited with Katelin for a while (that’s me in the orange dress!) and totally meant to come back later and take a pic of the backdrop-and I forgot!! So bummed! Seriously, LOVE what you did, it was so colorful and dramatic and fun! So glad Rustoleum is invested in working with bloggers, they truly are my all time favorite spray paint!
Your booth turned out amazing! And yes – I absolutely yes to the time laps!
Great job! I LOVE that mural! I bet taking a class with you & Jeremy would be super fun even at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning! LOL
Looks amazing! You and Jeremy seem like such an awesome team! Great to have a husband who believes in you and pushes you to do things you don’t know you can do.
I must know…what was the joke that Jeremy flopped?
Your spray paint art was amazing!!! I’m so thankful you are “different” because that is where you shine. I would have beelined to your booth and told you I want to buy a print of that backdrop. You are my all-time favorite blogger in the universe. Thank you for doing what you do. I heart you 🙂
Ok, wait a second – we DID get a picture together….it’s here! I call it. We’re in the frame together, so there.
And – and….wow…YES! I agree 100% on everything you said about blogging. I went for the actual building with wood and building of relationships…no business. Or social media numbers. This is so important!
Wow, just way too many good points you brought up – as always! And again, such an honor to finally meet you and Jeremy. Such a cuuuuuuuute couple!!!!
xx,
Sam
I absolutely LOVE your spray paint art!!! And would totally hang it in my house.
Holy wow! Katie that wall is fabulous! Forget shiplap or pallet walls, grafiti art is where it’s at. I wish I could have seen it in person it looks amazing! Congratulations on doing the work of mid-life; showing up and letting us see you, being vulnerable and taking chances. Your spirit and work are inspiring!
I’d like to vote for sharing the time lapse video please! That mural is so cool!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Old Navy! I buy them on super sale and wear them all the time doing DIY projects.
xo – kb
Aww that’s you! I’ll link to you in the post 🙂
xo – kb
bahahahaha! Yes! I will have to print that one out! You crack me up!
xo -kb
Aww Anje – you are too sweet. Seriously so blushing right now.
xo – kb
Oh my gosh…look at how swollen our eyes are!
xo – kb
He said something like “Sorry we didn’t realize that we were matching today. That’s what happens when you work together….we forgot to email each other our outfit choices.” crickets.
xo – kb
YAY! Mary! I am so glad to connect with you! I was wondering who won that! Now I know how to find you! Definitely tell me how the floor goes…I hope that the class was a little helpful. I mean…at least you know my secret swirl 🙂 Definitely send me your post when you tackle the floor!
xo – kb
Hi Lidia! Thank you so much! OMG I was so hungry and then I was scarfing down food in the middle of the aisle like a weirdo! ha! I will definitely link up 🙂
xo – kb
bahahahaha!
xo – kb
Awww you got the joke…sortof 🙂 OK….let’s be honest, that was such a joke-fail! All funny stuff aside – it was so nice to meet you and I am so glad that you came to our class. Maybe next time they will finally put the dudes together!
xo – kb
Ikea! They are clamp on or screw in….so they attach both ways but are not as flexible as you might think! They are super cute though 🙂
xo – kb
hahaha! I feel ya. I do conference calls on mute and then have to press the button to unmute, say two words, then mute again….just to not let these giant brands hear my kids!
xo – kb
Yes, the class was very helpful (especially the swirl part!) I also made my husband watch your video, cause y’all are so cute! I will definitely send you my post…unless its an epic fail 🙂
Mary
Your class was so fun, thank you for teaching it!! I had no idea that you MADE the desk in the booth too?!?! I’m all heart eyes for it. I can only imagine how much work that took, but WOW the outcome was beautiful!
You guys did an amazing job on the booth! The desk is incredible and totally makes me want to go out and buy a router! P.S. I know how you feel about leaving the kids. Haven was the first time being away from my kids for that long and it was hard. Thank goodness for Face time 🙂
Oh, that’s nice! Thank you!
Katie and Jeremy,
You guys did an amazing job with this and thank you for documenting it for your readers. It’s sweet to see photos of you together, with an obvious passion for each other AND for diy projects, and it is so nice to see you working beside each other and enjoying what you do. Hope this event was incredibly uplifting and encouraging for you both—you’re so talented and unique with your style, and that is really refreshing. Also, thank you, Katie, for what you shared with us about balancing motherhood and personal goals. It choked me up and inspired me all at once. Keep going after those dreams, Mama!
Time-lapse video PLEASE!!!! Love the booth!
Please, please, please post a time lapse video of the wall art! I love it and am desperate to recreate it for my home. There is a reason you have been in blog-land for so long and it’s because you consistently pull off creative and original ideas and DIY’s like this! I loved this post.
I love that wall! I think it would be so cute for a school event or women’s conference! And I appreciate the comments at the end. So true.
Been following your blog forever, since I moved to ga 7 years ago. I don’t follow any other bloggers really. Good for you for taking the challenge and stretching yourself in that way. RO was right for asking u to do this gig. Shiplap wouldn’t do. That backdrop was sick! The saying was perfect too. And then how you turned the post around to something encouraging to me, you’re something else. That post was so inspiring I had to comment. God bless!
Aww thank you Laura…both for your sweet words and for following! The long time readers are my favorite…I feel like you guys are friends 🙂
xo – kb
Great post! So encouraging as I often doubt myself because I see so many other people that seem so driven and are making awesome things.
I’m LOVING all of the stuff you made for the booth. The background would be great for a party and the details on the desk look awesome!
I’m late to the party, but your timelapse video post today drew me back to your other booth posts! Would you be able to tell us more about creating the desk with the neat pattern on the front? i have a kitchen island that is in need of a facelift and i love the look you created! Love your blog and am an avid follower 🙂 Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Yes for sure I will share!
xo – kb
Thank you! Can’t wait! Also excited to see what you decide to do with your master!
So I’m just reading along – “this is fun! this is exciting! what a great adventure!” And then you hit us with that last paragraph, Katie! “Sniffle sniffle and maybe a tear – she knows me! I can do this!” How do you DO that?! 🙂