Weekends are too short. If only weekends offered one extra day. I propose two Saturdays and one Sunday. Last Saturday was a stupendous spring day; the kind of day that makes you hungry for our much anticipated and short-lived Minnesota summer.

 

It seems DIY classes are very popular now. I have attended one other DIY class (a painting party last spring). I enjoyed that class more than expected despite my lack of artistic ability. This spring I decided to change it up and host a wood pallet sign-making class hosted by Dawn Legatt of Intentional Designs.

 

Twenty three ladies (ranging from age 14 to retirement) trickled in for a DIY Wood Pallet Sign Making Class. A majority of the ladies were from Sherburne County, except a family friend who drove over seven hours and myself (from deep in the heart of Stearns County). 

 

It was a chance to visit with people I rarely get to spend time with, and was a carefree, fun-filled day assembling signs with friends. Each of us had chosen a design for a pallet sign the week before the party so the gal in charge could hand cut a stencil for each of our signs.

 

Once everyone arrived at the party, we were asked to choose a stain color, as well as paint color(s). We found out who is comfortable with power tools, as we used a drill a couple times. I’m not a crafty person, but I really enjoyed myself and was surprisingly satisfied with how my sign turned out. If I can succesfully make a sign, I think it’s safe to say that anyone can.

 

The warm sun beamed in the windows as the women worked on their signs. There was such a variety of styles and colors as we looked around the room. The experience reminded me of my childhood - making crafts during Vacation Bible School many moons ago. 

 

The party was lively and we all enjoyed snacking on finger food. We had wonderful conversation and plenty of laughter! There was so much conversation at times, the host needed an old fashioned whistle to get everyone’s attention for instructions.

 

It was interesting to see all the different approaches to the task and the variety of finished products. Some chose bright colors and bold stains; while others were more conservative in their approach to the sign-making project. One gal hand-painted beautiful flowers on her finished pallet sign (something I wouldn’t dream of doing). One of the signs was a tribute to the gal’s dog, who had just passed away. When she looks at the sign hanging in her home, it will serve as a reminder of her dearly departed doggy, Frankie. Some of the signs were personalized. 

 

Michelle Radeke of Becker said: “I loved doing the sign class with a group of fun ladies. It was fun to look at all the different designs everyone chose!”

 

Deb Johnson of Big Lake told me: “I loved socializing with all the gals and the positive energy in the group, despite the fact that many of us felt we had no idea what we were doing!”

 

If you are intersted in booking a party, gather up your friends! If you want to visit Dawn Legatt’s webiste, http://www.intentionaldesignsdiy.com.

 

If making signs isn’t for you, there are plenty of other fun summer activities to try as a group or individually. I encourage any of you to be bold and step out of your comfort zone and try something new this summer. You might surprise yourself!