HEARTENING CHARACTER

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Add heartwarming character to your outdoor space with a personalized backyard sign.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER KANE KOHLER

What better way to complete your outdoor space this summer than with a personalized sign? Simply Inspired Co. has been helping families near and far since 2014 do just that, making unique metal signs in their adorable workshop located in Springfield. Owners Mike and Patti Brown like it when customers get creative with their personalizations. “We’ve done signs for backyards, lake houses, cabins and pool houses,” says Patti Brown. “We did one sign as a Father’s Day gift for a customer’s husband. It was a brewery and grill sign because he loved to brew his own beer. We’ve also done one with a mountain range on it,” explains Brown. The whole process takes about one to two weeks. First the Brown team mocks up the design for approval from the client, then their metal fabricator gets to work cutting the sign out of 16 gauge steel. Finally the sign gets painted. Clients can pick from a variety of finishes ranging from an oil rubbed bronze to a rose gold metallic. Pricing ranges depending on size and customization, and customers are able to pick from any of the templated signs on their website or can create something completely unique! It’s like the finishing touch you didn’t know your outdoor space needed. 

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Shop for Simply Inspired Co.’s signs and other decor online at simplyinspiredco.com

FRESH SQUEEZED

Learn to make your own citrus juicer—and other functional things for your home—at Creava Art Studio.

WRITTEN BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

You may have heard about the wheel-throwing date night events at Creava Studio (1506 E. Saint Louis St., Spring eld). It’s the perfect couple’s activity for anyone wanting a Patrick Swayze moment. But did you know that Creava also o ers classes where you can learn to make functional items for your home? Upcoming classes include things like fermenting crocks, jar lids, teapots and cheese domes. The July 30 class focuses on throwing a citrus squeezer, complete with juicer, handle and pouring spout. It’s your chance to add a little homemade touch to that refreshing glass of summertime lemonade. Find more info on classes and sign up at creavastudio.com. 

Find it

E. Saint Lo i St. Springfi eld 417-880-3531 creavastudio.com