Recapping Haven 2012: A Journey into DIY, Design, and Digital Connections

The Haven Conference has always been a beacon for DIY enthusiasts, home decor bloggers, and creative entrepreneurs looking to connect, learn, and grow. Reflecting on Haven 2012, it’s clear this event was a cornerstone, marking a significant milestone in the journey of many in the blogging community, myself included. It was an immersive experience, brimming with inspiration, practical insights, and unforgettable encounters that truly shaped my perspective on building a creative business online.

From the moment the conference kicked off, an electric atmosphere filled the air. The energy was palpable, a blend of eager anticipation and shared passion among attendees who had traveled from various corners, all united by their love for design, crafting, and storytelling. Haven 2012 offered a unique platform for learning from industry leaders, networking with peers, and discovering new tools and techniques that could elevate our craft and online presence. It was more than just a series of workshops; it was a vibrant community gathering designed to foster growth and ignite creativity.

Haven 2012 Kicked Off with Young House Love!

The conference began on an incredibly high note, headlined by the ever-charming and immensely talented duo, John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love. Their presentation was a masterclass in engaging storytelling and practical advice, delivered with their signature humor and authenticity. John and Sherry have a remarkable ability to connect with their audience, sharing their journey, their triumphs, and their challenges with a transparency that is both refreshing and inspiring. They truly are a dynamic duo, a force in the home decor blogging world, and their insights on building a successful blog, maintaining creativity, and balancing work with life resonated deeply with everyone in the room.

Their influence extends far beyond their blog; they’ve cultivated a vibrant community, offering endless inspiration for DIY projects and home renovations. The excitement surrounding their upcoming book was simply contagious. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, eager to get their hands on a copy and delve deeper into their practical wisdom and design philosophy. Their session set the perfect tone for the rest of the conference, reminding us all of the power of genuine content and dedicated passion.

Speaking of Books: Miss Mustard Seed Wrote One Too!

Another inspiring figure at Haven 2012 was Marian Parsons, widely known as Miss Mustard Seed. Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are truly remarkable. Not only did she recently publish her own book, sharing her exquisite style and expertise with a wider audience, but she also announced the exciting launch of her own line of milk paint. This news was met with immense enthusiasm, especially from those of us who appreciate the authentic, timeless finish that milk paint provides.

The hands-on workshops at Haven were an invaluable part of the experience. In the Advanced Painting class, we had the incredible opportunity to experiment with Miss Mustard Seed’s new milk paint line firsthand. This session was an absolute revelation, allowing us to understand the unique qualities of the paint and its potential for transforming furniture and decor. The tactile learning experience was so engaging that it left me eager to incorporate milk paint into my own projects. Put me on the list – I absolutely want some of that paint!

Beckie from Infarrantly Creative on Advertising

Beckie from Infarrantly Creative delivered a highly insightful and practical session titled “All About Advertising.” While some of the concepts discussed were quite advanced and initially felt a bit “over my head,” the fundamental takeaways were incredibly valuable. Beckie eloquently broke down complex advertising strategies, offering a deeper understanding of how bloggers can effectively monetize their platforms and reach a wider audience. It wasn’t about being sworn to secrecy, but rather about absorbing advanced strategies that require contemplation and further study to implement successfully. This class underscored the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving digital landscape, and I’m definitely going to have to revisit these concepts to truly master them. Investing in advertising knowledge is crucial for any creative business looking to thrive online.

The Art of the Business Card: Unique Connections at Haven

One of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of Haven 2012 was witnessing the incredible creativity displayed in everyone’s business cards. These weren’t just standard pieces of paper; they were miniature works of art, each reflecting the unique brand and personality of the blogger. It truly demonstrated how a simple item can become a powerful networking tool.

For instance, Beth from Home Stories A to Z proved herself a pro by charming attendees with business cards thoughtfully paired with delicious chocolates. Who knew that connecting over a sweet treat could leave such a lasting impression? It was a simple yet brilliant touch that made her stand out. And then there was Angie in the Thick of it, who took originality to a whole new level. She crafted scratch-off cards, much like lottery tickets, revealing her picture underneath – how incredibly creative and engaging!

Everyone’s business card was so unique, turning a mundane exchange into an exciting discovery. These personalized touches weren’t just clever; they were powerful branding statements, reflecting each blogger’s ingenuity and leaving a lasting impression. It really drove home the idea that in the creative world, every detail matters.

While I didn’t have candy or gum with my business cards, I did get my talented friend Creative Carmella to hammer out some cute necklaces for me and my roommates. These served as a little, yet meaningful, reminder of this awesome conference and the new friendships forged.

Meeting Inspiring Personalities: Ana White and More

The conference was graced by the presence of many inspiring personalities, including the incredibly talented Ana White. Her work in providing free, accessible DIY furniture plans has empowered countless individuals to build and create, fostering a vibrant community of makers. Ana White was just as pretty and approachable in person as her online persona suggests, embodying the generous spirit of the DIY movement.

Speaking of pretty, sweet, and just the best roommates in the world: I was so fortunate to share my Haven experience with two truly wonderful individuals. Karah from The Space Between was there, and Kristen from Pearl Gateway. The camaraderie shared with them, from late-night chats to morning coffee, truly enhanced the entire conference experience. And of course, there’s sleepy, half-smiling me on the left, soaking it all in! These friendships, forged over shared interests and conference excitement, are as valuable as any knowledge gained in a session.

Mastering Photography: Insights from The Lettered Cottage and Shoot Fly Shoot

In the visually driven world of blogging, high-quality photography is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. Haven 2012 provided incredible resources for honing these crucial skills. We had the privilege of learning from Kevin and Layla from The Lettered Cottage, alongside Josh from Shoot Fly Shoot, who led transformative photography training classes.

Their sessions were packed with actionable advice, covering everything from lighting techniques and composition to editing tips and equipment recommendations. Learning the nuances of capturing stunning images directly from experts like Kevin and Josh provided insights that could immediately elevate our blog content. My own photography skills improved significantly at Haven 2012, a testament to the quality of their instruction. I certainly did much better this time than I did at “Becoming” in 2011! Good photography is key to showcasing DIY projects and home decor effectively, and these classes were absolutely invaluable.

Reflecting on the Haven Experience

Haven 2012 was more than just a conference; it was a vibrant incubator of ideas, skills, and relationships. While I initially felt “a bit out of my league” amidst so much talent, the supportive atmosphere and wealth of knowledge quickly dispelled those feelings, transforming them into a thirst for learning and connection. The meticulous planning and dedication of the Haven organizers were evident in every detail, creating an environment where creativity flourished and connections were naturally fostered. I didn’t want to leave!

My post, while attempting to capture the essence, still only scratches the surface of the incredible talent present at the conference. There were so many inspiring individuals, many of whom I didn’t get a chance to photograph, or my pictures simply came out blurry in the excitement! You can explore the full roster of influential figures at the Haven Speakers page to appreciate the depth of expertise available. I can’t wait to see everyone else’s Haven posts and relive all the wonderful moments from their perspectives.

For those curious about the visionary women behind this amazing event, click on the photo below to meet the incredible ladies of Haven:

Thanks to everyone who put this together; the experience was truly unforgettable. If you have any advice for me, or for anyone else considering attending such conferences in the future, please share! The collective wisdom of this community is one of its greatest strengths. This conference was a profound reminder of the power of community, learning, and stepping outside your comfort zone to grow.

Sharing the Experience at Southern Hospitality!

A special shout-out to Southern Hospitality for hosting a wonderful recap and fostering a space for everyone to share their Haven experiences. It’s always inspiring to see the collective takeaways and diverse perspectives from such enriching events.