Have you ever had a construction project that seemed to take on a life of it’s own? You know, the small easy little project that blossoms into a major overhaul and all of a sudden there is no turning back.

After attending a Disney Institute workshop, one of my “take aways” was that it would be a good idea to separate our reception area from our production area. A place to greet our customers that was clean, quiet and inviting. Before I take you on a tour, I want to give you just a little background about our business. We are a small bulk mail business in Valparaiso Indiana. Although we had a very nice place, our space was limited and so was our budget.

The goal was to build one wall with two windows. How hard could that be?

Well, that was easy! One wall, two windows, project done.

Not so fast…the window awnings gave it an unexpected outdoor feel, so now wouldn’t a lamppost be perfect to complete the whole outdoor thing? Oh, now wouldn’t a park bench be cute too. And so the saga begins…..

Next came the 1890’s post office complete with the ink well and fountain pens. How fitting , a post office inside a bulk mail business!

With the help of my very talented daughter and carpenter extraordinaire, Erica George… Flanagin’s Main Street USA was born.

Then came the Swedish Bakery.

Then the Barber Shop

Next the Seamstress Shop.

The General Store

The Confectionery

The Railway Station

and the Cinema.

From the bakery smells and ragtime music to the cinema lights and hidden bird’s nest, we have had so much fun thinking and creating “outside the (bulk mail) box.”

Thanks for visiting and have a wonder-filled day,

Donna Flanagin

Random me: I am learning more about life every day. What an awesome journey.