Behind the Scenes at Magnolia Kay: How Our DIY Paint Kits Are Made with Love

If you’ve ever painted one of my DIY craft kits from Magnolia Kay, you might have wondered what goes on behind the scenes to bring those little bundles of joy to life. Today, I thought it would be fun to share a peek into my story, my process, and what makes Magnolia Kay special. Think of it as sitting down with me for coffee (or maybe a craft night with a paintbrush in hand).

From Hobby to Business: My DIY Journey

My crafting journey started back in 2012 after my husband’s job took us from Arizona to Texas. I was looking for a creative outlet and, like so many of us, I ended up scrolling Pinterest for inspiration. One day I decided to give sign making a try.

I had no equipment — just determination. I designed my first sign in Microsoft Word, printed it on plain copy paper, transferred it to a scrap piece of wood I found at Home Depot, and hand-painted it. It took 18 hours (yes, really!) but when I finished, I was hooked.

When my daughter was born, I decided to see if I could turn my hobby into something more. That’s how my first little business, Rocky River Design, was born. A few years later, I transitioned from making completed signs to creating laser cut DIY kits — so people could enjoy the painting process themselves. That’s when Magnolia Kay was born. Magnolia because I’ve always loved the flowers, and Kay is my middle name.

Why I Love What I Do

Running a small business isn’t always easy. Between supply chain issues, long hours, and even navigating through COVID, there have definitely been challenges. But for me, Magnolia Kay has always been a labor of love.

What keeps me going is the joy I see from others when they paint their kits. I love knowing that someone can take a blank wood cutout and transform it into something beautiful — whether it’s to decorate their home, host a paint party with friends, or simply enjoy a relaxing creative outlet.

The Process: How a DIY Kit Comes to Life

So, how do my paint kits go from an idea to a finished product?

Choosing the Designs – I purchase most of my designs from talented file designers and focus on seasonal collections. I like to release them early — for example, Christmas kits start hitting the shop in July/August so you have plenty of time to paint and display them.

Cutting the Wood – My husband helps me take large 4x8 sheets of high-quality 1/8” MDF and cut them down on the table saw so they’ll fit into my Thunder laser. Then, the laser does its magic, cutting out the shapes and pieces for each kit.

Family Helpers – My son especially loves to help. He gets the kits out of the laser and vacuums the tiny scraps from the tray. It’s truly a family effort, which makes each kit extra special.

Packaging – Once the pieces are ready, I shrink-wrap the kits and include a reference photo so customers know what the finished piece looks like. Then I print shipping labels, pack orders, and get them ready to head your way.

Samples & Marketing – In between, I paint sample pieces, create styled photos, and make content to show off how the kits look once finished. All of this happens in my workshop — which also doubles as an extra room in our home.

It’s a busy process, but one I love. Every day is a mix of laser cutting, packaging, painting, and of course, being “Mom” — helping with homework and juggling family life right alongside running a business.

More Than Just Décor

At the end of the day, my hope is that Magnolia Kay kits bring joy into your life. I want you to:

Relax and unwind while painting.

Connect with others by hosting a craft night or paint party.

Decorate your home with something handmade that you’re proud to display.

And don’t worry if you’re new to painting — you don’t need to be an artist to enjoy these kits. They’re designed to be beginner-friendly, but if you want to get fancy with advanced techniques, you can do that too. Even my kids love painting them!

Why Magnolia Kay?

There are plenty of craft kits out there, but what makes Magnolia Kay special is that each one is made with love. From choosing seasonal collections to carefully cutting and packaging every piece, I pour my heart into this business. It’s not just décor — it’s about giving you the chance to create something fun, meaningful, and beautiful.

So whether you’re shopping for seasonal home décor, planning a paint party with friends, or just looking for a new hobby to help you unwind, Magnolia Kay is here to help you create.

Thank you for being part of my journey 💛