Meet the Creator of Sunflower Shanty Market, Kathy Mulhall
AURORA–As long as Kathy can remember she has loved Sunflowers because they are happy flowers that are bright, cheery, and inviting; representing adoration, loyalty, longevity and good luck because they can grow tall and strong, even in adverse conditions.
In the midst of the most inimical conditions, during the pandemic of 2020, she discovered a love and talent for canvas painting and proceeded to open Sunflower Shanty Market in 2021, now operating at The Rustic Fox in Carol Stream and North Aurora, the Red Hive Market in Batavia, and 35:35 Makers Collective in Sycamore. She sells sunflower thematic handmade canvases, coasters, trivets, framed art, beaded pens, signature candles, painted vases/jars, and more!
Kathy is excited about the Fall trends that are focusing on warmth and comfort, highlighting coffee colored and moss green/foliage hues, as well as blue, deep plum, and marigold. She says velvets in rich brown hues and Eucalyptus will be popular, as well as natural elements. Since sunflowers are a transitional flower, they can brighten any area now through Thanksgiving. Kathy personally loves pairing them with lavender, or with blue flowers like Bluebells or Blue Daisy; and adds lemons to brighten any space.
Kathy loves to visit Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm in Minooka and Keller’s Farmstand in Oswego each season, enjoys dining at Traverso’s in Naperville, and supports local markets throughout the western suburbs.
-Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara
