Welcome to Practically Magical: Where Grief, Grit, and Glue Collide

Hi, friends. I’m so glad you’re here — truly.

I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for a while now, but life had other plans. The past year handed me a plot twist (or five) that no amount of tea, sarcasm, sugar, or power tools could fully prepare me for. In 2024, I lost both of my parents. Just typing that still feels surreal. If grief had a user manual, I’d probably have misplaced it under a stack of sandpaper and vintage fabric swatches.

Oh, and just for some added complication — I also live with an autoimmune disease (probably more than one). Because why have one personal challenge when you can have a full-blown emotional buffet?

But there is a beautiful thing about pain: it carves out room. Room for compassion, room for creativity, and most importantly, room for connection.

That’s what Practically Magical is all about.

Nestled in Minneapolis, Practically Magical is my little shop of wonders — a cozy haven filled with handmade treasures, vintage finds, and local love. I refinish furniture (often with more paint on me than the piece), and I’m lucky to feature incredible work by local artists and vendors who bring so much heart into what they do.

And speaking of heart — this blog isn’t just my voice. I’ll be inviting the artists and vendors who make Practically Magical so special to share their stories here, too. Whether it’s a peek into their creative process, a behind-the-scenes look at their work, or a few thoughts on life and community — this space will grow into a reflection of all of us. The people behind the pieces.

This blog is a space to share more than just shop updates. It’s a place for stories — the messy, hopeful, hilarious, and heartfelt kind. I’ll be talking about creativity, community, healing, and how sometimes sanding down an old dresser can feel suspiciously like therapy.

If you've ever walked through loss, chronic illness, or just the general weirdness of being human — you’re not alone. You belong here.

So whether you’re a fellow maker, a vintage lover, a neighbor, or someone who just needed a soft landing spot on the internet today — welcome. Grab a metaphorical (or actual) cup of tea and make yourself at home.

We’ve got stories to share and beauty to build — together.

With gratitude and grit,
Abby
Owner & Magic-Maker at Practically Magical