LENEXA, Kan. — At first glance, Meggan Smith’s metal decor is a little rough around the edges.
But as she sands down the metal in her workshop, it resembles the Kansas City Royals from last season.
With 106 losses in 2023, the team needed to be smoothed out.
Smith said since starting her business, Mrs. Pallet Decor, about seven years ago, her customers have wanted to decorate with more Arrowheads than Crowns.
“Me being Kansas City born and raised, it kind of has blossomed in the Kansas City theme stuff,” Smith said. “Kind of coming off of the Royals win too from 2015, so people were still excited about the Royals, but then the Chiefs really amped up things a lot.”
Smith’s decor has shifted in recent weeks with the hot streak the Royals have put together.
After doing a recent fall makers show, Smith sold out of her Royals decor and realized she needed to increase her inventory.
Smith finds the creative process fulfilling.
She starts by doodling her ideas in her children’s notebooks.
Then, the plasma cutter machine cuts her intricate details into the metal sheets.
Finally, Smith sands and polishes the metal before her she adds her signature touch: reclaimed wood.
“I like to backlight them because I'm just kind of obsessed with the mixed media," Smith said. "The backlighting just makes it kind of pop.”
She contrasts between old and new.
The team from nine years ago contrasts with the team now, but the goal remains the same: trying to reclaim what was once theirs — a World Series title.
—
KSHB 41 reporter Claire Bradshaw covers eastern Jackson County, including Blue Springs and Independence. Share your story idea with Claire.