Okay, duh, I should probably tell you what vinyl colors I have coming!
Black Matte
Chocolate Brown Matte
Black Glossy (Interior or Exterior)
White Glossy (Interior or Exterior)
The matte finished vinyls are intended for walls only but could be used for some other decorative projects that wouldn't be handled or subject to much abuse. The black & white glossy I bought specifically to go on painted wood boards but it will work beautifully on satin paint, too. It's a high-performance outdoor vinyl that has a stronger adhesive on the back so it grips very, very well. (I don't know if you have ever done vinyl on wood and had difficulty getting it to stick. THIS will stick!)
On my list to buy in the future are:
Light Brown Matte
Ivory/Beige Matte
White Matte
Red/Dark Red Matte (whatever matches people's homes best)
Red Glossy
Orange Glossy (for Fall/Halloween boards)
Light Pink Matte
If you simply can't wait, go to WonderfulGraffiti.com and request as many free samples as you would like. They use the EXACT same vinyl and application tape that I bought so you can see how well it works and how gorgeous the premium stuff is. Unfortunately they have changed the names of their colors (to make it more difficult for people like me to buy the same supplies) so you'll need to get the real color name from me. For example, Ivory is called Beige by the manufacturer. The samples arrive in 2 days and come off with a hair dryer. You'll need a popsicle stick to apply them.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Word Is Out....
Okay, so much for trying to keep this quiet! I'm way too excited to keep it to myself any ways! I BOUGHT a vinyl lettering machine! And judging by how everyone's face lights up at the news, I am pretty sure I have friends who will enjoy that I have a machine, too!
First, let me say if you want lettering, you are all going to be victims of my insistance on professional-quality products. LOL! I can't stand crappy things that don't work. I have ordered top of the line MATTE vinyl intended for home decor use. I have also ordered premier quality glossy vinyl that is intended for outdoor use (for applying on doors, windows & vehicles) and will hold up to rugged indoor use. These are the exact same vinyls that UppercaseLiving, Wonderful Graffiti and Pottery Barn Kids use in their designs!
In addition to high quality vinyl, I have purchased the most reliable application tapes on the market so your walls won't be ruined like mine were. In 2006, when I knew nothing about vinyl, I ordered some lettering online at the "usual" price. I was thrilled with the lettering until we tried to apply it to our eggshell finished walls. It was a nightmare to apply (about ONE HOUR of rubbing per foot) and while it did eventually make it onto what was left of the wall after the tape ripped it up, the letters are peeling off less than 15 months after being applied. I didn't know that the vinyl and application tape were economy grade, which is why the price was so cheap and why we had such difficulty. MY tape is suitable for eggshell walls - no paint removal as you peel it away. (Cheap vinyl works just fine on satin walls, mirrors and tiles, which is why everyone still uses it. If you're like me and you adore eggshell paint and want vinyl wall quotes, you have to use the good stuff!) On a side note, the tape is also humidity resistant, meaning you can store your lettering for up to a year in Houston and it will go on as easily as the day it was cut. (Or you can apply it to your front door in August without any adhesive failure! LOL!)
So you know, this adds up to my supplies being 2-3 times more expensive than the vinyl most other people use. And that doesn't include my design time. (At least you wouldn't have to pay shipping!) I am NOT starting a vinyl business and I don't ship. This is just another one of my many craft hobbies. But since I bought the machine, all the tools & supplies and several of the most gorgeous fonts I've ever seen, I'd like to recoup a bit of that money and fund another order so I can buy more vinyl colors. The machine won't be delivered until the end of the week and I'll need time to install the software, design the flourished quotes in photoshop and figure out how it all works. But once I have the hang of it, I'll be looking to do some short-term sales. Who's interested?
P.S. In case you were wondering, I have played around with applying and removing several samples from my own walls. The vinyl I bought comes off even the thinnest coats of builder-applied eggshell paint very, very easily with the help of a hairdryer on low. It took me about 10 seconds to get the sample letter off and left ZERO residue or damage! LOVE it!
First, let me say if you want lettering, you are all going to be victims of my insistance on professional-quality products. LOL! I can't stand crappy things that don't work. I have ordered top of the line MATTE vinyl intended for home decor use. I have also ordered premier quality glossy vinyl that is intended for outdoor use (for applying on doors, windows & vehicles) and will hold up to rugged indoor use. These are the exact same vinyls that UppercaseLiving, Wonderful Graffiti and Pottery Barn Kids use in their designs!
In addition to high quality vinyl, I have purchased the most reliable application tapes on the market so your walls won't be ruined like mine were. In 2006, when I knew nothing about vinyl, I ordered some lettering online at the "usual" price. I was thrilled with the lettering until we tried to apply it to our eggshell finished walls. It was a nightmare to apply (about ONE HOUR of rubbing per foot) and while it did eventually make it onto what was left of the wall after the tape ripped it up, the letters are peeling off less than 15 months after being applied. I didn't know that the vinyl and application tape were economy grade, which is why the price was so cheap and why we had such difficulty. MY tape is suitable for eggshell walls - no paint removal as you peel it away. (Cheap vinyl works just fine on satin walls, mirrors and tiles, which is why everyone still uses it. If you're like me and you adore eggshell paint and want vinyl wall quotes, you have to use the good stuff!) On a side note, the tape is also humidity resistant, meaning you can store your lettering for up to a year in Houston and it will go on as easily as the day it was cut. (Or you can apply it to your front door in August without any adhesive failure! LOL!)
So you know, this adds up to my supplies being 2-3 times more expensive than the vinyl most other people use. And that doesn't include my design time. (At least you wouldn't have to pay shipping!) I am NOT starting a vinyl business and I don't ship. This is just another one of my many craft hobbies. But since I bought the machine, all the tools & supplies and several of the most gorgeous fonts I've ever seen, I'd like to recoup a bit of that money and fund another order so I can buy more vinyl colors. The machine won't be delivered until the end of the week and I'll need time to install the software, design the flourished quotes in photoshop and figure out how it all works. But once I have the hang of it, I'll be looking to do some short-term sales. Who's interested?
P.S. In case you were wondering, I have played around with applying and removing several samples from my own walls. The vinyl I bought comes off even the thinnest coats of builder-applied eggshell paint very, very easily with the help of a hairdryer on low. It took me about 10 seconds to get the sample letter off and left ZERO residue or damage! LOVE it!
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT: 50% Off Sale
Miss Mint just threw us a curve ball and surprised everyone with a 50% off sale on the top 50 products! That means paper packs & element sets are going for $1.50 each and embellishments are around a BUCK!!! The sale is going on right now and will be over in 5 days so hurry, she never has 50% off sales!
I know it's not fall but if you don't already have them, don't you DARE leave without October Rust Papers & Elements and Witches Brew Papers & Elements. They are some of my absolute favorite kits. (Rainbow Joy is on the best-kit list, too. It's not on sale but I would recommend buying it!)
Remember that Miss Mint gives away a free kit to one lucky non-CT member who posts a layout in her gallery using her stuff EXCLUSIVELY! (No items from other designers.) It only takes a few minutes to register, re-size your layout and upload it to the gallery for a chance to win!
I know it's not fall but if you don't already have them, don't you DARE leave without October Rust Papers & Elements and Witches Brew Papers & Elements. They are some of my absolute favorite kits. (Rainbow Joy is on the best-kit list, too. It's not on sale but I would recommend buying it!)
Remember that Miss Mint gives away a free kit to one lucky non-CT member who posts a layout in her gallery using her stuff EXCLUSIVELY! (No items from other designers.) It only takes a few minutes to register, re-size your layout and upload it to the gallery for a chance to win!
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Poll
See the poll to the right? Well, it's a little wager between myself and Brian. I think that my girlfriends and female family members would love to receive vinyl lettering for gifts because it is wildly popular right now. Some things would be on painted wood boards and some things would be ready to go on your walls. SIL's, you might even get a big metal catch-all bucket with your last name that looks like the $59 one at Pottery Barn! (I have discovered that Target/Ikea + Vinyl Lettering = Pottery Barn.)
Brian, on the other hand, thinks that I am incorrect in assuming that just because I like something means everyone else will too and that unless people specifically ask for vinyl lettering, we should plan on buying them something else for Christmas. My argument was that it's getting difficult to find beautiful, thoughtful gifts - especially for parents - for under $50 unless you custom make something. (Or drive to the Outlets in San Marcos.) If I had the option between something unique and custom made for my home or another kitchen item, I would probably pick the home décor item. I can always hit the Williams Sonoma after Christmas Sale on my own....
So VOTE!!! If you don't, then no vinyl lettering for you! (Like I'd know any ways. Your name doesn't show up. I just know the only "no" is from Brian, just to spite me!)
Trust me, I'm looking to throw down for some cool flourishes, two-toned sets and everything. You'll want on this train!!!
Brian, on the other hand, thinks that I am incorrect in assuming that just because I like something means everyone else will too and that unless people specifically ask for vinyl lettering, we should plan on buying them something else for Christmas. My argument was that it's getting difficult to find beautiful, thoughtful gifts - especially for parents - for under $50 unless you custom make something. (Or drive to the Outlets in San Marcos.) If I had the option between something unique and custom made for my home or another kitchen item, I would probably pick the home décor item. I can always hit the Williams Sonoma after Christmas Sale on my own....
So VOTE!!! If you don't, then no vinyl lettering for you! (Like I'd know any ways. Your name doesn't show up. I just know the only "no" is from Brian, just to spite me!)
Trust me, I'm looking to throw down for some cool flourishes, two-toned sets and everything. You'll want on this train!!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Little Things
I seem to be the only one of my friends feeling stressed. My schedule is a little full, my list of errands has gotten a bit too long and I have several things coming up this week and next that are out of the ordinary and require some prep work on top of all the usual cleaning, vacuuming and mooing. Since I don't want my CT thinking I fell off the face of the earth, I got a layout done and finally posted pictures of a hybrid project I finished nearly 3 weeks ago!
It's not even July 4th and I'm already sick of red white & blue. In fact, I posted a request on our team forum for a kit that has ANYTHING but the same-old colors. This year I think I'll dress Aiden in hawaiian prints and give him glow sticks and gold sparklers so the pictures will match the Rainbow Joy kit. I swear I am not usually this moody about holidays - Brian must be rubbing off on me - but I am already dreading the late-night explosions, drunken chatter from the streets and the morning-after litter all over the lawn. Geez, I must be getting old! LOL!
Guess What Grandma: Still no mooing but Aiden learned the noise that a snake makes today. Of all the noises to pick up....He also barks at random times and will shout "button" (buhtee) for no apparent reason. (Why does nearly everything he says sound like it could be naughty? I noticed a few moms turn to look when he called for 'booty' today at library hour.) Several of my new tops have buttons on the front so I am frequently getting poked in the boob as he presses each 'buhtee'. I wonder if he thinks all buttons are capable of speed-dialing 'dada'. Did I mention that's where he learned the word from? I often find him shouting 'dada' at the phone and pressing random buttons. Occasionally it actually will redial to Brian's office and he gets to hear my one-sided conversation: "Aiden, are you pushing the buttons? That's a button. Push this button to turn the phone on. Wha- wait. Is the phone-" *wrestle phone away from Aiden* "Hello?"
It's not even July 4th and I'm already sick of red white & blue. In fact, I posted a request on our team forum for a kit that has ANYTHING but the same-old colors. This year I think I'll dress Aiden in hawaiian prints and give him glow sticks and gold sparklers so the pictures will match the Rainbow Joy kit. I swear I am not usually this moody about holidays - Brian must be rubbing off on me - but I am already dreading the late-night explosions, drunken chatter from the streets and the morning-after litter all over the lawn. Geez, I must be getting old! LOL!
Guess What Grandma: Still no mooing but Aiden learned the noise that a snake makes today. Of all the noises to pick up....He also barks at random times and will shout "button" (buhtee) for no apparent reason. (Why does nearly everything he says sound like it could be naughty? I noticed a few moms turn to look when he called for 'booty' today at library hour.) Several of my new tops have buttons on the front so I am frequently getting poked in the boob as he presses each 'buhtee'. I wonder if he thinks all buttons are capable of speed-dialing 'dada'. Did I mention that's where he learned the word from? I often find him shouting 'dada' at the phone and pressing random buttons. Occasionally it actually will redial to Brian's office and he gets to hear my one-sided conversation: "Aiden, are you pushing the buttons? That's a button. Push this button to turn the phone on. Wha- wait. Is the phone-" *wrestle phone away from Aiden* "Hello?"
Bike Rides
As promised, here are some pictures of Aiden's first ride in the Chariot:
This picture was taken Tuesday night and Aiden seemed to have a pretty good time. These next photos were taken this evening:
He was pretty stinking excited to be buckled in for another ride! My boys seem to really be enjoying their bike rides. Brian, I love that you have a fun new activity and I also love the break in the evening! Thank you!
This picture was taken Tuesday night and Aiden seemed to have a pretty good time. These next photos were taken this evening:
He was pretty stinking excited to be buckled in for another ride! My boys seem to really be enjoying their bike rides. Brian, I love that you have a fun new activity and I also love the break in the evening! Thank you!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Einstein Emergency
Let me start off by apologizing to everyone who has lovingly given Aiden videos as gifts. I had no idea I would end up limiting Aiden's TV watching as much as I do. I don't watch a whole lot of TV myself so it's never turned on during the day unless there is a serious storm, world-changing news or an "emergency". This results in Aiden getting MAYBE 30 minutes of TV per month.
Now, the AC in the Xterra has been on the fritz lately. We took it to our regular garage and when they couldn't be 100% sure their repairs would fix it, we took it to a local Nissan dealership. Like any dealership we got a quote for the AC fix and a half-dozen other items they found on our "free diagnostics test" totaling $1773.95 and they probably hoped that we would just throw our hands up in the air and buy a new car. I was fairly suspicious at the repair list and rather frustrated when the dealer reported they had found the radiator was a little clogged and that we needed to replace the whole thing because it was part of the AC problem. Uh, NOPE. That's not what a radiator is used for and a simple flush will unclog it but thanks any ways Robbins Nissan! (And yes, Susan at Automotive Technology in Kingwood - the HONEST garage - got a pretty big kick out of that diagnostic and their suggestion to replace the water pump, too.) Thanks, dad, for teaching me about cars.
Any ways, back to my story. I don't let Aiden watch TV unless it is a You-Must-Be-Quiet-While-I-Am-On-The-Phone emergency. Between phone calls to Brian, needing to print the fax-by-email quote and then calling my favorite garage to get a price comparison (read: 50% discount off the dealership price), I decided I needed the screaming to come to a stop so I could hear the people on the other line. In went the Baby Galileo video. We read the book with the 3D glitter stars and light-up moon to Aiden all the time so I wasn't surprised when he seemed to recognize the kangaroo. As you can see he was pretty mesmerized:
Now here is what really frosts my cookies. I have been wandering around my house for a month mooing like a cow and driving the car quacking like a duck so Aiden can sing along to Old MacDonald and I can barely get a "carc" (quack) out of him. A kangaroo puppet shows a clip of all the shiny contents of her junk drawer, followed low-budget scribbling of poorly drawn yellow stars on a blue screen with a child saying the word "star" and THERE. He can say "star" (sar). Figures.
I couldn't resist flipping through the bulk-pack of Baby Einstein videos my mom bought me, looking for something that would do the mooing for me. (Why did my pediatrician even mention at his one year appointment that he could be taught animal sounds? And why do I feel like there will be some sort of test on it when he goes in for his 15 month shots?) I hope she's impressed by his emphatic, manly ROAR when he's asked what sound a dinosaur makes. I am kind of finding the instant silence after I ask him what a cow says to be a nice break for my ears but that's just my opinion. And, oh my goodness, we haven't even STARTED on the sound that chickens, sheep and semi-automatic weapons make. (However he may have gotten a few lessons on what explicit sounds road-raged adults make.) I just know that during a round of "Wheels on The Bus" at library hour, when we're all singing 'the mommies on the bus go...', I'll hear my child repeat "You idiot! Get out of the way!"
Half-way through the box of Einstein videos I find the Baby MacDonald "Digital Board Book" DVD. (Call it whatever you want, we all know what it is. It's like fruit snacks. They're really just gumdrop candies shaped like fruit to shut your kids up in the checkout line and to convince nearby old people that they might actually have fruit in them so you don't get awful stares for feeding it to them at 10 in the morning. Might I also add a special thank you to Playtex for making their sippy cups opaque...) I make a mental note to put the Baby Macdonald video in later this week, finding a tiny bit of comfort that Disney has my back (or at least some Jedi mind tricks that seem to work) and Aiden won't be in Kindergarten before he learns how to moo.
Now, the AC in the Xterra has been on the fritz lately. We took it to our regular garage and when they couldn't be 100% sure their repairs would fix it, we took it to a local Nissan dealership. Like any dealership we got a quote for the AC fix and a half-dozen other items they found on our "free diagnostics test" totaling $1773.95 and they probably hoped that we would just throw our hands up in the air and buy a new car. I was fairly suspicious at the repair list and rather frustrated when the dealer reported they had found the radiator was a little clogged and that we needed to replace the whole thing because it was part of the AC problem. Uh, NOPE. That's not what a radiator is used for and a simple flush will unclog it but thanks any ways Robbins Nissan! (And yes, Susan at Automotive Technology in Kingwood - the HONEST garage - got a pretty big kick out of that diagnostic and their suggestion to replace the water pump, too.) Thanks, dad, for teaching me about cars.
Any ways, back to my story. I don't let Aiden watch TV unless it is a You-Must-Be-Quiet-While-I-Am-On-The-Phone emergency. Between phone calls to Brian, needing to print the fax-by-email quote and then calling my favorite garage to get a price comparison (read: 50% discount off the dealership price), I decided I needed the screaming to come to a stop so I could hear the people on the other line. In went the Baby Galileo video. We read the book with the 3D glitter stars and light-up moon to Aiden all the time so I wasn't surprised when he seemed to recognize the kangaroo. As you can see he was pretty mesmerized:
Now here is what really frosts my cookies. I have been wandering around my house for a month mooing like a cow and driving the car quacking like a duck so Aiden can sing along to Old MacDonald and I can barely get a "carc" (quack) out of him. A kangaroo puppet shows a clip of all the shiny contents of her junk drawer, followed low-budget scribbling of poorly drawn yellow stars on a blue screen with a child saying the word "star" and THERE. He can say "star" (sar). Figures.
I couldn't resist flipping through the bulk-pack of Baby Einstein videos my mom bought me, looking for something that would do the mooing for me. (Why did my pediatrician even mention at his one year appointment that he could be taught animal sounds? And why do I feel like there will be some sort of test on it when he goes in for his 15 month shots?) I hope she's impressed by his emphatic, manly ROAR when he's asked what sound a dinosaur makes. I am kind of finding the instant silence after I ask him what a cow says to be a nice break for my ears but that's just my opinion. And, oh my goodness, we haven't even STARTED on the sound that chickens, sheep and semi-automatic weapons make. (However he may have gotten a few lessons on what explicit sounds road-raged adults make.) I just know that during a round of "Wheels on The Bus" at library hour, when we're all singing 'the mommies on the bus go...', I'll hear my child repeat "You idiot! Get out of the way!"
Half-way through the box of Einstein videos I find the Baby MacDonald "Digital Board Book" DVD. (Call it whatever you want, we all know what it is. It's like fruit snacks. They're really just gumdrop candies shaped like fruit to shut your kids up in the checkout line and to convince nearby old people that they might actually have fruit in them so you don't get awful stares for feeding it to them at 10 in the morning. Might I also add a special thank you to Playtex for making their sippy cups opaque...) I make a mental note to put the Baby Macdonald video in later this week, finding a tiny bit of comfort that Disney has my back (or at least some Jedi mind tricks that seem to work) and Aiden won't be in Kindergarten before he learns how to moo.
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