Thursday, May 27, 2010

Choose your color ~ getting the best contrast!

I had a customer place a 2nd order this week.  In her notes, she said "We loved the last ones that we ordered, excellent quality, fast shipping, but I should have ordered darker colors. Please send Lime Green and Ice Blue this time. Thanks -Renee".  I want to talk a little about contrasting your colors best.

Most of my vinyl colors that I have available, are BRIGHT and VIBRANT because I tend to design children's wall decor first.  Might be because I have 5 kids?  A lot of people use lighter tones for a wall color.  If you are looking to bring your room "alive", then using the bright colors that give a contrast are best.  Especially if you are working on your children's room.  I think that is what Renee is talking about - she needed more contrast between her wall color and her wall sticker shapes.  The contrast in the colors can make the difference between a wall design that "pops" or just a muted look with colors blending together.

Here is a photo of a saying.  When I was choosing colors, I really wouldn't have guessed that this combination, in this order, would not look good.
The top saying does not stand out like it should.  All you need to do here, is switch the colors around - "FAMILY" should be in the tan color and the top saying needs to be in the chocolate brown.  This is one of my most popular wall word sayings.  Here's a picture of this same thing with the color switched around.  It hasn't been applied to the wall yet, so it has transfer tape over it making it kind of hard to get a clear picture.  But you see already that the top saying is way more visible because it CONTRASTS good with the color below it.

So, as you pick out colors for your wall stickers, don't be afraid to go for the BRIGHT and BOLD.  That will give you the most CONTRAST thereby making your walls STAND OUT!  Children are just tickled pink when they get those wall sticker shapes up and can see how "COOL" their room is.  Children like the bright and bold the best.  You are more than welcome to request color samples so you can see the actual colors before you place your order.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

New Ideas - My entry way!

The first official day of NO SCHOOL!!  I am SO amazed at how much I got done with 2 extra helpers around!!

Since I have been working on my entry way for close to a year now, I am finally to a point where I can share a little with you =)!  So, here goes!

I applied texture to the top tan part before painting to cover my bad mudding job (I was trying to cover up holes and such).  The bottom part -chocolate brown -had been wallpaper border.  Since I didn't feel like painting perfectly between the 2 colors, I applied a 2" strip of wall vinyl in beige color.  This was SOO easy plus saved a HUGE amount of time!  Next, I used my red circles to decorate the tan area.
Again, this was quick, affordable and easy!  Forget about $50-$100 framed prints and swags that collect dust.  I might add a few more circles yet but I'm not sure.
Next, I tried red wording on the chocolate strip.  That was my plan - wording on the chocolate stripe.  But, as you can see, the red wording didn't show up real well.
So, I decided to peel that off and go with tan wording.  I really wanted to fill the whole chocolate stripe anyway so it was a good excuse to start over.  Today, I finally got around to designing the wording and putting it up - ALL in one day!  Pretty impressive!  Anyway, I got one side of the entry way done.  I am still debating on the other side - do I want the exact same wording or a different saying but the same font OR a totally different saying and font.  HMM -lots of decisions!
So, here is what I have done so far!  What do you think?  I kind of like it, SO FAR!  I always have to look at things for a few days for a final decision.
The wording was Hermosa font, tan color and it took up 2 sheets, although I pieced together 5 different pieces so I could save on sheets of vinyl.
Remember, the drawing for a personalized tile is still open; so leave your comments or become a follower to be eligible for the drawing!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Best quality vinyl - PROOF!

HI!  I just have to quickly share this with you!!  This is such clear proof of what I was saying in an earlier post about making sure you are getting HIGH quality INDOOR vinyl. 
When I started working with vinyl, I bought the first vinyl I found, without research.  That was a glossy finish vinyl.  When I went to decorate my twins' room, I chose turquoise and lime -colors that could be used for boy or girl since I have one of each.  Well, I had lime in my MATTE finish indoor vinyl but the turquoise I had was left over glossy finish vinyl.  Since I am a cheap Dutchman, I chose to use up both kinds and combine them!
Now, almost a year later, I have CLEAR proof of what is the best vinyl.  The glossy finish vinyl has been peeling at the edges for some time already.  The matte finish vinyl is still adhered PERFECTLY!
PLUS... the kids got a hold of a set of shapes and pulled them off the wall.  This didn't upset me since I plan to redo their room this summer with a border and dots.  Anyway, when I found the pieces they pulled off, I was amazed to see the difference on the back side!!  The glossy finish vinyl had specks of paint stuck to it.  The matte finish lime vinyl was perfectly clean!  You know the kids did not GENTLY pull it off the wall, either.  So here is a photo of the 2 pieces they pulled off - the specks on the turquoise are specks of paint.  So REMEMBER -ALWAYS use MATTE finish INDOOR vinyl when working with your indoor walls!
 

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Gift Ideas: tiles with wording, personalized mats ~ FREE Prize!

PrizI have been working on gifts this week!  First, I made Mother's Day gifts.  That is Sunday and for the first time in history, I believe, I decided what to give, have it, and ALL BEFORE the actual day!  Our Mom's are getting a personalized tile along with a rack either for the wall or standing. 
I got to say, living on the farm, the barn one turned out superb!  My husband even commented on how sharp it looked.  Generally, he can't understand the concept of wall decor and most of the time doesn't notice it at all.  I think it was the barn that got him!

Next, I had to come up with a wedding gift by the end of the week.  Fortunately, I had a day out last week and away from the busyness of 5 kids.  So at Hobby Lobby I grabbed a mat and 11x14 frame.  I personalized the mat for the bridal couple!  I continually impress myself with how NEAT it is working with wall vinyl!  To order something like this, all you need to do is buy a 12"x12" wall words sheet from Wall Decor Plus More, specify your wording, pick a font or leave that up to me.  Then, when your wording arrives, do some cutting, measuring and apply to your mat!


Now for the FREE PRIZE!!  I am working on a new section of products - the tiles.  I am curious to know if you prefer paying a lower price and putting the wording on your tile yourself OR... if a majority of you prefer your tiles with the design already applied.  SO...leave me a comment with your thoughts!  One person will receive a FREE tile - wording already applied - personalized!  Or maybe 2 people, if I am feeling generous.  So let me know your thought!  I LOVE to hear from you!!

Monday, May 3, 2010

New to wall vinyl? Order a FREE trial sample!!

We are working on updating a few things on the website!!  One of the new things will be a FREE sample of wall vinyl words.  So, if you have never worked with wall vinyl and want to try it out first - this is for YOU!  It's a small word, instructions included, that you can put anywhere and then take back down, if you wish!  When you take it back off, you will see how easy it is to do and how harmless it is on your walls!  If it is your first order, you can order this along with your order.  That way you know what you are working with before you put the actual thing on the wall.  Wall vinyl words are SO SIMPLE to put up and I know you will think so too! So check out Wall Decor Plus More or better yet - contact me with your name and address and I will get a sample in the mail!