My OOAK bag!

Vinyl decals aren't just for walls. They can be stuck on any smooth surface, including but not limited to glass, tiles, finished metals, plastic and wood. I'm going to start doing some tutorials every now and then* on some different ways that vinyl decals can be used.

So a few days ago I was shopping at Target and came across a really cute small messenger bag on clearance for $5. I love good deals! I decided to show a tutorial of a way that I quickly and easily personalized my bag and made it my own. I added a couple of small decals to it and now it is truly one of a kind. Here is how I did it.

Step 1- The first step when applying any vinyl decal is to clean the surface you are applying it to. I'm not sure what this purse is made of (it's some type of pleather), so I just used a lint free cloth dampened with some water.

Step 2- Decide on a layout for your vinyl decals. *TIP* When you get your vinyl decal the back will have grid lines. Just take a pair of scissors and cut a straight edge using the grid mark as a guide. This will make it easier to line up so that it is straight.



Step 3- Slowly peel the backing paper away from your decal. You'll want to make sure that it is sticking really good to the application tape.

Step 4- Stick the decal on the bag in the place that you'd like. I just eye balled it. Gently rub the decal to make sure it is stuck really well. I just used my fingers. On a hard surface you can use a squeegee (or a credit card, popsicle stick, etc.).


Step 5- Gently pull off the application tape leaving the decal on the surface. Again rub the decal to make sure that it is stuck to the bag.


Step 6- Admire your handy work. I used Carnation Pink colored vinyl decals (baby pink). I think they turned out really nice on my magenta bag!



I'm no way an expert in adhering decals to bags. In fact this is my first time. There is probably some time of spray you can put over them to help them last a little bit longer. Anybody know of one?

* I know DIY Tuesday (or something along those lines) sounds way cooler than DIY Every Now and Then.. but I have a problem with blogger commitments..

Valentine's Day Card Design Contest

I recently found out about a Color-Your-Own Valentine's Day card design contest being hosted by Cool Mom Picks and Etsy. They are picking 9 winning card designs and selling them as printable Valentine's day cards with 100% of the proceeds going to support The Children's Heart Foundation. I figured that it would hurt to enter, especially where all the money raised goes towards a fantastic organization. Here are my entries!

2010 New Designs

I have a lot of new designs for the new year. Here are a few of my favorites:

New Colors

I'm really excited to announce the release of our new vinyl colors. I had a really hard time selecting colors and I have added 15 new colors. They are all great additions and will give customers a better selection for matching their home decor.

I also have new designs that will be posted throughout the week!

Merry Christmas

Just stopping by to say.. Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! I'm taking a little vacation myself and will be back in 2010! Check back to see my new designs. I'm excited to show them to you!

More Customer Photos

Awhile back I worked with a customer on some decals for her place. We took some designs from the shop and tweaked them to fit her style and personal taste. She sent me some pictures and I think she did a great job!

Top left corner: We took the new birdhouse monogram and switched the bird for a heart. We Also reduced the number of circles around the 'G' to give it a more elegant feeling. And we used a different font for the 'G'.
I love the laurel wreaths on the doors. We did these at about 1/2 the normal size and used a different font for the letters. Check out the bottom left picture, this was a rendition from the flower bunch decal I have in the shop. She elongated the stems and reduced the flowers down to three. I really like this one..I may just offer it in the shop. We also did some jumbo cupcakes. Aren't they fun?

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

JaneSays is hosting 12 days of Christmas giveaways starting today! There are 35 wonderful shops contributing to this giveaway. Our shop will be one of the giveaways featured on Dec. 5th. There are several different ways to enter. If interested, make sure to visit the blog each days as each giveaway will end 48 hours from the start time. Good luck everyone!

Visit the blog to enter here.