Inspired by Erin: Marital Milestones

My friend Erin has an uncanny ability to translate emotions into vinyl. A true UL pro, she has a way to turn the simplest words into the most meaningful designs (don't tell her I steal a bunch of them). A devoted wife and mom of 5 beautiful daughters, it's not surprising that most of her designs are inspired by her family.

As you know, one of the many reasons I love Uppercase Living is that our products allow you to express what's unique, personal and meaningful to you. There are no "cookie cutter" designs; you create what you love. With her latest design, Erin has taken this concept to the next level and created an actual history of the important dates in her marriage. The words in the above expression had been swirling in her mind for some time. She knew she wanted to use them in her bedroom but wasn't sure how. She finally hit on the idea of listing the milestone dates in her relationship with her husband - the day they met, got engaged, their anniversary and their daughters' birthdays, among others - and using them as a background for the design. It really doesn't get any more special than something so personal. The dates make me think of a secret code that only two can solve. This expression, measuring over 50 inches, will be a focal point in Erin's master bedroom and serve as a reminder of all that she and her husband have been through together.

As a record of a couple's relationship, this is an amazing anniversary gift. But the concept can be used in so many other ways. For example, as a wedding gift it can list the couple's engagement date and wedding date with room for more and the expression,"The best is yet to come." In a child's room, dates made up of small numbers can go up the wall vertically, creating a growth chart punctuated by the dates the child started walking, talking, etc. Imagine the dates as a border, encircling a room and evoking memories each time you glance at them. Or create a smaller version on our Vintage Embossed Metal Board using the kids' birthdays as a backdrop for a special Mother's Day gift.

Looking back on our relationships, there are those days that stay in our memories with crystal-clear clarity. Erin's design gives them their proper place: front and center, paired with a few simple words that convey a lifetime's worth of emotion.

Photo A Day #10 - The Perfect Gift. and Getting Down To The Wire

Isn't it wonderful when you find the perfect gift? Something personal, reasonably priced and unique? And isn't it even more wonderful when you find a perfect gift that is perfect for so many people? I think this expression fits that description beautifully. Already inexpensive, it's even more so as part of our Buy One, Get One FREE Summer Splash promotion. It can be easily personalized for each recipient and is versatile enough for so many different people: from the newlyweds who are setting up their first home to the recent college graduate moving out for the first time to a couple celebrating an anniversary and more.

My suggestion is to buy several of these expressions in a few neutral colors: Chocolate Brown, Whipped Creme, Warm Stone, Matte Black, etc. Order in even numbers because they are Buy One, Get One FREE! Pick up some Foundations MDF Boards and Toolbox Paint or Punched Metal Tiles, because they are 20% OFF. In fact, get some coordinating Trimmings Ribbon, too. If you already know who you'd like to give them to, custom design the dates to add to each expression. But if you don't, just put them away and wait until you need a perfect gift. At that point, you can order the numbers to make your gift a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will be treasured.

The expression in this design isn't available on my website, so call or email me to order it. But don't wait too long because Buy One, Get One FREE ends tomorrow night and the expression itself will be retired July 19. You'll save so much money that you'll definitely want to pick one up for yourself too!

Photo A Day #8...Counting Down to End of Summer Splash

And now, for something completely different...
Isn't this piece gorgeous?!
I love this combination of colors, textures and fonts. This two-part expression is pictured here on a square Foundations MDF board which has been dry brushed with some paint. As it is, it's a lovely table top item, especially since the board is 20% off right now. But wouldn't it be dramatic in a larger size for the wall of a master bedroom? Lucky you, you can get both because they're Buy One, Get One FREE! But sadly, this is also one of our retiring expressions and it won't be available much longer. You can get it until July 19, but this is the last weekend for Summer Splash and the Buy One, Get One FREE sale. The great deals will end Monday night, so don't miss out!