Customer Celebration Day Oct. 28: A FREE Expression and Two New Kits!

Hooray for Customer Celebration Days! I always love giving my customers more than they expect and, in this case, that means they get a FREE Happy Holidays expression with every order placed this Thursday, October 28. Not only is this an exclusive expression, not to be found in our catalog, but it's yours in Shimmer Cranberry, one of our beautiful specialty colors, without the usual upgrade fee!

I love the idea of this expression right on the wall above a fireplace, as you see here, or above a doorway to welcome guests who visit during the holiday season. Of course, it is the perfect for adorning your front door to spread the holiday cheer outside. Other ideas for this versatile FREE expression include applying it on a platter to serve holiday treats, placing it on a mirror, or even on your back windshield to spread holiday cheer everywhere you drive! However, since most of you like using our seasonal expressions from year to year, our Foundations accessories are the perfect choice.

An obvious choice to display this expression is the Vintage Embossed Metal Board in Creme. This lightweight piece is great for your own home or office, or for gift-giving in the enclosed gift box.

You can kick your display up a notch by applying it to the Pre-Drilled MDF Board (seen here painted in Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint).  Our Bulldog Clips have been added to it with a little bit of seasonal ribbon. The clips can be used to hold special holiday cards, photos, or even letters to Santa. As a variation on this design, you can use our Vintage Knobs instead of the bulldog clips and hang ornaments from them to mirror the expression. Make sure to leave one knob for mistletoe!

When you purchase the materials for either of these projects, you'll receive the lettering for FREE, essentially creating your own kit!

For the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit, just order the Board (Item #300155)and your expression will automatically be included with your order.

For the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, you'll need to order:
Pre-Drilled MDF Board (#300132)
Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint (#300144)
Set of 4 Bulldog Clips (#300134) OR Vintage Knobs (#300136)

Bonus Offer #1: If you purchase the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, I will provide the ribbon to complete your project in style!

Bonus Offer #2: Local customers who order the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit can choose to have me assemble their project for them at no charge. You'll receive your metal board ready to hang or give as a gift! If you're not going to have me assemble your board, consider adding Mistick to your order to ease application.

I anticipate a very busy day at Uppercase Living on Thursday, so please get your orders to me no later than 4 PM on Thursday. I can't wait to share this shimmery expression with you all and seeing how you use it to begin your holiday decorating or gift-giving this year.

Customer Celebration Day - Ideas for FREE HALLOWEEN EXPRESSION

Uppercase Living's first Customer Celebration Day is TODAY! Hooray. I love being able to spoil my customers so I'm thrilled to give you all a FREE Halloween expression for any order placed today until midnight (MT). This cute expression, in Valencia Orange, comes in a special size available only today, perfect for our rectangular Foundations pieces, your front door, a black tray, treat bowl or anywhere else that needs a little spookiness! 

Putting it on our Black Vintage Embossed Metal Board is a no-brainer: no painting required and it's easy to save it to use year after year. If you'd like to spend a little more time on a custom painted background, try the Rectangular MDF board. Here it's been painted in Matte Black and distressed slightly. 

One of my favorite places for this expression is this cute metal tub. You could use this to bob for apples, hold cold drinks or display pumpkins and gourds. You will love pulling this tub out every year!

 

If you feel like getting even more creative, check out how cute the same expression looks on the Pre-drilled MDF board. Painted in Lemon Chiffon with Terra Cotta edges, the white knobs have been embellished with spooky spiders crawling in all different directions. 

  

All you have to do is place an order today and your FREE Halloween expression will be included in your shipment. I'd love to know how you plan to use yours, so leave me a comment and share where you'll display yours this Halloween. 

Quick Projects for Father's Day

Now that Mother's Day has come and gone, we all have one thing on our mind (no, not how to return those ugly pajamas without the kids finding out): what to get dad, or our kids' dad for Father's Day. Hopefully, all you moms got spoiled on Mother's Day. Now it's time to repay the favor with something thoughtful,. personal, and because you have 43 kabillion other things to do, QUICK! Here are a couple of ideas that fit the bill:

Both of these projects are from our Spring Celebrations Mini Catalog and both come with everything included to complete the gifts. The "Best Dad Ever" kit is just $21.95 and would look so cute hanging in Dad's workshop.

My favorite kit for Father's Day is the "Memories of Dad" metal board. The gorgeous blue color sets of your choice of vinyl color beautifully. Best of all, it includes 3 magnets so that you can continually update the photos that it displays.

You can find more Father's Day ideas on my website by simply searching for Father or Dad on the product search page. Don't limit yourself just to those, though. If the dad you're shopping for has a favorite hobby or pastime, use that as your search term. You'll find ideas under "golf," "fishing," "grilling," and many more.

Perhaps the best idea isn't even one that you'll find in our wide range of products. Simply create the custom expression World's Greatest DAD in our MyDesign Suite and surprise dad by applying it to the back of his car before he gets up on Father's Day. Unlike yet another tie or pair of cuff links, that is one Father's Day gift he'll be proud to wear, day after day.

DON'T FORGET: All of these ideas and more are 20% off when your order reaches $50. This great deal goes away on May 19, so don't wait too long to order.

More Sneak Peeks - New Catalog Launches in Just a Few Days!

Now that I have our new Spring/Summer catalog in my hands, I can hardly wait to show it to all of you. Anyone who schedules a January or February party can have hers ASAP. The rest of you will just have to wait until Wednesday when it goes live on my website. Don't worry, though. I wouldn't abandon you with nothing to drool over. Here are three projects, all with expressions from our upcoming FANTASTIC catalog:

Laundry room expressions continue to be popular and I'm sure this one will be, too. It is so cute here on a pre-drilled MDF board painted with our Hot Cocoa Toolbox Paint. Not only is this a smart laundry room solution (you know how I love items that do doubly duty), but it is extra cute with the craft mini-clothespins that have been added to it. Those of you who attend any of my parties in the coming months will get to see this one in person. I've got it on order and will display it on a painted MDF board.

Speaking of MDF boards, this one has been painted then decoupaged with decorative paper before having this fresh, new "Welcome" expression applied to it. The branch is just a subtle botanical accent that makes it perfect for welcoming spring.

Finally, here's another lovely, elegant way to celebrate spring, continuing the nature and botanical theme. The expression, in Robin's Egg, has been applied to our creme punched metal tile and then embellished with a gorgeous wide ribbon and our Chocolate Brown UL Bloom. When summer arrives, you can just change out the ribbon and use a different expression on the back.

The countdown is just a few short days until the entire catalog becomes available for viewing on my website. Of course, you can still get a copy before then by scheduling your January or February home show. You won't believe the hostess benefits that are being offered this season. Also, before the new catalog launches, our 40% and FREE SHIPPING offers will be going away. So shop a little now and a little more later.

Photo A Day - Day 5

I really love this sentiment (and I love it even more when it's on sale for 40% off!). Isn't it so peaceful and welcoming to walk into a home and feel like you can set your worries aside and relax, if just for a short time? Using our Foundations accessories, you can create a board of your own that does double duty as a place to hang scarves, hats, keys, and all those things that tend to gather near the front door. This is a great idea for a housewarming gift. With so many options for paint color, vinyl color and knobs and hooks, you can make a truly one of a kind piece that will be a perfect complement to any decor. And you'll smile each time you glance at it, knowing that you're not just crafty but a really smart shopper too!

We're now more than halfway through the Photo A Day countdown of sale items before I post the sneak peak of our new catalog. Don't forget that this sale won't last forever and neither will the FREE SHIPPING on $50 orders special. See you tomorrow for another photo.

Ideas for November Incentive Expressions

The November orders have all been submitted and the last few shipments are making their way to all of you. For many of you, your packages will include one or more of our exclusive free incentive expressions. If you're still wondering how to use them, here are some unique ideas:

This exclusive hostess expression in Soft Gold and Pine Green has been applied to the Scalloped Charger. Vinyl Effects solution has been added to the candles for added dimension, then faux holly leaves and berries were hot-glued on.


This expression achieves a two-color look with just one color of vinyl. If you look closely, you'll see that every other ornament is gold. Applied to a Foundations MDF board painted with Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint, the vinyl was then further embellished. The selected ornaments were covered with Vinyl Effects, then dusted with gold superfine glitter. Once the excess glitter was removed, the sparkly ornaments above were revealed.


By far the most popular free expression in November was the elegant "Welcome" you see above. Most people ordered it in Matte Black to apply in their entryway, but doesn't look great here in silver. Do you believe it is displayed in our best-seller Frameworks frame with interchangeable inserts which has been spray painted silver? Silver wired ribbon and sleigh bells add a perfect holiday touch, but can easily be removed after the season.

I'd love to see how you've used your monthly free expressions. Email me a photo and you might find yourself featured here.

"Any Color But Black" Friday Sale

All around the nation this Friday morning, even late Thursday night, legions of Americans will be interrupting their weekend of food, family and gratitude to participate in a barbaric ritual perpetrated by retailers that has come to be called "Black Friday." These poor people will be waiting in lines, huddled against the cold, to be among the first to grab a coveted "door buster" and get a marginally good deal on a holiday item. Baited by the stores and malls, these valiant shoppers fight for parking, take their place in those early morning lines and hope it will all be worth it. Instead, they could be sleeping in their warm beds, enjoying an early morning walk, or having a slice of leftover pie with their families, all still in their cozy pajamas. Tsk, tsk. Is this what Thanksgiving weekend has come to? Black Friday, indeed.


I am here to show America a better way. Announcing Torreh's First Annual Any Color But Black Friday Uppercase Living Sale.

Now, instead of being on your feet in line, you can shop from your favorite seat at home, a cup of something warm by your side, all comfy and cozy in your leopard print Snuggie. If you don't feel like it, you don't even have to put on a bra.

Here are the rules:

1. There will be no discounts on products ordered before noon. So don't wake up at the crack of dawn thinking you're getting ahead of everyone.
2. Quantities are not limited. Get as much as you want, and then tell your friends and they can get as much as they want too.
3. Discounts and promotions are not valid on website orders. You must call or email me.
4. Only the promotion at the time of your call or email is valid at that time. However, you can plan ahead and order at more than one time.
5. Discounts do not apply to current party or Open House orders.
   
6. There will be no hitting, running, fighting, or grabbing items out of the hands of aggressive shoppers.

Now that we have that out of the way, here are the hourly deals:

Noon-2 P.M. 10% off all accessories

2 P.M.-4 P.M. Free chalk pen with all Chalk Wall purchases

4 P.M.-6 P.M. Get one free 3" embellishment with each set of coasters purchased

6 P.M.-8 P.M. 10% off all items in Shimmer Vinyl or Etched Glass - includes upgrade fee!

8 P.M.-10 P.M. FREE SHIPPING

But wait, there's still more! These additional promotions are in effect the entire day:

• All orders of $200 or more (before tax, S&H, and discounts) qualify for hostess benefits and additional free product
• Your pre-discounted order will be eligible to earn free monthly incentive expressions
• Refer a friend discount: if a friend who's not currently my client places an order and tells me she or he was referred by you, you both get an additional 5% discount off your order.
  
• Schedule a party discount: schedule a future Uppercase Living home party and receive 10% off your entire order placed Friday.
  
• Free Value Pack offer applies to all Photo Print orders of 4x4 or greater

(this is the part where you start humming The Battle Hymn of the Republic)

So now, America, the decision is yours. Will you crawl out of your warm bed on a cold morning to fight for a few good deals? Or will you shop smarter, not harder, do something fun, enjoy spending time with your family, and have a stuffing and mashed potato sandwich while you browse my catalog and website and save money from your favorite chair. I think the choice is obvious.

Quick and Cute Halloween Project

Sometimes my customers worry about buying Uppercase Living expressions for holiday decor. They hesitate to put something seasonal on the wall, not wanting to invest in something only to dispose of it after a few weeks.

I can completely see their point. While there are some instances that an expression might be the perfect temporary accent for a space, most often, we fall in love with our projects and want to use them year after year. Here's a perfect example of a Halloween project you'll love to use in your decor for many years to come.

Ingredients:
*Square UL MDF Board
*UL Toolbox Paint in Terra Cotta and Lemon Chiffon
*Halloween Expression 16570 in Matte Black
*UL Vinyl Effects solution
*UL Easel (easel shown is not from UL)
Sandpaper

Instructions:
1. Paint top half of board in Lemon Chiffon, leaving a 1.5" border on top and sides and about 4-5" on bottom. This will vary based on where you position your expression on your board. It might be a good idea to check and mark your board without removing the backing paper from your expression.

2. Paint remainder of board in Terra Cotta. If desired, sand edges of board for a more distressed look.

3. After paint has dried, apply UL expression using enclosed instructions. Remove and discard transfer paper.

4. To achieve a glossy, dimensional look, carefully apply Vinyl Effects solution to letters or any other portion of the expression you'd like to highlight. Let dry completely and enjoy!

Would you like to recreate this project? Order the entire kit (board, expression, 2 tubes of paint, easel and Vinyl Effects) from me from now until September 29th and save $5 off your purchase. I'll even throw in the sandpaper. Discount is not available on website purchases so please place your order directly with me.

Don't forget my Open House this Saturday. Scroll down to the previous post for the details. Leave me a comment to RSVP.

Ideas for September Hostesses

Each month, UL customers and hostesses earn free products with their qualifying orders. Many of my hostesses having a hard time choosing their free expressions(s). Hopefully the ideas here will help you visualize what those expressions really look like and help you have an easier time making your choice when it's your turn.

Just Treats

The "Just Treats" expression is pictured here in Sugared Plum on the Scalloped Charger. Use this to serve up your favorite Halloween goodies.

Live, Hope, Love

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, this expression is shown in Bright White and Fairytale Pink. However, by changing the color of the "hope" portion of the expression, you can choose a cause that is meaningful to you. View this page to learn what each color ribbon symbolizes.

To create this project, apply the expression to the insert of our new square Frameworks. I prefer to use Mistick when working with Frameworks. Apply 3 UL Blooms in White/Honey Wheat to the frame itself.

Pumpkin Patch

The pumpkin on this charming expression reminds me of the one that turned into Cinderella's coach. This versatile expression can be used throughout October and November.

Here it is applied to our new square charger. Ribbon has been glued to the back of the charger and the whole thing hangs from a UL Medallion. The color is Terra Cotta but you can go a little bit brighter with Valencia Orange.

Spooktacular

The Spooktacular expression is available for both hostesses and customers. I love how it dresses up our new pre-drilled MDF board. I can just see some spooky spider webs or some gauze the Mummy left behind hanging from the hooks.

The board is first painted with our Toolbox Paint before the expression, shown here in Lemon Chiffon, is applied. The cool spider web effect is easily created with our new Vinyl Effects product. You will love using Vinyl Effects to add a new dimension to your vinyl projects. For more detailed instructions, just leave me a comment and let me know you'd like them.

These are just 4 of the 6 seasonal expressions available to our hostesses this month (all customers get to choose from 3). You can view them all on this page of my website by clicking on the September Hostess and Customer Gifts link. Hopefully the photos here have given you some ideas of how you'll use your free UL expressions in your home this fall.