I am totally sick of the Big Blank Wall in my kitchen/stairway. This thingy at Hobby Lobby (lots of thingies there) inspired me. I have plans now. Interesting how one solitary thingy can get the creative ball rolling, isn’t it? I’ll post pics when I’m done. Might be awhile. This idea is BIG.
I just created a post over at Just A Trace’s blog, showing the how-to of my latest stencil adventure. Check it out!
Stencil magic in progress! Full tutorial on its way!
Look at what Jackie did! Using the Pop Dangle stencil, she stenciled a pattern on this wall in her home. I love the alternating colors she used, and I really like the black picture frames against that patterned background. Great work!
Do you have a stencil success story? Email me!
Happy New Year! Seems like the first few days of 2011 have been really eventful already (some good, some really quite bad). I am really excited about starting afresh and seeing what this year will bring to us all.
Most of you know, I am due to POP any minute now, so I had expected the first two or three months of 2011 to be on the slow side… However, the wall stencils have been so well-received, I’ve been working! Seems Little One is happy where he is, so I am shipping, ordering, designing my fingers off (and couldn’t be happier). But if I disappear for a week or so, you know what happened. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
I enjoyed decorating my son’s room, and have yet another cornice to photograph and show soon (would you believe I actually sewed something?). There are a couple finishing touches to be done in the room, but as soon as they are complete, expect photos!
A new client this week said she was going to stencil her wall, and then use the same stencil on some pillows. LOVE IT! I hope she sends pics.
Another new friend said she would be using a small stencil to decorate a cake. A cake! I hope she sends pics. And a slice. Have to make sure the stencil worked, in person, of course. 
This year, I expect the DIY world to have an even stronger boost than it did last year. The latest buzz I’m hearing is that, with the economy slowly on the upswing, decorating your own home is a more than welcome way to create the environment you want and save those precious pennies. There are so many great products out there that will give your home the polish of professional[-looking] decor without the hefty price tag. Or without looking like a craft fair from 1992 (remember those?).
With that in mind, might I suggest stenciling something? 
Also, check out Design Hole’s recent post on stenciling walls. Choose your own paint, your own pattern, your own theme, your own technique, and GO! And if you mess up, paint it, and try again. Very economical, and un-scary for the DIY decorator.
I’ve changed my mind. I get to do that, you know. I’ve decided to extend the Grand Opening Sale thru December. Why? Because I like you. And because I know many of you are still trying to decide which stencil you want AND that the holidays are a terrible time to rush that process. So let’s just take it a month further, shall we? Enjoy!
In case you’ve forgotten or missed it the first time, here’s the deal:
How would you like a 40% rebate on your most recent stencil order?
I thought you might be interested.
Here’s how it works:
Buy a stencil and use it somewhere. Apply for the rebate using the form link below. Tell me about yourself, the stencil you used, and where you used it. Upload a picture (or five) of your work. I’ll send back 40% of your purchase price. No kidding. That’s pretty much it.
Not bad, eh?
A few terms and conditions:
Ready to go? Fill out the form here.
It has been a busy week, here at the LU Graphics fort. My, my, my has it been busy. Here’s what’s new:
There is OH so much more to come. Things that get me so excited, I’ve given up sleep, and things so secretive and delicious, I’ve begun lowering my voice in public. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am!
Hop on board and take advantage of this very special and limited offer! I cannot WAIT to see what you do.
All the best,
Libby Unwin
Chief Pretty-Maker
How would you like a 40% rebate on your most recent stencil order?
I thought you might be interested.
Here’s how it works:
Buy a stencil and use it somewhere. Apply for the rebate using the form link below. Tell me about yourself, the stencil you used, and where you used it. Upload a picture (or five) of your work. I’ll send back 40% of your purchase price. No kidding. That’s pretty much it.
Not bad, eh?
A few terms and conditions:
Ready to go? Fill out the form here.
I was shocked and honored when Alluminare contacted me and told me my patterns were featured in Better Homes And Gardens’ quarterly publication, Do It Yourself.
I am so incredibly humbled and grateful for the coverage and want to thank the editors and Better Homes And Gardens for including my patterns along with the amazing designs from Khristian Howell. I love the way they used the patterns!
If you follow me on Twitter, you saw the big announcement: there is a small person on the way! This has inspired countless hours of brainstorming, researching and planning. For parenting tips? No. For pregnancy help? Nope. For decorating!
I began my hunt in my usual shopping places and noticed a few things:
I took issue with all of the above, and determined I would make my own bedding (the defiant artist, of course). I wanted to be creative with the colors and theme, instead of pulling an insta-nursery out of a bag. I figured the only way to be creative was to do it all myself. I chose this pattern and colorway (currently available at Spoonflower.com):
I love the teal + baby blue + green + silver colorway. Then I realized: I’d have to sew. Like, everything. I can sew, my mom sews beautifully and taught me well, but frankly, it’s one of my least favorite things to do (and thus, probably won’t get done!). Isn’t that why God created glue guns?
While I was trying to come to grips with the massive amount of sewing in my future, my husband was searching for bedding as well. A little background: he builds model airplanes — the kind that are historically accurate and extensively detailed. On top of that, we both have a love for vintage. And what did Husband find? Vintage airplane baby bedding (I kid you not). The hunt is officially over!
I love the red + navy blue + sky blue + silver + dark yellow colors and the vintage flair. Way to go, Husband!
The nursery will not, however, be without a hefty bunch of DIY (I can’t help myself): Husband will be building several models to hang from the ceiling, and I’ll be building a Roman shade for the window. The furniture is white, the walls are a soft sky blue. I’ll probably add a red lamp and possibly a red rocking chair cushion for color punches. I’m looking around for posters of 1930s airplanes, I’d love to find a nice rug for the middle of the floor, too. Light, airy, but not too brown or too babyish. We’re excited.
Have you voted in the Alluminare Design Challenge — Top Ten & Voting with Christopher Lowell? Well get yourself over there and do it! A new World Class Designer is soon to be named — have your say!
