Every time we do a segment on products on the show, I try to stress the idea that these are not necessarily NEW products, but those that we found interesting. Part of the reason for this is that while they may actually be new when we tape the show it might be many months before you see it and by then the item I'm showing might be old news . . . but the first item on today's show was one that I shook my head at and questioned "What's new about that?" when the company first contacted me about it. I'm referring to the Deco Art company's Napkin Decor Program. Turned out there were several things that were new about the program even though the idea of using paper napkins to decorated items is not new at all.
First of all, the company is manufacturing their own napkins with the crafter in mind so the pattern on each napkin covers the entire top surface and not just one quarter, as is often the case with party napkins. In the past, we've used one product for applying the napkin to another surface. This time there are three different products that the company claims is better suited for a particular surface. There is one for fabric, one for glass and plastic and glazed ceramic and a third that works especially well on porous surfaces such as wood, terra cotta and candles. Whatever their secret is, whether it's in the type of paper used in the napkins or in the medium used to apply the napkins to the surfaces, it really did seem to be different from those done in the past . . . and I've certainly done my share of peeling napkins and applying the printed surface to something else. I don't think it was my imagination when I say that you really could NOT tell that the designs had not been painted. As long as they keep coming out with more wonderful napkins, they might have a big hit on their hands!
The items that really captured my fancy this time, however, were the squares . . . little squares, big squares and medium-sized squares that looked like Post-It notes except that they were of card stock weight instead of lightweight paper. They came in a variety of colors and were from a company called Scrappin' Dreams. I would have had no clue what they were for had they not included some sample scrapbook sheets featuring the squares used in a number of clever and innovative ways to decorate a scrapbook page. Some were used as is, some were stacked, some were cut in half diagonally to make triangles, etc. All were used in imaginative ways that challenged the creativity in anyone. Some were packaged with rectangles and pattern sheets showing how to make little background scenes by doing nothing more than arranging the pieces imaginatively. Terrific!
From Mosaics Of The World is a product called Easy Stone. These are tiny (about 1/2 inch) squares of very old looking tile than can be used as is or cut with a scissors to create smaller pieces and then used to make mosaics that truly look as if they were created many many years ago. A perfect place to start if you've not tried mosaics before because a piece of wood with a pre-printed pattern is included along with glue for adhering the tiles to the wood and grout to finish. A great place for beginners and the results look great.
And then there were the items from Decal Specialties that I thought were terrific! Coordinated rub-ons and stencils . . . except even though they are called Stencil Quik, they aren't stencils. They LOOK like stencils and are quick to apply . . . hence the name. They are actually applied like the old tattoos the kids loved where you just place them on the surface you wish to apply them to, apply a wet sponge to soak the surface then peel off the paper and leave the "tattoo." In this case, the designs are much larger and have a slightly sticky surface so that when you place them on a wall or a piece of furniture they will stay in place while you apply the wet sponge. Soak then peel . . . and you have a design or picture that looks as if you stenciled it. Very cute. Very clever. Very easy.
Resources Easy Stone mosaic tiles
Contact Mosaics Of The World Web site for a list of local retailers and mail order companies.
Mosaics of the World
90 Bookview Dr.
Toronto M6A 2K6
Canada
Toll Free Phone: 877-878-6637
Website:
www.mosaica.tv/retail.html
Stencil Quik coordinating rub-ons
Available at local craft retailers.
Decal Specialties Inc./Stencil Quik Online
Website:
www.decalspecialties.comNapkin Decor, Fabric Painting Medium, Ultra Gloss, Patio Paint Clear Coat Paint
Napkin Decor--Package of 20 napkins with 45 designs available, Fabric Painting Medium, Ultra Gloss Acrylic Enamel Clear Medium, Patio Paint Clear Coat Paint
Available at local craft stores.
DecoArt Inc.
Website: www.decoart.com
Scrappin' Squares acid-free card stock
Scrappin' Dreams
Website: www.scrappindreams.com
Also in this Episode
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