Give oh Give oh Give Away.... at Writings on the Wall - the blog

Be sure to click over to Writings on my Blog and leave a comment to be entered in our giveaway.
It's a great chance to get some free vinyl letters for yourself or a friend or your mother or...

You know you want free stuff.

Check out my new digs...

I've been working like a crazy girl and finally have my new pages all set up over at my new WRITINGS ON THE WALL BLOG.
Please join me over there for some new layouts and fun stuff. I think it's a great new look and hope you do too.
See you there!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.....

I really haven't abandoned ship. Really.
I've been busy making banners and doing a bunch of design work.
It's going to be the Christmas season soon. I KNOW! it's crazy. We just did that. But, yep, it's gonna happen again and I want to have a whole new line of spiffy new things to put on the spiffy new website that is coming along... hopefully this month.

Not only am I revamping Writings on the Wall, but I've squeezed in building a new site for a customer as well.
I love the geek stuff, and when you couple it with Photoshop... all I need is a potty break once in a while. And copious amounts of caffeine...
and some of those little white cakes with the cream filling and the white frosting. (They are more commonly referred to as "crack cakes" around the shop. Addicting little devils, they are.)

I would appreciate it if someone would pretend to be my mom and call me around 11 o'clock and tell me to go to bed. I get all wrapped up in my nerdiness and can't seem to pry myself away from the keyboard.
I could pack for a vacation using the bags under my eyes. I mean it! Make me go to bed. Right now!

How about a little Jane Austin?

“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”

“Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.”

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”

Often when I am working away at home, I watch - or rather - listen to the television. I love movies and that is my preference.
Tonight, I tuned in to one of my favorites "Pride and Prejudice". It was already half way through, but that doesn't matter because I've seen it at least a dozen times.
That Mr. Darcy.... mmmhmmm.

I've go it all under ConTroll

What else can I say?
There's a troll on my car.

Katie wanted to know if we can make a decal of her dog with troll hair.
Uh.... no.

Because then you've opened up a whole can of trolls.
Fish with troll hair, cats, birds, cows, sheep....

Isn't it enough that except for the color, my hair looked pretty much like this when I woke up this morning?
(Note to self... do not sleep on wet hair.)
Yeah, it's a ponytail day fer shur.

Today's Note From the Universe

"Often misunderstandings arise for one of three reasons: not enough love, not enough sleep, or not enough chocolate."

Like looking into the future...

I hope Amber doesn't mind sharing...
this room is so, so cute! What little girl, or big girl for that matter wouldn't love to have a room so lovingly and adorably decorated?I'm posting this not just to show you how lettering helps to bring together a room, but to show you that we can SHOW YOU what your lettering will look like before we produce it.
That's right, the lettering above the window is photoshopped in so that Amber would be able to decide on size and font. Cool, huh?

Now, I can't always take the time to show a preview, but when it's going to be this big on the wall, it's my pleasure to do so.
After seeing this preview, Amber changed up the wording just a bit and gave us the go ahead.
Hopefully by now it's actually on the wall in this darling room.

The view from my bedroom window

I enjoyed a very lovely and restful Memorial Day weekend. Saturday I spent with friends doing lunch and talking. Laughed so much my cheeks were sore from smiling.

Sunday I had intended to do a bit of work. I know... Sunday is the day of rest. And it turned out to be a day of rest for me after all because it rained and I had to cancel my plans to finish lettering a truck. Can't do that in the wind and rain.

So instead, I read my favorite blogs, watched a little television , read a trashy novel, and listened to the rain falling on the skylight.
If you don't have a skylight in your home, I highly recommend one, especially on a rainy day, cuz when the rain hits it, it's very much like having a tin roof. Not quite as loud, but the same effect.

Just for kicks, during a brief break in the storm, I slid open the bedroom window and shot some photos of the field at the side of my house.
I love the honeysuckle. It grows right beneath the window and couldn't be more lovely.

It's hard to believe that I live in the desert, it's so green and gorgeous this year.
Don't be too jealous... in another month this will all be brown and dry, still pretty though.

Notes on a sticky

My name is Becky and I'm a sticky-note addict.
As part of my treatment, every month or so I must sort through the pile of stickies on my desk and around my monitor and store what is of value or toss what is no longer useful.

The biggest share of my sticky clutter consists of little cryptic notes written while on the phone, dates, call back numbers, brief notes of add-ons to someone's order, lists of things I MUST remember to do.... a random mish mash of things that are no longer pertinent to anything. Toss.

I have a notebook/folder for storing stickies that I want to keep. These usually have a family member's address or phone number, or they have websites that I want to remember to look up, or sources for all the bazillion products that I think about ordering, or useful information like the size to make a layout in photoshop... you know, just stuff I need to remember at some point.

I'm seeing here today, however, that many of my stickies have quotes written on them. Thoughts that I like that I want to remember to add to the website, but haven't taken the time yet.
So I'll share them with you right here, right now!

In no particular order or subject:

Life is filled with wonder and joy when seen through the eyes of a little boy.

If you know what you want and why, the "how" will show up. -Bill Bartman

Dancing is like dreaming with your feet. -Constanze

Impossible you say? Nothing is impossible when you work for the circus.

Nothing will change until you change.

Energy flows where attention goes.

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers 'tis near Halloween.

Waking beside you is more lovely than any dream.

A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

Time passes, Life happens, Distance separates, Children grow up, Hearts break, Parents die... but sisters are always there.

Kindness pays huge dividends!

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "Thank You", that would suffice. -Meister Eckhart

You were too good for him anyway.

"Time" for weddings and gifts

How many wedding invites are stuck to the front of your refrigerator?

I only have a couple, but it’s early yet.

I’m just here to make a few suggestions. If the invitation is from the cousin of your wife’s co-worker that you met once at the amusement park 10 years ago… well, a nice card is probably gonna do the trick.

But… if the invite is from your sister, brother, best friend, mother, father, or any other person who is important in your life…

You should consider something meaningful and beautiful and big and awesome…. like one of my clocks.
24" in diameter, your choice of color and face style, and of course personalized with the name and date. $95.00 includes shipping.

Guaranteed NOT to be something that will sit in a box in the garage until their 5th anniversary.

Click over to Writings on the Wall and call or email me with your order.

A sign for my Mom

Mother's Day was a sunny and happy occasion as it usually is for my family. We all converged at Mom and Dad's and while some planted flowers and spiffed up the yard, the rest of us watched and visited.

Lots of food, lots of laughing and teasing.
I come from a very large family, so even if we're not all there... which is usually the way it is... we still have a crowd O people.
My folks are now boasting upwards of 50 grand and great grandchildren, so my mom has totally earned this sign I made for her front yard.It's double-sided and the spiffy frame has springy clamps so we can change it out for the different seasons of the year.

Happy busy Friday

What a busy day! The sun comes out and so do all the people. I like it when it's crazy busy.

I'm just wrapping up a few projects to ship out this afternoon and then I'm off to do a little shopping this evening for Mother's Day and a birthday party on Sunday.

I was hoping to have my Mom's Day gift finished up today, but looks like I may have to come in tomorrow to get it all done.

What do you get the Mom who has 11 kids and all the do-dads she could possibly ever need?
You get her a yard sign that proclaims that "The world's greatest Grandma lives here."
I'll post up a pic as soon as I have something ready to show.

This little gem was for Shannon's order this afternoon.

... and I love this one too.
This will be my friend and I, but we'll have cats too.

Look to this day

Monday morning starts with both a feeling of loss, because the freedom of the weekend is over, and anticipation, because a whole new week with a whole new set of possibilities lies ahead.
Today I choose anticipation.

Look To This Day
For it is life,
The very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
The realities and verities of existence,
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power . . .

For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.

Sanskrit Proverb
By Kalidasa

Out of the frying pan...

Brain-fry. That's what I've got right now.
It's a matter of too much to do and no definitive plan as to how I'll accomplish everything in a timely manner. I'd say I suffer from ADHD, but that would just be an excuse for not being organized, or disciplined enough to finish what I'm working on before I start something else.
It's not that I'm scattered, it's just that I'm - Oh look! chocolate!

I've been working on web pages today, which usually turns my eyes into little squinty raisin-like objects after a few hours. It's not a pretty sight. But it WILL be a pretty site. If you know what I mean.

In my ever needful quest to be frugal and save my money to spend in a more fun and frivolous manner, I'm moving my website to a new host. yippee yahoo
Yeah. It's just that much fun.

In fact, after messing with coding and copying, pasting, cussing and squinting at multiple windows for a good portion of the afternoon, I'm happy to give you a fairly accurate simulation of my day.

Good times. Did you notice the little beady eyes? That's what mine are looking like about now.
But I am strong and stubborn and I will overcome all geek-type obstacles and get my butt out of this wok, dammit!

The big picture

One of the most important parts of a wedding are the photos.
It's a big... no... HUGE deal. It's all about the dress and the cake and the decorations... and the pictures of all of those things, are proof that something very important has taken place.

(I don't know about you, but I view my wedding photos as proof that at one time I was YOUNG and SLIM!)

I love the idea of enhancing your wedding photos.
At home or at the reception, vinyl is an inexpensive and not too permanent way to add a little oomph to a single picture or tie together a grouping of family pictures.



As you can see, it's not just for the modern couple. Grandma and Grandpa could use a little sprucing up too.

What shall we get for the happy couple?

It's that time of year.
Spring is bustin' out all over and that inspires people to fall in love.
Then they want to get married.
Then they plan a great big celebration so that all of their friends and family can come and share their happiness.
Then they send out a whole bunch of invitations announcing when the big even will take place.
Then you find all of these invitations in your mailbox.

Then... you pick up the phone and call ME to design and make something unique and wonderful to give to the newlyweds to show them how happy you are for them.

May I suggest...

Personalized glass block:Resplendent with a big foofy ribbon and bearing the monogram and wedding date of the happy couple.
$25.00

(By the way, Mother of the Bride, these are gorgeous centerpieces for the reception. Your choice of colors, as always.)

Since I've decked out my blog for Easter, Mother's Day and weddings, I'll be adding some more gift suggestions in the next few days to come.
See you soon!

Speech - I love this so much

This poem has been running through my head all day. It's been a favorite of mine for many years. It underscores what I truly believe... "as a man thinketh, so is he."

I know you'll love it too.

Speech

Talk happiness. The world is sad enough
Without your woe. No path is wholly rough.
Look for the places that are smooth and clear,
And speak of them to rest the weary ear
Of earth; so hurt by one continuous strain
Of mortal discontent and grief and pain.

Talk faith. The world is better off without
Your uttered ignorance and morbid doubt.
If you have faith in God, or man, or self,
Say so; if not, push back upon the shelf
Of silence all your thoughts 'till faith shall come.
No one will grieve because your lips are dumb.

Talk health. The dreary, never-ending tale
Of mortal maladies is worn and stale;
You cannot charm or interest or please
By harping on that minor chord disease.
Say you are well, or all is well with you,
And God shall hear tour words and make them true.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Yo ho me hearties... or... but why is the rum gone?

Yesterday's "I need some fun" project.

This is the "something" that I'm sending to Diana to reward her for commenting in my Pay it Forward post.
There's still "something" available for one more person if someone will actually build up the courage to leave a comment. No... it's not the skull and crossbones, it's something else. You'll see. Just leave a comment and promise to pay it forward.

Gotta work now! Happy Day y'all!
Or... ARGHHHHHHH!!!!

Banners and Business Cards in living color

"The craving for colour is a natural necessity just as for water and fire. Colour is a raw material indispensable to life. At every era of his existence and his history, the human being has associated colour with his joys, his actions and his pleasures." -- Frenand Leger

While working with vinyl is fun and filled with endless possibilities, the introduction of full color digital printing has opened up a whole new world of creativity.
Not to mention that working in full color is also a ton of fun.

Banners. Everybody needs em. We make em.
We make em bright and colorful and surprisingly affordable.
Like this one:
Trust me, our banners are absolutely gorgeous. The one pictured above is for an outdoor tent/booth, so it's 3 x 9 feet.

Now... to go along with the gorgeous banners that everyone needs, we offer business cards too.
Colorful business cards that match your banner or sign. They're not too spendy either.

Printed front and back with all of your pertinent information.

So when you're planning the advertising for your business... you know where to go. We specialize in banners for outdoor display booths as well as school, sports teams and business.
So give us a call, drop me an email, or "tweet" me and we'll create something dazzling for you.

To see a whole bunch of the stuff that's been created for our customers: CLICK HERE
*Confession: the designs you are looking at are created by MSGelter who also works here with me. He's very talented, but don't tell him I said so. He never reads this blog so he'll never know I said this.

Banners, Logos, Design and all that other stuff

Many of my online customers assume that I am cutting these cute little vinyl letter sticker thingys from the discomfort of my diningroom table.

Au contrair! (that's slaughtered French for "Nope!")

I've been in the sign making industry for many years and have owned and operated my shop here in Tremonton for going on 10 years now.
It's a full time labor of love. No kitchen or dining room tables were injured or abused during the production of your sign. During certain times of the year, full time means every waking minute.

I'm very blessed to be able to make my living doing what I do. Most of the time I LOVE what I do for a living, and the times that I don't? Well I remember that I could be sweeping floors or flipping burgers. (Not that there's anything wrong with that; I've done both and much prefer what I'm doing now, thank you very much)

While designing and producing vinyl letters for folks to decorate their homes with is very satisfying and mostly a ton o fun, it's just a portion of what happens here at Hathaway Signs and Designs.

Logo design, business cards, banners, brochures, vehicle lettering and graphics, commercial signage... all the stuff you need to promote yourself and your business happens here every day as well.

In the next few days I'll be posting some samples of the awesome stuff we've been doing and you'll see why everybody walks in to my shop and wishes they had MY job.

They don't realize it's such a lot of work being Queen of the Universe.