Hope Wissel

How to Make a Gallery Wall

If your walls could talk, what stories would they tell? For some, like me, that would be a scary thought.  LOL.

For many of us, we would like them to simply share our milestones, memories and mottos, right?  I created one of these one our walls of our wedding pictures – some of the family who are in the pictures are no longer with us so it has great memories BUT is definitely doesn’t tell the whole story.  I am hoping to add some memories to it by using some of these tips.   Whether it’s in your kitchen, above your couch or along your staircase, choosing unique pieces is the key to making your display so special.

Here are some GREAT tips for adding one-of-a-kind elements to more traditional framed photographs and oversized initials – all to help you create something truly personalized.

1. Game boards & pieces

What was your favorite childhood sport to play? Which board games does your family reach for over and over on rainy evenings? Your local Goodwill or thrift store is a great place to score retro board games and sports equipment you can use to add character to your gallery wall or shelves. (That broken-in, well-loved look actually boosts the cool factor!)

2. Vintage numbers

Whether they’re antique license plates, framed playing cards, tin stencils or old scoreboard tags, vintage numerals are a fun way to express a number that holds a story or memory for your family. Do a quick online search or browse flea markets, yard sales and antique shops for the digits of your address, anniversary or favorite Bible verse.

3. Flowers & wreaths

Add a sweet touch to the gallery wall in a nursery, craft space, laundry room or even your front porch with an arrangement of dried flowers or an artificial wreath. Check your local craft store for oversized fabric blossoms to match your décor, swap in a seasonal sprig for a traditional frame, or create a cute wreath with fabric scraps – we tried this easy-to-make one from Kelly at Typically Simple. And faux greenery looks great mixed with antique window panes and grapevine wreaths arranged on an outdoor wall to welcome guests.

4. Quotes on canvas

Share the special names, dates and words in your life with customized Statement Canvas Wall Art. Scour a social site like Pinterest® for cute quote ideas, then choose from a variety of sizes and printed designs, including white text on black canvas, your choice of 16 colors on natural canvas and even your personal photos! Have a budding artist in the family? Scan your kids’ original artwork and have it printed on one of our durable canvases.

5. Shadowboxes

These deep-set frames are built to hold dimensional keepsakes and, depending on their size, the options are practically limitless. Highlight a single object like a sculpted key or bridal bouquet. Simply fill one with wine corks, seashells, fabric flowers, bottle caps or Christmas tree bulbs. Or adhere some items to the back, layering pieces over each other to add visual interest – think baby shoes, blocks and photos; use wooden letter game tiles to spell out names or places; arrange keys, ticket stubs, medals or pressed flowers; or design your own artwork out of buttons or plastic building blocks – even crayons! (Jamie at The Trendy Treehouse offers step-by-step instructions for putting together your own crayon letter shadowbox.)

6. Photo tag galleries

Turn moments to remember into personalized keepsakes to treasure with Thirty-One’s Close to Home™ Collection. We make it simple to tell your family’s story on your gallery wall with pieces like our Close to Home™ Table Gallery and 9″ Close to Home™ Round Frame, both available in Natural or Grey Wash Wood. It’s easy to switch out the keepsake-quality iron Photo Inserts for the season and to commemorate trips and events as your family grows. Remember to personalize the wood frame with your family name, saying or special date in your favorite laser-etched design.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget the sofa underneath!

Fluff up a few perfectly personalized Statement Canvas Pillows in black and natural – choose an embroidered monogram, printed design or your own family photos to continue your theme even below your gallery wall. Toss a cozy Super Soft Blanket over one arm of the sofa, and you’ll be ready to hibernate all winter!

Share your gallery wall with us….. Have a blessed day!

Hope Wissel

BINGO Thirty One Style

BINGO 9 2013

Today’s Throwback Thursday picture is BINGO Thirty One style.  I love being able to CELEBRATE, ENCOURAGE & REWARD my friends, family and customers.  Hmm, must be time for another one….

So, are you wondering HOW to do this?  What started as a small party at my home with 5 people grew into a major event that I co-hosted with a team.

Thirty One Bingo - Sept 2013

What do you need?  I actually bought a BINGO set at a flea market for $5.  The basket to turn the balls is a bit shaky BUT it has a board which makes it easy to track the numbers called.  You can also get BINGO cards that you shuffle like a deck of cards to call numbers.  I got a LARGE quantity of BINGO sheets on Amazon and they have lasted for a long time.  I think I still have some after about 4 BINGO sessions

Location?  Any place, really.  My first few were in my home.  Then I moved to a larger place and joined forces with a team member.  We used the fire hall and sold tickets PRIOR to the event.

Cost?  We charged $12 for 6 game boards.  The cost also included light snacks but we encouraged people to bring their own too.  Additional game boards were available for $2 each with a maximum of 3 boards per game per person.  You know there are some crazy BINGO players out there who play up to 10 boards at a time and we wanted to make it fair for everyone.  Our costs varied depending on space rental, the snacks and decorations.

How it works?  The money collected for the game boards becomes the money used for gift certificate prizes.  So if you have 10 people paying $12, you have collected $120.  If you have 6 games, you may do 3 games at $10 each for the winner, 2 games at $20 each and one final board is $50.  The money collected for the extra boards can be used for prizes or to offset the cost of the space rental (if there is one) or the snacks or the smaller prizes.

Lessons learned:

  • 6 games for a small party is too many
  • Cash and carry was a BIG draw.
  • Gift certificates could NOT be used for these items.
  • Always have a small display of the current special and the upcoming special
  • Those who win will order using their gift certificates and usually spend more.

To some it may sound like a lot of work for a small return.  The truth is that it is a great way to build relationships with your customers.  If you have a hall, invite people to host a table and bring their own snacks.  Make it a fun event.  Step out of your comfort zone and offer the opportunity to new groups or hostesses. The thought of coming to play BINGO instead of attending a “home party” may be just the ticket someone needs to host a party.

Whose ready to shout BINGO?  Want to raise money for a cause or just have a fun, girl’s night out.  Contact me for details.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!