I stopped into Staples on a whim to see inquire about photo enlargements. I needed something to jazz up my very white booth. Lo and behold - they're having a special until the end of September...
18 x 24 enlargement mounted on foam board and laminated - just $10! I got 3, (so far).
I mounted small command hooks upside down on the back and used white cotton cord to hang them.
Replies
Annette, I love that vertical banner! Ideas on hanging horizontally...maybe add some hangers/grommets so you are not just suspending from the corners? Use bungee cords or something that adds some tautness (sp) to keep them from sagging?
Jeanne, you really got a great deal - even if they only last one season, they are a wonderful addition to your booth!!
You're right Lynn - a hanger in the centre of the horizontal one would work. Obvious, but I never thought of it... doh!
Lynn, I have the same concerns about the durability of the foam board over time. And how they'll hold up in inclement weather. I thought I'd get to test it out on Sunday, but the vineyard was flooded due to the constant rain and the show was cancelled. Also, I was very nervous that something would fall on the boards in the car. For my investment, I'll be happy if I get through the fall season and get a good booth shot for next year's apps.
I like your use of the grommets and shower curtain rings - it does make the posters a little more stable. Mine definitely were flying around a bit with the wind off the vineyard.
Annette and Cyreathia, great info on the banners. I've been wondering what I'll do when the shows move indoors. I had a basic banner made when I got my tent - just my name. It's so cheap and tacky looking that I've never used it. Looks like I'll be checking out vista print next.
Annette - your daughter is adorable!
Thanks Jeanne - I've got another one just the same (twins!) :)
The indoor banner is still a vinyl - I just use it under cover to be sure, but I'm sure it would be fine if it got damp/a bit wet, its just not as thick as their outdoor ones. Vistaprint can be great - sign up for their newsletters and they'll send you something once a week that often has specials like free banners or free uploads etc and if you wait for these opportunities you can get some real deals for the cost of postage only. Just be sure not to sign up for anything AFTER a purchase - I believe that's where they got a bit of a poor name a few years ago).
Jeanne, looks great with the sides up ... I can see a new booth shot happening :D
Cynthia - the clear shower curtain hooks are a good idea!
I had photos on foam boards when I first started doing shows 8 odd years ago, the smaller ones are fine but the really big one became warped and I also dropped it just a few too many times so it got crinkled corners.
Cyreatheia, I have some of the small indoor banners and for only postage, its a bit hard to complain :)
Remember that the quality of the Vistaprint finished banner is directly in relation to your uploaded photo so make sure its nice and clear (and high res). I bought the stick on hangers from Vistaprint with them and hang them with fishing line and one with white cord (need to change that!) but will be trying some clear shower curtain rings which would make it easier. Hanging vertically seems fine, but horizontal banners are a bit harder to hang flat. (Any ideas!?)
Here's a photo with the small banners in use; (excuse the glare - it was taken too late in the evening - and the daughter!)
I love Staples. I got photos blown up and laminated there, but they weren't that inexpensive!
The only thing I'd warn you about is weather. I debated using the foam board, but the guy in the print show recommended NOT - the boards can break in wind, and because the lamination doesn't go all the way around the edges, the boards can get damaged if they get wet.
Here are mine in my booth - I put grommets on all four corners of mine, and I use clear shower curtain rings to hang them. I have four that go on two walls.
Jeanne - another thought is uploading your prints to VistaPrint and have small banners made. I just received an e-mail them that they are offering small banners for free - only have to pay shipping. I had them do a small banner for me previously to use on my tables for inside shows and they are great quality. I am going to have one made - using your ideas.
Thanks.
Cyreathia
Thank you Cyreathia and Annette.
I really thought the price was great and they were ready overnight. A smaller print will actually cost more.
Here's another photo with the walls down.
Jeanne I love the look of your booth. Nice find from Staples. Thanks for sharing your idea.
Cyreathia