Hello 2014; Where did you come from?

Happy new year to all our readers! I am not sure how 2014 crept up so quickly but it is here! Did you make

any resolutions for the new year? I tend to deviate from my "resolutions" so this year I am going simple... 1) Cook at home more, eat out less! The local economy will still receive my $$, just at different venues! (So if you have some recipes you'd like to share, send them my way! 2) Focus on family. With family (& friends) all over the country, I don't take enough time to keep in touch with everyone...yes, even with today's technology! So, those are my goals. I guess I owe you an update in a few months, eh?!

On a business note, I have a lot of things I take on and time for the basic things can get away from me (have you seen my office?!) and so I have decided this year I have 2 goals; 1) Focus on customer service - Sometimes we need to remember the basics; we would not be in business if it weren't for our customers. It is easy to get so busy & overwhelmed that the simple, daily goals become an oversight. So if you are in the shop, tell us how we are doing! 2) Stay organized - Yes, my office will be first! This will keep everything moving smoother, allowing us to spend more time with our customers, providing better customer service and a faster turnaround time.

So there you have my goals for 2014! Interested in sharing yours?

No Chirping Birds

Have you ever had one of those weekend days where you have the opportunity to sleep in? I know, I know

they are extremely rare, but very precious! This morning was one of those days, and unfortunately I am typing this at 5 am, and I have been up for an hour! So while lying in bed, attempting to return to sleep all I hear are birds chirping. A sign of spring, yes. Necessary this morning, no. So, I decided I need to put Seaglass Logowear to work this morning and create a lawn sign stating "No Chirping before 10 AM". This way I can put it out on those Saturday's I want to sleep in! But I guess the reality is, what bird can read?

~ Happy Saturday!

The Trade Show Newbie

Custom Distressed Twill 

Bling It On!

How do you feel excited and slightly overwhelmed at the same time?  The answer is easy; attend an Imprinted Sportwear Show for the first time. The trade show consisted of vendors for all types of companies that sell merchandise, machines and graphic material to cut, print and press.  It was an eye opening experience for the “newbie” to attend.

The trade show floor was a mixture of knowledge, imagination and ideas.  The companies selling the equipment we print on (or could be printing on), were amazing to collaborate with.  The colors and designs created made me want to go back to Seaglass and create all day long. Some of the more exciting elements were the newest in “bling” materials, rhinestones, custom patches, and twill designs.

New Balance Performance Wear

The merchandise was plentiful.  Vendors showed off their new lines of apparel and colors and it was nice to be able to see and feel the clothing. We found new brands and items soon to be arriving in our showroom! My favorite was the New Balance performance apparel, which will be available over the next few weeks with the intention of adding samples to our showroom, and the opportunity to add it to online stores.

This was only part of what I did on my 4 day adventure.  If I wasn’t walking the tradeshow floor I was taking classes.  Here comes the overwhelming part, but in a good way.  The classes that were offered were full of information and idea, each one offering new light on an old subject.  Now I want to put all the ideas to good use right now.  Watch the blog, or follow us on facebook as I show off new designs and techniques!

~D

Vehicle Business Card Caddie

Recently, Julie Baker of Jazzed Events, LLC was looking for a way to keep a business card holder on her vehicle for potential customers to grab a card and contact her in the future. Does something like this exist? Absolutely! 

This card caddie is a fantastic way to promote your business while you are on the move! Made of durable plastic, this caddie is weather proof, withstands highway speeds and can either be mounted directly on your vehicle exterior with 3M adhesive or use the window hook (included). The benefit to the window hook is you can remove the card caddie at any time. 

When you are away from your office, give potential customers the option to take a card! Not just for vehicles, use this on your exterior office door or sign too. Available in several colors, pick the one that suits your business!

Unsure if this may work for you. Here is what Julie had to say about her new vehicle business card holder. 

"I attend and/or exhibit at several trade shows each year and was looking for another way to stand out in the crowd of other planners in the industry.  I wanted a way to be accessible, even if a prospect hadn't stopped at my exhibit. So I asked Jennifer Jackson at Seaglass Logowear if she had a business card holder for the outside of my vehicle.  Jennifer didn't hesitate to go to work to find me such a product and immediately sent me photographs and the details for the card caddie. She even let me try it out before I settled on it! I love how it stands out in the distance and would make people wonder what it is and need to get a closer look. You can leave it on the car while driving, but it does leave a tiny space allowing air to move causing a slight whistle. And, although it is durable to withstand high winds, it does catch air under it and I feel more secure removing it from the window while driving. It's as easy as rolling your window up and down to place and remove it. And one day I left it on my window overnight and it snowed! The card caddie had a mound of snow on it.  I was like, well, here's the test to see if it is truly waterproof!  And my cards were bone dry. It's a keeper!" ~ Julie Baker, Jazzed Events, LLC

Tic Tac....Towel?

Tic Tac Towel & Beach Ball Promotion

 If you have followed my previous posts, you know I get hundreds of emails with unique promotional items. This one caught my eye as a great spring promotional giveaway. For the beach, camping, picnic or backyard this little Tic Tac Towel kit includes a 100% cotton towel (blue) with Tic Tac Toe board printed on it. The towel and 10 game pieces are tucked securely into a drawstring mesh bag. The large towel measures 27" x 55" and is the perfect addition to any outdoor adventure. Your team, business or family logo is printed on the outside of the mesh bag.

LT3603 Tic Tac Towel Promotion

Want more in your Tic Tac Towel kit? Go for the full combo that includes a custom beach ball as well. This beach ball is 10 1/2" inflated and just another way to enjoy some outdoor family time! Beach ball is also custom imprinted with your logo. So although it may be chilly outside, it's time to think about these summer promotions!

Magnetic Sign Care & Cleaning Tips

Custom Vehicle Magnets
Any size, Any shape

Magnetic vehicle signs are a successful way to give your business increased exposure. When properly cleaned and cared for magnetic car signs can last up to three years. To get the most life out of your custom car magnets follow this advice for applying, positioning, removing, cleaning and storing your magnets. 

Applying:

• Always clean the car magnet and the surface you are going to apply it to with mild detergent and water.
• A clean vehicle will prevent your magnet from slipping off your vehicle at high speeds.
• Wipe car (and magnet) dry before applying.
• Custom car magnets can become stiff in cold conditions and may not properly grip your vehicle panels. Use caution when using your magnets in these conditions.

Positioning:

• Attach your magnet to a smooth metal surface that is flat as possible
• Affix one corner of the sign first, then allow the magnetic pull to attach the rest.
• Be sure the entire sign is flat against the surface with no air pockets.
• If you position your magnetic sign incorrectly, remove it and reattach. Do not pull the magnet across the surface as it could stretch and damage the sign.
• Do not attach your auto magnets over a ridge, trim or rust spot that would prevent the sign from laying flat.
• Make sure your car magnet signs are firmly affixed to the vehicle before driving.

Removing & Cleaning:

• When removing your magnetic car sign, be careful not to bend or crease the corners of your sign.
• Remove your car magnets periodically to check that they are still securely fastened and to clean if necessary.
• Avoid applying your auto magnets to horizontal metal surfaces exposed to direct sunlight, such as car hoods.
• You can clean the surface of your custom magnet with a mild detergent and water. Window cleaning products can help with small smudges or stains.
• Make sure to completely dry your magnet after cleaning.

Storing:

• Keep your vehicle magnets in a clean, dry place when not in use.
• Store your custom car magnets by stacking them on a flat surface.
• Do not stack vehicle signs with the magnetic sides touching each other.
• Do not store heavy objects on top of or against your magnet signs.
• Do not store in extreme heat or cold.

Magnetic signs are durable and sturdy, but following these simple steps for care and maintenance will make sure the signs continue promoting your business even longer.

Save a heart

CPR Training

Valentine's Day brings to mind the loves in our lives...but do you think about their heart too? If your valentine dropped to the floor in front of you, how would you respond? Today I spent the day teaching CPR to a group of ladies running several local girl scout troops. These ladies passed their First Aid, CPR (adult, children & infant) and AED certification today! I am confident they could assist anyone in their path now, providing a level of care that may save a victims life. 

The American Heart Association has an abundance of information on their site that is worth the read, including this video demonstrating hands only CPR. Reach out to your community fire department or ambulance corps (or me) and get certified in CPR. You never know who's Valentine you may save!

Happy Valentine's Day

Custom Wine Glasses

Only a few more hours until the day we tell our Valentine's how much we love them! I'd like to think my Valentine's know how much I love and appreciate them every day, but tomorrow I will reiterate in an extra special way! I would post the gift my husband is receiving, but he is nosy and would read this post! 

Custom Photo Frame  - You can
also add the names in the upper left
& lower right corners

This week at Seaglass we offered free giveaways on our facebook page (if you guess the correct number of conversations hearts in the goody bag) which led us to the great SGL debate of the day...what flavor are the green conversation hearts? I said apple, Michele voted mint, Ashley said they were gross no matter what they tasted like and Danielle voted for cotton candy. Danielle also believes they rotate the flavors with the colors so that not every green is the same flavor (I don't believe this!). 

We also played with our laser engraver and created custom wooden photo frames, wine glasses and water bottles (for all those valentine's under 21!). A fun week overall! We wish all of you and your loved ones a Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow! 

Earning Box Tops 4 Education with Hanes

Give back to your community by purchasing Hanes brand products through Seaglass Logowear. Hanes has teamed up with Box Tops 4 Education and each Hanes product purchased earns 1 box top for the school of your choice. 

Dollars raised through Box Tops for Education are very important to our local schools. Now you can help earn lots of Box Tops (no clipping necessary!) from purchases you are already making! With Hanes, your school can earn Box Tops for every printed shirt you buy. Do you buy shirts for a local event? Do you buy shirts for your organization’s members? You can see how this can add up in Box Tops for the school!

It’s easy! Contact Seaglass Logowear and ask for Hanes when you order printed shirts for your next event. Then, just complete the Redemption Form and submit along with your order invoice. With eBox Tops, the Box Tops will be electronically credited to the school account.  For every shirt you order, the school can earn one Box Top so it really adds up!

Our website shows the numerous Hanes brand items that can be customized with your team, organization or business logo. 

Schools appreciates your support and put the cash earned through Box Tops to good use at the school, supporting students and teachers. So Order Hanes. Earn Box Tops!

Weekend Plans

Ever have one of those weekends where you booked numerous events and then in the blink of an eye your plans disappear? That is this weekend! Chowderfest in Saratoga was to be our first stop... We attended the event 2 years ago and our favorite chowder was the Cheeseburger chowder. At this point, I have no idea who made it but I do recall it being on the corner of one of the side streets off of Broadway (I know, this really is of no help as there are so many side streets). More importantly than the location, the cheeseburger chowder, topped with cheese & a pickle, was delicious! Now that I am salivating, I must say today's plans do not involve Cheeseburger Chowder.

My wonderful husband (and he is wonderful) pulled his back on Thursday and thanks to the staff in the ER at Saratoga Hospital & Dr. Rugani at Rugani Family Chiropractic, he is on the mend. But we are not going anywhere this weekend. So now, my weekend full of plans (Chowderfest, Superbowl parties & visiting family) will be spent working on our 2 most recent websites shengear.com and 518strong.com. While my husband was sleeping in, I was on the 518strong website looking to add all the upcoming events...I have them typed in but cannot figure out how to get them to go live! Have you ever used Joomla? I'd love some tips!

If you make it to Chowderfest this weekend, who has the Cheeseburger Chowder?! Either way, enjoy your weekend and wish me luck with the website updates!

Shots anyone?

Every day I see hundreds (I do mean, hundreds) of emails from our suppliers with their daily specials, newest promotional item or another offer for more of their catalogs and fliers. Seeing as I need to sift through thousands of emails a week, I barely glance at most, until the other day. They must have some clever people working for these suppliers, because never would I have thought to create a custom Jello Shot cup!

So they termed it the "Twist n' Shot Gelatin Cups" (and yes, they did trademark this!). This new cup has been created as "a unique solution to an old age problem - getting shots out of shots". Just twist  the top and the gelatin shot is released making this an easy & fun promotion with evidently a really easy clean up! Pondering who would actually want these custom printed Jello Shot cups...more people than I originally thought; bars, nightclubs, fraternities, or the family that hosts the annual summer picnic of party-ers! For around a dollar - where do you go wrong!?

Custom Jello Shot cups....what's next?!

No doggin'

No Doggin' Tee

There are often times customers stop in with an idea for a t-shirt which is a complete "inside joke" or reflects a "you had to be there" moment. We have had a few of those this week but I wish I had snagged a couple more photos! This was one of them.... "No doggin" ....  The front of the shirt says "No Doggin'" & the back is shown.... So, what do you think it means?

Ban on Single Use Water Bottles

The University of Vermont is one of the latest communities to ban single use water bottles. Is it  time to consider if your business could benefit from promotional water bottles with your logo on it? 


Do you use a refillable water bottle on a regular basis? Would your customers, employees, friends & family use one of these water bottles? Consider the facts..... Did you know single-serve plastic bottles take 17 million barrels of oil a year to produce, enough fuel to power 1.3 million cars a year. In 2007, Americans used 50 billion bottles, recycling only 23% of that amount, according to Ban the Bottle. 

A collapsible custom printed water bottle!

Aluminum water bottle with custom imprint.

Dozens of options available in this 20 oz
customizable water bottle. It is great for any
organization or team and at a great price!

                                   

This customizable water bottle features a straw spout
and is available in several sizes and colors. 

                       

Looking for something a little more? This water bottle goes above and beyond! It incorporates a water filtration system into a 26 oz sport bottle. This bottle features a patented filter and freezer stick system which reduces chlorine taste and other impurities. It can filter up to 150 gallons of water before being replaced after approximately 4 months depending on usage. Water flows easily through a built in straw and filter to produce cold, great tasting water. Minimum custom printed order is as low as 36 pieces! Would your traveling team benefit from this sports bottle?

There are even a few pet water bottles. A most recent find is a 24 oz stainless steel water bottle which is perfect for walks. It features a wide mouth for adding ice cubes and easy cleaning and two leak resistant caps. Once you invert the bottle, water will release when your pet licks the smooth, stainless steel roller ball. These are BPA free and include a free carabiner. I have to admit, I ordered a sample for my puppy Charlie and it is fabulous!


Don't wait until it is too late! Promote your business with custom imprinted water bottles - save your customers money, reduce waste in our community! You never know what community will be next for banning the single use water bottles!

Promotional Helmet Skins & Cycling Gear

Custom Cycling Gear Clifton Park, NY
by Seaglass Logowear

I happened to be browsing through our vendors website and found a very creative promotional idea for cyclists - helmet skins! These are a 100% polyester material that is lightweight, breathable and moisture wicking. These promotional cycling helmet skins are clever for triathlons, duathlons, race sponsors and will work on both youth and adult helmets. Prices as low as $15 each. What a great promotional idea...which would match up with custom cycling jerseys and tri-gear!