Mural Stencils Take A Trip to the Land Down Under...

Last month, as I was rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes, I saw I had an email from a gentleman, Darren Tan, in Australia. I could hardly contain my excitement... not only because this was Kids Decal Corner's first international sale but mostly because of the purpose behind the purchase. I asked Darren if he would share their inspiring story with us; so here it is...

Every year Darren and his co-workers from Lend Lease (http://www.bovislendlease.com.au/ourschools 

Lend Lease is an organization that has been appointed by the Australian government to oversee the design and construction of new educational facilities and refurbishing primary schools in multiple regions of Australia.)

gather together and volunteer their time and and services to "give back" to their community.

This year, Cromehurst School ( http://www.cromehurst-s.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.html ) were the blessed recipients. This school focuses on caring for individuals with  behavioral, mental and physical disabilities.

  "Cromehurst School project was chosen because the focus of the school is on their students and as a special needs school, there is a high priority to prepare students for their next environment while also catering for their individual needs. Due to this, the school does not have the time to beautify their environment themselves." says Darren Tan ( the group leader for Lend Lease's 15th Annual Community Day ).

The school was in need of some maintenance and beautifying. Using the Wild Safari Jungle Mural Stencil kit, Darren and his friends painted the outside brick wall with elephants, giraffes, lions and all kinds of other wild creatures to create a truly fun and inspiring environment for the special students that attend there every day! Here are some pictures of their finished project. Great job, guys!!!

"This is Lend Lease’s 15^th consecutive Community Day, and since the initiative began in 1996, employees have volunteered over 450,000 hours worldwide." Now, that's impressive!

I have truly been inspired by Darren and his coworkers to find a way to give back to the community in which I live. I'm currently investigating how Kids Decal Corner can be apart of more wonderful projects like this one!

It's stories like this that make all the hard work of owning my own business while being a stay at home mom worth while. In a small way, I felt like I was apart of Lend Lease's efforts... and thus far it has been the most rewarding sale ever made! 

I would love to hear any feedback from you, my readers, of ideas or stories that you would have of similar ways that Kids Decal Corner could become involved in making the world for kids a more beautiful and inspiring place to be! If you're aware of any schools, day-cares, after school programs, hospitals, etc that are in need of some TLC... I would love to know about them! I'd be excited to see how we could help them out.

And here's a great bid THANK YOU to Darren for giving me the privilege of being apart of this! Blessings to all of you for the way you care for the people in your community!!!  You've inspired me! 

Paint by Number Wall Murals

Is this wall mural not totally awesome? I must say, that out of all the items we offer at Kids Decal Corner, these adorable paint by number wall murals (by Elephants on the Wall) are my absolute favorite! Typically I would look at a mural like this and think ... "if only I could paint like that!" Well... If you're thinking the same thing... I have news for you.

With these paint by number wall murals you can tap into that artist you've always wanted to be!

Simply follow the 3 step process and you can have a beautiful mural like you see in these pictures.

1. Tape
2. Trace
3. Paint

1. Tape Tape the transfer paper to the back of the pattern paper, then tape the pattern paper to your wall.	2. Trace Using a ball point pen, trace the design onto the wall. When done tracing, remove the pattern from the wall.	3. Paint Paint the areas of the mural with the corresponding colors listed on our numbered color guide.

Helpful Tips for a Fantastic Mural:

1. Wall colors.... The Murals show up best on light colored walls - white, cream, pastels. The wall paint should be an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish.
2. Don't trace the numbers, they may be difficult to cover up with the paint.
3. Protect your mural from fingerprints and dirt. Apply a coat of Clear Coat (indoor use) with a roller. Be sure to cover everything with the clear coat, because as it dries, it will appear darker than the non-coated areas.
4. Reverse the pattern for a bigger mural. Simply put the carbon paper on the backside of the pattern, trace the outline. Then turn over your pattern and you will have a reversed copy on that side. Now proceed with the normal 3 step process.

How long will these murals take, you ask? 

It depends on the paint by number kit you buy. The silhouettes may take a day and the jungle murals and beach murals may take a better part of a weekend. It all depends on how big you want it to be! Just to be clear, they are NOT stencils or peel and stick decals.... so more time is required.... but may I say.... You will be one proud artist when you're done!

So .... Any guesses on how much a full wall mural like these cost????

If you paid someone to come and hand paint this kind of mural.... you're looking at hundreds of dollars ..... or.....

You could try it on your own and end up frustrated or disappointed... Or......

You could go to www.kidsdecalcorner.com and find out just how reasonably priced these paint by number kits are... not to mention the amazing wall mural you'll have in the end! Click on the Paint by Number Wall Murals link on the right and check out our amazing murals.

Plus... if you have a specific mural theme in mind, but can't find it in our store... PLEASE email me at request@kidsdecalcorner.com and I will do my best to locate it for you!!!

Don't forget, I would love to see pictures of you finished project; you can send them to info@kidsdecalcorner.com! From one aspiring artist to another.... Happy Painting!