when i first opened ooma – i was low, low budge.  i even made my own mannequins!  they were giant “paper dolls” fashioned after the various body types of my friends.  although adorable – i finally realized that 2-dimensional forms don’t show clothes that well.

my window displays – though fun – left something to be desired.  they generally included some seasonally appropriate backdrop, mannequins and tables for accessories.

once i saw the magic of what a professional could do – my windows went up in “ooh.. ahhh” factor a thousand-fold.  people looked forward to my windows and often came in just to give kudos. 

once again – we have some tips from Carlo Casareo about a particular Spring/Summer window he created for me at ooma:

PROJECT WINDOW: Botanical Blast!

For this summer project window, I will introduce you to the most basic and simple method of framing a store window. This method allows you to properly scale and size the window to a suitable viewing size making the product(s) more precious, more desirable, and more unique (not to mention – easy to change).

Tip #1-NEOMarker™ is water-base neon color marker, writes on nearly anything but easily removes with most window cleaner. They are available on Amazon.com or NeoPlex.

Please follow the instructions on the marker and run a test on the glass surface before proceeding to the actual design. Be comfortable using the angles of the marker tips/points.

Tip #2 - Simple drawings/illustrations you can easily copy. For this project, I used drawings inspired by an old bandanna scarf and I just added few vines and leaves to fill extra areas.

Tip #3 - Measure the height and the scale of the merchandise to be presented. Make sure that there’s enough frame opening to have an opportunity to change the merchandise display.

If you’re working with a big window, it’s safe to focus on the larger details of the design and work your way to the smaller features.

From the inside of window, start from the corner areas – that way it will be easier to add details when necessary (depending on the desired design). Have a piece of wet cloth (or face towel) handy for the few “oops” in case the marker bleeds.

Check your work progress regularly from the outside of the store window. Ask yourself:

-          Are you distributing all colors evenly throughout the window frame? (depending on the desired design)

-          Is the frame opening suitable to the height and scale of the merchandise to be presented?

Another option is to spread the design into the inside wall or ceiling of the store window, however, NEOMarker™ is not user friendly on semi-gloss painted walls so please double check.

Clean the area and focus the lighting before placing the merchandise in the window.

By using water-base markers, it should be evident that all it takes is some imagination and free-style drawings to make frames for window(s). The idea is to frame – to showcase your merchandise as art.

do you have a window that wows?  email me – we’d love to showcase your boutique!