Tattoo trend extends to walls
By: Beverly Allen - December 17th, 2007
Individual expression and decorative embellishment — emerging trends in home décor — are coming together right now in wall tattoos. These are easy to apply graphics, words and images for walls, often with pre-pasted or adhesive backing. And unlike tattoos for the skin, these appliqués are easy to remove, so one impetuous choice will not lead to a lifetime of regret.
One of the first companies to introduce peel-and-stick wall graphics was the Venice, CA-based blik, which makes adhesive decals that can be applied to any smooth, flat surface. Designs run from kid-friendly animals to Keith Haring’s gritty graffiti-inspired art. blik has even brought tattooing to the table, with Glass Stiks, dishwasher-safe decals for glassware that can be easily removed, (but not re-used).
All blik wall products are available online at http://www.whatisblik.com/, and some can be purchased online at http://www.homedepot.ca/. Prices vary, but on the latter site, a package of 16, six-inch coloured “Angels” by Keith Haring sells for $46.95. Glass Stik decals currently sell for $2.45 a set at homedepot.ca, but we’re told they will be discontinued when stock runs out. They are, however, available on the blik website, where a set of Polynesian flower Glass Stiks (nine two-inch flowers and eight leaves) sells for $4.50US.
Wallies are pre-pasted paper cutouts that can be put up on walls, or added to other pieces in the home, such as lamp shades, ceramic tiles and tin waste baskets in minutes. These vinyl-coated wallpaper decals need only to be submerged in water for about 60 seconds before being applied to the wall surface with a clean sponge. Each package of Wallies cutouts includes 25 pieces. Prices start at about $12. To order online or for a list or retailers, go to http://www.wallies.com/.
The same company makes clever peel-and-stick removable chalkboard panels that are both fun and useful for such spots as a child’s play corner, or to use for shopping list or memo board in a kitchen or garage. A set of four panels, in green, black or purple, sells for about $20 and is available at some Home Hardware stores and online.
Wall tattoos with famous quotes, aphorisms or inspirational words are also popular. WallTalk makes adhesive panels of text that, when pressed against a wall and rubbed with a credit card, is transferred onto the surface. Price runs from between about $10 and $25. For more information, and a list of retailers, go to http://www.walltalk.ca/.
You can dress up dreary winter windows quickly and inexpensively with a decal flower arrangement from Up to You, (http://www.uptoyoutoronto.com/).
Up to You sells 12-inch transparent flower and vase decals made from a static material that sticks to the window and can be reused. These decals sell for $11.
Customizable wall graphics are the newest twist to the tattoo trend. blik, for example, sells panels of stick-on, reusable tattoos created by graphic artist Undoboy (http://www.undoboy.com/). These quirky black and white icons, based on the artist’s childhood memories, can be coloured by the user. And the new line of wallpaper that Karim Rashid has created for Graham & Brown includes Huddle, a design of variously-sized frames, which the user is encouraged to personalize with pictures or drawings. Rashid’s line is available exclusively at Umbra stores ($30/per roll). For a list of locations, go to http://www.umbra.com/.
For wall tattoos that you won’t find at your neighbourhood store, check out the work of artist and graphic designer Michelle Christina. Based in New Hampshire, Christina sells removable decals in matte vinyl with adhesive backing in designs that run from naturalistic elements, such as her deco-influenced Leaf motif, to “Kiss”, a saucy lipstick print that’s available in a rainbow of colours, including fire-engine red. Prices range from $10 - $65US for a set.
Christina will also create tattoos based on a customer’s own line drawing or ideas. Prices for custom work is based on the intricacy of the design and the amount of vinyl required, but they range anywhere from $40 to $100US and up. For more information, go to http://www.michellechristina.com/.
Believe it or not, tattooing has even made its way into the bathroom. Toilet Tattoos are, reusable, removable, appliqués for the toilet lid. Made from electrostatic plastic film, they can be wiped clean. They will not, however, stick to cushioned vinyl or wooden seats. If stored properly, they can be used repeatedly, which means you can bring out seasonally-themed tattoos, such as the Poinsettia design, annually. Toilet Tattoos are available in an elongated 12- by 15-inch and a round 12- by 13.5-inch shape. Prices start at $9.95US. For more information, go to http://www.toilet-tattoos.com/