Design & Unwind Slotted Board Project Party to benefit Smile for Life program
A personalized slotted board showcases one of the vinyl designs and some of the embellishments that are available.
Christina Livingston holds one of the slotted boards she made as an independent designer with Simply Said Inc. Livingston will host a “Design & Unwind” Slotted Board Project Party to benefit Cornerstone Care’s Smile for Life program.
Michelle Crow displays two of the personalized slotted boards that were made during a Simply Said Inc. party that Christina Livingston held for Crow and her family.
Simply Said Inc. offers a generous palette of colors.
Christina Livingston is unable to curb her enthusiasm whenever she talks about Simply Said Inc., especially when she has the opportunity to share her passion while raising money for the nonprofit that pays her salary.
Livingston, an independent designer with Simply Said and outreach specialist with Cornerstone Care in Washington, will host a Slotted Board Project Party called “Design & Unwind” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 24 at the Waynesburg VFW, 445 E. Lincoln St.
Her commissions, as well as a percentage of Simply Said’s profits, will benefit Cornerstone Care’s Smile for Life program, an oral hygiene program that, since 2009, has been available to eligible kindergartners through 12th-graders in participating school districts. A mobile dental unit visits the schools, providing examinations, cleanings and flouride treatments for students.
“I did this because I fell in love with the program,” said Livingston, who joined Simply Said in February 2016. “I always wanted to do crafts, but I’m not the craftiest person. This allows me to be creative.”
Established nine years ago in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to inspire, comfort and encourage others through the power of language, Simply Said offers more than 1,000 home designs, from trendy printed treasures to an extensive collection of vinyl designs.
“The possibilities are endless,” Livingston said.
But for the “Design & Unwind” party, Livingston had to reduce the “possibilities” to a handful of options while still providing an ample selection of personalized, fun and heartfelt phrases.
“I was trying to touch everyone, not just the wine drinkers or coffee drinkers,” Livingston said.
Although slotted boards come in a variety of sizes, Livingston has chosen an 8-inch-by-8-inch mini slotted board for her project party.
However, participants are able to choose their vinyl design, as well as their vinyl color. The boards also can be painted and distressed, and embellishments can be added.
“It’s a vinyl design that is easy to apply,” said Livingston, who will guide participants to help them get the look they want to achieve. “They’re beautiful. They’re not something to be ashamed of. Quite often, they are done as a gift.”
And the beauty of it, too, is that each finished product will be different.
“It’s not like a paint and sip,” Livington said. “Nobody does the same thing. I have fun. I’m not an artist, and I’m not a painter. But it’s not something you are going to stash under your bed. “
Michelle Crow, who works with Livingston at Cornerstone Care, and her family invited Livingston to host a party for them. Crow said they all had a good time, and each person designed a board that they are proud to hang on the wall.
“It’s super easy,” she said.
A few of the vinyl designs Livingston has chosen for the project party are “A simple life is a beautiful life,” “Family is a gift that lasts forever,” “Time for wine,” “All we need is love and flip flops,” “Be still and know that I am God” and “You & Me and the dogs.” A complete list of designs available for the party can be found at www.cornerstonecareevents.com/.
“It’s a nice girls’ night out,” Livingston said. “You don’t have to be an artist. You can just design and unwind. You are designing your own décor. To me, it allows you to personalize it.”
Plus, she said, “It’s a great opportunity to give back. It’s important to do anything we can to help.”
Cost of the Design & Unwind Project Party is $40 and includes food and prizes. There also will be a Chinese auction. To view the designs and place an order for the party, visit www.cornerstonecareevents.com/. Paid orders are due by Feb. 21. For more information, contact Christina Livingston at 724-263-6929 or clivingston@cornerstonecare.com.