What You Didn’t Know About Screen Printing

Posted on February 2, 2012 by On Time

CT Screen PrintingToday, screen printing is used in many youth sports and novelty items. However, it was once used for recruiting people to join the war and for wall designs in houses. There is a long and interesting history of screen printing.

The Earliest Screen Printing

The Sung Dynasty, which was between 960 A.D. and 1280 A.D., used human hair in their stencil designs. The Polynesian Island natives pressed dye into banana leaves that were cut into shapes. These dyed shapes were pressed into a bark cloth.

Middle Ages Screen Printing

The Hoyle playing card was created using a very similar type of stencil and in England the type of screen printing with stencils was used to make designs on upper-class home walls. Through trial and error, silk eventually replaced the human hair. It was during this time frame that the name “silk screen printing” was first started.

20th Century Screen Printing

Samuel Simon, who used silk and stencils for the printing, patented the process for the screen printing procedure in 1907. Designs in this patent were done by gluing them to mesh fabric. During the first World War, from 1914 to 1918, the famous “Uncle Sam Wants You” signs were done with screen printing, as were many high volume signs of that era. The 1920s to 1950s saw screen printing reach into the fine art market, and used in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Pop Art. Andy Warhol was a famous screen printing artist.

Screen printing is a widely used design medium with a rich history. Today, it is seen in advertising, promotion work, apparel, and a variety of other markets.

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Local Company Adds Twitter Handle To Vans

Posted on January 18, 2012 by On Time

There’s no question when it comes to connecting with people and businesses, Twitter has become one of the most popular ways to do so. Once you join Twitter, it’s easy to join the conversation but what do you do if you want people to know you’re on Twitter so they can find you?

Connecticut Vehicle Graphics

How To Grow Your Following On Twitter

If you’re like most business, you add the Twitter logo to your business cards, your storefront window and your website. What if you spend a lot of time on the road and have employees driving? Couldn’t they be marketing for you?

Our friends at L&S Cleaning & Janitorial Service have taken Twitter to the next level by adding their Twitter Handle (@OfficeCleanings) to their company vehicles. When we do vehicle wraps or graphics it’s not uncommon for us to see crazy things. A unique design to grab attention, a website or a phone number are the norm. What makes this one stand out is the simplicity… it’s just the Twitter handle.

Why We Like This Idea:

1. It’s Unique: We have done a lot of work for businesses in the area but this is the first time we have put a Twitter handle on a graphic. It didn’t come as a total surprise but we will be surprised if we don’t see more businesses doing this in the future.

2. It’s Direct: It’s possible for people to put so much into their vehicle wrap that the message gets lost. This is direct: connect with us on Twitter, here is our handle.

3. It’s Cheap: Sure we like to make money but as a business ourselves we understand the value of a dollar. If you have been looking to add a graphic to your vehicle but it’s been too expensive in the past, this is a great way to get started.

If your business has vehicles on the road they provide a great marketing opportunity because so many people will see them. L&S Cleaning & Janitorial Services created a fun way to connect with more people and help grow their business. You don’t have to wait to see their trucks to follow them but if you do, make sure you let them know!

Join L&S Cleaning & Janitorial Services (@OfficeCleaning) and us (@OnTimeScreen) on Twitter. We love connecting with new people!

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Dance Team & Spirit Apparel

Posted on January 11, 2012 by On Time

4 Factors for Choosing Dance Team Apparel in Connecticut

Need team apparel, dance team apparel or school apparel in Connecticut?  What kind of solutions are you looking for?   Lots of factors go into picking and choosing the right athletic apparel.  Let’s see if we can break it down for you.

Colors

First and foremost, your school apparel needs to identify your team.  That means magenta and gold, not berry and yellow.  The colors have to be right or your team apparel doesn’t really represent you!  Try to choose a company that will work you on this before you order. This will assure you get a true match to your school athletic apparel.

Fit and Comfort

Dance teams mean all kinds of different shapes and sizes.  A 5’10” member needs to be just as suited as a 4’10 member. Dance team apparel also has to perform to some pretty tough standards.  Tumbles and turns can’t be jumbled with bad seams or poor quality.  Opt for styles that are flattering and allow for ease of movement.   What material do you want it made of? Do some research and speak to your apparel “partner” before making this decision.

Deliverability and Reordering

How frustrating is it to lose your team apparel right before the big game?  Yeah, you better be able to reorder, and quick.  If you need school apparel in Connecticut, choose a company with multiple locations for pick up.  Otherwise, can they deliver?  How long will it take you to receive your next shipment? We take pride in getting our work done on time. So much so, we named our company after it.

Screen Printing and Embroidery

Did you know most school apparel comes blank?  A screen printer will add the names and other visuals to the uniform. They can be heat pressed, embroidered or screen printed.  The point is the quality of the product needs to measure up to lots of washings.  Don’t stop there, because if you need school apparel created on the fly, you’ll want to make sure your company can do it on the fly, literally!

What are your athletic apparel needs?  Looking for dance team apparel to really capture the crowd?  We’ve got options, and samples, ready to show off.  Contact us now.

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Custom Banners and Signs in Connecticut

Posted on January 3, 2012 by On Time

Banners & Signs in Connecticut: The Best Kept Advertising Secret

As a screen printing and embroidery company, we’re often asked to suggest cost effective

Custom Banners & Signs in Connecticut

Banner for a client of ours

advertising. Clients often have products or promotions they need to advertise on a temporary basis to their clients.  Guess what? Indoor banners, outdoor banners, event banners and event signs are the best, most affordable, solutions for temporary advertising.

There’s more.  When you choose a screen printer to create custom banners and signs in Connecticut, you’ll often spend quite a bit less than you think.   Since most items are created on site, the banners & signs can be ready in just a few days.  They make the perfect temporary advertising solution for holiday promotions.

You might choose an indoor banner to greet customers as they walk in the door.  Outdoor banners strung outside can draw in new clients if done correctly.  As for event signs, keep them colorful and to the point so clients know right away what the sale is.  Banners & signs in Connecticut might require zoning, so check with your local business entity for rules.

The best kept secret, of course, is that you may be able to save money by using an already existing screen printing template.  Ask when you order your banners what’s available.  Finally, keep in mind the quality of the outdoor banner or indoor banner affect how long they last.  Consider an upgrade for promotions you run regularly or every season.

Need screen printing and embroidery in Connecticut? Call today for effective advertising ideas … and maybe a few more of our best kept secrets.

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Trophies and Corporate Awards In Connecticut

Posted on December 21, 2011 by On Time

On Time Screen Printing TrophiesDoes your company provide employees with trophies?  Perhaps you’ve made a show of corporate awards to recognize a job well done?  Trophies & corporate awards in Connecticut need to be done right.  You have to use a source you can rely on.  Names need to be spelled correctly, and the quality of the award needs to stand up to your, um, standards.

What’s important to you in an award? When you consider the factors that go into creating an excellent award, you may be tempted to start with budget.  How much do you want to spend?  For very unique corporate awards, like crystal, you may consider spending a bit more. These will be provided to your most stellar employees.

For trophies of a more standard sort, ask for a product where your logo and business stand out.  You might even downgrade and not have the trophies engraved if you are handing out quite a few.  As a rule of thumb, the more of a trophy you intend to distribute, the less you may want to spend on each item.  Further, it’s highly unlikely you’ll provide the same quality of award to an employee of 5 years as one of 25 years.

Keep in mind that the quality of the award speaks to your values as a business, as well.  Our client’s feedback typically revolves around the shape, size and coloring of the corporate awards & trophies in Connecticut they choose.  Consider this for yourself when you make a decision.

Here’s the thing: Make sure you choose a location to create your trophies that will be able to provide the product on time.   It’s important your awards be ready for your corporate awards event.  That said, also consider if you need corporate awards in Connecticut where they’ll be shipped or created.  This will guarantee your celebration of success is a, um, success.

Contact us today for more tips and tidbits on buying trophies & corporate awards.

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Why You Need Screen Printing and Embroidery in Connecticut

Posted on December 15, 2011 by On Time

Last week, a maintenance man came to my house to perform some minor repairs.  I wasn’t sure if I should let him in the door.  While he identified himself as part of the company I’d hired, he didn’t wear any emblems to identify himself.  This is one of the main reasons you need screen printing and embroidery in Connecticut.

Embroidery on polos, t-shirts and sweatshirts gives your buyer confidence in your business.  When you have a uniform screen printed for your employees, your clients can be certain who’s come to their house for repairs.    Should we mention the neighbors also see your company name while out on service calls?

Since you need screen printing and embroidery in Connecticut, you’ll want to consider the homes your business visits on a regular basis.  For work like landscaping, a screen printed tshirt is a good fit.  Your employees will be performing tasks that don’t require them to be presentable.

On the other hand, if your business requires employees to visit inside of a client’s home, clients want to feel safe.  You should consider an embroidered polo shirt to add a little classiness.  Try to shy away from screen printing if you only need a few, nice items created.

Ultimately, when you consider your business, you want to make sure you’re presenting clients with a solid image of your company.  You don’t want anyone to question who’s knocking at the door, do you?  So make sure you invest in some screen printing and embroidery in Connecticut.

For quotes on our very affordable logoed wear, contact us.  We’ll have you logoed up in no time.

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Carrano Scholarship Fund Orders Apparel For 2011 Charity Hockey Game

Posted on November 30, 2011 by On Time

We receive thousands of orders every year and each one gives us a new reason to be excited. Regardless of what the organization does, we realize the work we are doing is helping an organization grow and it’s an honor for us to work with them. One of the charities we have worked with the past couple of years is the Frank Carrano Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Founded in 1999, the Carrano Scholarship Fund was founded in memory of Frank Carrano, a student-athlete who graduated from Notre Dame of Fairfield. The tragic loss of a great young man is the foundation for the Carrano Scholarship Fund and we are happy to help them with their cause. Since the scholarship fund was established they have helped more than 55 students with by contributing more than $175,000 in financial aid. As the scholarship fund evolved from a raffle (which still exists) to a hockey game and golf outing, we have been fortunate enough to help the Carrano Scholarship Fund grow by providing apparel they can sell at events.

Our Work With Fundraisiers

Earlier this year we wrote an article about our work with Janet Daniels Foundation which helps raise money and awareness to fight Ovarian Cancer. As organizations look to raise money to support their cause, we work with them minimize costs, raise awareness for their cause and keep the process as easy as possible. In most cases, organizations are ordering apparel or banners for an upcoming event and have enough work to handle. We want to make it simple so they can focus on what’s important, their event.

The back of the 2010 Carrano Scholarship Fund Shirt

Without giving away the Carrano Scholarship Fund secrets, each year they place an order for T-shirts, Sweatshirts & long-sleeve shirts to sell at their charity hockey game. While the selling of the shirts makes them a small profit, it also helps them market their cause or events. Once someone buys a shirt and wears it, other people ask questions and it could lead to more people supporting their cause.

Last year they didn’t sell all of the shirts at the hockey game but rather than turn it into a negative, they created a positive. The leftover shirts were used in a giveaway at their annual golf outing. This reached another group of people with the same shirts. We’re happy to see the apparel helped them raise money and awareness, that’s the goal!

We would like to wish all the organizations we work with much success in their fundraising efforts and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to help your cause!

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Screen Printing “Hoodies”: The T-Shirt Of The Winter

Posted on November 22, 2011 by On Time

T-shirts dominate the screen printing world but when the Summer ends and the warm weather disappears, there is a small shift in the most popular garment. Hooded sweatshirts, or “Hoodies” increase in popularity and become the T-Shirt of the Winter.

Hooded sweatshirts become more popular in the colder months.

Hoodies come in a variety of colors and a variety of prices making it ideal for organizations looking to raise money through fundraising or to giveaway as a part of their marketing campaign. Available in zip or pullover fashion, the “hoodie” offers the versatility of a unisex style to wear as a top indoors or as outerwear in the Spring or Fall. We have seen them worn on cool Summer nights, especially by the water, which makes the hoodie something you can use year round.

Are Hooded Sweatshirts Right For Me?

Similar to t-shirts, hoodies are great for any organization looking to show off their name in the cooler weather. Although they are often screen printed, we have seen them embroidered with a small logo on the left chest and occasionally names on the sleeve.

Hoodies can work for any organization but they are most common in:

  • High Schools: Schools order them to sell to students as a way to promote their school and create additional funding. They are also common for sports teams to order.
  • Colleges & Universities: If you have been to a college bookstore you have seen them. Hoodies are incredibly popular with the college crowd as a way to show school pride and be comfortable around the dorms. They also make great gifts around the holidays.
  • Resorts: If you have stayed on a resort you have probably seen hoodies on the staff when the sun goes down or if they are on the water. It’s a great way to stay warm and also keep the resort name in full view. It’s likely they are sold in the gift shop as a way to remember your trip too.
  • Charity & Fundraising: Hoodies are very popular when it comes to fundraising especially in the cooler months. Our friends at the Carrano Scholarship Fund order hoodies every year for their charity hockey game as a way to keep people warm, spread their name and raise money for their cause.
  • Dance & Cheer Teams: It’s tough to say if this is the most popular but every year a few new dance or cheer team place orders with us. It’s perfect for the teams to wear before or after a competition and show off their team spirit.

When you’re considering a way to show off your team or organization and keep warm, a hooded sweatshirt could be a great option. With variety of styles and prices, you’re sure to find something that fits with your organizations needs.

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Fall Apparel Solution: Long-Sleeve Polos

Posted on November 15, 2011 by On Time

It doesn’t feel like Fall this week but as the cooler air rolls in, we find ourselves receiving more orders for long-sleeve and winter apparel. It’s starts off simple with sweatshirt and winter hat orders but when it comes to our business clients, they’re looking for a more professional way to stay warm. Often they turn to long-sleeve polo shirts.

A long-sleeve polo is professional and comfortable.

Similar to the short-sleeve polo shirts we have written about in previous articles, the long-sleeve polo gives a professional look without sacrificing comfort for your organization. Long-sleeve polos are a great choice for a casual look that can also double as a dressy alternative when worn with a sport coat. If your organization is used to wearing polo shirts during the warmer months, this is a great way to keep a consistent look year round.

Who Wears Long-Sleeve Polo Shirts?

Just like the short-sleeve polo shirts, long-sleeve polos can work for anyone. We often see them in Athletic Departments during fall and winter sports seasons but they also work for professional organizations as well. If you’re holding and event outdoors, attending a tradeshow or looking for a professional but casual look for your sales team, a long-sleeve polo could be right for you.

It’s that time of year in Connecticut when the weather will be getting colder and everyone will be bundling up. A long-sleeve polo is a great way for your organization to maintain a professional look and keep your team comfortable.

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QR Codes For T-Shirts

Posted on November 7, 2011 by On Time

Social Media is all the rage and one of the trends we are noticing is more people using QR Codes. QR codes make it easy for anyone with a smartphone to take your information or be directed to your website (or any place you wish to direct them). While they’re most common on posters or business cards, we’re seeing QR Codes become more popular on apparel.

A QR Code we put on our shirts.

Three Reasons To Put A QR Code On Your Shirts

  1. Differentiate Yourself: A QR Code on a poster, it’s been done a million times but a QR Code on a shirt, that’s unique. If you’re going to a networking event, this can make you stand out and make you memorable. At networking events or trade shows people are introduced to hundreds of new connections, wouldn’t it be a nice if you could stand out from the rest?
  2. Instant Website Traffic: One of the reasons people move advertising from print to Internet is the ease of getting traffic to their website. When online, people can click a link and be directed to the page your ad leads them to. With print advertising, it takes someone remembering the page, getting to their computer and then looking it up. A QR Code allows people to scan and be directed to your website right on their mobile device! In just one click of a button you’re getting people from your shirt, to your website, blog or online store.
  3. It’s Fun: This seems obvious but it’s fun to see people with the QR Code on them and other scanning it! We’ve seen it done at bars and restaurants for discounts, free food and free drinks. The possibilities are virtually endless and it’s a “game” that could go on for a long time.
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