Sunday, November 26, 2006

I've been called out...

on being a blog slacker. :-( I am so far behind on featured sessions it actually hurts my head to think about it! So, I'm gonna cheat a bit and do one (or maybe a few...) mega posts. See...I really have been working these past few months. Honest! So...enjoy...
As you can see, I've been quite the busy bee with newborns!! I'm sure you remember my infiltration of maternity clientele in July and August....well, those babies had to be born sometime!!

Stay tuned....a "special" announcement to follow very soon..... :-)

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Holiday Specials

Well, believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner! And, with that comes a whole lot of people to buy for and if they're anything like the people I have to buy for, they don't often send lists!! So, I'm gonna help out a bit on a few specials for Christmas...

**Purchase any 10x20 collage or storyboard and receive a mini 5x10 collage complimentary. Whether you choose the small one for yourself, give it as a gift, or simply use at the office, you will love this mini version! They look fabulous on a little easel!!

**Black Onyx Necklace - $125 (regularly priced at $160)

**Charming Necklace $75 (regularly priced at $110)


These specials are good through December 15th. So, hurry to place your order today! If you want delivery by Christmas, orders for the jewelry needs to be placed and paid for by December 1st and orders for the Storyboards or Collages need to be placed and paid for by December 4th.

Happy Holidays!!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Site difficulties

Well....on the bright side, the correct picture is finally on the splash page!! :-)

Please pardon the "mess" on the site. It seems my website company is having some difficulties getting this to work properly. Right now, you can go to my site and see the splash page, but can get no further.

I am in the process of getting to the bottom of this and hope to have a fully functional site VERY soon......

Thanks for your patience.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Brand Spankin' New

So....I've kept you all in suspense for many, many weeks anticipating the changes to Essence. Well, the time has finally come! After much deliberation with my focus group, I am pleased to announce the changes to Essence, set to begin immediately.

The Products.

Many of you know that I have always offered Isabelle Chase Jewelry. While her designs and craftsmanship are exquisite, her prices took a huge leap in the last few months....more than I was comfortable passing on to my clients. So, I began searching for a new jewelry designer. I am pleased to announce that I have found my new line of photo jewelry. It is a collaborative grouping, made up of pieces from several different designers, to give you the best options when choosing your product. Prices start at $110. I think you will find these designs to be much more contemporary, funky and unique.......I'm in love with them and running out of pictures of my little guy to use on them!! Just a peek at a few of the offerings:

I am also pleased to announce the launch of Canvas Creations. These beautiful pieces of art are shown on Fine Art Canvas Gallery Wraps and are ready to hang. Most of these designs can be altered in color to match your decor or the portrait in use. Four designs available.

Finally, what I consider the "best of the best" in the new products. I am pleased to offer these gorgeous, Italian Leather albums, containing 40 prints. Your portraits are mounted on black pages and separated by vellum interleaves. The album is protected in a satin lined display box. These albums are available for purchase individually, or for a discounted priced based on your order. Please inquire for further details.
The Details.

As with most businesses, I like to re-evaluate my business policies and procedures on a yearly basis (sometimes bi-annually) and October is generally the time I do that to coincide with my business anniversary. After approaching my focus group and talking with a few clients on the matter, I have moved forward with changes in my pricing. For those that are previous customers, you will see an increase in my session fee, as well as my Table Top Portraits. But, you will also see a DECREASE in my Wall Art Portraits and my Custom Collages, Creations and Storyboards. Why? Well, that's pretty simple. My main purpose in decreasing my large wall portraits is to encourage my clients to fill the walls of their home with art, rather than decorating bookshelves with portraits.

There are a few other minor changes, but they just aren't exciting enough to post on the blog!! Except this one.... My ordering process is changing slightly. Online proofing will still be used as my main source of proofing. However, other options are now available to you for your ordering needs. Should you need to discuss further your portrait options, an in-house or phone ordering appointment will be available. For in-house ordering appointments, I will help you measure your space, bring samples and help you decide the best pieces and sizes for the locations you wish to display your pieces of art. For phone ordering appointments, we will discuss your ideas and I will guide you to what best works for your location. These are best done if you are a returning client who's home I've visited or a new client who's session took place at your home. Basically, it works best if I've been to your home before and have seen the location(s) you are hoping to put your portraits.

As I said, online slideshows will remain my main source of proofing. Your slideshows will now remain online for two weeks, after which time will be deleted from the system. Previous guidelines for reactivation apply. However, you now have "bonuses" available to you for ordering early. For every order that is placed in full within 3 days of your online gallery activation, you will receive 20% off your entire print order. For orders placed within 5 days, you will receive 15% off, and for orders placed within 10 days, you will receive 10% off. This is my way of giving back to you while hopefully maintaining a successful workflow and process with my clients.

Boy, that was a mouthful!!! If you have any questions at all regarding any of the changes, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to answer your questions! One last thing - I will be announcing wonderful Holiday Specials in the next few days so stay tuned for that!!

Drum roll please.................

And the winner is......................................

This is one of my absolute favorite mother/daughter portraits. I love everything about it - so many little details make this image incredibly powerful. So, as soon as I can get my husband (aka: computer guru) to get this baby loaded on the Splash Page, you will be seeing it every time you log on to my site till the end of the year!!

Finally, thanks to everyone that stopped by to vote!! I had very close to 500 votes in only one week! Keep your eyes peeled for the next time this contest will run - right after the first of the year!!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Last Chance to vote!!

The splash page contest ends tonight!!! If you haven't yet, please vote! You will find the poll and photos to choose from just below this post.

A reminder on prizes:

Winner receives location on splash page, either an 11x14 or 5x15 collage and a $50 gift certificate from either Learning Express or One Step Ahead!!

Runners-up receive location on flash movie that will be seen when you first enter my site. They will also receive a 4x8 mini collage!

Thanks everyone for your votes thus far - keep 'em coming!!