Yesterday as we were digging out the driveway, I looked up and just marveled at the beauty.  I’m quite sure that my neighbors think I’m nuts, but it’s ok, I probably am.  I went inside to get the camera so that I could not only document the snowfall for family who lives in warmer climates, but also to preserve the beauty I saw around me.  I’ve added this image to my Etsy shoppe – though it’s not yet back from the printers… so it won’t ship immediately.  And I don’t really know when I’ll next see the USPS lady or my wonderful UPS and FedEx men due to not only the snow currently fallen, but the additional storm we are expecting tomorrow.  It’s a good thing I love my children as much as I do, though I fear they will be in school till August if the snow days continue!

As if I didn’t have quite enough going on in my life, I also opened an Etsy.com shoppe (pronounced with the “e” in our family!) to market and sell prints, notecards and other items featuring many of the images I’ve taken on my travels. If you’ve not discovered the wonderful wonderful world that is Etsy – I HIGHLY recommend you get a cup of coffee/tea and get comfortable as you browse through the amazing offerings there. It is THE market place for all things handmade and art. The best way to connect consumers directly with the people who create the items we love to use and display. From soaps/lotions/lip balms to jewelry/clothes/accessories. Vintage items of all sorts and art of every genre and style. There is truly something (or lots of somethings!!!) for everyone on Etsy. My shoppe is still new and so I will be adding additional images and items as I get my feet back under me. If you are looking for art for your walls and love black and white photography, check out my little corner of etsy here. There are colour images too, as well, somethings NEED to be in colour! I will be bringing many of these items to the Family Fun Day at Fredericksburg Christian School on February 20th – contact me for further details if you are interested in dropping by.

I mentioned the house being listed for sale… yes, the time is quickly coming for the Mietus family to embark on the next leg of their journey. We will be relocating to Whidbey Island, Washington (almost to Canada) this coming summer. After our oldest graduates high school and the house sells. The house selling is the biggest unknown factor. SOOOOOOOO…. what this means for you, my wonderful clients is that I will NOT be shooting sessions, after Saturday, May 1st… pending further notification. IF the house does NOT sell and it looks like we will be sticking around longer into the summer then I will amend this date as needed. I simply do not feel as though I can guarantee the service I desire to offer my clients if I am jamming sessions in, right up until I move away. If you have been waiting for spring for your senior portraits or other sessions – do NOT delay in booking as openings are limited and will be first come, first serve.

I hope that you are all safe and warm, bundled against this blustery winter day… and I leave you with an image, perfect for Valentine’s Day. As my oldest and I wandered around the back streets of Oxford, England this summer (lost!) we came upon this one brick, painted just so… Of course I HAD to take a photo!
This image is available in my etsy shoppe *wink wink

I’m sure by now you’ve realized that I’m what my husband calls “crunchy”. I try to implement “green” policies in all areas of my life, and my business is no different. In fact, it’s even more important considering the amount of cardboard packaging etc the prints/frames/canvases etc require. But rest assured, that all the packaging materials are indeed recycled. But back to holiday wrapping… when I was looking for something attractive, that blended well with the willowdawn photography aesthetic, I started in the “eco friendly” section of my vendors catalog. Bags and boxes where quickly decided upon as soon as I saw them. They were perfect and with boxes containing 100% recycled fiber – on average 80% is post consumer. The paper wrap material is manufactured carbon neutral, FSC certified, green-e certified with wind certificates, process chlorine free (PCF) and are made in the USA with 100% post consumer waste and are green seal certified. It’s hard to get “crunchier that that!

The bags are a little less “green” at only 50% recycled content, but I was sold, not only because of their charming design, but because they are also, made in the USA. As many parts of our country faces tough economic issues – I’ll all for buying American – and keeping our citizens employed. And did I mention they’re CUTE?!?!

And then there is the paper and ribbon… I’m so excited by the paper that I’ll save it for last, but the ribbon is soooo cool too! This awesome ribbon is crafted of polyester and is made in the USA from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. Of course, it’s not as posh as say a beautiful velvet or double faced satin – which I’m not knocking – they’re beautiful. But this is beautiful and guilt free! And the paper… let me tell you about the paper.

I’ve chosen to wrap your gifts in Mulberry Blend Gift Wrap which is made from natural fibers. This paper is made by artisans in remote villages around the world – creating jobs and fair wages for hard working communities. Distant Village packaging is providing more that just great eco-friendly and sustainable products. It is a sustainable model that supports real people in many ways. To learn more, click here. Now this a gift that feels great to give!

ALL gift items AND now, all canvases – will be 20% off on Friday, November 27th – and ONLY on Friday, November 27th. It was going to be only on gift items but I just received word that my canvas vendor is having Thanksgiving sale and I’m passing this savings on to YOU! Gift items include handbags, wallets, key fobs and jewelry! Check the GIFT GUIDE and then head over to my shopping area to start shopping.

Click here to enter shopping cart.

COUPON CODE: black

All items will come beautifully gift wrapped and ready to be put under the tree, shipped or presented to the one you love. Which reminds me… I need to go take a photo of the wrapping paper! It’s soooo cute! And is my way, all of the wrapping materials are made from recycled products! I’ll be back!

Bracelet has two images!

So the photos are ALL the wrong sizes so I’ll have to come back and clean up this mess I’ve just created, but it will have to wait! I’ve a party to go to… and I’m wearing the necklace with Miss C sitting in the chair!

So start thinking now – who on your list would LOVE a fine leather photo gift. And stay tuned… I’m working on a holiday special! In fact you can help me – YOU tell me what items you would like to see a special offer for! Just leave a comment below.