willowdawn | Whidbey Island, Washington's Premier Photographer » gift

Making it easy for you… | Virginia Custom Photographer

willowdawn — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:58:03 +0000

Are you noticing a trend yet? I want to make the creation and owning of custom portraiture as easy as possible for you. I also want to make gift giving easy for you! Custom photo gifts are perfect for the difficult to shop for person on your list – and because I want it to be easy for YOU… it will come beautifully gift wrapped. I’m excited about my holiday gift wrap so please bear with me as I share what makes it so special.

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!

Black Friday SALE – EXTENDED!

willowdawn — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:04:25 +0000

I was informed that my shopping cart was not accepting credit card payment as it’s supposed to, and I BELIEVE that I’ve got it all worked out… so the sale is being extended till Monday night!

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!

Photo Jewelry – Holiday Gift Giving Made Easy! | Virginia Custom Photographer

willowdawn — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:47:35 +0000

I announced a few weeks ago that I was working with a new vendor to create jewelry works of art! I’m excited to say that my samples have arrived and WOW, they are gorgeous!!! Necklace in a few different styles, a bracelet, keyring and even an Christmas ornament! The best part – the turn around is FAST so even you shopping procrastinators will have time to order and receive these before December 25th! Though just to be safe and because I don’t wish to work right up to the holidays, orders should be place no later than December 11th… that’s one month so plenty of time. Each item will be presented in a gift box and complimentary gift wrapping, complete with a darling gift bag. I’ll post a follow up photo of the gift presentation once my wrapping paper arrives. As is my crunch way – the gift boxes, paper and gift bag are all made from recycled paper and the ribbon is made from recycled soda bottles!!! How cool is that?

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!

willowdawn photography is TWO years old!!! Let’s celebrate!

willowdawn — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:53:08 +0000

It’s been an amazing two years. I’ve met so many incredible people and I am convinced that I have the bestest clients in the world. Over the past two years, you all have given me gifts. Gifts of laughter, singing (Look at me… look at me… hands in the air like it’s good to be… alive!) and friendship. Now I want to give you gifts. During the month of November –

But WAIT – there’s more!!!! For the men in your lives…

Let’s recap… buy a handbag/tote listed – get the French Wallet HALF OFF! Buy a bifold or trifold wallet – get a second wallet (same style) HALF OFF! Each item can have a different image so even if you just want to buy two wallets for yourself and swap them according to which child you love best at the moment!

FREE shipping on all other purses/totes/accessories – but the free shipping cannot be applied to the special offers above.

Any questions? Then get shopping – orders must be received and paid by November 20 for holiday delivery!!! Specials will last through the end of November, but orders received after November 20 will NOT be available for Christmas gift giving.

Where in Virginia is – willowdawn photography?

willowdawn — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:22:03 +0000

Ok, try not to choke on my nerd dust but Where in the World is Carmen San Diego is one of the few kids shows, I actually liked… so now reread the title like you’re singing the song… it sort of works, right?

I just got a spodey-odey new decal for the back of my car and thought it would be fun to play a bit of Where in Virginia is willowdawn photography? Hey, I warned you about the nerd dust! So if you see me around town in my cute little Prius – snap a pic with your phone or any other camera you have handy and email it to me. I’ll send you a coupon for your choice of free item! Oh, and please don’t get all daredevilish and try to do this whilst driving! And a pic of my car in my driveway doesn’t count! I’ll give you a couple of hints as to where you might find me. I don’t shop at the mall – but I seem to live at Costco. I’d keep my eyes open around Wegmans too! Oh and I ALWAYS park near the cart corral. Always. I attend church in the Massaponax area so Sunday’s I’d keep an eye out around there!

Good luck and I can’t wait to see who spots me!

October’s Special offer! | Virginia Custom Portraiture and Gifts

willowdawn — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:19:53 +0000

willowdawn photography virginia custom portraiture holiday gifts special offer

Or if these two items don’t float your boat – Free shipping on all other bags/wallets and accessories is available! Sorry, offers cannot be combined.

Making it easy for you… | Virginia Custom Photographer

willowdawn — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:35:50 +0000

That’s been my mantra since I first opened willowdawn photography. It started with me coming to you, or where ever you wanted to shoot. Continued when I included framing with all wall portraits (11×14 and larger). Kept the theme when I went looking for high quality and beautiful custom gift items. I’m excited to announce that as of today, I now have sterling silver and pewter jewelry and stainless steel key rings to add to the gift guide. I’ve ordered a few samples and they should arrive next week – but I couldn’t wait that long to share so here’s a glimpse of what’s to come!

I’ve got wallets, purses and keychains OH MY!!!

willowdawn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:19:25 +0000

My new sample bags and accessories arrived today and WOW! Beautiful is all I can say. And the finishing touches – each item is in a flannel, draw string bag, in a sturdy, two piece black presentation box. Just like other quality handbags. Gift giving just got much much easier. I’m still working up the details for a holiday special… but stayed tuned as it will be revealed shortly. Full product line is viewable… HERE

Holiday shopping just got easier!

willowdawn — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:29:10 +0000

We all have them. The family members who have EVERYTHING, want nothing but we want to get them something… and not just any old thing, but something they’ll LOVE and use. Well, you shopping just got easier! Yesterday I partnered up with Memoires by Eric Scott to offer beautiful handbags, wallets and accessories crafted of full grain leather and featuring YOUR favorite image from your session! What mom or grandma would love to have a pocket book with her little darling(s) on display. Who needs a brag book (though we can get those too!)? And no worries… we’ve got card cases, bifold and trifold wallets for dad and grandpa too! Executive memo pads, paper weights, keychains and more! Here’s a small sample of products available. My physical samples have not yet arrived, but I will have several pieces for you to hold and feel.

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.

Family portraits | Fredericksburg, Virginia {sneak peek!}

willowdawn — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:28:07 +0000

Well, I was worried for no good reason. Three boys! I honestly was a bit nervous. I have only girls. I know how to talk to girls. I have plenty to talk to girls about. So when Miss L. called and scheduled a family portrait session for her and her three boys as a surprise father’s day gift… well, I was a bit unsure! But my worries were totally unnecessary. Not only were the boys gorgeous and polite - they were an absolute hoot to photograph. We had so much fun and surprise surprise, they even laughed at my corny jokes. So Miss L and the gang, enjoy your sneak peek! I’ll call when the proofs have arrived back from the lab so we can get this book designed, ordered and safely hidden away, awaiting father’s day! (So if you know Mr. C… shhhhhh! don’t say a word!)

An “out-take” from the session… but this time they were laughing at mom. Something about “trees” I think. You’ll need to ask her!