Saturday, June 21, 2014

Christmas In July!

Our annual Anniversary sessions are coming up next month and this year's theme is "Christmas in July"!   

We will be setting up a Christmas scene on the beach with a tree and all the trimmings!  This is a great opportunity to get a jump on those holiday cards!  

This year we are offering 1/2 packages!  1/2 sessions at 1/2 prices!  And 2 locations to choose from!  Choose your favorite package here and we will cut it in 1/2 for you! 


Email us to schedule! 


When:  Saturday, July 19 6:30am- 11:00am (MORNING)
Where: Bellows

When: Saturday, July 19 4:30pm- 6:30pm (EVENING)
Where: Barbers Point


Monday, June 16, 2014

Product Review - Custom Frames: The Organic Bloom, Poppy Tree Frames, Michael's, Hobby Lobby


We love picture frames!  Especially custom picture frames that add some personality and flair to our walls.  We stumbled upon The Organic Bloom a few years back and instantly fell in love!  Since then, we've seen several other options become available that appear to mimic The Organic Bloom.  We decided to check them out and do some comparisons because lets face it, we all want to get the most value for our money!

So, since we love them so much, it seems fitting to start with The Organic Bloom.  First off let us say that not only is the quality top notch, the customer service is impeccable.  Ordering is super easy and they keep you informed of the process while your frame is in production all the way until it is delivered to your doorstep. They have lots of different styles and colors; the options are endless and all are handmade in the USA!



Side note:  The Organic Bloom frames can only be purchased through a direct vendor, if you are interested in learning more please email us!
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We were disappointed in the selection at the location we visited: they only had one shape and size (5x7) available and they are sold unpainted.  But, this could be a fun option if you enjoy painting! The sticker on the back of the frame says made in China and the frame is pretty lightweight, smells like real wood though!



The back is of the frame is unfinished and we had to remove staples where they attached the plastic rack hanger for store display.  Also the wall hangers are attached to the backing board along with a free stand which you don't typically see on a custom frame.


 After picking up a can of Martha Stewart glitter paint at Home Depot for $8 and putting 5 coats on this frame, it looks great!  

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Poppy Tree is the closest we found to The Organic Bloom.  Custom made in the USA and lots of custom options.  The nice difference is the inside of the frame is custom cut as well! When we ordered this frame we were told it would take 4 weeks to make and ship and we never received any shipment confirmation so we were a little surprised when it arrived just shy of 4 weeks.  We also opted to have the frame shipped to a friend in California because shipping to Hawaii was 6x as much!  Yikes!


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Hobby Lobby had more of a selection than Michael's as far as sizes and colors available but they took the "custom" right out of this frame!  What you buy is what you get.  We aren't sure what this frame is made of but it doesn't look, feel or smell anything like wood and it is also made in China.  The back has the store hanger staples that will need to be removed and the wall hangers are flimsy.


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Some additional things to consider

Availability
We were lucky enough to be able to travel to the mainland where Michael's and Hobby Lobby are readily available.  But here in Hawaii there aren't many local options and shipping can be pricey and not always timely.

Cost
Prices for the custom frames you see here range from $4.99-$35.00.  You do not have to spend a lot of money to create a nice wall display with custom frames; find the ones that provide you with the look and quality that you desire and get them up on your walls!


After looking at several frames; overall our choice was hands down The Organic Bloom. Not only did we get a really awesome, real wood, custom painted, made in the good ole USA, delivered right-to-our-door frame, The Organic Bloom also offers grouping and framing ideas, weekly inspiration, and a customer guarantee represented by knowledgeable photographers (their vendors). Bottom line, we love our prints best surrounded by The Organic Bloom.


We hope you found this review and comparison helpful.  Please contact us if you have any questions or if you are interested in ordering The Organic Bloom frames! 


Mahalo!

2sistersphotog@gmail.com