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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Michael's 

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 Frames

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

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

Garner Ohana - Oahu, Hawaii, Kapolei Famly Photography

We hung out with super some cute kiddos and their gorgeous mama on the beach last week to take portraits for Daddy!  They are so adorable and we love all these faces! xoxo Garner Ohana

http://2sistersphotog.blogspot.com/p/pricing.html

Martinez Family - Aulani, Ko Olina Family Photographer

We had the honor of photographing this beautiful family while they were vacationing at Aulani.  They were so easy going and light hearted; really enjoying their vacation and soaking up the Hawaiian sun!  Thank you Martinez family for spending the evening with us!  We hope your vacation was as awesome as your family!

Walker Family - Kapolei Family and Ohana Photographer

My sister Ronda is amazing.  She helped coordinate our outfits, shot this session on a camera she wasn't comfortable with and edited the entire session in a matter of minutes!  Thank you Ronda; I couldn't ask for a better sister and we love our family portraits! <3

Why I started a 365 project and why you should too!

In April 2009, my heart was handed to me in the form of a little pink baby we call Riloh.  By the time my little turnip was 3 months old, I had taken more than 3000 photos of her and I'm pretty sure she thought my face was made by Canon.

Don't believe me?  I wouldn't either.  But, I promise you; it's true.

By the end of her first year I was overwhelmed by the amount of images I had created of my little peanut butter and at a loss for what to do with all of them!  I decided I would make a slideshow of my favorites and store the rest for another day when I had more time, more energy and more ideas! That day has YET to come.

Nearly 5 years later, thousands more images stored on discs and hard drives and a few splattered on the walls of our home, it was evident that I was creating a mountain I could never climb. Sure, I could just stop taking pictures of her, that would solve the problem of the additional photo accumulation.  Or maybe take less pictures of her? hmmm...tell that to a new mother!

I knew why I was taking so many photos, it was simple. I wanted to show her a time that she couldn't remember on her own.  A time when she was so small she fit in one of her daddy's hands, a time when she wrote her name on a Magna Doodle all by herself, a time when she sat on the floor with her doberman and fed him popcorn.

When she is all grown up (no, I don't want to talk about it!) I don't want to hand her a unreadable disc, or a hard drive that won't spin, or a website that was removed.  I want to hand her tangible memories, ones that come with details and stories.  Memories she can share with her kids. And so I decided.

I will take just one photo a day for an entire year.

Each day I will seek to capture Riloh doing whatever it is Riloh happens to be doing.  Some photos will be of just her and some will have the ones she loves, the things she loves or something about her.  Most will be happy and fun and some may be sad but, all of them will document a year of her life that will be printed and kept for her until she is ready.  I will write a little something each day to explain to her why the photo was significant and hopefully as she reads them she will gain a little insight into her life as a babe.

I know these moments are fleeting.

I know my face shouldn't be stuck in a camera when I could be "present in the moment".

I know she won't see the importance until much later in life.

Yada, yada.

I also know that I am giving her something she will never be able to receive from anyone else.  That we can relive each of these moments together over a glass of wine on Thanksgiving in 2030.

Because of all of this, I started and am determined to finish my 365 project.  I encourage you to find your reason and start documenting, it will be a year they will remember forever...literally!

Here's a little peek at my 365 "Dear Riloh":

Day 96: Dear Riloh, you received a super cool hand-me-down scooter today and couldn't wait to try it out. Some things are just more fun in your swimsuit anyway!

Spring Gardening With Baby K | Kapolei Children Photography

Wanna learn how to grow your spring flowers?  Baby K is here to teach you!

Step 1: Give them lots of water and a touch of love.

Step 2: Take those babies for a stroll!

Step 3: Hold them close(ish).

 Step 4: Show them your happiness.

Step 5: Take a seat and wait patiently for them to sprout!

Handsome Brothers | Kapolei Hawaii Children Photographer

We always love seeing these two silly boys!  So fun, full of joy and happy as can be, they keep us on our toes and laughing!  Check out their mama's awesome tat!