Watch this space...

I know I haven't been posting much, and I probably won't be for a bit, but fun things are coming!  My dear Grandpa Tarbet is turning 80 at the end of this month, and we are putting on a great big bash for him.  I'm up to my elbows in centerpieces and guestbook and all sorts of decor and working like crazy, but I won't be able to post it all until after the party!  So check back after the 30th -- I hope you'll dig what I'm coming up with as much as I am!  And just as a little sneak peek, here is the invitation:

I used the digital version of Echo Park's "For the Record" collection to create this, then we had them printed at Costco.  That is a great way to do custom invitations, by the way -- nice big 6" x 7 1/2" cards are only $14.99 for 50, including envelopes!  I create it digitally or traditionally (but just one), then use the blank card  template to upload my own design.  Quick, easy, and very inexpensive for such fancy invitations!

Product Review -- Easy Canvas Prints

I am a total sucker for gallery-wrapped canvas prints -- they just look so professional and highlight pictures so well.  So when Brendan from Easy Canvas Prints asked me if I'd like to review their pictures on canvas, I didn't have to think twice.  I checked out their website and was impressed with the variety of sizes -- you can order one of their "most popular" sizes or pretty much any combination of dimensions you can cream up -- and other options, like color treatments and retouching.  They also have a cool visualizer that shows you what the size of print you're looking at would really look like up on the wall.  Of course, being the cheap-o that I am, price is a major factor in where I shop for anything.  I am happy to say that Easy Canvas Prints pricing is extremely competitive, even with some of the sale prices I've seen on other sites.  Even better -- if you become a fan of Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook, you can get 50% off AND free shipping.  I hate to pay for shipping, so that's a big plus for me.

I have to say, I was impressed by the service team as much as the print itself!  After I uploaded my file to their website, there was some problem with it.  They let me know right away and worked with me to make sure that my canvas looked exactly the way I wanted it -- even though it was over the Labor Day weekend!  I don't think the people I was working with even knew I was reviewing the product; they are just awesome like that.

Shortly thereafter, my canvas arrived, and I am genuinely impressed with it!  The color is what strikes me the most -- some wrapped canvases are a little muted, but the colors in this one are very true to life.  The texture is beautiful as well, and the detail is crisp and clear.  In fact, as many times as I've looked at this photo, I had never noticed that Sam is wearing a wristband until I looked at this canvas print!  So glad THAT made it into our family photos...

Conclusion:  I will definitely be looking to Easy Canvas Prints again when I'm ready to print more pictures on canvas.  Check them out, and let them know I said hello! :)

P.S.  Many thanks to FotoFly in Draper, Utah for taking this adorable photo of my kids.  Seriously, people -- if you need great family photos but don't want to spend a gazillion dollars, that is the place to go!