Etsy

There is more jewelry going up on Etsy!

This is a sterling silver wish or prayer box. Perfect as a gift.

We could imagine it for a bride to wear on her wedding day and continue to add to it as the years go by.

2011 Highschool Graduates, We Want to Collaborate with You for a Special Project

Midnight Blue, in partnership with Dougan Photography, are looking for two high-school Juniors that will be graduating in 2011 to help us out with a special project in the next couple months. In exchange for collaborating with us, we will provide you with an entire Senior portrait package, free of charge. We promise it will be incredibly fun and you will have unique photographs that totally reflect you. Contact us for more info ...

FYI: Deadlines for Valentines

Whoa ... time is slipping away fast. Just wanted to share with you a few deadlines if you are considering collaborating with us in time for Valentines ...

• The last day for portrait session appointments for Valentines will be Saturday, February 6th.
• The last day for Live the Glamorous Life session appointments for Valentines will be Friday, February 5th.
• The last day for consultations for custom design projects (cards, jewelry, etc) for Valentines will be Monday, February 1st.
• The last deliveries (photos, jewelry, paper arts, and gift certificates) for Valentines will be made by noon on Thursday, February 11th.

If you don't need your items by Valentine's, no worries! We're here to help ... drop us a line.

A Few Ideas Regarding Valentines

Okay, guys ... we know you probably think Valentine's Day is kind of hokey. And giving your sweetie a card, red roses and/or chocolates can feel boring and overdone. Now don't get me wrong, ANY romantic expressions of true love are always appreciated by us, ladies. We are not going to turn our noses up at the traditional February 14th gifts. But there is great potential to "WOW" that beautiful woman that makes you smile and warms your heart just with her presence. I've got a few ideas to share ...

Flowers ... love them! But, instead of that bouquet of reds, you may want to do a little pre-holiday espionage and find out her favorites, if you don't know already. One of the best Valentine's gifts I ever got and still remember was a little basket of daisies left on my doorstep from a secret admirer. I don't know to this day, who left it, but the memory has stuck with me. Personalizing the gift of flowers to reflect her taste says a lot more about how you care and pay attention. Take a few minutes to pop in or call your neighborhood florist to work on the personal touch ... they are going to be able to help you put something fabulous together and will deliver it, too!

Yummy goodies ... yep, most people like chocolate. I like it, but don't crave it, don't have to have it ... chocolates are not the best gift option for me. But a nice bottle of wine, artisan cheese and bread ... now you've got my attention. Again ... just a little pre-holiday espionage, and you are likely to come up with some ideas to replace that heart-shaped red box. And I'll share just a few referrals to some goodies websites to help you put something great together. At Lake of the Ozarks, check out A Brown Bag Gourmet. Ashley is both a talented caterer and creates gift baskets. And for a different kind of sweet, see Kathy at The Sugar Loft ... great cake truffles and cupcakes, they don't last the day in our house. In Delaware, Ohio ... contact Stanya at Simple Indulgences ... she is the "Connoisseur of Yumminess".

Some "Her" Time. With life going at 100 miles an hour, I can't think of any lady that would not appreciate a little "Me" time. A trip to the salon for hair and/or nails, a massage at the spa, a private meditation or yoga session with her favorite instructor, catered afternoon tea for her and her girlfriends to relax and catch-up, an art or cooking class, a sunset cruise, a local getaway weekend, a set of coupons that give her time off from the usual chores just for the asking ... these are just a few ideas, there are so many! You love her, you know what she would most like to do given a little downtime. Make it happen.

Written sentiments. Yes, Hallmark and American Greetings make very nice cards. But you can do better. You can make her a card ... I know you can do it, you did it in grade school, right? Or Midnight Blue can help make a one-of-a-kind for you, with pop-ups, original artwork, you name it. You can write her a poem or a song. You can buy a gorgeous journal and start it out for her with some of your favorite stories of time together, maybe even adding to it each Valentines. The written work is very powerful ... be her Shakespeare.

Images. You know all those photos laying around in drawers and shoeboxes or stuck in your computer? What an incredible source for creating something special. They can be the start of an album, a scrapbook, or even a cool, hardcover book (we can help with photo books, too.) Or put together a slideshow on the computer, add your favorite song, and you've got something hip and unique. And speaking of unique, just a reminder about our "Live the Glamorous Life" offering ... she'll feel gorgeous and pampered.

A little Bling. The economy is still bad and we're all cutting back on the luxuries, but you don't have to give diamonds to be her best friend. Jewelry is always an appropriate gift and comes in many forms. The simplest could be a "wish necklace" ... its created using a meaningful charm that is placed on a thin, silk cord. As the wearer ties it on, they make their wish and when the cord wears through, legend has it that the wish will come true. And speaking of charms, you might want to consider starting a charm bracelet for her ... adding to it each year as your life unfolds together. And again, Midnight Blue can help in this area. We make custom jewelry ... we'll put together her favorite metals and stones to create something that uniquely reflects her ... and earrings start at just $12, so it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I think we've gone on long enough ... there are so many ways to say "I Love You". We'd love to hear some of yours.

And ladies, what do you do for your fella for Valentines?

Do You Photograph Weddings?

We get asked this pretty often. No, sorry ... we don't offer event, sports, or news photography services. It's just not our gift ... it takes someone with a quick, documentary eye to record these moments instantly as they happen. Our gift is the art of the image ... we paint with light. Our studio is focused primarily on portraiture, fine art, and commercial work - projects with which we can take time to get to know our clients and help create the perfect image.

We do offer engagement and bridal portraiture, though. And also really fun, post-event "Trash the Dress/Rock the Frock" sessions.

If you are looking for a photographer for your big day, we do have a few suggestions ... feel free to contact us.

Brides To Be - Check Us Out!

Are you getting married? Midnight Blue would love to help with your wedding! We design and produce gorgeous, unique invitations and wedding stationary, create custom bridal and bridal party jewelry, and/or can provide engagement and bridal portraiture.

We also have amazing contacts for Lake of the Ozarks that we are happy to share with you for salon treatments, catering, cakes, and event photography.

We are as excited about your special day as you are ... contact us for more information.

Creating!

Jaree came out of the studio last night all smiles, she actually got to spend some time creating jewelry. She has made about a dozen new pieces for Valentines. They will get posted up to Etsy this week, so stay tuned ...

It will hopefully be more time in the studio this week as she wants to also get some photos, cards, artwork and a few fiber pieces ready, as well.

(The piece shown has been donated to Hearts for Haiti ... please look for it there (here is the direct link), as well as other great handmades from Etsy members.)

Photos from the Mountains

When we travel between studios by car, we have a beautiful drive through the mountains of Maryland and West Virginia. I always swear I am going to stop and take photos along the way, but it never seems to happen. I guess just too focused about getting from point A to B.

This time I could not resist, even if it was with my iPhone camera ... it was incredibly beautiful. The recent snowfall had left the trees completely covered with snow, it was just like a fairyland. And as the sun came out, it just added to the beauty. While not the best quality photos, hope you still enjoy these little picture postcard images of winter glory ...

Press Release - "A Glamorous Life 2010"

Here is the press release for "A Glamorous Life 2010" ...

Sharing is Caring

We've been so touched and concerned over what has happened in Haiti and would like to help ... from now through Valentine's Day, we will be donating a portion of our proceeds on all projects and products to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

We hope you'll consider giving, too ...

Come See Us!

Just wanted to let you all know that Jaree will be at Country Crossroads (Hwys 54 & KK in the Palisades Village Shopping Center in Osage Beach) on January 23rd from 11 am to 2 pm. She will have a few pieces of photography with her, handmade jewelry for Valentines, and she will be talking about and taking appointments for "Live the Glamorous Life 2010", a fabulous new offering! Come on out to see us!

Cold Toes, Warm Heart

With the new year just arrived, it is hard to think about the next holiday, but Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. If you are struggling for some unique ideas, we are here to help.

We are offering "A Glamorous Life" portrait package (see below for details), it's an amazing gift for someone you love.

We are also taking commissions for custom jewelry. Don't just buy something off the shelf, we will make for you a perfect, unique piece for that special someone. Prices start at $12 for a simple pair of earrings.

Just like your love, either will be something to treasure for a lifetime.

Email or call us for details.

Happy 2010!!

Wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and prosperous 2010!!