Free Halloween Photo Cards

Halloween is just around the corner!  From October 18-21st get a free custom Halloween card (digital only).  The card will include your own photo and child’s name. Limit one per household.

You can take the digital file to any photo finishing company (ie. Lens and Shutter, Black’s, Costco, etc) and have the card printed for 9-25 cents each.

See all of our design choices here.  On the 18th all the prices in the gallery will be set to zero!

Posted in Promotions | Leave a comment

FREE Halloween Cards

Free Halloween Cards, who can say no to that!?!  We’re thrilled to offer free 4×6 digital custom cards from Oct 18-21, 2012 (one per household).  Order yours here.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Strawberry Picking

We’ve had a lot of rain and cooler weather in the BC Lower Mainland this June.  At the end of June it was finally strawberry season.  I was thrilled to be able to take my kiddies out with my mom to do some strawberry picking.  We had a great morning out and even brought a bucket home.  With three kids four and under in tow, this seemed like a small miracle.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Free Fathers Day Cards

This Fathers day we’re doing something extra special.  We’re giving away customized cards just for dad!  It’s time to get your best photo of your child(ren) and their dad.  The offer ends June 15, 2012.

Here’s the deal: ONE Customized 5×7 digital card per family.  You can print the image at any local photo finishing location (ie. Costco, Blacks, Lens and Shutter, etc).  The name and photo can be customized as well as the colour of the card/ font.  There can be no font adjustments, layout changes, etc.  The card is a FREE gift from Dolcetto Designs. However, this year we are fundraising for Canuck Place Pediatric Hospice.  If you would like to donate to Canuck Place, you can easily make a donation by clicking the Donate button on the left hand side of this blog.  Remember that even a dollar can make a difference. You do not need to send in a donation to receive a Father’s Day card, it’s your choice.  The card is a free gift regardless.

To get your card send an email to dolcettodesigns@gmail.com with Father’s Day Card in the Subject Line.  Include the name of the design you would like and the text customization, and don’t forget to attach your photo.  There is a maximum of 2 edits per Father’s Day card order.  We will email you the digital image within 48 hours.

Like Father Like Son Design (email one vertical photo).  Can be changed to daughter as well.

Fantashtic Design (email one horizontal photo)

Newspaper Ad Fathers Day Card Design (email one horizontal photo) Maximim of 3 lines of customized text.  If nothing is written in the email, the card will be the same as the template.

Stripes Fathers Day Card Design (email one horizontal photo)

Magazine Cover Fathers Day Card (email one vertical photo, please make sure that there is space on the top and bottom of the photo for text)

G is for Grandpa OR D is for Dad Father’s Day Card Design (email one horizontal photo, please make sure there is space on the top of the card for the necessary text)

Traditional Fathers Day Card Design (email one horizontal photo)

The Best Daddy Fathers Day Card Design (email one vertical photo)

Questions/ comments?  Please don’t hesitate to ask/ share.

Thank you in advance for all of your support and generosity to Canuck Place!

~Shari

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

10 Tips for Taking Better Birthday Party Photos

I’ve been learning about what makes birthday party photos better. Check out my post on the Moms with a Camera blog.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wedding Thank You Photo Cards

Here’s a new simple collage idea for your wedding thank you cards.  Thank you to Trevor Allen Photography for the beautiful photos!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

First Birthday Party Photos

The first birthday is a very special milestone.  About half of the birthday invitations that we sell are for first birthdays.  I wanted to post a little about first birthday photos, giving some simple ideas to make your first birthday pics a little more special.

Instead of waiting until your child’s birthday party to get those great pics, I would suggest having a little photo session about 2-3 weeks before the party.  Birthday parties are often a little overwhelming for children (and parents), therefore there is usually a little post party disappointment in the photos or lack of.  You can hire a professional to take your photos or attempt to do them yourself.  I took the posted pics in our livingroom (and backyard).  I have a DSLR and 50mm lens making the task a little easier (from a technical point of view).  A little pre planning will help your photo shoot be more successful as well (clothing, decor, cake, etc).  Getting some good photos before the party takes some stress off at the actual party.

An idea for birthday pics is using the child’s first initial in photos.  I picked up this wooden letter for $5 at Walmart.  The letter makes a great prop for the child to hold.  The letter can also be used as a decoration at the party.

Balloons are always a great addition to birthday party photos.

I happen to have this wonderful vintage high chair (used by mom and aunts & uncle) passed down to me for use with my own kids.  It was pretty cool and windy but we managed to get outside for a few minutes and get a few great shots.

The most popular first birthday photography theme these days is a cake smash.  The idea is that you put a nice cake in front of your little one and let them go at it.  The more mess the better.  Just a tip, always go for white cake. Chocolate cake and brown icing smeared all over your little one’s face just isn’t very nice.  You could make your own cake or pick one up from a local baker.  The cake in the photos was just purchased from a local IGA.

Don’t forget to get some great detail shots of little hands and feet.

Try different angles for different perspectives.  Have your child facing a light source to get some of those great catchlights in their eyes.

Print and use the photos as a part of your party decorations.  I made the pink bunting ahead of time so that we could use it in the photo shoot as well as for party decor.  The theme of the party was pink and brown poka dots.  A collage of the photo shoot made great thank you/ announcement cards that were given out at the party.  In the end, we got some great birthday shots and didn’t have to stress too much about the photo results at the party, not to mention great party decor.

 

Posted in Birthday, Photography | Leave a comment

Birthday Invitations

A themed birthday invitation is the perfect way to set the tone of a child’s birthday party.   Here are a couple of new invitations on our site.  If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for please don’t hesitate to send an email to Shari at dolcettodesigns@gmail.com.  Custom designs can be created at no additional charge.

Posted in Birthday | Leave a comment

Owl Heating Pads

Aren’t these little owl (rice filled) heating pads adorable!?!  And with their super cute heart tummy, they’re perfect for Valentines Day! The photo/ pattern/ tutorial are all fully credited to Suzanne over at Just Another Hang Up, visit the actual post HERE.  I bought some fabric last week and am eager to make my own little owls for the kiddies.  Suzanne shares her pattern and has wonderful step by step directions on how to make these little cuties.  Thanks so much for the freebie Suzanne, it’s much appreciated!

If you’re into sewing and crafting I can guarantee that you’ll love Just Another Hang Up.  I spent ages going through Suzanne’s posts and getting inspired.

Posted in Valentines | Leave a comment

Kids Valentine Craft

Here’s an easy kids craft for Valentines Day.  The kids love it since it involves painting.  It just takes a couple of minutes and creates a lasting memory.  Here’s the PDF to make your life just a little easier Children Hold our Hearts

I have a handy heart punch that I used for the middle heart.  However you could easily cut these out free hand as well.

Did you notice my super cute magnets? I purchased them from The Orange Circle (Canada made).  Bethany has a wide variety of designs and the magnets are durable and beautifully made.  Loving them!

Posted in Valentines | Leave a comment