Show Off...

Obviously, the first thing most people think of when they hear the term "show off" tends to be that someone is being arrogant or let's face it, probably kind of a jerk about something they can do or something they possess.  To me, over the past few years, it's come to mean something so much more.

From my vantage point, I see people through the lens of my camera and I want them to love the images that I document for them.  It makes me smile to see someone post images from our sessions on their Facebook or Twitter accounts, but even more so, I LOVE to see them hanging these images on the walls of their homes!  Family, no matter how nutty they can be sometimes, is truly a gift from our Father, and having images hanging in your home is a way to remember those you love and treasure the time you have with them.

 What's even more fun than hanging the images in your home or at your office?  Wearing them!  I went through several months of trying different materials when I decided to start making portrait jewelry, and after spending a little *too* much money on components that didn't live up to my expectations, I finally found the right stuff.  My products are made with high quality components, jeweler grade resin that is waterproof, won't fade or yellow over time, and has exceeded my expectations!  While I provide a great product, I also make sure that it's at a cost that is within reach.  Comparable items that are made with water "resistant" products that aren't long lasting cost as much or more than what I offer, especially in my vintage comic line.  I want you to be able to enjoy your jewelry for a long time, not just wear it a few times and have it lose color or fall apart.

I can take treasured old image, a picture you snapped on your cell and posted to Instagram, one that I've taken during a portrait session, however you have an image you love, if you can get it to me, I can turn it into a piece of wearable art for you to "show off" the ones that are closest to your heart.  From an Instagram pendant to a memorial piece for someone who has suffered a loss and anything in between, these can be with you whenever you want, not just when you happen to glance on the wall or pull it up on your phone.

In addition to portrait jewelry, I also create one of a kind vintage comic jewelry, using hand selected images from vintage comics.  This is such a fun way to release your inner geek!  You may have to dress a certain way for work or school, but adding accessories with your favorite character or series is your chance to show off what you love.  Each piece is unique and features heroes or villains, word bubbles or just plain cool scenes from your favorite comics.  If I don't have your favorite in stock, I am happy to do custom orders and can ship worldwide.

Sports jewelry is another great way to show off.  If you let me know your favorite team, it's colors and mascot, I can create a custom design for your jewelry, even adding in a jersey number or the name of your favorite player.  Moms, if your kids play sports but you don't want to wear the tee shirt to every game, these are super fun!  Plus, who doesn't want to glam up their soccer mom look every once in a while, right!

Follow me on Twitter at @EphesiansTwo10 or find me on Facebook, His Fingerprint Custom Jewelry Designs.  I like to think of it as the "home of the inside-out lockets", and I'd love to help you show off!

Heroes...

In a world where every little boy (and sometimes the big boys too) wants to be a superhero, there are real heroes that stand out.  They are the ones who lay it all on the line.  Over the past several months, I've been praying for Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is being held in an Iranian prison because of his faith in Christ.  His wife and two kids are here in the United States, sharing his story and advocating for his release.  I really felt like I was supposed to reach out to Naghmeh (his wife) and kids, but wasn't sure how.  Then it hit me, if I was missing my husband as much as she must be, having a pendant with my favorite picture of him would be a true blessing.  So, I contacted her and asked her to send her favorite picture.  She did, and I went to work.  Today, I mailed off a package with a portrait pendant for each of them, along with a "Save Saeed" pendant.  While this isn't much, it's my way of letting her know that she's not alone in this tough time of their lives.

September 26th, 2013 will be the 1 year anniversary of Saeed being taken into custody. Fellow believers and supporters around the United States are being asked to participate in a prayer vigil for Saeed and other persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.  I'm in the process of setting one up for my town, and I would love to see others do the same.

Another hero I'd like to recognize is Lt. Matthew Blankenship, of the Marshfield Fire Department.  On July 13th, 2013, he was fighting a fire in a neighboring town.  Conditions in the home deteriorated and he sustained critical injuries.  After a week in the burn unit, he passed away on July 20th.  He was a volunteer, he didn't *have* to go in there.  His livelihood didn't depend on fighting fires, he did it because he wanted to serve others in his community.  His wife and 3 kids are being blanketed in prayer and support from far and wide, and will continue to need prayer in the days, months and even years to come as they learn to live with the new "normal".

Both of these men are heroes in my mind.  I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to give back to their families with the gift of portrait jewelry.  While the Abedini family waits for Saeed to be released from prison and while the Blankenship family mourns their loss, knowing they'll see Matt again, I pray that these small tokens of gratitude for sharing their heroes with us will help them through the tough days.  I would like to ask that you remember these families in your thoughts and prayers.  They are greater heroes than any superheroes that DC or Marvel could create, and their lights continue to shine brightly!

It's that time of year again...

As much as I want to slow down time, the 2013-14 school year is quickly approaching!  Local seniors only have a small window of time to get their initial senior sessions done (but don't fret, with my senior package, you get 2 more mini-sessions to use throughout the year to capture the whole senior experience). 

 I'll also be offering "back-to-school" sessions with a vintage school desk, globe, antique books and of course, an apple to give the teacher.  These are especially fun for your little one that is starting kindergarten.  School pictures just don't show the personality of your little ones.  I will probably even do one for my soon to be 5th grader, since this is her last year in elementary school.  

It's also a great time to be thinking of Grandparent's Day and Christmas, both of which are a great time to give custom portrait jewelry!  

One last thing, don't let autumn creep up on you without scheduling family portraits. The colors around Webster County never fail to amaze me.  Portraits can be used as gifts and I will even design a Christmas card for you!

If you would like more info on any of the services or products I offer, I'd love to hear from you!  jphillips@HisFingerprintphotography.com