Rivergrove Designs

Dad's Vote

2010-05-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is just a little more than a month away. In honor of all you Dads out there I'd like to post something in my store especially for Dads.

But first I need to know what you Dads like!

I'm holding a little survey just for Dads it'd help me out a lot if you'd take a minute or two to vote! Pick your favorite photograph from this post and leave a comment (or email or facebook me) with the # or title of the photograph you like the best. If it's a tie, feel free to list both!

To leave a comment: scroll below this post and click on the "comments". A page will pop up where you can leave a comment. Your comment will not reappear right away so don't re-post (they are approved first).

You don't have to say who you are, you just have to be a Dad (or a soon-to-be-dad)!

I'd like to have all votes in by May 20th (one week).

And that's all there is to it!

Thank you so much for your help!

Here are the photographs to choose from:

#1- Pause For Flowers

#2- Perch With A View

#3- Walk In Paradise

#4- Closed Door

#5- Portrait of Passion 3

#6- Ocean Colors

#7- Wagon In Repose

#8- Bridge to the Falls

#9- Palm Paradise

#10- Mountain in black and white

#11- Western Fence

#12- Rope and Sea

#13- Looking Up

#14- Irish Port

#15- Burst of Celebration

#16- By the Pier

Guest Book

2010-05-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

I now have a guest book (on the right) so check it out and leave a comment!

http://www.ultraguest.com/view/1273011409

Success is not about money but about believing in yourself.

2010-05-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

The parking lot sale at Top Foods Saturday was great fun, despite a 9 and a half hour day on 3 hours of sleep. As I didn't even hear about the parking lot sale until the Tuesday before, by the time we decided we were going to participate in the sale there was a big rush to get ready. Kyle (my husband) and I were up until 3am Friday (or Saturday morning I should say) checking over prints, putting photo cards and photo packs together and getting together the rest of the things we needed for the sale. Then up Saturday morning at 6am!

This was my first event of this type and I'm glad we did it. Top Foods rented out a parking lot space for the day and you could basically sell whatever you wanted, like a big garage sale. Some people had jewelry, some people had painted glass, some were selling purses and some literally had a garage sale. Wells Fargo had a booth, Clearwire had a booth and there was even a karaoke tent which we set up next to (definitely some pros and cons to spending the entire day next to a karaoke booth but it did catch people's attention).

I didn't really know what to expect. We knew the weather wasn't supposed to be that great so we bought clear plastic tubs that people could see through to protect my photos from the elements. Each photo card and print was also covered in a protective transparent archival bag so most of the time I was able to leave the lids off. It only sprinkled a bit and there was a slight wind every once in awhile but aside from the cold the day went well weather-wise.

When we first got there I almost panicked and left. Everyone had canopies and elaborate tents and tables upon tables per stall and special furniture set up just to display their products. Here Kyle and I were with two tiny tables (which looked even smaller set up in the parking space) and some little plastic tubs. I already felt like the rookie who didn't know what she was doing and now it was going to show.

We set our tables at the very front of our parking slot, put our chairs behind and then set up Harvey's big kennel behind us. (Harvey is our 7 month old Labradoodle puppy.) That helped fill our space a little and gave us the kennel to set things on behind us (like umbrellas, just in case!). The lady selling jewelry next to us was really nice and helpful. She said it was her third year there and she learned something from the other vendors every time she came. She said the first year was like us... she found out about it at the last minute and didn't feel very prepared.

With us between two big tents, though, it didn't end up being so bad. I think eyes were sort of drawn to our little table out there in the middle which is a good thing. Around 10:00 in the morning (the sale started at 8am) I had the idea to set up a drawing for a free 4-pack of photo cards to whoever won. I did the drawing the next day and sent a $2 off coupon to my store for the rest of the people who entered just for stopping by and participating. I had 16 people enter my drawing which I was pretty happy about.

We had 9 sales (some of the sales were multiple items). What really made an impression on me were the people who stopped by and were genuinely impressed with my photography. I got comments like, "Did you take these pictures? They are amazing!" and "And you didn't go to school for this? These are just incredible," etc. Throughout the day I was more and more amazed at the amount of people that actually thought my photographs were something special. It was really confirming to know that complete strangers (including other photographers) who weren't expected by me to give any thought or opinion continually wanted to express to me how they liked my work. And it was validating when those who bought some were willing to pay the price I was asking without blinking an eye. The encouragement of the day was worth far more to me than the money I took home. I'd say it was a successful day.

I'm glad I didn't let my fear take over and make me leave when I first got there, even though I wanted to. I definitely couldn't have done it without Kyle sitting there beside me for the first time but now that I know what to expect I feel confident about doing it again. Plus I've got supplies left over to last me probably a year...

Regrettably I didn't get any pictures. For a photographer I sure am bad about keeping my camera handy for exciting events!
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Rivergrove Designs in the Etsy art Showcase for photography tomorrow!

2010-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

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Look for Rivergrove Designs in the Etsy art Showcase for photography this Friday April 30th from 9:00p.m. tonight to 8:59p.m. pacific time!

http://www.etsy.com/category/art/photography

I have several new items in My Etsy Shop now available including gift certificates and photo gift cards!

www.rivergrovedesigns.etsy.com

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Store Policies and Directory

2010-04-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

See the link on the right for Store Policies or read below:

Hello and welcome to Rivergrove Designs by Kari Hanks.

I hope you enjoy browsing through my photographs and photo cards. Photographs are all copyrighted by me and photo cards are handmade. Any photograph you see in the store can be made into a custom designed photo card for you.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask by contacting me via email or through My Etsy Shop.

Payment

I accept payment through PayPal or credit card.

Shipping Policies

All items ship 1-3 days after payment is received, unless otherwise notified.

I ship standard USPS mail but if you'd like to request a faster shipping method you may do so, although this may affect the shipping fee.

All of my photographs and photo cards are shipped in clear moisture-resistant acid-free archival bags and are mailed in cardboard mailers for safe shipping. Magnets are put in moisture resistant photo protectors and an envelope for weather-proof mailing.

Once your item ships I will send you an email to inform you that your purchase is on its way.

Please make sure the name and address on your shipping information is current and up-to-date.

Refunds and Exchanges

I am not responsible for items lost or damaged during shipping.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return your product within 14 days for a full refund or a similar item exchange. Please return the product in its original condition to receive your full refund.

Additional Policies and FAQs

My shop is always expanding and growing and I welcome any questions, ideas or custom orders you might have! I will do black and white or sepia conversions, special effects, and other print sizes upon request.

Keep checking back for new photographs and products.

Thanks for stopping by!
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New Item: Magnets!!

2010-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited to start selling magnets, mostly travel-based ones for now!

About my magnets:

Photo magnets measure approximately 2 x 3.5

Each magnet ships in a moisture-resistant photo protector and envelope.

Watermarks are for online purposes only and won’t be on the printed photographs.

Check back for more coming soon and watch for new links on the right!
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Washington Magnet

2010-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in Washington is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "By the Pier"

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England Magnet

2010-04-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in England is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Closed Door".
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Nevada Magnet

2010-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in Nevada is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Red Majesty"

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Utah Magnet

2010-04-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in Utah is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Reigning Peaks"

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Mexico Magnet

2010-04-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in Mexico is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Walk In Paradise"
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Northern Ireland Magnet

2010-04-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

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This beautiful photograph taken in Northern Ireland is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Sunset Flight"

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Oregon Magnet

2010-04-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

This beautiful photograph taken in Oregon is printed and mounted on a durable magnet.

Photograph title: "Waterfall Escape"

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Facebook Page

2010-04-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the link on the right to my facebook page. Become a fan for savings and sales!

www.facebook.com/photosbykari

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Reflections

2010-04-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

My husband advised me to go to bed early tonight and I should've listened. Instead I decided it would be a good idea to fiddle with the aperture settings on my camera for awhile by setting up an extensive "desk scene" with props and lighting and the works.

I hauled and scooted things around for about 20 minutes (much to the dismay of Harvey, our 7-month Labradoodle... Who wouldn't desperately need sleep after digging, playing and chewing all day?) only to find that my camera battery was dead. I thought "no big deal, that's what the back-up battery is for. I'll just change out the battery and get back to it!" Unfortunately this was not to be... The second battery was dead also. I then proceeded to spend another 10 minutes looking for my battery charger, (much to the dismay of my husband who has to get up at 5 in the morning).

Oh, sigh.

I keep thinking of a quote from my current favorite book, "Success Is Not An Accident" by Tommy Newberry. (For some reason I always want to call it "Success Is Not An Option". I have no idea why that title sticks in my brain and I can never remember the proper title. No wonder my husband is always reminding me to "look on the bright side of things".) Ironically I can't find the book this evening so I'll try to quote from memory...it goes something like, "Nothing worth doing comes without obstacles."

Life is full of obstacles no matter what path you choose. It's true the examples I gave above are silly in retrospect but we've all had experiences, moments or days that get us down and steer us away from our dreams. Sometimes I have weeks like that. I'm glad I have such an amazing support group full of wonderful people (and one silly puppy whose only state of mind is unconditionally happy) that keep me moving in the right direction.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com gives the definition for "photographer" as "a person who takes photographs, either as a hobby or a profession". When I used to dream about being a photographer the definition in my mind was "the day I sell a photograph". That day has come and gone and sometimes I forget to sit back and reflect on what that means to me. It was a dream and goal I had for years and then it happened and I set new goals for myself, higher standards and a new definition for the word "photographer". I read and hear so much in this day and age of the importance of goal setting and achieving our dreams. I think it's just as important to acknowledge and reflect on those dreams that we have already achieved. We are a culture that is always striving for more and no matter how much we do and achieve we could do better.

Maybe instead of seeing these obstacles or roadblocks as annoying things that slow us down we should use the opportunity to pull over for a moment to enjoy the scenery; to look back on where we've been and how far we've come. These reflections can put our dreams into perspective so that we can buckle up and head towards our next goal feeling refreshed and ready for anything.

So maybe it's a good thing my camera battery died, after all.

Besides, if "nothing worth doing comes without obstacles" then these obstacles are just another reminder that our dreams are really, really worth it.

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Pack of 8 photo cards- Dreaming of Tulips (with a sponge-paint look)

2010-04-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

This 8 pack of photo cards contains two cards each of these gorgeous Tulip photographs. Each photograph was captured in Puyallup, WA and altered for a sponge-paint look to give a dreamy, wistful quality.

These cards may also be purchased as a 4-pack (you get one card of each photograph) or singles (individual cards). Please contact me and let me know the title of the photo you choose if you purchase individual singles.

Each photo card is handcrafted comes with an envelope.

The cards in this 8 pack will be carefully wrapped in fabric for safe-keeping and tied into a bundle with natural raffia from Madagascar.

4x6 photographs are printed professionally with a glossy finish and mounted on white acid-free and lignin-free 5x7 cards. Send one to a friend or family member or frame it on your wall. Photo cards are also great for special occasions!

Watermarks are for online purposes only and won’t be on the printed photographs.

Photo cards ship 1-3 days after payment is received.

This Pack of 8 photo cards- Dreaming of Tulips (with a sponge-paint look) price list:

Pack of 8 photo cards (2 of each photo)- $18 plus shipping

Pack of 4 photo cards (1 of each photo)- $10 plus shipping

Singles (pick 1 of the titles below)- $3.00 plus shipping

The photographs in this 8 pack are:

"Three Spring Tulips"

"Pure"

"Bench in Flower Garden"

and
"Focus In Pink"

You will receive 2 each of these photo cards:

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Coming soon...

2010-04-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

More photos are coming soon so check back! You can find all of my currently available photographs and photo cards at my Etsy shop at www.rivergrovedesigns.etsy.com

Photos coming soon include scenes images, animal images, landscapes and more!

Thanks for visiting Rivergrove Designs!

Peach Portraits 4-pack of photo cards

2010-04-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Peach Portrait photo pack features "Peach Portrait" and "Peach Portrait Up Close", two photographs taken in Victoria, B.C. in Canada. The pack includes two cards each of these beautiful spring flower photographs.

4x6 photographs are printed professionally with a glossy finish and mounted on white acid-free and lignin-free 5x7 cards. Send one to a friend or family member or frame it on your wall. Photo cards are also great for special occasions!

Each card comes with an envelope:

The Peach Portrait 4-pack of photo cards is $10 plus shipping.

Example photo 1:

Example photo 2:

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You Choose- pack of 4 cards

2010-04-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

This custom photo card pack allows you to choose any 4 photos from my site- your choice is not limited to the pictures you see in the example photos given for this product.

Once you order the You Choose pack of 4 photo cards, send me the titles of the 4 photos you would like via email or through my Etsy website and I will mount them on cards for you.

The You Choose- pack of 4 cards is $11 plus shipping.

Example photo 1:

Example photo 2:

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Photo Cards- ALL PHOTO CARDS

2010-04-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Photo Cards
Thanks for viewing my photo greeting cards! Here you'll find my currently available collection of photo cards. All photos are copyrighted by me. 4x6 photographs are printed professionally with a glossy finish and mounted on white acid-free and lignin-free 5x7 cards. Send one to a friend or family member or frame it on your wall. Photo cards are also great for special occasions!

Each card comes with an envelope:

Any photograph you see on my website can be custom mounted onto a photo card for you.

If you'd like to purchase a photo card pack from this page, click the title of the pack that you like. You will be redirected to the photo's page where you can click "Add to Cart" to purchase the pack.

All photo cards are also sold individually for $3.00 plus shipping.

The custom photo card pack featured below allows you to choose any 4 photos from my site- your choice is not limited to the pictures you see in the example photos given for this product.

Once you order the You Choose pack of 4 photo cards, send me the titles of the 4 photos you would like via email or through my Etsy website and I will mount them on cards for you.

title: You Choose Pack of 4
Example photo 1:

Example photo 2:

The next photo pack featured is the Peach Portrait 4-pack. This pack features "Peach Portrait" and "Peach Portrait Up Close", two photographs taken in Victoria, B.C. in Canada. This pack features two cards each of these beautiful spring flower photographs.

Title: Peach Portraits 4-pack of photo cards
Example photo 1: Example photo 2:

This photo pack includes 8 cards, 2 each of these beautiful photographs taken in Puyallup, WA and then altered for a sponge-paint look to give a dreamy, wistful quality. Also available as a 4 pack (1 card of each photograph) and as individual cards (you choose 1 of the four).

This pack includes photo titles:
"Three Spring Tulips"
"Bench in Flower Garden"
"Focus In Pink"
"Pure" (see example photo)

Title: Pack of 8 photo cards- Dreaming of Tulips (with a sponge-paint look)

This example photo from the pack is titled "Pure"

All photographs are copyrighted by me.

©Kari Hanks

2010

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Help Section

2010-04-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

How to find photos and photo cards: Photographs are categorized into groups- flowers, scenes, animals, etc. under the heading Photographs. So, to browse all of the flower photographs you can simply click on "Flowers- ALL PHOTOGRAPHS".

If you have a particular photo in mind that you'd like to see, each image is listed by title under it's category (example: "Peach Portrait" is listed under "Flowers- Peach Portrait" under the heading Photographs).

To browse Photo Cards, just look under the heading Photo Cards and choose which group you'd like to see, or browse all photo cards by clicking "Photo Cards- ALL".

Newly posted items can be found as described above and are also displayed under recent posts on the main blog, where you can click "add to cart" after reading the description of the item. Once you add an item to your cart you can keep browsing through more items or proceed to checkout.

How to pay:

To buy an item you like click on "Add to cart" and proceed to checkout. You may pay with PayPal or a credit card. Click "proceed to checkout" and follow the instructions.

You can also pay through my Etsy shop. Click on any of the thumbnail photographs on the right under "Check out my Etsy shop!" to be redirected to my site or click on the "My Etsy Shop" link to under the heading Links.

If you have any other questions feel free to email me at rivergrove@hotmail.com or contact me via Conversations on my Etsy website! Thanks for visiting!

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Sunny Smiles (blurred)

2010-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

This version of Sunny Smiles, taken in Dublin, Ireland, has a peaceful and dreamlike quality.

Printing is done professionally with a glossy finish.

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Sunny Smiles

2010-04-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

This photograph was taken in Dublin, Ireland. Sunflowers are so beautiful and the clarity and color of this photograph make you fall even more in love them.

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Portrait of Passion 3

2010-04-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

This photograph below is a fan-favorite. It was taken in Las Vegas, Nevada and really has passionate colors and lots of life.

Printing is done professionally with a glossy finish.

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Phantom Flowers

2010-04-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here you'll see one of my personal favorite flower images taken in Solvang, California. The original photo was in color but I love the contrast of the white flowers on the black background- they really pop.

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Peach Portrait Up Close

2010-04-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

This photograph was taken in Victoria, B.C. on a gorgeous sunny spring day. I love the colors and warmth in this photo that remind me of spring no matter what time of year it is.

Printing is done professionally with a glossy finish.

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Flowers- ALL PHOTOGRAPHS

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Flower Images
Thanks for viewing my photographs! Here you'll find my currently available collection of flower images. All photos come in various sizes and are copyrighted by me. Standard sizes are 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10. Please contact me via email or at my online Etsy shop if you'd like a custom size and I'd be happy to print one for you! Watermarks are for online purposes only and will not appear on the printed photograph.

My price list is as follows:

8x10- $14 + shipping

5x6- $9 + shipping

4x6- $6 + shipping

If you'd like to purchase a photograph from this page, click the title of the photo you like. You will be redirected to the photo's page where you can click "Add to Cart" under the photograph to proceed to checkout.

The photograph below was taken in Victoria, B.C. in Canada. It was a gorgeous sunny day with blue skies and when I saw this flower it just seemed to capture my mood that day. I love the bright cheerful vibe I get whenever I see it; it transports me right back to fresh air, spring and happy memories.

Title: Peach Portrait

The next photograph was also taken in Victoria, B.C., a close-up of my Peach Portrait flower (hence the name!). Again, I just loved the bright color the flower portrayed.

Title: Peach Portrait Up Close

Below you'll see one of my personal favorite flower images taken in Solvang, California. The original photo was in color but I love the contrast of the white flowers on the black background- they really pop.

Title: Phantom Flowers

This photograph below is a fan-favorite. It was taken in Las Vegas, Nevada and really has passionate colors and lots of life.

Title: Portrait of Passion 3

The photograph below was taken in Dublin, Ireland. Sunflowers are so beautiful and the clarity and color of this photograph make you fall even more in love them.

Title: Sunny Smiles

This version of Sunny Smiles, taken in Dublin, Ireland, has a peaceful and dreamlike quality.

Title: Sunny Smiles (blurred)

2010

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Watch for more!

2010-04-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

My blog seems to be coming together a little slower than I had anticipated... keep checking back as I add new items!
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Peach Portrait

2010-04-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

The photograph below was taken in Victoria, B.C. in Canada. It was a gorgeous sunny day with blue skies and when I saw this flower it just seemed to capture my mood that day. I love the bright cheerful vibe I get whenever I see it; it transports me right back to fresh air, spring and happy memories.

Printing is done professionally with a glossy finish.

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Welcome!

2010-04-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Rivergrove Designs!

I'm excited to present my photography work and I hope you enjoy browsing around my website.

On the right you'll find all of my items for sale categorized under Photographs and Photo Cards. Click on the category you want and browse through the photos or click on the name of the photo for information or purchasing. When you'd like to purchase a photo click "add to cart" and Paypal will walk you through the steps.

I also have a store on Etsy through which I sell my work:

www.rivergrovedesigns.etsy.com

Let me tell you a little about myself. I live in the Seattle, WA area. Photography has always been one of my interests. I worked in the Las Vegas area as a real-estate photographer for several years, taking photos of houses from the $200k up to $6 million dollar range. When I moved up to Washington state I missed my photography job so decided to start my own photograph and photo card store.

I hope you enjoy my blog!
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