Welcome to by Web Log ('Blog)!

Hi, everyone. Welcome to my 'Blog.

I have wanted to start a 'Blog since I bought the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing two years ago. What stopped me is that most of my customers are Baby Boomers or older, and sometimes they don't use the Internet as much as my generation and those younger do to find what they're looking for. But so what!

I want to reach all my customers, not just the Baby Boomers. I have often found myself wanting to share funny framing stories ("Did you say you want to frame your severed thumb?") as well as educate customers on the importance of conservation framing. You just wouldn't believe what I have found in the back of frames when I open them up for inspection or cleaning or reframing. I'll share those stories in future posts, I promise!

When it hit me that a 'Blog would be a great place to educate people on the importance of quality framing for the longevity of their artwork, I included "Create a Black Iris Web log" as one of my 2008 business goals. So here we are!

Some facts about me, in case you're "new to JoAnn": I am an identical twin, and her Web site is here. My husband and I also own Spooner's bowling center called Kegler's Pub & Pin, right upstairs from my gallery. View his Web site here. I have been a custom picture framer since March 2006, and I love it! I am a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association, and I plan to sit for the CPF (Certifed Picture Framer) exam in January 2009. Once I become a CPF, I will be the area's only certified framer. This means you can trust my methods and materials with even your most valuable art purchases.

Enjoy my 'Blog, everyone--I'll try to keep it interesting and relevant. Please post replies, too--I would love to hear from you. I am always open to advice and feedback, so please, share your ideas with me!

Have a great day.