March 31, 2008

Greetings from Mary Owens Designs!

I don't know about you; but, I am ready for warmer weather!  The robins are back in town, the chipmunks have come out, and there are buds on the trees, but we still have snow!  I am one of those people that do not do well with the darkness that winter brings, and seeing it stay lighter longer right now is so encouraging!

The website has taken on some changes!  We are excited about the new shopping cart system for ordering.  It is assuring to have the secure features that so many websites have, and it is very easy to use.  Cindi has implemented instructions for you to follow to order, and you can see immediately what your shipping charges will be, as well as getting confirmation of your order.

We are going to be adding some interesting things to the website. You can visit often and pick up handy hints and information that I pass along in my seminars!  I plan on sharing some new ideas with you; new products we are discovering, along with techniques and handy tips to make you inking and rouging successful and stress-free! 

UNDERCOVER by JW etc. is a product that has been on the market for a long time, but WE were just introduced to it.  Boy; am I excited about the way this product works!!  UNDERCOVER is an opaque primer that can be tinted with acrylic paint to create different colored backgrounds.  It can be used on wood, metal, glass, plastic, and canvas.  What is so amazing about this, is the fact that after it has been applied and cures overnight, you do NOT have to apply a sealer before inking!  If you are familiar with inking and rouging; you basecoat or whitewash your surface choice, then you have to seal it before inking to allow for correction work with a cotton swab moistened with any window cleaner containing ammonia.  When I prepare surfaces for convention, like slate for instance, I have to base-coat the slate with white acrylic paint and a sponge roller, let it dry thoroughly, the apply several coats of matte sealer spray to seal the surface, and this all has to cure so we do not clog the tech pens.  Now I can basecoat my slate or surface choice, let it cure overnight, then go right to my inking and eliminate the use of the matte spray before the inking is applied.  This is making everything go so smoothly and we have tested it with the projects we did at our latest certification that was held here March 12^th through the 16^th!  It is great to eliminate extra steps whenever you can, and not compromise a quality end result!  We are going to be carrying UNDERCOVER and you will see it listed on the website shortly!

We are getting ready for the next convention which is COAST TO COAST, which will be held in Mississauga, Canada.  This is a wonderful show, and we encourage you to come and see the trade show and take classes if you are nearby!  We are also getting prepared for the SDP convention in Tampa.

There are some price changes you need to be made aware of.  Martin F. Weber paints, pattern packets, and projectors prices have changed.  New pricing is posted to the website.

We are holding the first INTENSIVE STUDY PROGRAM in May, this year.  You can read about the details on the website.  We have had many people express interest in an in-depth study program that does not focus on teaching or starting a business, just several days of exploring the technique in its entirety.

Please keep in touch with us, and feel free to email any questions you might have!  We look forward to a wonderful year and welcome your thoughts!

God Bless;

Mary, Ralph, Cindi, and Lynn!