Why should I choose Chouette Design (and how do you pronounce 'Chouette')? back to top
Chouette is pronounced "shoe-ette".  It's French for 'owl', but also means 'cool' -- "C'est chouette" (pronounced 'say shoe-ette') is a popular phrase to use when you like something.  Chouette Design was started in 2001 by Lisa Hovis, a graphic designer, fine artist, photographer and professional photo restoration artist after living in Dijon, France (hence the business name) for two years.  You can be sure we have the creativity and skill you want when it comes to creating your special announcement!  Our speciality is having the ability to make your photo look like it could have been taken by a professional...even if it wasn't! Once your completed order is submitted online, a skilled designer (very likely Lisa) will lightly enhance your photo (additional restoration/enhancement work available!), make any adjustments to your text to ensure everything fits and can be seen well.  Then your proof will be emailed to you --- and all this within 48 hours (M-F)!  You'll be given the opportunity to submit requests for proof adjustments --- two adjustment proofs are provided for FREE!  Our objective is to create a photo announcement for you that you will be incredibly proud to share with friends and family. All the photo card designs on this site are completely unique, created by us.  We look forward to working with you!

Do you create announcements for a themed party?  What about for a 25th wedding anniversary? back to top
We enjoy designing photo announcement cards of all kinds. Whether the announcement is for a wedding, to save-the-date, a holiday, a religious celebration, or any other occasion, we can help you!  If you don't see a design here that works for your event, we can create a custom design just for you!  Or we can create a template for our site... and you can be the first to use it! 

How do I get my photo to you? Can I send more than one image?back to top
Once you choose a design, you'll use the online template designer to create your card.  You'll upload your photos and drag them in to the design you choose so you can see if your photo works with that particular design. 

Are envelopes included? Can I pre-order my envelopes? back to top
Yes, we include a perfect-fit classic white 70# stationery envelope (heavier than "normal" envelopes) with a square flap.  We will send you 2 extra envelopes for every 50 announcements ordered.  After you design your card, you can choose to receive the white envelopes for no additional cost, or you can upgrade to a colored envelope.  We also have return address printing: 

Save time! We also offer an additional, optional service to print your return address centered on the envelope flap. Your address will be centered, and printed on the envelope flap in the design you prefer from the order form, using a font that matches your announcement design. Cost: 35¢ each 

Can you make my color photo sepia-tone or black and white? Can you make my photo look better? back to top
You can make your photos black and white or sepia once you pull your photo into the online template builder.  If the color seems 'off', don't worry, we will be re-doing the coloring using our professional software so the color you'll see in your email proof is a more accurate representation of the quality of black and white or sepia.  And YES, your photo will look better too!  We use our graphic design PLUS our photo restoration and enhancement skills to lightly enhance your photo. Whether it was professionally snapped or not!

How will I know that I like it? back to top
First, you'll get a very good idea what your announcement will look like after you create your card in the online template designer.  If you like it there - you'll LOVE it when you see the proof!  That is because before your announcements are printed, a proof will be emailed to you. We'll make any slight adjustments to make any harder-to-ready type easier to read, plus we'll lightly enhance your photo.  Your approval is necessary before printing, and you can request up to two additional proofs for no extra charge!  Your announcements won't be printed until you are thrilled!

What payment methods are accepted? What is your return policy? back to top
We accept all major credit cards via our secure website.

Return Policy: Due the nature of our customized work, and because you approve your proof before printing to ensure accuracy of the printed details, returns are not accepted unless it is a printing quality issue that wasn't discovered before the order was shipped.  If this happens to you, email us a photo showing the printing issue.  We'll get back to you right away.  If you discover a spelling or information error after you approve your proof, and your announcements/envelopes/other items have been printed and/or shipped already, we will re-print the order for you with the correction at 1/2 price, plus the cost of shipping. We offer up to three proofs on your design to ensure accuracy and your happiness with your announcements. If you would like to see the paper we print on before you place your order, order a sample pack to see examples of our work printed on both photo paper and coverstock.

Do you create birth announcements for multiples, adoptions, and special births? back to top
Yes! You can choose a pre-designed template, or, if you don't see a design you'd like to use, or we haven't created one for your particular situation yet, you can order a custom design.  Custom designs can be anything you want. You tell me what you have in mind on the custom card order form, and I will do the rest for you!

How long before I get my proof? back to top
Within two business days (M-F) after receiving your photo & design details. Make sure to check your email often! Please make sure @chouettedesign.com is on your "approved sender" list or "whitelist" and/or in your "address book".

How long will it take for me to get my order? back to top
After you approve a final proof, orders are printed and shipped. Photo paper is printed in our pro photo lab in 24 hours M-F.  All 100# orders will ship 3 business days after a proof is approved, and all 120# orders ship one week after a proof is approved. You can choose your UPS shipping service at checkout.  Shipping costs are based on the weight and destination of your order.

What paper do you print on? What is the difference between lustre and glossy photo paper?  What is coverstock? back to top
Currently, 4.5x6 and 5x7 birth announcements are printed on a premium glossy or matte lustre photo paper. The 4x5.5 cards are printed on a 100# stock that is thicker than photo paper, about 1.5 times thicker.  The 4.25x6.5 photo announcements are printed on a premium 120# white matte cover stock (the weight is similar to a high-end greeting card, or about 2 - 2.5 times thicker than photo paper). Size 5x7 is available in both the 100# and the 120# paper.  If you are a paper person (you know who you are), I recommend the 120# cover stock. Notecards are printed on one of three high-quality papers depending on your use for it. If you have any question about the printing methods or papers, I strongly recommend ordering a sample photo announcement sample pack.

Our photo prints are printed in our professional lab on premium dye ink paper using the greenest photo processing technology currently available. The glossy finish gives you a shiny look, while the lustre photo paper gives a slightly shiny appearance. The lustre photo paper resists fingerprints, so it is a favorite of our customers.  Both papers are beautiful; your decision is a personal preference.

Can I order more later? back to top
Of course you can, so long as we have your file. Just email us! The same minimums apply for re-prints printed on cardstock (but call, we might have a couple extra here), but if you'd like re-prints printed on lustre or glossy photo paper, there are no minimums on your re-orders. Or, if you'd like your cardstock order printed on photo paper for some re-prints, we can do that too.  We will do everything within our power to have your file available should you need it. We cannot guarantee your file will be available for any specific amount of time, however, due to natural disasters and possible computer melt-downs and glitches.

Do you have any photo-taking tips? back to top
Well sure I do! First, make sure the photo you take is clear and free from shadows. Use the flash unless you have really good light. If you're using a digital camera, make sure you're using a high resolution setting, and always use the flash unless you're taking the photo outside in the bright sun! Put your baby in a natural position if possible. You can always have someone hold the baby but keep their hands out of the way. Then I can either remove the background, or blur it to keep the focus on your baby. Read our baby photo taking tips!

Can I order a sample? back to top Yes you can. Order a sample pack!