We are so honored to have such excellent talent among us.

To that end, we are pleased to give you a sneak peek of our of our newest boutiques. Our woodworker has been creating fabulous custom wood creations for our customers for some time….and this new line – truly heirloom quality – will be available online in the very near future.

This magnificent heirloom quality, custom wood line features intricate cut outs, and are, by their very intricate and extraordinarily nature, conversation pieces.

Without further ado….here’s one of the many new pieces that will be gracing our new boutique:

Roman Cathedral Intricate scrollwork custom wood table clock

Here’s another picture of this gorgeous custom wood table clock, with our wood artisan, himself:

Ms. Phipps was extended a personal invitation from the program’s curator, Preston Scott, to attend the opening ceremonies and present the book, complete with a custom wood presentation box made by our fine wood craftsman, in person during the festival.

Ms. Phipps presented the book to His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Prince of Bhutan – the head of the Bhutanese delegation (consisting of approximately 140 Bhutanese artists, dancers, cooks, craftspeople, carpenters, farmers, and representatives of monastic life) for the event – during a book blessing ceremony on the opening day of the festival. Ms. Phipps was also formally introduced to His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs of Bhutan.

“The presentation of the book was very beautiful. They had the book, safely inside the box, tied with a white silk scarf. And, once they were ready to begin, both His Royal Highness, the Prince, and I, pulled opposite ends of the scarf to “reveal” the box, and then the book. Then, His Royal Highness , the Prince, signed the first page and His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji signed the following page,“ comments Phipps on the book blessing ceremony.

Once the Festival concluded, the custom leather guest book, filled with visitor’s sentiments, was taken to Bhutan and given as a gift from the Smithsonian Institution to the King of Bhutan – Fifth Druk Gyalpo His Majest King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

When asked about the Smithsonian book, Ms. Phipps commented: “It took a few days for it to really sink in – the Smithsonian chose my company to create something to give to a foreign dignitary [from the Smithsonian]. We get some really neat requests from very interesting people, but, this was, by far, the most notable from an artist’s point of view. I think every artists dreams of being contacted by the Smithsonian Institution, and to create something that is so important to them was a huge honor – and pretty overwhelming if I allow myself to dwell on it. And,” Phipps added with a grin, “that’s not even adding the ‘meeting a prince’ factor – doesn’t every little girl dream of meeting a prince? It’s just such an honor all around – definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

About the Festival

The 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival featured three programs. In addition to “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon,” the other programs were “NASA: 50 years and Beyond” and “Texas: A Celebration of Music, Food and Wine.”

The Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honors people from across the United States and around the world. With approximately 1 million visitors each year, the Festival unites presenters and performers in the nation’s capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The Festival’s web site is: http://www.folklife.si.edu.

]]> http://savinggraceenterprises.com/go/2008/07/lead-artist-presents-book-for-smithsonian.htm/feed 0 http://savinggraceenterprises.com/go/2008/05/search-our-custom-product-catalog.htm http://savinggraceenterprises.com/go/2008/05/search-our-custom-product-catalog.htm#comments Fri, 16 May 2008 18:38:56 +0000 SGE http://savinggraceenterprises.com/go/2008/05/search-our-custom-product-catalog.htm In order to make the Saving Grace Enterprises experience even better, we’ve implemented a new search feature that will search across all of our specialty websites so you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for.

To begin your search, simply click on our “Search” tool and enter the terms you are searching for in the following form:

Visit or Company wide custom product search now

Unfortunately, we’ve also found that the “protection” of most sandals is not as comfortable as being barefoot!  Over the past few years, we’ve been perfecting a system to create the best custom leather sandals available to you – anywhere in the world.  Our local customers have been thrilled with the results.  We’ve had numerous requests from our local customers to offer our signature custom leather sandals – Better than Barefoot Sandals – to their family and friends all over the country and world.

That presented a special problem that required a special solution.  You see, ALL of our custom leather sandals are molded to each customer’s individual feet.  We don’t sell our sandals according to size…because and you know, “shoe size” varies depending on style and manufacturer – up to as much as 2.5 sizes!  Not to mention that most people’s feet are two different sizes….so, you are stuck buying for your “bigger” foot – leaving your other foot in a potentially uncomfortable situation.

So, after over a year of searching and much testing, we have perfected our fitting process so that we can offer our custom leather sandals to anyone, worldwide – and still provide the same spectacular fit and ultimate comfort.  When you order your custom leather sandals from Better than Barefoot Sandals, we will immediately ship your our “custom bare-fit kit” (within 1-3 business days), which contains an easy to use, no-mess material for you to create a “replica” of each of your feet so that we can custom fit each of your feet – without you coming into our studios!  We also include a label for return shipping…so, all you need to do is complete the kit (which takes less than an hour), put it in the box, stick on the label and ship it back to us.

And, with our custom bare-fit kit, you won’t ever have to worry about whether your custom leather sandals will actually fit when you receive them since each custom leather sandal is custom fit to each foot!  Our custom bare-fit kit *also* includes real leather swatches of all the colors and stains available, so you don’t have to guess which color you like based on what you see on your computer screen.

Every aspect of your custom leather sandals by Better than Barefoot sandals is fully customizable, and we are happy to work with you to create the custom leather sandal you are dreaming of.  From simple and strappy custom leather sandals to heavy duty custom leather sandals to custom leather sandals that make your wrists jealous (is it an ankle bracelet or a sandal?), these custom leather sandals are sure to keep your feet very happy – and make your friends wonder how you found such a great fitting, great looking pair of custom leather sandals.

For more information, or to order your custom leather sandals today….simply visit Better than Barefoot Sandals, pick your style, tell us the size you need for your custom bare-fit kit, and your custom leather sandals will only be a few weeks away!

1. Executive Administrative Assistant: This position assists CEO daily. Must be very detail oriented and highly organized. Some tasks this position will handle are as follows:Priorities

• Relieve management of administrative detail, all projects
• Coordinate work flow
• Update and chase delegated tasks to ensure progress to deadlines
• Take initiative in manager’s absence
• Keep projects on schedule
• Maintain procedures manual to ensure consistent performance of routines

Communication

• Compose correspondence/reports for own or manager’s signature
• Arrange essential mail in priority action order for boss
• Check deadlines on incoming requests and put preliminary work in play
• Process replies on own initiative or from bosses’ dictation or notes
• Research, draft or abstract reports

Phone

• Handle all inquiries within my capacity
• Arrange “callbacks” to protect boss’s time
• Provide back-up materials for callbacks
• Route calls elsewhere as needed
• Do phone surveys/inquiries as needed

Appointments/Meetings

• Maintain calendar; ascertain which events require boss’s presence
• Fix commitments to maximize boss’s time efficiency; Allow decision/desk time
• When boss chairs meetings: -Prepare agenda in advance-Arrange meeting facilities

  -Act as recording secretary; prepare action minutes

Confidentiality

• Perform to earn boss’s full confidence
• Assure discreet handling of all business

Visitors

• Screen to control interruptions
• Provide back-up data as needed
• Arrange amenities as needed
• As arranged, “rescue” boss from laggards
• Schedule visits away from boss’s area to protect priority/private tasks

Travel

• Arrange travel through internal or outside agents
• Arrange travel cash in advance
• Prepare itinerary, trip file and supplies
• Prepare expense report tools for boss
• Complete expense reports after trip

Data Management

• Improve/tighten storage/retrieval systems
• Update and manage index

Routines

• Update secretarial/clerical desk manual
• Set up “tickler” system
• Set up “exception reporting” system to handle routines without supervision
• Routinely re-order department supplies
• Update mail/phone directories
• Make these available to trainees

Projects

• Handle administrative detail, all projects
• Seek greater role in projects within administrative and other areas of competence
• Seek training on projects outside my range

Supervision

• As required, train and supervise part-time or full-time, paid, or unpaid/volunteer secretarial or clerical staff

2. Shipping manager. In short, the shipping manager position overseas packaging and shipping department. Must be very detail oriented, organized, and have experience with custom product shipping operations.

To apply for either of the above positions, send full resume (including 3 references and date available), salary expectations, and cover letter to:

Saving Grace Enterprises, Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
411 West Pleasant St.
Pleasantville, IA 50225-9780

We do not accept applications via phone or in-person. Only mailed resumes with the above information included will be considered.

We are also pleased to announce that we are in the final stages of two more online boutiques stores. Please stay tuned to this website to see the website(s) launch messages. We are proud of our new sites (as well as our old sites), and are pleased to be able to continue to offer you more options online – just as we are able to offer with our local customers.

Here’s what happens next…

Idea Cafe is opening up the selection of the one winner to the vote of Idea Cafe’s entire audience (and the world, if they wish to show up and vote).

In addition to the votes we will get from Idea Cafe’s current audience, Dee & Saving Grace Enterprises is inviting our friends, family, clients and customers to support our chance of winning the $1,000.00. Simply go to the Al Marks’ inventive mind small business grant finalists page, click on the link to cast your vote, and vote for “Dee Phipps” (our founder).

Please note that voting on the grant winner is a privilege reserved for registered Idea Cafe Regulars. But if anyone who wants to vote is not already a Regular, they can quickly sign up at the “voting booth” so they can access it through Idea Cafe’s “Members’ Door”. There is no charge to sign up as an Idea Cafe regular and it just means you will get special privileges (such as being able to vote for Dee & Saving Grace Enterprises), plus receive Idea Cafe’s “Biz Tips” newsletter twice a month. You can get off the list at any time, but we are asking that you do not do so immediately so that your vote will be sure to count.

Idea Cafe is accepting votes from now until midnight Pacific Time, Saturday, August 11, 2007. Within the next days after that, they will tally the votes and announce the grant winner. The winner will be determined by the number of votes cast by Idea Cafe’s regulars (remember if you are not a regular, you can sign up to be a regular at no charge, and have the privilege of voting!) and announced online on August 15, 2007, Idea Cafe’s 12th anniversary online.

Learn more about the Al Mark’s Inventive Mind Grant by visiting the small business grant center at Idea Cafe. And, please make sure to vote for our founder, Dee Phipps, before Saturday, August 11, 2007 at midnight, Pacific.

To celebrate, we are declaring this week (July 23 through July 30) “Inventive Mind week” at Saving Grace Enterprises. To celebrate in a way that can only be declared inventive, we have set a goal of creating 10 new products over the next 7 days. Some may be modifications of some of your favorite products, some may be a little crazy and silly, but, they will all be new. This is a mighty goal, we know, but, we are determined to produce 10 new high quality products that you will love!

Here’s where the fun comes in. One way we want to celebrate this terrific honor is by inventing for you and with you – our friends, clients, colleagues, and visitors. As you know, this is one of the things we thoroughly enjoy, and what’s more, it gives you the benefit of owning a beautiful piece of “useable art” that has been designed specifically for you – your life, your work, your play – your world!

If you have a suggestion or would like us to create a new product JUST FOR YOU, simply drop our founder and lead artist, Dee, an email (or give her a call), and we will work with you to create a product designed especially for your unique needs and your specifications.

On Monday, July 30, we will release our 10 new products for your viewing. Make sure to check them out!

The field of semi-finalists for this grant will be reduced to finalists and the winner will be determined by the vote of IdeaCafe.com’s 32,000 members worldwide and announced online on August 15, 2007, Idea Cafe’s 12th anniversary online.

Learn more about the Al Mark’s Inventive Mind Grant by visiting the small business grant center at Idea Cafe.

Because it’s important to take extra time to celebrate Christ’s birth, spend extra time with friends and family, and give our artists and staff a well deserved break, Saving Grace Enterprises has modified our hours this season as follows:

• Friday, December 22 – Tuesday December 26: Closed
• Wednesday December 27 – Thursday December 28: 10 am to 4 pm Eastern standard time (-1 hour for central standard time, -2 hours for mountain standard time, -3 hours for pacific standard time)
• Friday, December 29 – Monday, January 1: Closed

On January 2, we will resume our regular studio hours from 10 am to 5 pm Eastern standard time.

Fide forti fortuna,

Dee Phipps,
Lead Artist
Saving Grace Enterprises

If you are like most people, probably not.

Most people can not recall the majority of gifts that they’ve received from their friends and family a short year later (and, often, they can not remember after a few months have passed.) Sadly, the fact is that unless your gift is something extraordinary, unique, and carefully thought out, the ones you love the most will not remember the gift, nor the sentiment attached – unless, that is, you forgot the occasion – then, you will be remembered for that – forever.

This is a little discouraging, isn’t it? But, if you think about your Christmas last year, you will know that this is a fact.

Unfortunately, we live in an age where often we are backed into the very, very dangerous “last minute buying” mode where ANYTHING – yes, sometimes even including the petrified fruit cake hiding on the back of the shelf – will do….I mean, *anything* is better than the dreaded forever-remembrance of nothing, right?

What if, this year, you became the hero of the holiday? Wouldn’t that be awesome? And, without even needing to stoop to the petrified fruit cake or (gasp!) gift cards? What if, this year, you could proudly say (on Thanksgiving day)…my shopping is done! And merrily go about your way to actually enjoying the holiday season from Thanksgiving through the New Year? No worries about the crowded stores, sold out items, and cranky sales staff.

We are talking an almost-Utopia!

And, to make it better, what if the gifts you gave were actually on the short-list of remembered gifts a year later, even 2 or 3 years later?

What if you could give a gift that didn’t cost thousands of dollars – but, would last far longer than any high ticket electronic?

What if….every time your beloved family member or friend caught a short glimpse of your gift, they were reminded of the warm gesture and loving care that you took to pick something out just for them?

What if I told you that was not just a dream.

Before you head off to your local big box to fight the crowds and desperately search for something that won’t be returned or, worse, end up at the back of the garage – forgotten forever, I urge you to consider a different plan this year.

Our skilled & experienced artisans are still taking orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery. It’s like Santa’s workshop around here, but, up until the 17th of November, we are accepting your custom designed Leather journal, portfolio, binder, and leather planner orders at: Legacy Journals

These are just the plain old run of the mill items that you can pick up anywhere. These are true use-able works of art – completely customized just for your loved one. We are even taking custom orders for jewelry and rosaries through the 17th (not to mention our very popular hand tooled leather products!).

If you aren’t quite sure what your loved one may like, let us work with you to design something that will take their breath away (please note, we are not liable for any medical expenses which may result from a lack of breath!).

And, if you are reading this after November 17th, wishing you had run across this sooner…..don’t despair. We will be taking rush orders (additional fees apply, and express shipping is mandatory) until November 22nd – just in time for you to proudly proclaim your Christmas shopping is done while you sit around the table on Thanksgiving.

As always, we at Saving Grace Enterprises are wishing you and your family a very, very Merry Christmas, and a joyful holiday season this year and every year.