Review: Photo Christmas Holiday Ornaments by PhotoJewelryMaking.com

I was recently given software and a set of holiday ornaments to review by PJM (www.photojewelrymaking.com) through Mom Sparks Media. I love Christmas and crafting so I jumped at this opportunity. This product came with re-sizing software, six silver frames, and six silver hooks.

The loading of the EZ Photo Resizer Software was simple to do, put the CD in the drive and follow the instructions to install. Then with the program open, I was to enter the dimensions of the ornament. I had a square ornament so it was written in the instructions to what the size was I needed to use. I had to select paper size and select layout on the paper with how many images I would use.

I then had to select an image to use with the “add and crop image” feature. The instructions said I could click and drag over the image to select the desired area I wanted to use. This feature was a little touchy. If I clicked on the area and accidentally released too fast, I would have to select “crop selected area” again and try to crop another time.

Then the instructions stated that I should click “Finish-Create file for printing”. It said a PDF file would open with my re-sized images. This did not happen. I had to remember the file name and go into Adobe and then open it this way. I have Adobe Reader X and use Windows 7. It wasn’t a big deal, but couldn’t get it to work as exactly stated in the instructions. After that, I could select to print the file on the type of paper I desired. The instructions stated that standard paper was recommended, not photo paper due to the depth of photo slot.

Here are my four images on a 8 1/2 x 11 paper and the double sided square photo frames yet in the bag.

I then cut out the images. This pic got a bit over-exposed, but I just wanted to show the size of the photos. they were about the same size as the width of my thumb across. Tiny!

There is a thin slot on top of the photo frame to insert the printed picture into.

At first, the photo sat nicely in place. Then with moving the frame around gently, the photo moved out of place. The clear plastic sheets that cover the photo can be pulled out and the picture can be re-positioned. I wish there was something to affix the photo inside the frame so it can’t move around.

Here is another closeup of the photo. Looking at the website, I put the hook on upside down. I thought the frame stayed on better this way. The other end is a single swirl. It said “attach completed photo frame to ornament hook” on instruction sheet.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Overall, cute idea.
Silver plated frames seem of good quality.
Hooks are attractive.
Software is easy to install and fairly easy to use.
Sturdy, but light to handle.

Cons:

Personally, too small to be appreciated on my Christmas tree. It would be cute on a wine glass or bookmark for a gift at this size.
No adhesive to hold photo(s) in place once in frame and I did experience play in frame.
I was afraid frame would fall off single swirl end of hook, preferred the other end with multiple swirls.
Maybe it was my printer, but picture wasn’t as clear as I had hoped. A magazine picture would have looked more crisp and eye catching.

Here is a link to http://www.photojewelrymaking.com/photo-christmas-ornaments-square.aspx to view this product. It is currently on sale at $14.99.

I had seen PJM also sold another 6 piece square frame kit. It wasn’t double sided, but for the same price, they had ornaments that have glass to hold the picture in the frame instead of the plastic sheeting and have seal-itz strips to attach the photos to the glass here: http://www.photojewelrymaking.com/glass-photo-christmas-ornaments.aspx. I think this would have been more effective for me, personally.

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own. I received holiday ornaments and software to make the ornaments in exchange for this review.

About Karen