Heron & Crow is the name of our company, and we make custom ArtBanners in collaboration with our customers.

ArtBanners Our names are Gordon Leeds and Caitlin Dittmer. We grew up together at a magical summer camp on the Washington coast. It was steeped in local fables, American Indian lore and deep traditions of companionship and adventure. When we decided to marry, this place with its lifelong roots and many connections was a natural setting for our wedding. In our ceremony we wanted to invoke some of the many icons of our childhood, such as animals, spirits, the sun and the night sky. ArtBanners.com was born out of the seven wedding banners we created and the delight with which they were received by our family and friends. Inspired by the positive impact of our designs and encouraged by our desire to work together, we turned our labor of love into a business concept. Today Heron & Crow offers a collaborative process through ArtBanners.com to assist you in achieving a unique and highly personal banner designed and manufactured to your specifications.

Heron & Crow We are a small cottage industry born of the desire to support ourselves independently doing work we love and can devote ourselves to. We want to create a business culture that celebrates the creativity of each employee and every customer. In our studio the imaginations of our workers and children are highly valued. In our client relationships we strive to work with each customer to help them realize their own inspirations in fabric. We like to think of ourselves as art facilitators. Whether you have an ingenious and specific notion to translate into a banner to enhance a special occasion, or the wisp of an idea that you'd like help developing to decorate your garden, we're here to help you express your vision.

Caitlin Dittmer (design & manufacturing) Caitlin owned her own business for many years and has sewn for most of her life, crafting everything from napkins to draperies, baby clothes to bridesmaid's gowns. She collaborates with customers, designs and sews banners and flags, cultivates her garden, and chases after the children with an artful camera.

Gordon Leeds (operations) Gordon has spent his professional life in the apparel manufacturing industry, working as General Manager and MIS Director. He handles Heron & Crow's administrative needs, designs the operating software, runs the website, and dabbles in designing intricate wind toys.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation When creating our business plan, we knew from the very beginning that charity had to be part of our operating principles. Knowing that our clientele would also feel good about the idea, we made the decision to base our charitable giving on sales rather then profits. Clients know exactly how much of their purchase is returning to the community. As parents, a children's charity was a natural choice. But beyond that, we wanted to select an organization that indulges kids and helps them to forget for awhile the everyday challenges life can dole out. We chose a charity that works nationwide, like we do. Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to dying and critically ill children and their families. They offer relief to patients and their families, allowing them to pursue having fun in a sea of uncertainty. Please visit them on the web at www.Wish.org.