Etsy Friends Friday

So goofy person that I am, I posted this morning before even taking the kids to school and then at some later point this morning, deleted it. Not sure what I was thinking or why. Ugh. 

So here, in newly updated form is a version of my "Etsy Friends Friday" post! 

For you who love you kitchen and love to cook (or love someone who does), there are some awesomely handmade pot holders in the Little Breadcrumb shop. How sweet are these? 

For your cat, for your dog or even for you -- there are tons of fun goodies in the Mauve Moose shop where even the shop name if F-U-N! My cat would LOVE these little crocheted ball toys if our dog wouldn't carry them around the house and lose them under the couches! 

Then there are these adorable love birds and other polymer clay creations (made in Israel) at ShuliDesigns. I for one LOVE these adorable love birds. What a great wedding or anniversary gift! 

If you are in the marketing for jewelry, there are some gorgeous items in the EngelchenArella shop (every thing is made in Germany)! 

And I've shared this shop before, but since she is my Etsy BFF, I'm sharing it again. Her shop is filled with repurposed vintage items with a shabby chic touch. Check it out at Belou492. 

Now if I have missed you my friend and your Etsy shop too, just contact me because well I like to be contacted and I'd be happy to possibly feature you and your shop on another day here at my blog. 

Ciao for Now, 

Mama Zuzi 

New blog features

Just wanted to let folks know that for now I'm going to be focussing on particular themes on particular days. Check it out: 

SUNDAY:  Studio Sunday -- organization, things to includes, supplies, design and more

MONDAY:  Mama Monday -- anything related to being a mama, mama picture this

TUESDAY:  Tutorial Tuesday -- Mine, yours, ours. DIY it baby!

WEDNESDAY:  What a shot Wednesday -- photos and more photos

THURSDAY:  Thankful Thursday -- Things I'm thankful for & appreciations

FRIDAY:  Nearly Famous Friday (moving my blog posts here) 

SATURDAY:  Self Improvement Saturday - we all do it and I'm gonna share about it

I'll start up this schedule tomorrow... my first self-improvement Saturday. Guess I better get thinking about what I am gonna do ;-) 

And if you are someone with a studio, a mama with your own blog, someone who does tutorials or just interested in contacting me, please contact me! I would love to hear your thoughts! 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi

All in the family

While I admit that Mama Picture This is my shop and to-date sells only items made by me or my own photos, I am getting a little help from my family. 

The hubby and I headed over to Home Depot last night to purchase some hard board for making my wedding (and maybe other) signs and we also got him a new drill bit set so that he can drill holes for my kid bedroom signs and I can add lovely gauze ribbons and/or jute for those who want them. I had earlier gone on my own to Joann's to purchase the ribbon, jute and a good hole punch too! Is it sad that this stuff is fun and exciting to me? ;-) I am also excited that my husband may be helping me by making recycled picture frames to sell in the shop along with my photos! It is fun having projects together and a great excuse to spend quality time together too. 

Working on ideas for bridal signs

As for my daughter, you may recall me sharing some pics of her hot pink duct tape handbag recently. I have offered to try to sell a few of her uber-creative projects, but she wants to have HER OWN shop and HER OWN blog etc. So for now... you guessed it ... she's on HER OWN!

So I was a little more than surprised (pleasantly) when I asked my 13-year old son to help me imagine what a younger boy might like to use to hang up his door sign if he was going to have one for his bedroom. He actually offered up either some sort of metal chain or twine (ended up with jute cause it is a bit thicker/sturdier)! Of course later when I told his Dad that he was helping me as my consultant, I think he said something along the lines of "meh huh wha? na relly..." or something like that. 

Tonight is made for crafting

Regardless of what he said (as if it could be translated), he did help me out and it was awesome. These days I really relish actual conversations with my boy because they don't happen as often as I'd like. 

Still a ways to go, but hanging photos make the space nicer

Something else that isn't happening as often as I'd like is comments on this blog. Come on people... my Blog Birthday Comment Contest will be over in one week's time!

The rules are easy: 
1. Comment on the Mama Picture This blog between now and June 6th
2. Share the post that includes your comment ... on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
3. You are automatically entered in a random drawing on June 7th (my bday)
4. Winner receives a t-shirt & 4-pack of photo cards (you choose the photos)
5. 2 Runners up win an 8x10 (or 8x8) photo print of their choosing! 

*** In addition, I will donate 5% of every sale in my shop between now and my birthday to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (in honor of my Dad). 

For those of you whose name I will recognize, feel free to comment anonymously but just include your name and last name initial in the body of your comment! 

Ciao for now,

Mama Zuzi 

Studio Space Evolution - In the Beginning...

So in the last blog post I showed you a couple of the many awesome studio spaces that I covet. Here's one of them: 

Color coordinated, loads of organized paper, personal style represented... ahhh that would make me happy. 

I'm not sure just what they are storing in the jars and spice bottles or the cute multi-color shelving on the wall but it looks gorgeous! It also appears to be missing the part of the room where they actually craft -- maybe a desk or work table. 

But alas, my little studio space in our basement is sad in comparison. Here it is even with a few organizational tools to help it get better: 

As you may or may not be able to tell, there are a few things that need to go away (sewing machine) and I have added a couple of organizational pieces: 

Calendar to keep track or orders

Cool photo organizer 

A file organizer + more

We are testing to see if our walls are waterproofed. Then we'll decide whether to paint or dry wall and then paint. I am contemplating various organizational pieces of furniture and want to get a new chair. Suggestions are more than welcome ... or pinterest ideas. By the way, all of these new items in my studio space were purchased in the store at www.storeables.com. I may have to go back! I hear Ikea has some good solutions although they very best one I have seen is apparently discontinued. Argh. 

Well ... since it is 8 a.m. on the West Coast and I have to get my munchkins moving on this rainy Monday-ish Tuesday, I'll be going for now.

Ciao, 
Mama Zuzi

Things I'm Liking Sunday - Memorial Day Weekend Edition

1:   I'm really liking organizational tools for crafting studios. Mine is a stuffy hole in the basement with a giant desk with loads of potential but in need of some serious design, planning, organization and love. 

Pinterest is bursting with ideas for organizing a crafting space. There are tons of images pinned there that I would be thrilled to emulate in my studio such as these: 


















2: I am also in love with the fact that the British TV Series "Doc Martin" is going to start running from the very beginning on my local PBS channel every Saturday Night. What a perfect excuse to get caught up before the next season airs! I just love watching this show set in Port Isaac, England (which doubles as the imaginary Port Wen)... it's gorgeous.

3:  This wedding blue color (I need to get some craft paint in this shade and ribbon too) for bridal signs. 

& 4:  I'm also pleased and liking the newest sign I'll be adding to my shop for boys' (and girls') bedroom doors: 

Available in the shop now, just click HERE!

Happy Memorial Day weekend and please remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi

More thoughts on getting older (& better)

My last post was one about aging and acceptance. I have always struggled to adjust to the big birthday (you know the ones... they end in 0's). 

It started during the beginning of my 29th year. I spent that year telling everyone that I was 30 years old to which they would reply, "you are still 29." It has been my style to start processing a year ahead of time and then by the time it was ACTUALLY my birthday, I was all good and ready to go! 

Turning 50 (or approaching it) has been the hardest of them all by far. Interestingly, for the most part I have tried to ignore it as if it would go away. Of course it has not. It shall arrive in less than 2 weeks. I continue to process this milestone. 

Forcing myself to say it out loud and to type it seems to be helping. Rather than trying to be the cool lady/mom whom everyone thinks is actually younger than she is, I'm trying to focus on just being my own version of cool. Don't let me kid you, at this point in my progression, I'd really LOVE to hear a bunch of "No way! You can't be 50!"'s but if it doesn't happen, I'm trying not to care too much. I still disdain being called "Mam." I know that it is supposed to be a gesture at respect but hint here people, most women in "middle age" aren't fond of it -- not one bit. 

Regarding my last post, I did say that I didn't have a lot of time to research people I actually admire and then listed some celebrities who are turning anywhere from 50 - 60 this year. Most people seemed fine with my list but I did get a little negative feedback when I shared it with a group of my Facebook Friends who are all women in this age range (or getting close). To be honest I a) appreciate the feedback and b) understand where it came from and why. Good points related to women looking up to other women who are "meeting their age with grace, ferocity, and determination." 


If you have women you admire who are over 50, who are they and what about them do you admire? 

Here are a just a few of my own favorites: 

Here's a quiz. Can you name them? Do you know their age? What about them might I admire? 

Feel free to comment on these wonderful women and/or share your own favorites below. What does aging gracefully mean to you? Do you care if a woman colors her hair? I know I don't. Color - don't color. I say that's your choice. I do like Ellen DeGeneres even if she chooses to color her hair. And as to why I included pictures of Daniel Day Lewis and Johnny Depp along with her in my last post I say this: I enjoy looking at them! I may be getting older but I'm not yet dead! 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi (Sue) 

PS... a few more days to comment and get in on my Birthday Blog Comment Contest! 

Getting older (and better)

I for one am not a big fan of aging, but truly there is no choice. 

And if you are reading this and thinking how strange this all sounds because you are in your teens or twenties or even maybe your thirties, trust me when I say that one day (not as far off as it currently seems) you will wake up and feel like your life is a Talking Heads song! 

As part of the acceptance process, it is helping me to know my many friends from college in particular but High School as well who are right there with me within a year or two. 

I am reading a book on my Kindle reader called "50 Ways to Enjoy Turning Fifty" and part of the acceptance piece is finding people in their 50's who you admire. 

I don't have enough time today to do a lot of research but I have found a bunch of cool famous folk who range from 50-60 to make me feel better about where I'm at. If these cool people can be this age, well then I can manage it too. 

59: Oprah Winfrey                   & John Malkovich
58: Reba McIntire                     & Annie Lennox 
57: Whoopi Goldberg                & Johnny Rotten
56: Daniel Day-Lewis & Chris Isaak
55: Ellen DeGeneres & Sheila E. 
54: Prince (shares my birthday) & Joan Jett 
53: Valerie Bertinelli & Bono 
52: Colin Firth (love) & John Taylor (love)! 
51: John Bon Jovi & John Corbett (need I say more) 
50: Jodie Foster & Jon Stewart 
49: John Stamos & Johnny Depp 

Not bad company at all. Not at all. Now a quick reminder that only 3 people have actually participated in my birthday blog contest and I find that well -- unacceptable. I love my friends and the readers of this blog and I would like to see you post even just one time in honor of my reaching this milestone. You have just 15 days to GET 'ER DONE! 

As a reminder, the rules (as easy as they are) can be found here: http://mamapicturethis.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-birthday-comment-contest.html

Go now. Comment often. Make my day and my year ;-) 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi (Sue)

Things I'm Liking Sunday - May 19, 2013 Edition

I can barely believe that May is nearly over - can you? 

This time next month, the kids will be out of school and every thing will be different until we get back to it again in the fall. 

You would think that I'd be liking summer goodies right about now, but I'm just not there yet. So what am I liking? Let me fill you in... 

For a while I was all about the British TV show "Doc Martin" and to be honest, I still am. I managed to watch every single episode for the total of it's five seasons thus far. I hear rumor that the series is filming Season 6 this year and I can't wait to see it. In the meantime I've been looking around for other shows I enjoy as much. 

Psych's characters Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster

And then we found "Psych!"  We don't have cable so we never even knew it existed until this year even though the show is currently in it's 7th season! That is my first LIKE for this week... the family found "Psych" Season 7 on Hulu and we are overjoyed! 

You can find "Psych" on the USA Network if you are a paid up cable kinda person. 

When I'm not watching Shawn and Gus thwarting criminals after getting into mucho messes, I'm usually working on some aspect of my Etsy Shop.

This weekend I'm working up some Kids Personalized Scrabble Pieces Name Sign and already have a a few orders! Totally fun to make these babies. I started with my daughter's name as an example and I'm also working up a possible boy version as well. There will be more. 


And last but definitely not least, I've been liking the art of my good friend, Tom Webb, aka Sir Grapefellow. His Etsy Shop is here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Webbitup and it is filled amazingly illustrated monsters, pirates, dogs, cats, rabbits and even a snake! 

I find myself most partial to the pugs and the cats. 

And one more thing. I am liking the awesome folks who have actually entered by birthday blog contest by adding a comment (it can be to any post on my blog). The rules are easy and they are here: http://mamapicturethis.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-birthday-comment-contest.html. And I've just added a NEW rule... the more times you comment, the more times you are entered to win! Right now the entrants have a 50/50 chance of winning. I think YOU should give 'em a run for their money (or t-shirts and card sets)! 

Ciao for now! 

Mama Zuzi 

Blog Birthday Comment Contest

As you may know, or may have noticed, I have a big birthday coming up. Despite my best attempts to hate this particular birthday year, I am actively working at ways to make it great. 

I don't know about you, but I feel WAY younger than I am. And while age is just a number, they can wreak havoc with our emotional state until we adjust. If we allow them to, they can even send us into a deep depressionary spiral and ruin our year. But we are the only ones who can choose whether to wallow in self-pity or to celebrate ourselves in all our glory at whatever age we happen to be. 

What is life without celebrations? 

We all know just what life is if we aren't getting older. 

And on a somewhat somber note, those of us celebrating big birthdays should remember that not every one is so lucky to get the chance. 

And so ... despite how much it pains me to type these words, I am actively working toward being FABULOUSLY FIFTY! Can it be? Not me! But alas tis true. 

In honor of this momentous occasion that is coming all too soon (see my birthday countdown calendar to the right of your screen), I am having a Blog Birthday Comment Contest! 


The rules are easy: 

1. Comment on the Mama Picture This blog between now and June 6th
2. Share the blog post that includes your comment ... on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
3. You are automatically entered in a random drawing on my birthday (June 7th) 
4. Winner receives a t-shirt & 4-pack of photo cards (you choose the photos)
5. 2 Runners up win an 8x10 (or 8x8) photo print of their choosing! 

*** In addition, I will donate 5% of every sale in my shop between now and my birthday to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (in honor of my Dad). 

Happy Big Birthday to Me... and to you too! 

Help me to make it a great one! 

I am counting on all of you (you know who you are) who read the blog but rarely if ever comment to comment and spread the word far and wide! Without your help, this contest will fizzle... but with your help it will be FABULOUS! 

10 Ways to Celebrate a Big Birthday without Breaking the Bank

If you are having a big birthday and want to celebrate without breaking the bank, there are still some great things you can do to mark the occasion. 

1.  Get a tattoo 

While a large or elaborate tattoo can set you back hundreds of dollars, you can often get a smaller one for under $100. 

2. Pierce something

Never gotten your ears pierced? Do it now. Looking for something more adventurous, consider your upper ear or nose. I got my nose pierced just last year and it cost about $50 including jewelry. 

3. Manicure/Pedicure

        Want to go wild and spend a bit more? You can do
        both manicure and pedicure together. Save money 
        and just pick the one that makes you feel extra 
        special. 

4. Cut & Color

If you are anything like me, you don't cut your hair as often as you might like. A good hair cut can make you feel great so go for it. If you can spend a little extra go for some color. I always color my own hair but this year am splurging for both a new cut and a little fun color -- something I don't normally do. 

5. Shopping

The nice thing about taking yourself shopping (in stores or online) is that you are in charge and you can buy anything from a whole new outfit to a new piece of jewelry at the local resale shop or even some sparkly new nail polish to do your own nails. 

I know I'd like to spend my next birthday on an island in the Pacific or in Europe but this year it isn't going to happen. And that's o.k. My birthday celebration (and yours as well) can be special even on a budget. 

Happy Birthday to You! Make sure you find a way to honor just how wonderful you are even if it can't be elaborate. And while you are at it... consider figuring out ways to celebrate all year long throughout the year. You deserve it!

A little pick me up

Today was a crappy day. 

Although I did not take myself shopping nor have I purchased anything yet, sometimes when I"m feeling down I like to purchase a little something to perk up my spirit. 

If I'm flush, I like to buy new shoes or an outfit. If money is a bit more tight, I've been known to buy some nail polish or a lipstick. 

What do you do to lift your spirit? Is there something you like to buy for yourself? 

I am not sure if anything would really lift my mood today but if I was gonna try, I just might buy: 

Maybe fun bright fingernails would do the trick. 

This polish is called Such a Nice Beast glitter nail polish and it is available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLadyVarnishes

I've been looking for a pair of earrings I can wear with pretty much everything and I DO love sea glass, so maybe these would be uplifting? I'd be happy with just about anything from this shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OceanCharmsSeaGlass

I don't tend to wear wild shoes anymore (ah yes I might like to go back in time and decide to stay in NYC but then again I wouldn't have my beautiful children/family so that's a problem). But for a splurge, these shoes just might do the trick well! These awesome cool orange shoes are a size 9 (too big for me) and can be acquired from: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BexVintage

I don't feel up to looking for clothes but this necklace might go nicely with my earrings... If you are interested, the necklace is available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RSMDesigns


Here's hoping tomorrow is far less annoying but I'm not holding out hope. Have a great night. 

Ciao for now. 

Mama Zuzi

New Beginnings

Today I have been thinking about beginnings. 

I know two women who are past their due dates and soon to meet their new babies. 

At my office, we have been interviewing and are soon to add a new person to our development team. 

My husband has been interviewing and is likely to be starting a new position soon as well. 

Summer is just weeks away and that means a new nanny and a new season and a new schedule. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151121579/kids-personalized-sign-custom-name?ref=shop_home_active

New seems to be on the agenda. 
I am also trying out some new items for the shop. 

Today I posted a special order listing -- an upcycled sign for a teen girl's bedroom door -- personalized just for her! Considering offering as a regular listing. I am also trying to come up with one or more potential versions that might be more popular with young guys. 

And when it comes to new beginnings, what better than a wedding or civil ceremony? 

Add caption

Continuing the scrabble motif, I've been thinking about the possibilities of a similar treatment for bridal/wedding ceremony signs. It seems all the rage these days to include signs for your ceremony, such as Mr. and Mrs., The Bride and The Groom, Here Comes the Bride and Happily Ever After. 

Are you a bride to be? A member of an upcoming wedding? Mother of the bride? I'd love to get feedback as I move along in this process. And speaking of feedback and moving forward, I spent a little time today making and

packaging up my latest photo note card order and they are ready to head out for California tomorrow! Thanks to Amanda Jayne for the order. Check out her adorable crocheted items in her Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MsAmandaJayne. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/73027099/blank-photo-card-set-4-x-5-white-wonder?ref=shop_home_active

I think I'm making it an early night tonight! More tomorrow. 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Cool ways to hang photos

Anyone can take a photo print down to the framing shop and go for the standard frame with or without a matte. That can get dull pretty quickly. 

The cool thing about the internet is that there are tons of clever and unique ideas out there to spice up your family photos or art prints for your home. 

A few photos of different members of your family, shots from a particular event or thematically-connected art prints can come together beautifully with the help of an old or antique window. This idea comes from the cottageinstincts blog which can be found at: http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-to-do-with-old-windows.html.

I can totally see my Shaniko photo collection in a 4-pane window. 

I also found a great and easy way to connect several photos, possibly in a hallway or above a table, by using a curtain rod. 

The rod can be as modern and sleek or fancy and intricate as your style dictates. A little ribbon or wire and your photos framed as you like, and you've got a terrific look. 

More images of this idea and details can be found at the Wingledings blog: 

http://wingledings.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-love-good-challenge.html

If you have some old shutters laying around, 2 Friends & 2 Cities have a great idea of how to refinish them and turn them into a beautiful display for your photos. 

Check out their before and after tutorial at their blog here: 

http://221vision.com/2011/02/17/before-after-shutters/

I love all of these ideas and given how many bare walls we have in our house, my photo decorating wheels are turning. 

I for sure want to try both the window and the curtain rod idea. What ideas are you inspired by? 

Ciao for now. 

Mama Zuzi

Things I'm Liking Sunday - Mother's Day Edition

Happy Mother's Day!

I am enjoying my day after a lovely brunch out with my family. I have taken a nap and been working on the shop. A lovely way to spend the day, especially since the weather has turned and it feels as though it could rain at any time. 

In honor of the day, I'm happy to say a couple of my "likes" come from my very own children! Apparently the apple doesn't fall that far from the tree when it comes to creativity. 

The other day, my daughter decided she just had to have a new bag to carry along on her field trip and within no time at all she had created this fabulous duck tape bag complete with strap, two pockets and a close-able latch! LOVE IT! Trying to convince her to sell some in my shop! 

My style is just a bit less hot pink than my girl's purse. I myself am a big fan of small bags and am always on the lookout for ones I like. If I was buying one this week, I'd go for this lovely little jewel from janinekingdesigns on Etsy!

My daughter isn't the only creative one around here. For Teacher Appreciation Week (albeit a little late), my son is making a card featuring one of his signature dragons: 

The red dragon theme would look terrific in his bedroom (maybe I'll frame a copy) but not really anywhere else in our house. I've been thinking a lot lately about our empty walls and therefore exploring home decor. I think this painting set by NathalieVan would look gorgeous in our bedroom: 

On the other hand, I may just go for a framed enlargement of this photo instead: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/65199230/beach-grass-8-x-10-digital-art-photo?ref=shop_home_active

Hope your Mother's Day is terrific. More soon! 

Mama Zuzi (Sue)