Anne(d) now for something a little different

Apparently Anne fell off her bike.

Here's hoping Anne (and her bike) are alright. 

Seaside on a Sunday

I often share things that are happening in my little basement studio on Sundays. There are a couple of things beginning to brew down there but they aren't really at a place where I feel like sharing -- yet. 

Part of the reason I am running behind on my projects is that I was away at the Seaside for a short birthday trip for my hubby. Of course, I felt compelled to take a few pictures. In lieu of what's happening in my studio (or for that matter in my life right now), I'm going to share a couple of my favorite shots from the coast. 

Sometimes, including today, I wonder just why I take photos. Then I remember that they make me happy. I hope they make a few of you happy too. 

None of these are currently available in the shop, but as usual they could be. 

And... the first person who can let me know where we were today (what city)... and posts the correct answer in the comments, can have their choice of an 8" x 10" print of any of the photos I am sharing in this post today. 

Be well. Do well. Stay well. 

Please don't forget to check out the shop and share it too! There will be new items between now and the end of the year... semi-regularly I hope. 

What a shot Wednesday

Sorry I haven't posted since Sunday but to be honest life has gotten in the way. I did want to at least check in and share a shot or two today. 

So here goes... For some reason today, this is the shot that speaks to me.

Florence, Oregon - Bridge at Night

Big Sur at Sunset

 Maybe it is because life seems like a blur with children... they are in kindergarten one day and the next it seems they are growing a bit of a mustache or getting their period. Sheesh. Maybe it is because my life feels all chaotic and blurry and unclear right now. Not sure why exactly, but this is my shot for the day. 

And a shot from a photo blog I have found and will visit often for inspiration, Stuck in Customs by photographer Trey Ratcliff. This is just one of many amazing photos of places around the world. I wouldn't mind being in Big Sur right about now. 

What a "bunch of shots" Wednesday!

Here is a partial reveal from yesterday's tutorial! 

I have removed some of the paper and you can begin to get the idea of what they'll look like, but I've got to go to my office and can't complete until later tonight. When I do, I hope to share! 

This miniature collection is all about Oregon. Can you tell me where these locations are?

Studio Sunday - Post Vacation Edition

What's in my studio today? 

The better question to ask might just be, "What ISN'T in my studio today?" 

Whatever you do however, just don't ask this question to my tween daughter, because she will quickly explain with an annoying tone that of course there are plenty of things not in my studio, such as the President, a tree, the kitchen sink, etc. So helpful in correcting me lately, she is (channeling my best Yoda there). 

I apologize to my faithful readers for letting you down over the past couple of weeks, but my mother came to visit and then we were away at the coast for a week... gosh I miss this view:  

Once we returned to "real life" I kept getting stuck in horrible traffic after work. 

Honestly I couldn't find "my creative" after two hours in bumper-to-bumper driving! 

Now I am getting back into the blogging groove (or at least working in that direction). 

But back to my studio... 

In various stages of completion are the following: 

• a card order to complete so I can ship tomorrow

• a mini-flower magnet set

• two tiny pendant necklaces 

• three cute little canvases

• a wedding sign

• a miniature framed photo

The little things are all for a show next month (hopefully) at Side Street Gallery in Portland. 

One of the photo images in the studio was taken on this year's beach vacation, can you guess which one? 

And while this isn't exactly her studio, check out what the lovely friends of Melaine over at My Sweet Savannah blog created recently: 

She also did something similar to this with mugs... so amazing. I am totally going to do this. Let me know if you wanna join me for a crafting night some time! 

You can check out more cool plates that were created over at her blog. And while you are checking out her blog, please notice the lovely advertisement near the upper left hand corner of the blog... Mama Picture This would appreciate it! 

Here at Mama Picture This, I love to share what other friends have happening in their studios as well. 

To that end, check out this awesome up-cycled chicken wire display frame by Tina over at Belou492: 

And last but by no means least, Brandy from MyEclecticCache shared with me what she's working on right now and it's gorgeous! You should check out the other items in these ladies shops. They have both been busy making pretty things lately! 

And now that I've finished my blog post for today and taken a nap, I'm going to try to channel whatever energy I have left into completing a few more projects down in my cool basement shop. Happy Sunday!

We were thrilled to find zillions of these star fish and other sea life down at the far south end of Seaside... we'd never been that far at low tide before. We also had some fun with scads of tiny and large crabs there too. 

We enjoyed the expected and the unexpected things we found at the coast this year. I am hoping for more good news but finding myself feeling worried and uncomfortable and starting to lean toward the negative. I am trying to remember that even if the unexpected happens and it isn't what we thought we wanted, there may be a reason and something else unexpected in a positive way may be just around the corner. 

How do you deal with hoping for one outcome but worrying about another? 

School's Out for Summer Blog!

School's out for summer. In an attempt to make the most of our summer adventure this go-around, we've decided to "take over" the Mama Picture This blog (at least temporarily) and present: The Kids Summer Blog! 

Each day you may see 1, 2 or even 3 photos. The girl's choice, the boy's or even mine once in a while. We are going to try to illustrate what we are up to and have a little more fun by doing it. 

And so, here we go... 

First full day of Summer Break... 

The boy was playing with friends and is now home but fighting with a nasty head cold. Poor guy. As you can imagine, he's not really into the spirit of this thing - yet. The girl and I had a girls' night last night and hung out together (including for a nap and an awards ceremony) 

Featured on the Heart Handmade Blog!

I am so honored and excited to have been featured on this wonderful blog, Heart Handmade. Thank you to it's author, Mandie! She rocks! 

I hope you will check out the feature on me and Mama Picture This (there are a few interesting tidbits about me and my life that you may not already know) and the rest of her blog as well! Spread the word. Share with others! 

Crafting rocks!

Best, 

Mama Zuzi

Sometimes we aren't sure just where this path is taking us, but we take it anyway.

Mama Picture This ... a Facebook Page!

For those of you on Facebook, come on over to the Mama Picture This Facebook Page and "Like". Once you have liked the page, post what images say Easter to you and what images say Spring (before the end of the day Friday, March 25th) and be entered for a chance to win a special mini flower card set.

Or head directly over to the Mama Picture This Etsy Shop where you can get a 10% discount if you've ever ordered before and/or FREE SHIPPING within the U.S. on orders over $20.00 while it lasts. Both discounts are in honor of Spring! 

And last but not least... stay tuned and check back daily to the blog ... because there will be a special announcement soon ONLY ON THE BLOG for blog readers exclusively! 

Latest project

Gonna have to count stitches for this one.

New Items in the Shop

I don't know about you... but I am SOOO wishing I was at the Oregon Coast on a warm summer day... I may not be able to be, but this card set makes it feel almost real: 

Oregon Coast Photo Card Mini Set