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 Shot Wednesday - Thursday Edition

Today my "What a Shot Wednesday" shot of my own happens to be six shots recently taken in Florence, Oregon. I am debating which, if any, to put in my shop. I am thinking I might put some "collections" in there such as the Florence, Oregon collection and sell them individually and/or in a set (although six seems too many for a set to me). 

Happy for your feedback on this idea and/or which photo you'd like to see for sale in the shop, if you have an opinion. 

As for other great shots to share today, I stumbled across this gorgeous autumn leaf photo by French photographer Kiki Plumier:

http://www.evasionk.be/

Kiki's photo reminds me a bit of this one I took in my office parking lot a while back but different. Water is a never ending source of great reflection photos. And now since this What a Shot Wednesday posting is actually happening on a Thursday (my girl needed great comfort from Mama for an upset stomach), ENJOY! And if you love my autumnal leaf reflection, it will be available in the shop again shortly in this section: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaPictureThis?section_id=13522786

It's Studio Sunday Again

Here's what has been in my studio most recently (as in today and yesterday): 

This is the latest bedroom door sign I've gotten to do. This time for Adam. It is on it's way to California. 

I took one of the leaf photos from yesterday's blog post and played with it, adding a phrase I remember a friend of ours sending to her then boyfriend (now husband) with a note and a leaf... and added it to the shop. Planning to hang it in our golden yellow living room soon. Here's hoping both leaves and love are in the air this autumn.

Next up should be pendants. I got chains to go with them but they are 24" long and that just seems too low to wear with most outfits. Someone tell me if I'm wrong. I'm hoping to return for shorter chains but for now I may just sell the pendants, allowing folks to add to chains they already own or going out and finding ones they love to go with my pendants. 

Hopefully 3rd time is the charm. I've had two attempts so far following a tutorial. First time didn't work well at all but I figured out that I needed to work on wax paper and hadn't been told to cut the photo quite a bit larger than the glass and cut down later. 

Second time was better but I found that the way the tutorial told me to trim the photos didn't turn out as well as I liked. Luckily, I experimented and got one good pendant (Country Door) and figured out to use my matte knife rather than scissors or nail clips for my trimming. Wish me luck. If they work out, a handful of pendants just may show up in the shop this week. 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Ode to Autumn

It is a gorgeous autumn day in the NW. Sunshine and 71 degrees. I am busy but still wanted to snap a couple shots that remind me of this time of year. I want to go out in search of a lot of differing colored leaves but for now I found these on our in-need-of-repair back deck:

 

And then there's Penny, our rescue dog. Something about her Golden Retriever color just always says autumn to me... but especially when she is falling asleep on the deck in the October sunshine. 

Hope you are enjoying a nice fall nap or some time in the outdoors. 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Ready to Ship (FREE) Saturday!

Hey y'all!

I am in a generous mood today - could it be the weather?

Either way, I realize I have several items in my shop that are "ready to ship" and I'm ready to ship them to YOU for FREE!

Just use the coupon code BLOGCOUPON at check out when you purchase any of the following items and you won't have to pay ANY SHIPPING! For my local friends, just use the FRIENDSFAMILY2013 coupon code AND the BLOGCOUPON code too... to get free shipping (you are in Portland right) and 10% off your purchase. This is a limited time offer and only I know how long... so don't wait! Just make sure whatever item in the shop you want says READY TO SHIP!

What a Shot Wednesday - Late Start Edition

Hey there peeps, 

I have gotten out of the every day blogging habit and for that I apologize. I am trying to post more regularly but am not sure just how quickly I can get back to almost every day. 

Luckily today is a "Late Start" day for my children at school which allows me a little extra time at home this morning. It's not only late start Wednesday, but also "What a Shot!" So here is my own "What a Shot": 

Taken in Florence, Oregon recently, it is one corner of our motel room's deck. I just love finding the beauty in ordinary places and objects. Here a simple wood deck becomes a vision of contrast and warmth, texture and geometric shapes. 

As for other photos I'm loving this week, look at this one I found on Stumbleupon: 
'

It is so serene and gorgeous, I want to be in that boat. 

And check out this shot from Arizona: 

See more amazing shots like this at: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/stories/too-beautiful-to-be-real-16-surreal-landscapes-found-on-earth

Happy Wednesday! Keep finding the beauty that is all around us. 

Happy Monday & A Contest

Please go check out the wonderful My Sweet Savannah blog this week! Today's post includes a giveaway of a Scrabble Tile sign from Mama Picture This! 

Studio Sunday

There are a few things in the studio as you can see. I have been working on this chicken wire frame display for selling at street fairs and such (thanks to hubby for the help) but unfortunately haven't gotten to use it yet. 

I finally replenished my card and envelope stock and am starting to complete Tammy's order for 14 cards. Considering we drove all the way to Tigard to get to Paper Source (with a parking lot), I should have doubled what I bought -- live and learn. 

The other item in my studio that I need to finish post-haste is a new plaque/sign. Considering adding a few of these (maybe able to be personalized with a photo). This one is Family, but others could be Friendship, Happiness, Believe and the like. What sign would you actually put on your mantel or above your desk? 

I have to complete it and get photos to Melaine over at My Sweet Savannah blog! She'll be giving it away on her blog on the 16th! So mosey on over there and check it out. Maybe you could be the winner! 

More later. Zuzi

Pin it to WIN it contest!

Are you on Pinterest? 

Do you like to win prizes? 

This could be your day (or maybe your week)! 

Mama Picture This is having a Pin it to Win it contest on Pinterest. 

#Repin it to #Win it! Happily Ever After wedding sign for gifting, wedding receptions, photo prop. Winner pulled Friday, August 23, 2013:: 1 entry for each like, comment, and repin. Good luck ♥ #weddings #wedding reception #wedding photo prop #bridal gift

Check it out here:  http://pinterest.com/pin/234820568044291118/

Like it, comment on it, repin it... spread the word. 

Signs of Sunday

Amazingly my 3 day weekend is all but gone. I did manage some house cleaning, grocery shopping and to cart my children around to today's birthday parties too. 

In between I've been playing with signs. I re-did my wedding sign (The Bride & The Groom) listing here: Shabby Chic Wedding Decorations - Shabby Chic Sign Set Victorian Vintage Wedding Reception Sign Set Scrabble

I also finished the first of my Halloween signs today which is now available in the shop and ready to ship: Halloween Decor - Spooky Home Decor Sign - Scrabble - 8"x10"

And last but not least, my current personal favorite that is not yet available in the shop (but could be by special order) -- it is a photo transfer image on a wooden sign board, ready to hang. Could be used at a small business, as home decor or maybe even an intimate wedding: 

And that is what's happening on Sunday for me and "in my shop" too. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Feel free to fill us in on it by commenting below. Oh and if you are on Pinterest, follow me there! I'll follow you back! I've got a contest going on and I'll fill you in on details tomorrow but you may be able to find it for yourself... a little like a scavenger hunt. 

Scrabble Babble

For the past several months, a big part of my life has been Scrabble (specifically Scrabble tiles). I currently offer several different cards and signs featuring the letter tiles prominently in my photo images in my shop. 


And while sitting here at the computer sipping my iced coffee, I thought I'd take a minute and see what was up with Scrabble? 

I can easily see that people like both the game and the tiles themselves. On home decor blogs (such as one of my favorites My Sweet Savannah and in my local craft store, there are big ones for your walls and smaller ones for many purposes, including necklaces. 

Apparently there's some serious stuff going on out there in the world of Scrabble. 

Facebook, known for it's controversy, seems to be in the thick of one Scrabble story. 

Apparently thousands of Scrabble mobile players have taken to Facebook to complain about changes made to a popular mobile Scrabble app. I noticed at least one Facebook group asking to change it back! Don't mess with Scrabble lovers people! 

The full BBC article is here.

Then there is the somewhat scandalous and sad news that the National Scrabble Association, which helped shepherd the game's public image for decades, has been forced to shut it's doors due to Mattel pulling it's funding and taking it's services in-house. Scrabble players are unsure as to what all this means for national tournaments and more. 

Find the full story here.

And if you don't believe me that Scrabble Tiles (and the game itself) is all the rage these days, check out these home decor ideas featuring what else .... but Scrabble! 

I've got more work to do today with my own Scrabble tiles, so I bid you adieu. 

Mama Picture This (26 points in the game if you were wondering)! 

Mama Monday - A Day Behind

The good thing about Summer is all the fun there is to have and all the places to go. We have had a week at the Oregon Coast and this last weekend several days in Bend, Oregon. The problem is however, it throws you right off your normal schedule. 

I have lost my rhythm when it comes to blog posts -- working on getting it back. I hope you will be patient while I get back up to speed. 

The good news about this weekend, besides having fun, was that I got some terrific images that I hope to turn into canvases some time soon. Although at this point they are behind Halloween signs, an order of cards and a wedding sign plus possibly a special custom order. 

Here is a sampling of our Bend experience: 

Of course all good things come to an end and so too will this summer. We still have a few more weeks but as happens every year, I know school is coming when I notice the first purple blooms on what I call the "Back to School" flower ... and look what's in bloom!

What fun have you still got planned?

Whatever it is, enjoy! 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi (Sue)

Waiting on a Wednesday

You may have noticed that I didn't post a tutorial yesterday. Sorry about that but I realized I couldn't actually complete my The Groom and The Bride signs because I needed holes drilled and that is my hubby's job. Hopefully next week will be good to go. 

So now I'm working on some photo transfer projects but here's the thing. First I had to wait to receive my glass and ceramic tile primer. Then I had to wait to get some prints made (my home printer doesn't cut the muster for photo transfers). Then I got a short break when I got to spread a thick layer of the primer on my ceramic plate (see photo) and on a glass plate which goes in a recycled shabby chic photo frame I found the other day at one of my favorite resale shops. 

But guess what? Now I have to wait 24 hours from the time I applied my photo images with a nice layer of gel medium on them to each project... that means I can't start peeling off the paper on my Christmas plate until tomorrow morning right before I go to work AND not until tomorrow evening on the piece of glass. I HATE WAITING!                                                                                                                                        

And so now I'm trying to figure out if I can antique a piece of wood and then photo transfer my Country Door photo onto it (or not)? 

So... while you wait to find out if my projects work, I'm going to go and try to figure out this latest photo transfer question and of course go to bed! 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Studio Sunday - It's August Edition

It is indeed Sunday and of course I have some projects I'm working on. To be honest, I have been spending more time today on my computer or at my desk than actually in my studio. 

I have been working on some cards and have listed a couple of new ones for the early birds among us... you know the ones who have all their holiday/Christmas shopping done before we are even ready for Halloween or Back to School! 

I am considering free postage for early bird shoppers who order in August or maybe even September but I haven't decided if I'll do that yet or not.

I need to make a set of signs "The Bride" and "The Groom" for a start but am holding off to see if a couple of other pending orders come in any time soon (or not). I am also working up some Halloween sign ideas and will need to get down in the shop to make those for listing sooner than later. I am already starting to see Etsy sprouting lots of holiday items.

My Halloween projects so far include: 

And while we are talking about studio work, boy howdy does mine need some... I am so jealous of artists and crafters with gorgeous studios like Kim's (on Everything Etsy): 

and this one from housetohome.co.uk:

and this one from thehouseofsmiths:

It looks as though I need to start with some white furniture! I'll see if I can't work on that. Well it is Sunday night and I need to do more laundry and clean the kitchen, so I'm checking out for now. Enjoy! Hope you'll visit again soon. 

MamaZuzi