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)! 

Thankful Thursday - Last Thursday Edition

I know, I know... I have been remiss in posting this week. I meant to post just about every day and had ideas but just got either too tired or too busy. 

Busy with what you might ask. You may well know but if not, I'll tell you what. I am for the first time ever going to have a "booth" (more like a card table) at a local street art fair tonight. The event is called Last Thursday and it is here in Portland, Oregon. 

On their website, organizers describe the event this way: 

"...Last Thursday, the monthly Alberta Arts District festival, is now in its 15th season. Artists, musicians and performers line the street from 15th through 30th Avenues, galleries hold their monthly openings and restaurants and bars hang new artwork for sale. Last Thursday is the largest art event in Portland as well as the most entertaining place to buy local art..."

I am decidedly excited and nervous.  If you'd like more information, you can find it on the FOLT (Friends of Last Thursday) Website.

I have my smart phone and my Square, ready to take credit/debit card purchases, I have a card table (need to pack a chair), I have business cards and of course my wares. Here's some of what I'm bringing: 

• Photo Cards:

• Mounted Photo Prints: 

• Photo Magnets:

My partner in crafting crime who was supposed to be selling with me tonight can't make it but I want to give a shout out to her awesome hand made hot pads and her adorable shop Little Breadcrumb. Hopefully you will see both of us selling our wares at July's Last Thursday on July 25th! 

If you come to Last Thursday, please try to swing by my table and say "Hi!" 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi

Thankful Thursday

It is Thankful Thursday and I am thankful indeed. I am thankful first and foremost today for my Mama without whom I would not be here! Happy Birthday Mom! 

I am thankful for my husband who allows me to pursue my dream and my photo art because I love it and he loves me ;-) 

I am thankful for my Etsy customers (you know who you are)!

Because I love you all for supporting me, I will be sending out a Customer Appreciation Coupon Code later today! 

Be on the lookout. 

I am thankful to have finally found a Mama Blog to try advertising my Etsy shop. 

You would be surprised at just how many I contacted only to find out they were uber expensive or they never got back to me. 

But with the help of a site called Passion Fruit, my ad should begin to run tomorrow on June 21st on That Suburban Momma Blog! 

I hope you will check out the ad and her blog too.

I suppose I should make breakfast now and officially start preparing for my Thursday/Friday (I get a 3-day weekend all summer long)! 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi

Thankful Thursday - The End of School

It is Thursday and there is just one day left of this school year. Amazing. 

Today I am thankful for all the teacher's and school personnel who help my children and honestly all children every day -- to learn, to grow, to become who they are meant to be.

And in that spirit, I am going to share my process in making yesterday's wonderful tutorial which I am making for my kids' teachers and the school secretaries. 

Thanks again to Design Mom for the terrific idea and tutorial which you can find here:

 

And now without further ado, is my version (it was fun): 

1. Printed out the templates

2. I colored mine. 

3. Cut 'em out. 

4. Score & fold where indicated.

5. I glued the side tab first. 

6. I used the glue bottle to hold the bottom tabs together when I glued them. 

 

7. Fill with goodies. 

 

8. Ready for gifting on the last day of school! 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi