Sunny Saturday

It is a gorgeously sunny Saturday here in Portland. Wish I was feeling up to more than I am. Suddenly feeling as though one of the many things that are going around just might have caught up with me. I want to feel up to going for a hike, or going out to take some pictures or thoroughly cleaning and reorganizing at least one room in my house. I'll be lucky if I get to and through my self-defense course I'm scheduled for today and then bed. 

I have managed to muster enough energy to snap a few pictures of what things are like around our house today. Give you all a small glimpse into my world. Trust me, you probably don't want a big glimpse. Too wide an angle on this camera and you'd get to see all the piles of clothes and things that need de-cluttering! 

See if you do it just right (careful of the angle and all), you'll see a lovely and pretty clean looking living room: 

I do however want to hang that leaves photo on that space of yellow wall soon rather than "leaving" it (get it) on the mantel. 

Otherwise, however from this photo, things are looking good. 

Yes it is very typical to find random Nerf guns without a proper home -- taking up space in a laundry basket, which is in turn living on a chair (who needs to sit down). You have no idea how many surfaces we can cover in a day thereby forcing us to sit anywhere else other than actually on the chairs in our living room. 

Of course there are several ways to think 
this. Who needs to worry about how comfortable a chair may be when it will house various backpacks, Nerf toys and clothing? 

All these chairs normally have to do it look good and be prepared to hold up various accoutrements of daily life! 

I guess I'd like them to be actual chairs that we sit in more often but probably not so much today except the one in the top photo -- it is ready to go unless of course we figure out something to clutter it with. 

And despite the fact that it is 11:00 a.m., I am still in my robe! I may not be on my game today, but check out Olivia, the ever vigilant guard dog looking for anyone or anything she can use as an excuse to bark. 

And yes that's me outside in my front yard in the glorious autumn sun ... in my bathrobe ... snapping the pic! 

Frankly the we both look a bit ghostly in this particular shot. 

Watch out Kim Kardashian! I'm making a fashion statement on this laid back Saturday -- or NOT! 

And last but not least in this glimpse of our world today, is this photo that seems to show not only some semblance of tidiness (but if you look super close also clutter), but more importantly an empty wall! This wall normally holds our Advent calendars when we get to that point but of course it is too early for that. For now, I believe it needs a little something to spice it up and I have an idea. 

For now it will remain an idea because I'm feeling frumpy but I'm hoping by posting this to motivate myself to create something for that spot to share with you soon (maybe tomorrow on Studio Sunday)!? 

What would you put in this spot if you were decorating? Do tell ... share a comment. 

Tutorial Tuesday - How to turn a photo into a photo canvas

There are tons of ways to turn a beloved photo into a photo canvas. Do a quick google search or two and just see how many you find. My current preferred method is photo transfer and I thought I'd share the process with you one more time since it is TUTORIAL TUESDAY! 

I have searched and tried a few different methods but found my favorite on the "Come on Ilene" blog. I will outline my process here but you may also want to check out here wonderfully simple tutorial here: Make Your Own Canvas Prints.


So far I have made 2" x 3" up to 8" x 10". I'm planning on trying larger canvas sizes but would suggest starting small and moving up in size as you get more comfortable with the process and your results. 

You will need: 

• Blank canvas
• Photo printed with a laser printer on regular paper (not photo paper)
• Gel medium
• Water spray bottle
• Foam paint brush

If you aren't a fan of mess, then you should probably cover your work space with a garbage bag (as Ilene suggests) or newspaper or wax paper. Then take your canvas and give it a thick coating of gel medium (I got mine at a local art store called Blick). I would say thick but not TOO thick otherwise in my brief experience, I end up with more air bubbles to push out and glue oozing out the sides. 

Make sure you have cut your image down to the size of your canvas (or maybe just a bit smaller on all sides). When you print, maybe SURE you reverse your image if you want it to appear correctly once you've transferred it to canvas. Of course you may not have to depending on your image, but remember this if you have any wording in your picture or it will be obvious what you did! 

Gently place your image photo side down onto the gel on the canvas and then carefully push out all air bubbles and make sure your image is flat on your canvas. 

Let your project dry for 5 hours to overnight. Then the fun begins! 

Fill your spray bottle with water. Spray your canvas until the paper is saturated and give it a few minutes to soak in. Then you want to start gently rubbing the paper off with your fingers. Be especially careful around key elements of your image so that they don't get rubbed off -- such as faces. You will probably have to do this step multiple times until your image is completely paper free. 

When you are satisfied with your image (and lack of paper on it), allow your canvas to dry thoroughly. Give it a final coat of gel medium and voila -- you have a gorgeous photo canvas! 

 This one just so happens to be a mini-canvas and is available in my shop 

Floral Mini Canvas - Image of Deep Bright Purple Daisies - Photo Transfer. 

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!

These are a few of my favorite things

It is Sunday night and I'm tired. I'm not too tired to share a few of my favorite things though, so here goes: 

I found this vintage set of cups and saucers and they just make me want to pull on a new sweater and sip some coffee on an Autumn morning.

If you feel the same way, you can get them here at merrilyverilyvintage. Other great finds there too! 

I realize it is a bit early to be thinking about Thanksgiving, but it is never to early to think about giving thanks. Found this free download that I love so much that I really want to do it this year and make my kids participate too. And you can too. Get it here: http://www.carinagardner.com/2011/11/15/giving-thanks/. 

And for a little on-going inspiration: 

I hope you have something you love to do! Have a great week. You can get this wonderfully inspiring decal (or many others) at TikitiWallDecals. 

Mama Zuzi (aka Sue) 

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. 

It's Tuesday - Without a Tutorial

Once again it is Tutorial Tuesday and despite being in process on a sign-making tutorial, I am not able to share it with you quite yet. 

As I sit here on my couch watching "Mary Tyler Moore" and "Rhoda", I was trying to think what I could share with you tonight. What I have decided is to share a couple of my favorite folks I've found on Etsy. 

First off is a friend of mine who has creative overflowing... she is a talented photographer and jewelry maker too. One of her recent project is bejeweled book marks - just gorgeous!

Check 'em out at her Etsy Shop Storm Shade Designs. 

Another new Etsy friend is David over at SoffittaUSA. They make such creative and useful items. Who needs a table or desk when they can have a great hand crafted solid wood lap desk or sofa tray. 

I LOVE this idea. Perfect for a space where you have no room for a table but want to safely set down your drink. Love, love, love! Check out all their options in their shop. 

Well now I need to finish icing my knee (tweaked it at work today) and work toward getting the kids and myself to bed. I am looking forward to making more progress on these signs each night and then some major headway with a 3 day weekend. 

Enjoy your week and I'll keep you posted on all things Mama Picture This. Oh and by the way, for anyone who was waiting for the outcome of my great photo transfer experiment (on porcelain plate and glass)... it was an unequivocal fail! I have another option to try but it will probably be a little while before I can get back on track in that direction. 

Good night!
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

Mama Monday - Christmas in July

It is July ... for a couple more days. 

My shop has items on a "Christmas in July" sale ... for a couple more days. 

Christmas (as well as Hannukah and other winter holidays) are all about 6 months away. 

Time to get ready! 

I would be going gangbusters on this right now and would be, if I wasn't pretty darn sure I caught my daughter's stomach bug. 

But before crawling into bed, I did manage to create a few holiday themed images I hope to turn into photo card sets, signs, maybe canvas possibilities and other fun new ideas as well. 

Are you an early holiday shopper or do you wait until the last minute? 

Thankful Thursday - Last Thursday Redux Edition

I am thankful for many things this Thursday. Of course I am thankful for my family and friends and for getting through the rough spots and moving forward. 

I am also thankful to have a good job and the ability to pursue my creative passions too. I am thankful for being able to do Last Thursday in Portland for a second time and this time with my co-worker Dana! 

Check out her cute items on Etsy:  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBreadcrumbPdx

Stop by and see us if you can tonight! This morning I'm having to pack up for tonight's event as I won't have time to come home first... table (in van), chair and sale items, square, smart phone... what else? Hmmm... maybe I should make a checklist for this sort of thing. 

I will be doing "the reveal" of my mini canvas pieces as they are ready. They are all places in Oregon. Here is Shaniko: 

So tiny! Loving it. Now I'm gonna go attempt to get ready for work AND possibly finish up one or more of my tiny little canvas babies! Ciao for 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?

Tutorial Tuesday - Photo Canvas Laser Printer on Paper Method

I have seen many different ways to put photos onto a canvas. 

I put my purple power photo onto a canvas before by mounting a photo print directly to the canvas and then using Hodge Podge and paint to give it texture and a bit of a canvas art feel. I was happy to sell this to someone who loved it as much as I did at last month's (and my first) Last Thursday in Portland! 

With a Miniature show coming up at Side Street Gallery, I was moving forward with several small photo canvases with this same method when I realized there was a different way that I wanted to try! Thanks to Ilene over at the "Come on Ilene" blog for sharing your wonderfully simple tutorial:  Make Your Own Canvas Prints. I followed her directions last night and came up with this new version of "Purple Power": 


So if you want to give this a try, I might suggest starting small and working your way to larger sizes of canvas when you get comfortable with the technique. Right now I'm specifically making ones that are small (mostly 2.5" x 3.5"). 

You will need: 

• Blank canvas
• Photo printed with a laser printer on regular paper
• Gel medium
• Water spray bottle
• Foam paint brush
• Option sponge

If you aren't a fan of mess, then you should probably cover your work space with a garbage bag (as Ilene suggests) or newspaper or wax paper. Then take your canvas and give it a thick coating of gel medium (I got mine at a local art store called Blick's). I would say thick but not TOO thick otherwise in my brief experience, I end up with more air bubbles to push out and glue oozing out the sides. 

Make sure you have cut your image down to the size of your canvas (or maybe just a bit smaller on all sides). When you print, maybe SURE you reverse your image if you want it to appear correctly once you've transferred it to canvas. I made this mistake last night and think I've learned my lesson. Gently place your image photo side down onto the gel on the canvas and then carefully push out all air bubbles and make sure your image is flat on your canvas. 

Let your project dry for 5 hours to overnight. Then the fun begins! 

Fill your spray bottle with water. Spray your canvas until the paper is saturated and give it a few minutes to soak in. Then you want to start gently rubbing the paper off with your fingers. Be especially careful around key elements of your image so that they don't get rubbed off -- such as faces. You will probably have to do this step multiple times until your image is completely paper free. 

When you are satisfied with your image (and lack of paper on it), allow your canvas to dry thoroughly. Give it a final coat of gel medium and voila -- you have a gorgeous photo canvas! 

Unfortunately for you (or me maybe) all of my little canvases are down in my studio drying for a few more hours before I can finish and share with you. Maybe tomorrow on "What a Shot" Wednesday! Stay tuned. 

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!