Missing You

A box of A Muse Studio goodies found its way to my doorstep this week, and I couldn't help but dive right in. Among the items from the new catalog was the 'Wish You Were Here' stamp set. I have so many project ideas for this set, but I started out with this simple card. Is it not the cutest?!

Thanks for stopping by today. Head over to A Muse Studio to see their new products, or download the newest catalog here.

CARD SUPPLIES
Cardstock: A Muse Studio Sugar
Patterned Paper: A Muse Studio Buttercup Polka Dot
Stamps: A Muse Studio Wish You Were Here
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, True Black ZIG Writer, R29 Copic Marker

Taking Flight With Unscripted Sketches

Today I'm playing along with Sketch It Saturdays at Unscripted Sketches. Here's a look at this week's sketch: 

And here's the card I made:

All of the stamps are from the Inkadinkado 'Inspirational Lift' stamp set. I added the wings to the bird cage for an additional play on the 'Take Wing' sentiment. 

In fact, I added two sentiments from the set to create an encouraging note.

On the inside, I mirrored the design of the background papers and stamped an additional bird. I love adding unique details to the inside of cards. 

I hope you've enjoyed today's card. Head over to Unscripted Sketches to play along!

CARD SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Paper Cut, Coco & White

Patterned Paper: BoBunny, Geography

Stamps: Inkadinkado, Inspirational Lift

Ink: Adirondack Earthtones, Espresso

Golden

Earlier this week friends and family surprised me with a wonderful party celebrating my golden birthday. Gold accents, special people, and delicious food made the night perfect. Here are just a few of my favorite snapshots from the memorable evening..

I was conveniently wearing a GOLD chain! 

Even little A. had a great time, fascinated by all the balloons and fringe.

Mustache favors made for great photo ops. 

I've been blessed with some truly great people to surround me, encourage me, and beat me in Charades.

Reliving Childhood Memories

An unexpected drive through 'the old neighborhood' brought tears of joy today as my family discovered a favorite deli of ours still open for business. We stopped in for some delicious eats... and BLUE MOON ICE CREAM. This cone sure brought back some delightful memories. 

Backgrounds & Bling

Today I'm playing along with the Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World. My eyes where drawn to the the two different patterns in the inspiration photograph. Therefore, that's exactly where I started, creating a background from a design element included in the Faith In You stamp set from Market Street Stamps. 

Taking another gaze on the picture, I noticed the neutral palate with a hint of pink, the perfect color combination for the soft tone I wanted to create. Next, I grabbed the current sketch from CPS and created this card: 

I couldn't help but use these adorable little flowers and a few pearls for some added bling. 

Once completed, I realized I had changed the original CPS sketch so much it was almost unrecognizable.  Therefore, I added the second pattern (from the inspiration photo) and a piece of doily. Encouraging card complete!

Hope you've enjoyed today's card variations. Head on over to Card Positioning Systems and Moxie Fab to play along with the challenges too!

CARD SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Paper Cut

Gingham Cardstock: A Muse Studio, French Roast

Stamps: Market Street Stamps, Faith In You

Ink: A Muse Studio, French Roast

Pearls: A Muse Studio, Vanilla

Flowers: JoAnn Embellishments

A Day Trip To Trinidad

My dear friend Ketson welcomed us to his humble abode over the weekend and treated us to an authentic Trinidadian lunch, full of (in my own American words) baked macaroni, rice, bbq chicken, potato salad and more... It was delicious and a great experience. We were able to hear more about his culture, family life, and customs. Not to mention pig out on some of the most flavorful dishes I have ever had! Here's a look into the unforgettable Sunday afternoon...

Those cucumbers were an appetizer and soaked in a hot pepper concoction. He explained that in Trinidad, while his mom prepares the food, they create chow, anything mixed with peppers. The hot peppers increase your appetite. That it did... along with a desire for liquid! It took two glasses of kool-aid to calm the fire. Have you eaten any new foods lately that shocked your system? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Addicted To Color: FALLing for you

Are you addicted to color? I sure am! I'm constantly searching out new color combos and gathering inspiration from photos, the color wheel, and daily life. This weekend while adding to my Copic collection, I stumbled upon a color combo I really enjoyed. This happens quite frequently... It catches my eye, I take a picture, create plans in my head of how I'll use it, and then loose the inspiration in a sea of other data. 

No longer! I've gathered together some truly color-inspiring photos and created a new series for you all! Introducing Addicted To Color... Every Saturday I plan to show off a new color combination with it's photo counterpart. Without further ado, here's Combo #1, the inspiration from my Copic-obsessed shopping spree: 

And here's the project inspired by the combo:

I may have to hold off on sending it in the mail, as it's not too in season. I started off with plain cardstock and created the background with a leaf stamp. All the edges are inked with a brown pigment ink to get rid of the harsh lines. 

I even added a little beauty to the inside of the card:

What do you think? I hope I've brought a little color and inspiration to your day!

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Bazzill, Paper Cut

Stamps: Unity Stamp Co

Inks: Adirondack Hazelnut, ColorBox Chestnut Roan, Marvy Brilliant Yellow

Ribbon: A Muse Studio French Roast Sheer

Copic Love

Guess who snagged a spot in the April Copic Intermediate Certification Class? This girl! I've been patiently waiting for a class to open up close to home, and the time has come. I couldn't be more excited to attend some more advanced training and turn it into additional classes at Creations Galore. I currently teach Copic 101, a beginner class that equips students with a basic knowledge of Copic products, blending techniques, and starting an inventory. This class is one of my favorites to teach... I'm addicted to these markers and spend hours coloring!

I thought it might be fun to give you a look into my Copic 101 class... I'm currently working on some tutorials that I can't wait to share with you. Until then, enjoy a few pictures: 

pretty stamps to color

learning to blend and picking colors

testing papers and inks

such beauty

Have you joined the Copic craze yet? 

Reminiscing...

This past weekend was spent spring cleaning, and I found some great photos I had printed off to scrap. Of course, that scrap step never happened. I truly believe that it's never too late to get those memories documented! Here's one of the layouts I created:

You can see a close up of the layout and find out just how I created it over at the Creations Galore Blog. That sure was a fun day at Bay Beach, our local amusement park. The picture of my brother, almost too big for the swing, screaming in excitement, and hair blowing in the wind, makes me burst into laughter every time I see it! Three years have passed since then... He's married, along with my friend Alyssa pictured here too. She even has a little one! We may have grown up a bit, but rest assured, we'll all head to Bay Beach for a little fun this summer. 

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Bazzill

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

White Sakura Gelly Roll Pen

Black ZIG Writer

A Look At A Bridge

A few days ago I met with a dear friend to share photos I had taken while visiting PJM in New York. I just can't get over all the opportunities that the city offers for sketching and photography through its abundance of people, buildings, and scenery. One of my favorite sites was taking in the Brooklyn Bridge... the height, the view, the sounds... I'm positive that not a single picture I took on that Sunday afternoon gives any justice to the brilliance that is this bridge. Who knew one could fall in love with a bridge?! Here's a minor look at our walk from home in Brooklyn into Manhattan. 

I sure stuck out like a crazy tourist this day, snapping away at a bridge people use daily. Luckily, PJM was happy and willing to show me around and wait as I took it all in. 

Hope you've enjoyed this mini tour today.  

Announcement: She Zig Zags Etsy Shop!

I'm so excited to announce the opening of my shop on Etsy. I will be adding new items daily, including hand-drawn prints, one-of-a-kind cards (including gift sets), and handmade embellishments. Stop by my Etsy shop to see the first listings. 

What do you think of my Etsy banner? I added some hand-drawn zig zags. There may be a blog remodel in the near future... Have a fantastic Tuesday friends.

All Smiles

Hello friends. We may have only sprung ahead by a single hour, but today I feel like we lost about twelve. I've got the largest mug of coffee... Is anyone feeling the same? Wiped. Out. Therefore, it's rather ironic that the card I'm sharing with you today is all about happy smiles. I'm hoping the bright colors and positive message will inspire a burst of energy today. For me... and any of you that have a case of the it's-monday-after-springing-ahead-and-i'm-crazy-tired.

CARD SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Bazzill, Paper Cut

Stamps: Unity Stamps Company

Inks: StazOn Jet Black

Follow Your Heart

 I've had this set from Market Street Stamps for quite awhile. I just loved the sentiments and adorable birds included in the set. However, I've always drawn a bit of a blank when it came to actually creating with them. Inspiration finally hit this past week, and I created this card. Hope you enjoy! 

I created the background from one of the sentiments and a heart from the set and Versamark Watermark. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I loved the final result. The birds are from the stamp set as well. I paper pieced those over the background after stamping the branch. I originally had added leaves to the branch, but it became a little too busy. After playing around with this set, I have quite a few more card ideas up my sleeve.

Have a great Tuesday, and don't forget to follow your heart. 

CARD SUPPLIES

Cardstock: A Muse Studio, Paper Cut

Stamps: Market Street Stamps

Inks: Memento Rich Cocoa, Versamark Watermark

Go Ahead, Smile.

I'm on a roll with fast, simple cards that can easily be reproduced and turned into gift sets. Here's another group I wanted to share with you. I just love the bright colors. Thanks for stopping by!

CARD SUPPLIES 

Cardstock: Paper Cut

Patterned Paper: Amy Butler/K&Company

Stamp: A Muse Studio
Ink: A Muse Studio