Orchid Lane Designs

My Zentangle Journey

2016-05-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

I got started with Zentangle quite by accident! I started coloring again last fall, as a way to cope with stress. I was at the craft store one day, looking for a new adult coloring book. I happened upon a book by Suzanne McNeill titled Florabunda Basics. This fun book gave me an intro into zentangle patterns and doodling. I realized after exploring this book that I really enjoyed drawing and wanted to try more!
Next I discovered Zenspirations, a brand by Joanne Fink. Joanne creates drawings with plenty of open space, ready for your patterns and color.
This piece below is inspired by Zenspirations and Joanne's style of drawing:

I really think I will make this bigger and frame it for my kitchen.
I've also been doing a lot of "official" Zentangle patterns, and patterns created in the Zentangle style. I am learning through the book, One Zentangle a Day, by Beckah Krahula, and also online through Zentangle.com and several Facebook groups.
Here are a few more recent drawings:

For more information about these drawings, visit my Facebook page, Orchid Lane Designs, and my Instagram account, @margojaz.
Thanks for following along on my art journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future!

Recognizing Our Gifts

2016-05-14T17:05:00.002-07:00

A few days ago I read an article on JennieAllen.com about recognizing your gifts. I have been considering what I love to do, and what I am happiest doing. I love to create. I recently have begun drawing using the Zentangle (TM) method. I am hooked on this style of drawing and have been practicing almost every night. I have also rediscovered my love of coloring. I have kept my etsy store open and my blog up for all these years because I just knew that I would want to create again someday. My mind is whirling with possibilites and dreams of how to serve and glorify God through my art. Stay tuned, because I have some neat ideas that I will want to share with you! Here is a small sample of the art I have created recently.

You can also follow me on Instagram: @margojaz.

New Stuff!

2011-03-21T22:32:00.001-07:00

I've listed some fun new spring things on my etsy website!
Check em out!
I've also redone my blog layout - what do you think??

Lindsay Lanphere Photography

2010-12-12T21:10:00.004-07:00

These pictures are just adorable!! Courtesy of Lindsay Lanphere (http://www.lindsaylanphere.com/). First up is my Santa hat, followed by my pumpkin hat!

You can find these items and more on my Etsy site.

Professional Photographers Wanted!

2010-12-12T20:36:00.003-07:00

Are you a professional photographer? I would love to see photos that you have taken with my items!
If you purchase one item, and email me 4-5 high resolution pictures that I can use in my Etsy listings and my blog, you may choose a second comparably priced item for FREE! Use the second item in a photo shoot, email 4-5 photos and choose a third free item of equal value and so on. This trade allows you to get unlimited items and in return I receive professional photographs!
Be sure to include your watermark on all images and I will also credit you with a link to your website in my listing.
I currently need professional photographs on all items listed; I will also be working on a line of girls' spring hats and headbands that I would love to get photographed by the end of February!
If you are interested, please contact me at margo@orchidlanedesigns.com or visit my Etsy site at http://www.etsy.com/orchidlanedesigns.

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-21T13:48:00.007-07:00

Hi Readers! Well, it's been a busy fall at my Etsy Shop! And, coming up on November 26-29, I will be having a Black Friday - Cyber Monday SALE! Everything in my shop will be 25% OFF! (including already on sale items!) This is a great time to get all of your Christmas shopping done! Preview now by visiting http://www.etsy.com/shop/orchidlanedesigns.

Also, my Etsy team members from EtsyMom will be having sales too! Preview their shops below.

Please note, all custom orders must be placed by December 4th in order to be guaranteed Christmas delivery. Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!

To shop the sale on Etsy.com, search "EtsyMomSale." You'll find a little of everything from eco friendly + modern felt stockings, boutique-style children's clothing, cute Japanese handmade fabric button accessories, Twilight inspired jewelry, photography, handstamped cards, stationary, holiday decor, and more!

lavenderave.etsy.com * petitetuques.etsy.com * mimimarie573.etsy.com *AngelLeighDesigns.etsy.com * louloututu.etsy.com * countrychiccottage.etsy.com * sykin.etsy.com * nwwonders.etsy.com * zoegirldesigns.etsy.com * allyouneeddesigns.etsy.com *guzanito.etsy.com * yjennings.etsy.com * LauraElainedesigns.etsy.com * miatortilla.etsy.com *PinkStripe.etsy.com * thelittleredwagon.etsy.com * anhoki.etsy.com *RockefellerJewelry.etsy.com * PeriwinkleJazz.etsy.com * ninabonita.etsy.com *monstermeng.etsy.com * woodenhive.etsy.com * meeabee.etsy.com * silverrosedesigns.etsy.com *www.rikrak.etsy.com * bellerosedesigns.etsy.com * twistedribbonsbows.etsy.com *lisamicheleproducts.etsy.com * twolovebugs.etsy.com * stoneymistdesign.etsy.com *camelotstreasures.etsy.com * cr8something.etsy.com * scperkins.etsy.com *kitkatcreationsinc.etsy.com * homemadebyamanda.etsy.com * shopannavirginia.etsy.com *twosugarpeas.etsy.com * acheekymonkey.etsy.com * sreneedesigns.etsy.com *anasbabycouture.etsy.com * monkeypoddesign.etsy.com * loveyoumoredesigns.etsy.com *Terrbear37.etsy.com * momscrafts4u.etsy.com * boutiquelittlepeople.etsy.com *theavidbeader.etsy.com * etsy.com/shop/USCGwife *babyjives.etsy.com *www.babyswank.etsy.com * natortiz23.etsy.com * nume.etsy.com *www.etsy.com/shop/NewCreatioNZ * oceanbelle13.etsy.com * OrchidLaneDesigns.etsy.com *lifesoapsimple.etsy.com * peaceloveandkids.etsy.com * beyondwords12.etsy.com *TamsyTrends.etsy.com * nellaboos.etsy.com * babysindulgence.etsy.com * DaisyandLilly.etsy.com* DYEnamite.etsy.com * rockpapertekla.etsy.com * MommysDream.etsy.com *addybscakes.etsy.com * LoisAndLinnea.etsy.com * shoprhubarb.etsy.com *elizabeth71080.etsy.com * starknits.etsy.com * elisaann.etsy.com * feltedkitten.etsy.com *2sproutsandalilvoice.etsy.com * HandmadeWhimzy.etsy.com * lilprincessbow.etsy.com *cinnamonspice.etsy.com * katekatenyc.etsy.com * lilybugboutique.etsy.com

New Photography Props!

2010-08-24T12:31:00.004-07:00

Now I'm offering photography props! My first stork pouch is listed for sale on my Etsy Site and comes with a free matching baby beanie! Stay tuned for more props coming soon!

New Etsy Header - what do you think?

2010-08-16T12:56:00.002-07:00

BOGO Sale at Peacefully Knitting!

2010-08-15T12:48:00.004-07:00

Tina at Peacefully Knitting is have a BOGO Sale! Buy one pattern and get one pattern free! This BOGO sale ends on Friday, August 27th!

I took this wonderful opportunity to snag the Georgette Lace Hat pattern:

and the Maggie Cabled Cloche pattern:

both of which are on my to-do list! Can't wait to get started!
Photos Copyright Tina Sanders.

Two New Selling Markets

2010-08-04T12:33:00.002-07:00

In an effort to spend less time on my business but still be successful, I decided to stick with Etsy as opposed to my own website. The one thing that bothers me about Etsy is the "hoops" that a buyer has to go through in order to purchase an item. So, unless you are familiar with Etsy as a seller or buyer, you might not feel comfortable purchasing from them. I love buying on Etsy. Are you a buyer, would you like to buy on Etsy, since you have to set up a new account?
I found a great new way to sell items online, called Bixbe. It's new, so not many people have heard of it. It offers streamlined integration with Facebook and with Twitter. Also, your first 10 listings are free. And, you can post your listings to Craigslist with a simple copy and paste of some html code!
Here's a snippet of a few listings I have set up on Bixbe. What do you think? Would you rather buy from Bixbe or Etsy?

Orchid Lane Designs Pumpkin Wool Boot...

$12.00

This little widget is super easy to embed in any email or blog, too! So, I'm liking this cool market so far (although I haven't had any sales yet but I'm going to try it out).
I also discovered another market called '1000 Markets'. I just found it yesterday so I'm trying to figure it out and see if I want to try it. But I am loving the site layout and simplicity of the pages.
What do you think? Any thoughts? Where have you been most successful in selling your products?
I've been most successful selling to people that I know in real life. So I'm going to continue to focus on that path while building up my online image as well.

The Winner is...

2010-07-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

samsstuff!I'm a little late on the giveaway, but I hope you understand! Check your email, Sam!Okay, back on break :)

Blogging Hiatus

2010-07-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

Hi followers!I will be taking a break from blogging for a while! You can stay updated on what I'm doing on my flickr page, ravelry, and as always, my etsy shop.

The Pink Slipper Project

2010-07-11T12:35:00.004-07:00

I recently came upon this great charity, The Pink Slipper Project. It is a wonderful idea! You can sew, knit, or crochet slippers for women and children in shelters around the country. I've been knitting some slippers lately and wondered what could I do with them! So, check out this great project and consider donating your time and/or supplies. Help spread the word!

Grand (re)Opening and a Giveaway!

2010-07-09T16:06:00.004-07:00

My new web store is ready!!! In celebration of its Grand Opening, I'm having a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a Cable Headband in Bordeaux! A comfortable and light headband, it will be your go-to piece when you don't have time to wash your hair or want your hair out of your face. I love to wear knit headbands, you can hardly tell you have them on and they look so pretty.

Entering is simple! Go to my new online store, www.orchidlanedesigns.com, and then leave a comment on this post telling me what is your favorite product! One entry per person, please. Be sure to leave your email address or blog address so I can contact you to tell you you've won!

Thanks for entering and good luck!

Giveaway ends Monday, July 26, and 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Donate Shoes

2010-07-08T09:33:00.001-07:00

My husband recently went on a trip to Malawi, Africa. There he served orphans and those in need in a village near Lilongwe, Malawi. Coming back from his trip, he felt called to start a non-profit organization that will provide shoes to those in Malawi and around the world. He was amazed at the amount of children and adults who have no shoes - not even one pair.

You can read more about his story and our charity here:

www.lightfeetproject.org

If you're interested in donating shoes through the mail, contact me at margo@orchidlanedesigns.com for our mailing address. If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, we will come and pick up your shoes! Let me know and we'll schedule a pick-up for you.

Any monetary support is greatly appreciated - we are specifically looking for monthly supporters, at even $10 a month - this is what will keep our charity going. Find out more by clicking here. Thank you!!

Happy Independence Day! Weekend Sale!

2010-07-02T13:24:00.003-07:00

For this holiday weekend only, select items are on sale on my new website, www.orchidlanedesigns.com!

Visit http://www.orchidlanedesigns.com/category/sale.htm to see all sale items!

Ruby Cinch Hat in Sweet Potato

2010-06-21T14:01:00.002-07:00

Check out my new hat! Ruby Cinch Hat in Sweet Potato! Newborn to Toddler sizes! I just adore this fun orange color.

The original hat was made for Jen at Ruby Hill Photography, so I decided to name it after her and her business.

It is listed on my new web store: www.orchidlanedesigns.com, as well as my Etsy store, www.knitinpajamas.etsy.com. My new web store will have its grand opening on August 1st as well as a giveaway to celebrate! It's fully functioning now but it still needs a few finishing touches.

~Marketing Monday~

2010-06-13T22:45:00.003-07:00

I have been super busy caring for my little ones and running the household while my hubby is away that I haven't been able to keep up with my blog as I'd like!

I hope that I am not boring you, my lovely readers, too much and that you'll take the time to stop by and say hello! What's going on out there in blog-land? Share your marketing links here!!!

Pompeo Hat

2010-06-08T15:41:00.003-07:00

I finished this lovely little hat in about a month (among other projects that I'm working on). It was easy yet kept my interest. It's really comfortable to wear using Stricken Smitten yarn in Aran weight. The yarn is so soft and warm, this will be my go-to hat this winter!

The pattern is by Natalie Larson. It is very well written with written directions and charts. It was easy to follow and understand. I'd recommend this hat to all knitters!

Subscribe to Orchid Lane Designs

2010-06-06T23:48:00.002-07:00

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Don't miss a thing - sign up today!

http://feeds.feedburner.com/orchidlanedesignsfeed

Claudia Hat

2010-06-03T11:25:00.003-07:00

A sweet new lace baby hat now listed in my Etsy Store.Matching booties coming soon!

~Marketing Monday~

2010-05-31T12:48:00.002-07:00

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to our troops who fight for our freedom and those who have sacrificed their lives for our country!

And it's Marketing Mondays Blog Hop!
Visit Trendy Treehouse to enter your link!

Itty Bitty Creations

2010-05-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

I love babies! Can you tell? I love knitting for babies, maybe even more! (Aside from my own babies, that is :)

I worked up this adorable little hat by Alison Hansel from Charmed Knits:

And these sweet booties by Susan B. Anderson from Itty Bitty Nursery:

for a dear friend's baby on the way! So fun!

My Etsy Treasures!

2010-05-22T19:40:00.001-07:00

Since becoming a seller on Etsy in December of 2009, I've enjoyed visiting many other shops with many other talented artists. Most I get ideas and inspiration from, but every so often I must buy what I find! (Actually, I've bought more on Etsy than I've sold!)

I've already shown you my Stricken Smitten and Tabitha Designs purchases. Here are two of my other recent purchases, some quality sewing from Giraffe Label Designs and Sew Sassie!

I bought a crafting apron from Giraffe Label Designs for a good friend, and I just had to get one for myself!

Teri graciously made a custom apron for me! I'm loving her hobo bags, and the Annie is on my to-buy list!

I heard of Sew Sassie from Erika at Tabitha Designs, and loved Sarah's toddler aprons.

My twins got a nice treat and love to wear their aprons (they've got some room to grow, hehe). I'm also wanting a cool quilted tot e that would be perfect for my knitting projects!

I highly recommend both of these wonderful shops!

What's New!

2010-05-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

New in my shop!

Pom Pom Headband in Mint Green:

See more pictures at http://www.knitinpajamas.etsy.com and http://www.flickr.com/photos/knitinpajamas/.