My Zentangle Journey

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

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!

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

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!

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.