Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

 

 

Mother’s Day is holiday where families honor their mothers.  Its  a day where they recognizes their mom’s for all that they do to support the family.   Being a mom is probably one of the hardest jobs a woman can do.  The moms work tirelessly day in and day out just to improve their kids lives.

Mother’s Day is celebrated in May and falls on the secund Sunday in May in the United States.   Other countries celebrate their Mothers but the day and month may differ. Each family celebrates their mom in their own special way.  Many families will host a brunch which is a breakfast and lunch food combination.  The siblings and spouse will also buy their mom a gift and a card. This gift is a way to say “thank you” “ I love you and I appreciate you being my mom”

 

Mother’s day is a reminder of how important our mom is. So celebrate the mom’s in your life  with a unique gift that was created by an independent artists. 

 
Here are a few of my top picks.

This coffee mug features a pretty watercolor floral  design with the text that you may personalize with your own words or buy as shown learn more here Watercolor Floral Mother's Day Coffee Mug

Personalized Mother' Day Brownies 

When you buy this brownie you will receive a dozen individually wrapped brownies that are rich and chocolatey, so delicious that they will melt in your mouth. These brownies are fresh baked, fudgy brownies from Veronica’s treats. They are glazed with a delectable white chocolate flavored icing and topped with your custom Mother’s Day  design for a one-of-a-kind dessert made just for your mom.

Mother's Day Personalized Pillar Candle This candle features a country floral  design with a greeting that you may  personalize with your own words or buy as shown. A pillar candle would be a thoughtful mother's day gift for your mom. 

Organizer Backpacks for Everyone

 

This week I have been creating unique designs for backpacks at Zazzle.  In the past Zazzle has offered a variety of backpacks but what I like about this product design is the size and the inside organizer pockets that are big enough for your laptop, tablet and phone. There is also  interior space for everything else and a mesh holder to keep your water bottle upright and secure.

Master Gardener Pink Flower Garden Floral Printed Backpack

I enjoy hiking at the nature center and my current backpack does not have the mesh holder for my water bottle nor does it have compartments.  I just pack the bag and when I need to find something I always end up taking everything out.  So when Zazzle came out with the organizer backpack know that I love them.

Moonlit Sky Spirit of the Wolf Printed Backpack

 This backpack is lightweight yet durable with padded shoulder straps.  It’s a perfect size backpack for gym, school, travel and for day hikes at the park

Monogram Pink Flower Garden Printed Backpack

The backpack is 17x12.5x5 so its on the small size. The bag is made from durable polyester poplin with prints all over.  The manufacture recommends spot cleaning and I recommend “scotch guard fabric water shield. You can pick up a bottle at Walmart or Amazon and this product will protect the bag from the weather, snow, rain and dirt.  

Cute Animals in Hats Girls T-Shirt

  

Today I created a cute t-shirt for girls who like animals. This shirt features an illustration of a Papillon dog and an illustration of a gray and white tabby cat. The dog and cat were hand-set to be sitting next to each other.

The animals look cute because I added hats and accented the dog’s hat with a pretty yellow flower.  In the background, a watercolor illustration of yellow sunflowers was added. The background is complimentary as it goes well with the flower on the dog’s hat.

 

Cute Animal-Designed Tee for Girls 

All illustrations were then grouped together to form a singular image in the center of this fine 100 % cotton crew neck tee with short sleeves.

Girls who think animals are cute will enjoy wearing t-shirts with jeans, shorts, leggings, or a skirt.  It’s a versatile tee with a cute animal design. 

This t-shirt is fitted so if you prefer a looser fit then I would recommend sizing up. 

UBUNTU Life Afridrilles /Espadrille Shoes at Zazzle

 Zazzle.com is a website that is known for its support of independent artists and creators.   One of their creators features Afridrilles which are personalized espadrille shoes.  These shoes are made by hand by women in Kenya Africa and each shoe purchase helps to improve the lives of African women, and mothers who are raising special needs children.

Garden Girl WildStrawberry Plant Pattern Espadrilles

The sale of these shoes makes it possible for these women to be financially independent and it’s also a way for these women to be educated by learning skills that will help them to provide a better life for their families.

Pretty WatercolorFlowers on Royal Blue Espadrilles

Vintage Orange Daylily Floral Espadrilles

You may be wondering about the Afridrilles handmade shoes' quality and fit.  These shoes are made very well, if you like to walk then you will enjoy wearing these 100% East African cotton-made shoes. 

Know that the shoes do have a tight fit when you first put them on but with wearing they ease up and conform to your foot.  I love them and wore them all last summer with casual jeans and sundresses.  

Message from Ubuntu Life Foundation

 “With every product made, we're transforming lives. We do this by providing empowered employment to the local Maai Mahiu community, as well as through our sister foundation and primary impact partner the Ubuntu Life Foundation. The UL Foundation provides educational and medical care to children with special needs in the region.”

“Ubuntu Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps women in Kenya support themselves and their children.”  Quote from Ubuntu Life Foundation 

Too Cute Easter Bunny Throw Pillows

 Accent the décor of your home with bunny-designed throw pillows.  The pillows are not only cute they are vintage-style and designed for the Easter holiday. 

Recently I bought a vintage bunny square 16 x16 pillow at Zazzle and was quite pleased with this quality-made pillow.  The fabric used to create this pillow is heavy cotton that is thick enough that you cannot see the filling inside.

 

The printing is perfect, the colors are crisp and this pillow looks just like it does on the website. The bunny design on the pillow is as cute as it can be.  A wild rabbit is sitting in a spring flower garden where pretty colored eggs are scattered.

I am certain that my family will enjoy this pillow this Easter and many Easters to come.  

My husband likes to use this pillow to support his head when he naps on the sofa.  I know he must like it because he looks for it and grabs it from our bedroom.   He told me that it's very comfortable.

Here is another Zazzle pillow that I added to my shopping basket.  I really like the design and the shape of this pillow.  I know that my husband would like this pillow for his back. Not only are the pillows too cute, but they also benefit you by being comfortable and supportive. 

AI Generated Images/Artwork

 AI-generated images are popping up all over.  I have seen them on social media, and at online stores.  Many of my designer friends are hooked on creating images using artificial intelligence.  The AI images are very popular as they can look like a painting, or pencil drawing by using styles, prompts, and settings. AI images are unique and realistic. Basically, they are whatever your imagination desires

 

Here are a few of my favorite AI-created images by ChrisTina Shaskus

AI created Dahlia Flower  

AI created a boat on the water  

AIcreated panda bear 

Realistic AI Created Sasquatch  

 

I have been watching as my friends created AI images but I was slow to try the computer to create my own images.  Many people love AI-generated images but others do not.  They think it’s a no-brainer to create an image with text.  

 I learned firsthand that there is a trick to it.   You have to add text to create an image.  Whatever you imagine can be a work of art as long as you add the right words.  It's not as easy as it sounds because the text you use must align with whatever you are thinking.

Like anything else when it comes to creating AI-generated images it is trial and error.  You can always change your words until you get the image that you want.

New Valentines Day Home Décor

 This week I have been creating new Valentine’s Day home décor designs from illustrations, photographs, and AI-generated images. 

Valentine’s Day is one holiday that I like to decorate for because it's during the winter season when the days are dark and dreary. The red, and pink hearts, roses and cupid pillows, table linens, and kitchen accents always create a cozy ambiance and will brighten anyone’s mood.

Pretty   Roses and Hearts throw pillow

Valentine’s Day throw pillows are a great way to accent your sofa or bed with holiday cheer.  You can also add a printed red heart and pink rose fleece blanket to the backside of your sofa. This dual-purpose blanket is decorative and also keeps the two of you warm while watching a movie. 

Here are a few of my new Valentine’s Day home décor designs

 

I also created a few Valentine’s Day decorations for the kitchen. When it comes to the kitchen I like to accent the décor with paper-made heart garlands. Then update my mug holder with assorted Valentine's Day designs.  The kitchen towels always add a festive seasonal  red color and set the table with a holiday table cloth making a pretty background for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Love this Valentine's Day Latte Mug

A Perfect table runner for Valentine's Day 

When it comes to decorating for Valentine’s Day, I find it's best to buy a few home décor products and coordinate them with my holiday crafts.

I hope that you like my new Valentine’s Day designs.

Thank you for supporting my small business.

Susan 

Dogs Love Zazzle’s Fleece Blankets

I bought a yellow sunflower-patterned fleece blanket at Zazzle.  I wanted to use it as a sofa throw during the fall and winter seasons.  The den is chilly and the fleece blanket would be perfect for keeping the family warm while watching TV.

The blanket was a large size 60x80 and is the perfect size for two to cuddly under while watching a movie or taking a nap on the sofa.  We really like the blanket, but apparently so does my dog.   When we were finished watching TV I folded the blanket and put it at the end of the sofa. 

large size fleece blanket

closeup of pattern

Our dog Daisy had another plan for the fleece blanket.  Here is a photo of Daisy lying on the Zazzle fleeceblanket.

 

The Zazzle fleece blanket is no longer for humans, as she takes it everywhere.  She will drag it to the floor when she wants to lie there, up on the bed and of course, she likes to lie on this warm fleece blanket on the sofa.

Know that the Zazzle fleece blankets are not heavy in feeling or weight but they are warm.  The blankets are available in three sizes, small, medium, or large.  Daisy is an 89-pound Border Collie / Irish Wolf Hound Mixed dog and she likes the large soft and cozy polyester blanket but I think the medium would also be fine for her size. 

Sunflower T-Shirt and Legging Outfit

  

If you like sunflowers then you will love the fashionable legging outfit ideas that are featured here.

Know that I grow sunflowers and think that the flower is sensational.  A rather large flower that blooms on top of a very tall stem.  The flower petals appear to be looking up at the sun and when the sunflower booms it brightens my entire yard and garden. 

So, it’s my love for this beautiful flower that inspired me to create sunflower fashion for her.  I created darling fashion t-shirts, leggings, and coordinating accessories at my Zazzle store.  Here is a fashion set that features a darling capri legging outfit.

 

Customers have told me that they love to wear sunflower-printed clothing because this sunny yellow flower is associated with positivity, happiness, luck and good energy, and strong friendships.

So, if you want to have a bright and sunny day then plan to wear an outfit that has a sunflower print.  

Women's Basic V-Neck T-Shirt with Sunflower Illustration

The basic V-neck T-shirt is a must-have in every closet. Contoured and side-seamed for a feminine, classic fit, this basic tee will be worn countless times. Its lightweight fabric provides excellent comfort and can be worn on any occasion.

High Waisted Capris

Custom-made with care, each pair of leggings is printed before being sewn, allowing for fun designs on every square inch.

Perfect for active and yoga wear, this medium-weight fabric is sturdy, yet breathable, stretches to fit your body, hugs in all the right places and bounces back after washing. You can wear your leggings over and over and they won't lose their shape.

Cotton Twill  Tote Bag

These bags are versatile, trendy, and durable, this custom tote means you'll always look fashionable!

Cheerful Sunflower Ceramic Coffee Mugs

  

Add a cheerful ambiance to the décor of your kitchen with yellow sunflower-designed coffee mugs.  

I grow sunflowers and love their bright yellow flower petals, and tall green stems that allow the flower to look up and follow the sun.  If you are like me and love sunflowers then you will like these ceramic coffee mugs.  I created all of them from watercolor illustrations, photographs, and graphics.

When you decorate your kitchen with sunflower coffee mugs you feel happy due to the uplifting yellow color.  This photograph features sunflower ceramic Latte mugs.  I bought these mugs and really like the shape, and the pretty floral print.  I use them in late summer and during the fall season.

Mugs are thoughtful housewarming, birthday, and bridal shower gifts.

Buy a sunflower ceramic mug for yourself or buy a set and give it as a gift to that special someone.  

Here are a few of my favorite sunflower ceramic coffee mug designs.

Sunflower ceramic mug with butterflies 

Sunflower coffee mug with pumpkin illustration 

Sunflower Floral Pattern Coffee mug

 

Personalized Dog Art Collars / Leashes

  

For a put-together look for your dog.  Shop for uniquely designed dog art collars, leashes, and bandanas for your fashionable pups.

 

Dog fashion is very popular as you can see clothing and accessories for your dog at Pet Smart and at savvy online stores.   

I always buy my dogs a matching collar and leash at Zazzle.com because I like prints rather than solids also I can edit the template to personalize it with my dog's name and contact information.  

Personalization prevents the groomer from saying, I can’t find your dog's collar or leash.  Also, the pet identification printed on the collar helps if your dog gets out of the house. Anyone who finds the dog will know who to call.

 Here are a few of my vintage rose-designed personalized dog art collars, identification tags, and leashes.  Know that a dog collar with a matching leash would be a thoughtful new dog gift. 

Vintage red rose dog tag, personalized with dog name and contact on the back.  Add this dog tag to the matching collar that you can personalize with your dog's name and the pet owner's phone number.  Complete the dog fashion look with the matching leash.  Your dog will look fabulous.

Pink Rose Flower Beach Essentials

 If you like rose flowers and bright bold colors then you will love the Zazzle-created beach essentials. The beach bag and towels feature a pink rose floral print on a turquoise blue background. 

I bought the pink rose beach towels in both colors and the large tote bag for my mother-in-law who resides on the coast and goes to the beach or the pool daily as long as the weather is nice.  

My mother-in-law bought her beach towels at a discount store and was buying many through the beach season.  My mother-in-law is a thrifty shopper and is not the type who would buy a quality made high-end beach towel set but since I gave her the beach essentials she now only uses Zazzle beach towels.  I guess it pays to buy quality-made beach essentials rather than inexpensive beach towels that fall apart when washed.   

 

Vintage pink rose beach towel 

The polyester and cotton beach towels at Zazzle are very nicely made, with a soft side on the front that feels nice on your skin.  They launder very well as long as you wash them in permanent press / warm water and tumble dry on low so that the towels would look like new for a long time.

 

Pretty pink rose floral beach towel 

Complete your beach look with a tote bag.  A beach bag is essential for carrying all that you need.

This canvas crossbody bag is a perfect style for traveling and for carrying all your beach essentials. When I go to the beach my hands are full of beach chairs and a food chest. So I really like that I can wear this bag across my body, keeping my hands free.

This brushed polyester bag is a large size and will hold your beach towel, tanning lotion, water bottle, and more. There are three interior pockets that are perfect for your sunglasses and cell phone.

Use this  carry-all tote bag for shopping too. An everyday bag like this would be a thoughtful Mother's Day, birthday, or a just-because gift for her.

I bought my mother-in-law the pink rose floral print on white and the pink and turquoise blue beach towels along with a coordinating canvas tote bag.  She loved the gift and told me that all of her beach buddies loved the floral print. They said it was beautiful.

 

 Canvas pink rose floral beach bag 

That was a year ago and to this date, she is still using the beach towels and bag that I sent her. She told me that not only is the floral print pretty but she can easily find her spot on the beach after she takes a walk due to the bright colors.

 

So if you desire a pretty floral printed beach towel and other fun-in-the-sun essentials check out my beach store here

 

BEST Bridal Shower / Bride-to-be Gifts

 Recently a follower on social media contacted me to create a Bridal Shower ensemble that would include invitations, party supplies, and gift ideas.  Their preference was elegant rose floral and gold or silver chic designs.

From start to finish it took me about a week to create uniquely designed bridal shower gifts that feature elegance, chic, and fun bride-to-be product designs.   The invitations are elegant, the party supplies are chic, and the gifts are the best for a bridal shower.  Basically, the collection features something for every bride.

So if you are looking for a bridal shower gift know that she will appreciate gifts that are meaningful, that you can personalize or gifts that will become a happy memory that the bride will cherish.

It's best to buy a gift that is not only thoughtful but also a gift that she will use throughout the wedding planning.  Bride's love "bride-to-be" product designs as well as Miss to Mrs and Future Mrs. 

Here are the BEST “bride-to-be” gifts that you can buy from Zazzle.com

 

Yellow and Pink Roses Bride to Be Tote Bag

This pretty bride-to-be tote bag features a yellow and pink rose design. This tote bag was created to match a bridal shower invitation. View the invitation at Susang6 Bridal Shower collection. Personalize this bag with your wedding date or other text.

oversized tote bag for shopping and more 

Chic Glitter Bridal Shower Set of 4 Wine Charms

Have fun at your bridal shower or other pre-wedding parties with wine charms. The design of these charms features typography lettering that relates to the bride-to-be. Buy as shown with "future Mrs" "love" "Bride to be" and "Miss to Mrs" or edit to add your own text

 

Modern Future Mrs. Bridal Shower Mason Jar

Give the bride-to-be a gift that she will love. This modern-designed mason jar features a trendy future Mrs + name and wedding date in black and gold glitter.

Chic Gold Glitter Bride to Be Throw Pillow

This Chic throw pillow features a gold glitter design with the text "Bride to be" plus name and wedding date. Any bride would appreciate this pillow as a bridal shower or another wedding party gift.

Bride-to-be Bridal Shower Gift Idea Adult Apron

This apron was created for the "Bride to be" and would be a thoughtful bridal shower gift. Buy as shown with a gold glitter Bride plus the bride’s name in a script font or add your own words. This apron is a template design.