The Watcher in Red

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Makira

Hey everyone, it’s CZ!
I’m thrilled to be back with another piece to showcase. This month’s Colorful Options Challenge celebrates the richness of Red—from soft berry hues to bold and festive crimson—and Park Hopping My Happy Place is filled with HHN cheer. Here’s my interpretation of the two!

When I first saw this month’s Colorful Options board—all those gorgeous reds—I immediately pictured a mysterious forest alive with glowing embers. Rather than leaning into classic Christmas sparkle, the scene took on a deep, moody energy. I guess I’m still hanging onto my Halloween vibe just a little! The glowing eyes peering from the shadows add a sense of quiet magic and mischief, as if something is out there…waiting.

Though the palette feels warm and festive, I love that it also leaves room for curiosity and imagination—more twilight wonder than holiday twinkle. The tension between cozy red and shadowy mystery makes this piece one of my favorites. It hints at a story just beyond the trees, inviting you to step closer and discover what’s hidden there. Although Park Hopping My Happy Place’s inspo board is themed to shopping, it is an anything goes based on theme parks and as such, my theme is clearly more of a Halloween Horror Nights than shopping inspired.

Thanks so much for stopping by—can’t wait to see what you create this month!

Until next time, keep creating!!

—CZ

Snacks, Anyone?! 🎃✨

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Makira

Who says crafting is only for paper and ink? This month, I took a little detour into sewing because… well, snacks, anyone?!

After spending quite a bit of time on bed rest last month due to illness and injury, I found myself watching a LOT of YouTube bag-making videos. Before long, I was inspired to dust off my sewing machine and create something different — two handmade snack bags that are not only practical but also inspired by our October challenge boards.

The idea came from memories of snacking at theme parks. When my DDs were little, they weren’t huge fans of the park treats at the time, so we often packed our own snacks. These new bags feel like a sweet nod to those days, blending function with a little handmade magic.

For Colorful Options, the October theme of Luxury Black punched with Orange inspired my first bag — a bold orange-and-black checkerboard design paired with a black leather bottom. For the Park Hopping My Happy Place challenge, I was drawn to the vibrant Día de los Muertos 💀🌸🎉 board — the colorful skulls, the lively festive spirit, and the nostalgic memories of carrying our own snacks through the parks when my DDs were little.

🧵 A Little About the Bags

Both bags are sturdy and stylish, featuring durable leather bottoms and a fully lined, food-grade, water-resistant interior. They’re not just cute — they’re practical, easy to wipe clean, and reusable, making them an excellent eco-friendly alternative to plastic snack bags. They’d also make wonderful gifts for Halloween or autumn outings, perfect for anyone who loves a touch of handmade charm. If you are interested in the pattern for yourself, it is available from Oklaroots, and she has YouTube tutorials to help you along.

Tip: If you decide to sew one yourself, I highly recommend adding interfacing to the cotton fabric on the upper portion of the bag. It gives the top a bit more structure and keeps it from feeling flimsy.

Make sure you join in on the blog or on Instagram for your chance to win a gift certificate of your choice (Simon Says Stamp, Scrapbook.com, or Amazon). Visit the challenge to check out the amazing creations from the talented Design Teams. You can’t win without entering! Come join the fun!!

A Road into the Ember Night

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Makira

Hey everyone, it’s CZ! I’m thrilled to be back with another piece to showcase. This month’s Colorful Options Challenge celebrates the bold and dramatic combination of Luxury Black punched with Orange and Park Hopping My Happy Place is a beautiful board of Sugar Skulls. Here’s my combination of the two.

When I first saw this month’s Colorful Options Challenge board—Luxury Black punched with Orange—I immediately pictured a glowing road cutting through the night. The fiery orange against the deep black felt both bold and mysterious, like a secret journey waiting to happen.

If you look closely, you’ll find a little black cat sitting along the roadside, a nod to the cat in both inspiration boards. I added it as a quiet companion on the journey—small but watchful, like it’s guiding you forward. It’s one of my favorite parts of the painting because it gives the scene a hint of story and wonder.