Hello and welcome to Margin Scribbles, my monthly newsletter where I share updates on mahjong, art, events, inspiration, and life in Destin, Florida. I’m so glad you’re here!
Emerald Coast Mahjong
I can hardly believe our mahjong launch is less than a month away! I’ve been nonstop checking tracking on my tile shipment, obsessing over all the little details, and going overboard designing exclusive custom merch for the launch party swag bags!
If you want to come to one (or more) of the launch parties and haven’t bought your ticket yet, now is the time, especially if you want to come Thursday, which is almost sold out!
My launch parties are your exclusive opportunity to preorder (for party pickup only - no shipping on preorders, sorry!). We will have open play on my beach sets, fun swag bags and giveaways, cocktails and apps, sneak peeks at future collections (Coastal Christmas 🤭), and Bradley from Moonfruit Studio live painting mahjong card folios (Thursday and Friday only). Click below to reserve your ticket!
I’ve gotten a few messages from folks apprehensive to come on their own but please know there will be so many nice and fun people there - we are truly going to have a great time!
I have also had some questions on what to wear as well, so I put together a “mood board” for inspiration but please wear what is most comfortable for you!👇
If you cannot make it to a launch party and want to buy Emerald Coast Mahjong sets or beach mats, the link to purchase will go live on Sunday, July 26th at 1:00 pm CT on my website. You will receive a email with purchase details that day!
Sets will also be available in a select number of boutiques. I’ll share those with you closer to launch.
In other fun mahjong news, my friend Alex recently filmed a video for us (on actual film!) of a great day playing mahjong in Choctawhatchee Bay. She is so talented, a true artist, and I can’t wait to see what she creates!
What I‘ve Been Making Lately
Every once in a while, I like to be challenged and put out a call on Instagram to see what y’all want me to draw. Thank you for all your fun suggestions!! Here’s what y’all came up with this month:
I also have a few client projects I worked on this month that are still under wraps but I can’t wait to share those with you soon!
Some summer art ideas for you or your kids! With all the extra downtime that summer brings and the yearning for an air conditioned break amidst the heat, summer is the perfect time for a creative project or two.
Cyanotype prints, also known as “sun prints,” are made by exposing paper painted with cyanotype solution to the sun. Arrange items on the paper before laying them out the sun. Exposed areas turn blue and covered areas remain white. I love making these! This is the kit we use. And here’s an example of how they turn out (this one is still wet from rinsing):
Another idea - illustrate a book of poetry. The white space lends itself to color, in my opinion. I’m working my way through local poet love, girl tyler’s new collection Sunburn.
Finally, one of my favorites - create a zine! All you need is a piece of computer paper and an idea. I created “Camp Life” magazines to send to my big kids at camp, complete with photos, s’mores recipes, jokes, camp facts, and puzzles. But you can create a zine on any topic you’d like! Here’s how to fold it:
If you try any of these projects out at home, I would love it if you would share and tag me! Seeing folks trying a creative project they may not have otherwise brings me so much joy!
Some things I’ve been LOVING lately:
The World Cup! My husband and son went to Congo vs Uzbekistan in Atlanta the other weekend and had an amazing time. I’ve enjoyed watching all the games on TV - I love seeing all the drama and passion! Have you been watching too?
I read Yesteryear for book club and can’t stop thinking about it. I am so excited to hear that this movie is already in the works.
My summer uniform of these shorts (size down), these sandals (have worn them every day all summer), and this hat, which I’ve had for probably 5 years now and still wear all the time.
Ok, my friend takes the most incredible photos and I have been lusting over her camera forever. I waited for TWO YEARS to get an “in stock” email from Fujifilm and I finally happened to be on my phone at the right time and got one. They sell out immediately! The aftermarket price is wild, but I couldn’t be happier with this camera. You can program certain settings so that the photos turn out exactly like you want and then you can bluetooth the photos directly to your phone - truly a game changer. My “behind the scenes” pics from above were shot on my new X100VI - didn’t want to gatekeep!
Finally, my friend has expanded her art business to include her daughter and they are creating the most beautiful necklaces with glass beads and seashells. I bought two and have been wearing them everyday since I got them. Check out her gorgeous jewelry here!
That’s all I’ve got for today! You can stay updated on mahjong launch info on my Instagram stories, and feel free to respond to this email with any questions you might have. I hope to see some of y’all soon on launch weekend!!
Hugo Spritz! Make jumbo ice cubes with St Germain, lemon, lime, mint…
Pour Prosecco over them! Very refreshing while playing mahj!
Mojito