Yearly Archives: 2019

Five Easter DIY Cards

Hello there! I’m Angie from @anjcreativeletters.

Today I want to show you how to make easy and simple Easter cards using different Zebra pen products!

Let’s Begin!

Card 1: Happy Easter

Materials:

● Zebra Funwari Brush Pens

How to make it:

Just simply write “Happy Easter” at the center of the card.
You can use you lettering/calligraphy style using the Funwari Brush Pens.

Card 2: Easter Wishes

Materials:

● Zebra Funwari Brush Pens

● Zebra Mildliner Creative Marker

How to make it:

At the left bottom part of your card, draw leaves and florals using Mildliner Creative Markers.

At the top right corner of the card hand letter “Easter Wishes” using the Funwari Brush Pen.

Card 3: Some Bunny Loves You

Materials:

● Zebra Extra Fine Brush Pen

● Zensations Drafix Technical Pencil

● Zensations Colored Pencils

● Zensations Technical Drawing Pens

How to make it:

Draw 3 bunnies horizontally using the Zensations Drafix Technical Pencil.

Trace your bunnies using the Zebra Technical Drawing Pen and color the tracings using Zensations Colored Pencil.

Write the word or hand-letter “Some Bunny Loves You” around the bottom part of the card.

Card 4: He is Risen

Materials:

● Zensations Colored Pencils

● Zensations Technical Drawing Pen

● Zebra Medium Brush Pen

How to make it:

This card is as simple as Card 1, but first you draw a frame about 1 inch from the edges of the card.

Hand letter the word “He is Risen” inside the frame using the Zebra Brush Pen.

Color the empty space outside the frame using the Zensations Brush Pen. Get creative with your frame design!

Card 5: Happy Easter – Floral Wreath

Materials:

● Zebra Extra Fine Brush Pen

● Zensations Technical Drawing Pen

● Zensations Colored Pencils

● Zebra Drafix Technical Pencil

How to make it:

First draw a circle outline centered on the card using the Zebra Drafix Pencil.

Next, draw some florals and leaves to make a wreath. Use the Zebra Drafix Pencil first, then finalize your wreath design using the Zensations Technical Drawing Pen. Color your wreath as you like using the Zensations Colored Pencils.

In the middle of the wreath, hand-letter “Happy Easter” using the Zebra Extra Fine Brush Pen.

The Best Advice for Soon-to-be College Graduates

Graduating from college is an exciting milestone that signifies the end of one journey, and the start of another. With graduation steadily approaching, it’s natural to feel a little lost, and even scared, of what’s yet to come. The best part is, you don’t have to have everything figured out. Your story is just beginning, and it’s time for you to learn as much as possible in the next few years.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Life is all about experiencing new opportunities and embarking on adventures. It’s also about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Use this time and energy to explore new hobbies and interests. If your job takes you to a new place or unfamiliar city, do as much exploring as possible. The most successful people aren’t always those with the best grades or best internships, but sometimes the people who are able to adapt to new circumstances and environments.

Keep Your LinkedIn Updated

LinkedIn is an awesome tool to leverage when staying connected to classmates, former supervisors, professors and more. You can also use it to browse job openings, stay up to date on current events and trends in your industry, and share your professional accomplishments. Be sure to support your classmates and friends on LinkedIn as well and take a genuine interest in articles and updates they post as they are likely to return the favor. Make sure you update your LinkedIn frequently with new skills, certifications and awards to reflect your professional experiences. Ask a mentor or former supervisor to write a recommendation on your profile. This shows you have made a good impression on former employers and would be an asset to a new company.

Ask Lots of Questions

You don’t have all the answers, and you’re not expected to either. Asking questions is essential to growth. It’s also acceptable to make a few mistakes along the way. According to Inc.com, many college graduates set unrealistic expectations for themselves early on in their careers that are nearly impossible to live up to in terms of job satisfaction and lifestyle. It takes time to build your career, and it’s important to remember that your first job (and even your second, third or fourth) is rarely your dream job. Use this period of growth to ask as many questions as you can and learn new things. Your future self will thank you.

Cherish The Little Things

Life isn’t always perfect, but there is something good in every day. Don’t let a bad day or even a bad week stop you from enjoying this time in your life. Go out for dinner with a friend, or attend a fitness class to get your mind off work and unwind from the week. Make sure to spend at least an hour each day that honors you, and be sure to practice self care. Try writing in a journal each night before bed to reflect on your day and keep track of your progress. For a smooth, weighted writing performance, use a Sarasa Grand gel pen. The Sarasa Grand is the perfect pen to bring to a big meeting, and makes a striking first impression. For other professional, durable and stylish pens, turn to the STEEL line.

Honor Your Own Journey

Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy.” In the age of social media, it’s easy to compare your journey to that of your friends and classmates. Remember, what you see on social media is a highlight reel. Everyone follows their own path in life, and everyone is fighting an internal battle you know nothing about. The path to success is rarely linear, and you have your entire life ahead of you. Be kind to those around you and know that you are doing just fine.

Make New Connections

While it’s important to stay in touch with classmates, professors and past mentors, it’s also important to use this time to expand your network. Get to know your new coworkers and supervisors and take the time to grab lunch with them when possible. Ask others about their experience and use their advice to better your own career.

 Do What Makes You Happy

At the end of the day, life is too short to be anything but happy. Friends, family and the relationship you have with yourself are the most important things in life. Pursue the things that make you excited to come to work in the morning, and never stop exploring your passions. You can’t find true happiness from a paycheck.

How to Create Gorgeous Watercolor Florals Using Mildliners

By: Artist Ambassador Courtney Bray
Hello there!  I’m Courtney from @tulippoplarco! I love creating watercolor paintings, but today I want to share a secret with you!  You can get that beautiful watercolor look with your Zebra Mildliners! I’m going to walk you through the process step-by-step on how to create a faux watercolor floral painting!

Materials needed:

*Mildliners
*Zensations Technical Drawing pen

*Zebra pencil and eraser

*Watercolor paper
*Watercolor brush (I used a Princeton round size 8)
*Water and paper towel
**Optional: Sarasa pens for added detail

Step 1

Sketch out your floral using your Zebra pencil. I chose to go with Zinnias since they are fun and easy!  I love doing a grouping in odd numbers (three for this one) and including lots of leaves or foliage!

Step 2

Trace over your pencil with your Technical Drawing pen. These pens are bleed-proof, so they won’t bleed into your Mildliners when water is added!  This is crucial! Also, don’t forget to erase your pencil lines when you are finished.

Step 3

Lay down blocks of various colors using the Mildliner markers. I recommend using a couple (or few) colors to add dimension and depth to your “painting.” Do not worry about filling in all of the white space.  Also, I worked with only one flower (or a few leaves) at a time so all of the colors would not bleed together once I added water.

Step 3

 Add water to the area where you added marker.  Use your brush to move the marker around to fill in all of the white space and allow the colors to blend.

Step 5

Continue adding marker and water to the rest of the painting.  If one area is still wet, I generally try to move to a dry area so that my colors do not bleed too much. Use this method to work your way around the painting. As long as you do not add a ton of water, your painting will dry pretty quickly!

Step 6

Once the painting is completely dry, you can go back and add details (like veins in your leaves or flowers, darken areas of interest, add extra shading, or highlight the center of your flower) with your Mildliners or Sarasa pens!

Step 7

 Admire your work!  You can hang it up or gift it to a friend!  These would make great cards and this method could also be used for journaling!

Use These Tips to Nail Your Next Big Job Interview

When applying for a new role, the interview process is the most pivotal component. It also gives you a chance to bring your qualifications and skills to life and allows the company to get to know you on a deeper level. While the job hunting process can be exciting, nerves are common and normal. Use these tips to manage your nerves and nail your next big interview.

Do Your Research Before the Interview 

During the interview, you will be asked about what drew you to that specific company or organization. Research the company’s history, capabilities, or even press so you are prepared to answer questions. According to Glassdoor, candidates should take time to research key players, company values, culture, services and more to be truly prepared.  This shows your potential employer that you are interested, and truly care about having the opportunity to succeed.

Prepare Responses

You can’t prepare for every question, but you can at least prepare for the predictable ones. Chances are, you will be asked to tell the interviewer a little bit about yourself. According to Forbes, it’s best to have prepared answers about your strengths and weaknesses. You should also speak about your ability to handle conflict and your biggest career achievements. Think about how you would handle a difficult situation in the workplace, or your ability to work under pressure. Consider how you may answer these before the interview, so you can remain calm, cool and collected.

Practice Mindfulness

Meeting a potential employer face to face can be a very nerve-wracking experience. Before leaving for an interview, practice mindful breathing or meditation to find a sense of calm. Listen to relaxing music or a podcast before an interview to prevent nerves from taking over and controlling the conversation. Remaining relaxed will allow you to deliver your responses in a clear, concise manner.

Arrive Early

Nothing derails a meeting more than being late. Avoid obstacles like car troubles, public transportation delays or traffic by leaving for your interview even earlier than necessary. Being on time shows you are committed to the success of the interview, and also shows the company that you value being prompt as an employee.

Bring a Reliable Pen

First impressions are important, so it’s crucial to dress the part and look your best when heading into an interview. That includes bringing a professional, high quality writing instrument. For an elegant, gel writing experience, turn to the sleek and stylish Sarasa Grand. For durable pens that both impress and perform, use a STEEL G-402 gel pen or a STEEL F-701. Taking notes during an interview shows you are a good listener and using a sophisticated pen while doing it shows you mean business.

 

 

How to Overcome the Winter Work Slump

Cold weather and lack of sunlight can make winter seem never-ending , and can make workdays seem even longer. Between seasonal illnesses, inclement weather, and spending less time outdoors, it’s easy to feel dejected and a little down in the colder months.

According to American Family Physician, 4 to 6 percent of people may suffer from winter depression, and 10 to 20 percent of people may have season affective disorder (SAD).

Make Time for Fun

It’s important to remember to work live, and not to live to work. Work life balance is extremely important and making time for yourself to unwind and socialize can help combat slumps. Schedule weekend trips or staycations to give yourself a fun activity to look forward to. During the week, make sure you give yourself an hour each day dedicated to something you enjoy, whether it’s writing in a journal, cooking, attending a class or watching a movie.  Doing things you enjoy will help diffuse some stress, and can help you keep your spirits high.

Attend a Conference

Attending conferences is a great way to grow your professional network, expand your horizons and learn new things. Search for conferences relevant to your career to attend during the winter months to reinvigorate your passions and inspire you to continue learning as a professional. This can also give you a nice change of scenery. You can bring back this newfound energy to your office and use it to your advantage.

Listen to a Podcast

There is no shortage of podcasts being developed each and every day, in almost every subject imaginable. Listen to a professional podcast pertaining to your industry to supplement what you are learning at work while hearing from other professionals. Also, start listening to a podcast in a different subject that interests you on your way to and from work. This will keep your mind stimulated while helping you develop new interests.

Upgrade your Office Supplies

Change your office space by adding a new decoration to make your desk or cubicle instantly happier. If your office is typically cold, bring a blanket or space heater to make your space more comfortable and pleasant based on your preferences. Then, start using pens and other writing instruments that make you look forward to taking notes in meetings. Use the Sarasa Grand or the STEEL line for big meetings and use double-ended Mildliners or Zebrites for highlighting.

Exercise

Exercise is a great outlet for stress relief throughout the year, but it can be especially important to stay active and release endorphins during the winter months. If the cold is deterring you from taking a walk outside or going to the gym, try a workout at home. Practicing yoga is also a great way to reconnect with yourself while moving and stretching. Work out with a friend or try a new work out class to stay social and keep moving.

8 Heartfelt DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts

 

While it’s important to show appreciation for our loved ones year-round, Valentine’s Day offers us a special opportunity to treat them to something special. Flowers, jewelry and chocolates are great, but the best gifts come straight from the heart and not from the store. It is incredibly impactful to spend time and effort on something rather than simply buying it. Show your friends, family and loved ones how much you care by creating your own Valentine’s Day gifts. Use these tips for inspiration to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with memorable, cost efficient gifts.

Handmade Cards

Creating handmade cards is a personal, fun and inexpensive way to show someone you care without breaking the bank. Be as creative and personal as you like by designing your own cards from start to finish. Pick high quality stationary, stickers and other finishing touches and use Zebra Zensations brush pens to hand letter your own messages. Use an inside joke, a meaningful quote or a heartfelt message to complete a card they will hold onto forever.

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs are a great way to exfoliate your skin while relaxing and practicing selfcare. While there are many sugar scrubs to choose from, they’re super easy to personalize and make at home. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of coconut oil, and essential oils of your choice into a decorative jar. Lavendar, peppermint, chamomile and tea tree all have calming effects and are ideal for unwinding. Decorate the jar with ribbon, twine, or a colorful handmade label using Zensations fineliners. Enjoy for smoother, healthier skin.

Book/Bookmark

There’s nothing quite like the gift of knowledge and enlightenment. Give your significant other a book about a subject or person that interests them, and pair it with a handmade, heartfelt bookmark. Hand letter a phrase, encouraging message, or illustrate a unique design. Laminate the bookmark when you’re done so your partner can use it for years to come.

Candle

Candles can help create a sense of calm, peace and serenity that is invaluable during a busy week. Grab a friend and attend a local candle making workshop for a fun activity that results in the perfect gift for a friend or significant other. They are also easy to make at home, using scents, containers and sizes of your choice.

Soap

Soap is a pleasant, practical and cost-efficient gift that keeps on giving. The color, scent and shape combinations are practically endless, giving you plenty of creative freedom to make soap for significant others, friends, family and coworkers.

Shadow Box

Our lives are made up of tons of tiny defining moments, and the same can be said for our friendships and romantic relationships. Celebrate the little things in a big way by creating a shadow box craft. Purchase a shadow box from a local craft store, and fill it with small, meaningful objects including ticket stubs, photos, and other sentimental things that signify your relationship.

Homemade Sweets

Store bought candies, cookies or other sweets are great when you’re pressed for time, but homemade treats mean even more. Baking gives you an opportunity to create many gifts at once, making it perfect for a large group of friends or an office setting. Package your baked goods in festive bags or boxes and enjoy.

Bath Bombs

In our busy lives, taking the time to relax and reconnect with yourself is invaluable. Bath bombs are a staple of selfcare, which makes them a perfect gift for anyone on your list. Bath bombs can be easily made at home, and can include all natural ingredients and essential oils. Use heart shaped molds to create perfect gifts for a group of friends.