Wednesday, April 1, 2009

little things


Happy April! Hope you haven't gotten into too much mischief. My son has so many plans for foolery today... he's so excited that he already whispered to me all of his tricks. Now, I have to keep quiet... I almost spilled the beans when I first wrote this post and his Dad definitely reads this blog. Shhh. Suffice it to say, he set the alarm so that he could get a jump start on his tricks! Ten is the perfect age for April Fool's Day!

Instead of having a huge shop update, I've decided to add a little each day for the next week or so. I really enjoyed making Love Letter pillows for a special friend and thought that others might enjoy this sweet smelling lavender pillows too.
I modified the shape a tad and stuffed them with buckwheat hulls so that they could double as warming pillows. Each one has a recycled felt heart pocket. Perfect for tucking in a love note to a special little someone. The back side is monogrammed with a letter of your choosing. It will be up in the afternoon (nap time). I'm also adding a bunch of coffee sack pincushions...

My favorite part of these little bits of repurposing is selecting the typography.
I had way too much fun taking words apart to make new ones or just the simple act of selecting letters/numerals and shapes that I find interesting.

It's been so wonderful hearing all of the enthusiasm around the Gather Bucket! I will definitely make a couple to sell in the shop, but I was also curious what you thought of this next idea: a Gather Bucket Kit. I'm thinking it would include pre-cut pieces of the burlap base, pocket, handles, and stamped patch.. and of course, simple instructions for putting it all together. I couldn't possibly make enough buckets for all of you, but making kits that you could work on, maybe even with a child... might be a way to get us all collecting bits of nature together. I'd love to hear your feedback so that I can get a jump on creating it over the spring break (my upcoming blogging break). And just so you know, I'm working on a list of resource books for your little naturalists. Look for it on Thursday when I announce the new owner of the first Gather Bucket... Pin It

22 comments:

  1. Hello my friend :)
    Oooh again you've been oh super busy ! The love note pillow is just the sweetest thing ever ! And the pincushions are so special, each in their own way !
    The Gather bucket kit is an awesome idea, according to me. I'm sure it'd be a hit !
    Sending you a lot of hugs & wishing you a lovely Wednesday ! oxoxoxo

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  2. Yes, I think kits are a great idea!

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  3. Your bucket is just full of great ideas Maya. Those little love not pillows are so soft and the fragrance is heavenly. Before the parcel was sent off I found myself stroking and sniffing them often.

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  4. A kit is a great idea! I would love to make something like that with my son, but wouldn't know where to get all the supplies you show that look so cute.

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  5. Maybe somewhere in your blog you mention this but I haven't seen it yet (sorry!) where do you get all the coffee sacks to use?

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  6. Miyasohoza~ I buy all of my sacks from a local coffee roaster called Gimme! They have fantastic practices and roast Fair trade and Organic coffees.

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  7. Oh! Gimme! coffee... I used to have one around the corner from me in Brooklyn. Awesome place. Another reason I will treasure my bucket. I didn't comment on the gather bucket, which I loved, because I didn't want to get greedy. Besides, my gatherers are 2 and 3.

    I like the idea for the kit. Can you do them in different sizes for different sized kids? Although I personally need to get a sewing machine first, before I get to play with sewing projects.

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  8. I wouldn't buy a kit, but I would be interested in buying a pattern for the buckets. Thanks!

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  9. we would definitely stock up on kits..what a fun and gracious idea.

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  10. WOW! I see all of the beautiful pincushions that were made with love, both during the day and at 2 AM. I really appreciate all of the choices of wording and phrases that you pick. "Type" was the one I fittingly pointed out specifically to my husband last night :)

    I think your Gather Kit is a wonderful idea. All of your wonderful parental insights on this blog are really speeding up my biological clock!!

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  11. What a beautiful selection you're having there again! The pillow with love note pocket is simply... LOVELY! And the pincushions are really fun!
    Will there be a "beach" gather kit too??

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  12. Oooh - I think Gather Bucket Kits are a great idea!

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  13. Love the kit idea. It is just brilliant. And I totally love your love cushions!

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  14. The kit is a wonderful idea! Look forward to seeing your book list...
    xx

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  15. It sounds like you have a busy spring break coming. I've posted your stamps on my blog. Can you believe that was early March? Where has the year gone?

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  16. maya*made kits? I love it! I'm getting all excited just thinking about it. :)

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  17. Ten is the perfect age. My 10-yr-old girl short-sheeted her big brother's bed, laughing with glee at the prospect of him discovering it. He was the first to arrive home, climbed into bed to surf on his laptop, and called me to report "someone short-sheeted my bed!"

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  18. Yay!
    Totally need a Gather Bucket Kit!
    Really! XXxx

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  19. that's a sweet idea. it will be so much fun to get busy with family members in the hall! :)

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  20. All those pincushions look wonderful.

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  21. I really like both your gather bucket and also the burlap bucket. I would love to buy a pattern for both.

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