Friday, May 1, 2009

pussy willows

I've been dreaming about pussy willows lately. Touching their furry paws makes me feel like a child. Having them in my home reminds me of spring outside. They don't shout and parade around like the other blooms of the season... they gently emerge and whisper "hello". They would almost appear shy, but those tall confident stems stand far too proudly to be timid. I love them! So, pussy willows would have to be my next stamp, wouldn't they?

I was interrupted many times before I finally completed this stamp... but in the end, I still feel that carving is my meditation and way of connecting with the subject I choose. (edit: Thanks Patricia and Sonia for pointing me over to Geninne's new video on how she carves her stamps. She is so extraordinary, that I found myself unable to tear my eyes from the screen!) I'm not sure what I will do with my pussy willows... maybe some journals or linen and lavender sachets. I'm still pondering, but I do know that I will incorporate the perfect compliment to my new stamp. This gorgeous pussy willow fabric. Michelle Engel Bencsko is such a gifted textile designer, and all of her prints delight me. This is one of my new favorites, printed on a blend of cotton/linen.

I can't mention Michelle without telling you about her new amazing venture, an organic textile company: Cloud9 Fabrics. Beautiful and exciting!
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I wish you a Happy May Day and beautiful weekend (and so does my May fairy)!

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Posted by mayaluna at 3:00 PM Labels: ,

20 comments:

  1. CassieMay 1, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    What a lovely stamp indeed!

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  2. Kate RobertsonMay 1, 2009 at 4:08 PM

    Oh I love your pussy willow stamp, so simple but beautiful too.

    Kate

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  3. Sonia / COZY MEMORIESMay 1, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    Happy May Day to you & your loved ones, my friend ! Your flower fairy seemed to have lots of fun ! Her crown is sublime !
    And your stamp too, goodness ! The fabric is amazing, and I know one day I won't be able to resist the raindrop or dandelion prints ...! LOL
    Much love your way xoxoxo

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  4. AmandaMay 1, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    Her outfit is so cute! Did you make it? I love the bright colors.

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  5. Lisa at lil fish studiosMay 1, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    I love pussy willows! They're a blast from my childhood. Simply perfect stamp. :D

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  6. Margie OomenMay 1, 2009 at 8:22 PM

    Happy May Day to you and your family especially the most beautiful spring fairy I have seen in a long time. her little softie travels inside the pocket of my green jacket for walks in the woods with me. It is almost like you are there with me in spirit my little friend. Maya your pussy willow stamp is gorgeous. I also was amazed with how quickly and accurately geninne makes her stamps. I can't wait to spend some studio time with her one day soon.

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  7. Bettina GrohMay 2, 2009 at 12:26 AM

    I can't tell you how much I miss pussy willows... I haven't seen one since we moved to Missouri over 20 years ago!

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  8. AnonymousMay 2, 2009 at 5:25 AM

    Oh I love pussy willows... when I was small my mother would pluck some from a branch and dot little eyes on the end that joins the branch. They would end up with these cute little faces and she would present them to me like this in a little "litter". It was magical.... I just introduced them in this way to my little girls and it's fun to watch them marvel at the magic of it.... Delightful pussy willow.... Lovely stamp!

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  9. mayalunaMay 2, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    Thanks everyone for the sharing your pussy willow love!
    Amanda- Her dress is a wonderful hand-me-down from a very generous and dear friend.
    Anonymous- I love your pussy willow tradition sooo much!

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  10. LOVE STITCHING REDMay 2, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    A very beautiful stamp, I love pussy willows too for all the same reasons. Nature is so wonderful!
    Carolyn

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  11. AnonymousMay 2, 2009 at 3:01 PM

    beautiful! I haven't done any stamp carving for some time now but seeing your pussy willow stamp makes me want to get carving right away! Beautiful pictures too.
    x

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  12. Kristin - The GoatMay 2, 2009 at 7:08 PM

    I used to have pussy willows in my backyard, but since moving to Florida I haven't seen one in ages. I love them. I love them. Your stamp is wonderful and I can't wait to see what you do with it.

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  13. KirstyMay 3, 2009 at 3:01 AM

    Pussy willows are so lovely & the stamp looks wonderful Maya.

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  14. mimi charmanteMay 3, 2009 at 9:34 AM

    Happy Sunday Maya,
    Love the pussy willows!

    I gave you an award today so come on over and have a peek~

    xo

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  15. our little love nestMay 4, 2009 at 12:03 PM

    wow...what a perfect idea for a stamp. So pretty and yet with an earthy feel. I wish I had of thought of that before. Don't you just get lost in carving them? It feels like a truly fun art to me.

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  16. Rachael HutchingsMay 4, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    I LOVE pussy willows! What a wonderful idea for a stamp!

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  17. MuddlepudMay 4, 2009 at 1:41 PM

    This reminds me of my childhood. My mom always had pussywillows in a vase in our kitchen. Nice!

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  18. KatyMay 4, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Your stamp is beautiful! Where do you get your stamp to carve from?

    I just learnt on the weekend at the Stitches and Craft Show how to carve stamps and i think i am obsessed!

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  19. UnknownMay 5, 2009 at 12:31 AM

    what a sweet photo of your daughter indeed...beautiful! happy may to you too!

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  20. AnonymousMay 5, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Pussy willows remind me of my grandmother. Beautiful work!

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