how to: cut felt circles

Maybe I should have called this post: how to cut lots of perfect felt circles really fast. I'm sure there are some wonderful tutorials out there about felt circles. There might even be some lovely fancy felt circle cutting tool... there has to be. In fact, if you know about any of these resources, please feel free to point me in the right direction... but for now I'd love to share my little discovery from yesterday. I was sorting some deconstructed wool suiting for a future project and had a sudden desire to cut some felt circles. There's no stopping me when I get one of those creative urges, but have you ever tried to cut circles free hand? Not so easy. Cutting around templates doesn't work well for me, either. Drawing directly on fabric has been positive in the past ... so I came up with this cheater sort of method. I used a plastic used spool and a jar lid for printing directly onto the felt. My white stamp pad was just right. Pop... pop... pop those circles added up quickly and were so easy to cut!

I have a nice growing stack for what... not sure, yet. Two did get put to immediate good use. The back of a favorite wool sweater had emerged from storage a little eaten up. Pop! Pop! Placing those circles right over the holes! Hmm... should I scatter dots all over the back of the sweater? Either way, I love having an abundance of circles- they just make me happy.

fall fruit

Happy Monday! Fall was in the air this cool and wet weekend, and I'm in a very fulfilled state. Yesterday, as the rain poured down, I nested to an extreme. I cooked and baked all day. I am at my happiest when I'm making delicious food without any time constraints and purely for the pleasure of my family. We had an abundance of fall fruit ripe and ready all at once. I scrambled to make sure we put it to good use. Mini Galettes are a returning favorite. I've shared the recipe for these little hand held pies before. This time we got wild and tried them with assorted local grapes,
the last of the berries (just picked),

the first plums from our tree,

and apples from our Apple CSA. But our favorite discovery of the day: PLUMPLE SAUCE! Don't you love saying that? While I cooked some plum butter, the kids helped make a huge pot of apple sauce. My son decided to merge the two when they were done: Plumple sauce was born. So good!

It's a little different than just cooking apples and plums together. The plum butter was so thick and instensely flavored... a perfect foil to the mild applesauce. Hope our tree blesses us with even more plums next year... I don't think this jar will last through the day!

weekend wishes

I'm sending you off with joyful thoughts for your weekend! May it be happy...

May it be filled with all things lovely...

Of course, I hope you find a chance to make something handmade...

And do enjoy the simple things that make home sweet... I can tell you that these are definitely my goals for the next couple of days... including lots of APPLES! So if you have some special plans... I'd love to hear.

You'll now find all of these little burlap items in my shop.

some of my favorite blogs

I always enjoy those sweet moments of sitting down with a hot cup of tea and catching up with all of my favorites... here are a few!

• a foothill home companion
• angrychicken
• apartment therapy
• artful parent
  
• beelieve
• bella dia
• betz white
• bliss
• bloesem kids
• camp creek blog
• crafty synergy
• Craftzine
• creative thursday
• das kaninchen
• decor8
• Design*Sponge
• elsa mora
• folding trees
• Geninne's art blog
• handmade- cathy gaubert
• how about orange
• inchmark
• indie fixx
• infusion fibers
• just somthing I made
• katie did
• katie eliott
  
• knack studios
• kootoyoo
• LizzyHouse
• lovely design
• maine momma
• marhardrygoods
• meetmeatmikes
• Melissa Loves
• nelkindesigns
• oh dee doh
• one pretty thing
• orangeyoulucky
• poetic home
• poppytalk
• progressive pioneer
  
• purl bee
• quince and quire
• red repunzel
• resurrection fern
• s*hop talk
• sew, mama, sew!
• sfgirlbybay
• shutter sisters
• smoothpebble
• snippetygibbet
• soulemama
• Sweet Sweet Life
• the crafty crow
• the improvised life
  
• the long thread
• the pioneer woman
• the red thread
• three potato four
• tiny happy
• two and six
• uk lass in us
• whip up
• wise craft
• yarnstorm
• you sew, girl!
• ZEN CRAFTING
• zuk zuk

rust-free pins

Wasn't yesterday's globe hack fun!? I had such a good time reading through your responses with my mom. The umbrella stand is feeling mighty proud about how much it was favored... but the way things get moved around in the barn might mean that every base will have a turn. We'll see...

Today's post is all about resourcefulness and ingenuity. Two words that make me utterly happy. Knowing this about me, my sweet friend Kathrin crafted this beautiful pincushion. She's letting me share its secret with you! Coffee grinds! It's filled with dry, used coffee grinds!! They keep your pins and needles rust free. Who knew? Certainly not me. This might not be a new concept to some of you... I've since discovered it has a long history. Maybe your grandmother or even great grandmother saved the morning grinds for just this purpose. My little cushion was lovingly stitched by hand. It has a nice, solid weight and the smell is divine. Dried grinds have a rich, but delicate, aroma that's quite intoxicating to a coffee lover.


A perfect gift! My pins are so happy! Kathrin, of course, thought of my coffeesack pincushions. So, I've stopped tossing my grinds into the compost, as I formulate a plan for keeping them tucked into the loose weave of burlap. Perhaps a slipcover... hmm. In the meantime, thank you so much Kathrin... and when she's ready (no hurry, K.) I'll be sharing more. Kathrin does amazing hand-work with vintage textiles. You're going to love it!

*********************************************************************************

An on another note: Sam, from Inklore, has a wonderful series running on printers and their source for inspiration. Please visit me over there today for a little behind the scenes on what inspires some of my carved images. Thanks, so much for including me, Sam!!
-inklore
-Inspiration... printed with maya*made
-inspiration... printed series

vintage globe hack

My mom bought this vintage globe without a base for a quarter at a yard sale this summer. It rolled around for a couple of days... even bounced its way into several photo shoots before it began its search for an inspired resting spot. Here are several possibilities...

rusty cast iron umbrella stand:



pewter bowl:


Christmas tree stand from the 40's:



vintage caged trouble light:

vintage foundry mold:

doubled up foundry molds:


Which is your favorite? We'd love to hear!

nature crowns and cuffs

September is a riot of color: between the sunflowers and zinnias giving one last shout and the maple leaves beginning their flaming show. It feels like nature's send off before the dark, gray days of winter. What a perfect opportunity to celebrate with some outdoor crafting. We created nature crowns and cuffs for a garden tea party.

I love how pretty even the remains of our snack looked.

One of the cuffs became Grandma Bunny's crown...


Please find the instructions below or check out Bloesem Kids for the instructions and more crafts.

Irene has a wonderful line up of weekly craft projects on Bkids that I'm delighted to be contributing to every now and then. Please make sure to stop over there regularly to see what's new. Happy last day of summer!

 Instructions

This nature inspired project is great for a group and would make a perfect opening activity at a birthday party. We will be creating crowns decorated with assorted flower petals and leaves. Extend this activity by beginning with a walk to collect your materials and end it with a garden tea party or picnic!
What you will need:
*assorted flowers and leaves
*large tray (optional)
*duct tape
*scissors
* paper bag or Kraft paper

Crown
step one
Have your child dissect the flowers by gently pulling apart all of the petals. Suggestion: consider sorting by color and size.
step two
While they are engaged in their work, cut two strips of paper that equal the length of your child's head circumference plus 2 inches and are 1 inch wide. Suggestion: cut a side of one piece to be be a decorative crown top with a triangle repeat.
step three
Cut a piece of duct tape equal in length  to your paper strips. Lay it sticky side up on your work surface. Carefully adhere the strips along the top and bottom edge of the tape.
step four
Have your child embellish his/her crown with collected bits from nature.
step five
Fit crown to head and attach with one more small piece of tape.
Cuff
step one
Cut a piece of tape to fit loosely around the wrist: sticky side out.
step two
Decorate as you did for the crown.
Invite your garden royalty to tea!

eleven

It was only yesterday that you were my bright eyed baby boy. My first born... diving into the the world feet first and quite early, you let me know that you were ready for life's adventure. How can it be that we celebrated your eleventh birthday this weekend?

A bunch of buddies made their own pizzas and created their own sundaes. Featured these toppings, of course. The brownies that were the foundation of the sundae? Find them here. I've tried millions of recipes over the years, but these have been my constant favorite since junior high. Seems fitting to bake them for my son, now. The candle from my son's first birthday has been used for every family birthday (needing a one) since then. The photo below includes the pic from his baby carrot cake. How amazing to be blown out again one decade later by that same incredible boy.
Feeling weepy... in the best possible way.

lisa leonard designs' winner

Thanks for all of your wonderful contributions to the give-away. Every time I offer one, I feel like I get to know so many of you that much more. That's my favorite part about give-aways... my least favorite part is that I can't send each of you a gift! Today our very lucky winner is Theresa!

Theresa said...

I'm in the same spot--nothing but a wedding ring lately. This piece is lovely and would fit me to a T!

Congratulations, Theresa! Will you please e-mail with your address so that I can pass it on to Lisa, and you can look forward to your new treasure in the mailbox.

Hope your weekend is filled with beauty. I wish I could send you some of our blue skies and crisp autumn air... or at least a fall bouquet!

ladder closet at the barn

We've been moving stuff around at the barn. My mother has no upstairs closet... which is where she shares her bedroom with her studio. She wanted her clothes to have a home. Remember how full that studio is... there's not a lot of space left over. She got out her sketchpad. She measured and planned... for a good long time. Somewhere in this scheming stage, she decided it was time to put in her upstairs bathroom. The space is plumbed and ready... but the sewing nook had taken temporary residence in the future bathroom. Oh dear... out it all went! Maybe a closet of sorts could fit in with the sink and toilet... a dressing room, if you will. We all know this is not a traditional home. When you move things around... you shake it up, and it all becomes fresh again. Although, my mother had sketched out numerous ideas for building a closet, we realized that she had everything on hand for a super quick diy. Remember that wonderful ladder shelf? Look how it has shifted! I talked the idea through with my mom and then I didn't return until she had completed its transformation. Oh, how I love my mother! Not a single item was purchased to make this one-of-kind clothes horse (or should I say zebra?). The rods are broomsticks.
Hammock shelves were created with a heavy linen scored at some garage sale years ago. Each shelf was staple gunned to corresponding ladder rungs. The Fels-Naptha Soap board is both decorative and functional, as it secures the clothes rod support brackets. That very board was discovered under the barn when it was lifted off of its foundation. It's found a new life in its original home... in a bathroom, no less!

Yes, that's my favorite part. But you also have to admire the whimsy of using a wooden zebra mask as a finial to keep the hangers in place.

I'll invite you over to see the new sewing corner as soon as it's tidied up. It's cozy, but so good. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

p.s.please don't for get to leave a comment for the giveaway before 5 pm EST today. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

an interview at Crafty Synergy

I love the excitement of a new season... the transition into autumn has me singing! Singing what? Oh, I don't know... just happily humming along! I think I'm in an especially good mood, because a little dream came true. You'll find me at Crafty Synergy today ... a place I've always hoped to go. Thank you so much, Patricia, for graciously inviting me to take part in your inspiring interview series. Please grab a cup of something good and go on over for a visit. If this is the first time you're hearing about it, you're in for such a treat. Patricia has been interviewing artists since 2006! You'll find endless inspiration pouring through the archives.
my Crafty Synergy interview
Crafty Synergy
Patricia of A Little Hut

Note about the above photo: I spent yesterday printing with those beautiful antique wood blocks from India. I'm incorporating them into linen pillow slips and a new line of fall scarves. I'm so excited about these scarves! Printed linen on one side and a little surprise on the other... here's an in progress glimpse.

giving up. giving in. giving thanks.

picking edamame at dusk

We joined an amazing CSA a few weeks ago. Between the blight on our tomatoes, the cutworms in our green beans and a fungus attacking our zukes, I finally put my hands in the air and said "I'm ready for vegetables!" It was a hard year for gardening in the Northeast, but our new CSA is a dream. Gifts come in unexpected ways, especially when your family motto is "there is a solution to everything". Sweet Land Farm has been a very delicious solution, we all agree!

I'm so glad I had the strength to let go and give in. Now... I can give thanks.

My favorite part? The u-pick flowers, of course!

And here's a little tip for how to get your children (and grown-ups) to eat their greens and love them.

No Fail Kale

1. tear bites sized pieces off the stem (deveining)
2. steam lightly until it reaches a bright emerald shade of green
3. toss with a splash of tamari, olive oil and maple syrup
4. watch them gobble it up... well, mine do!
   

putting out a call!

I have excellent news for all eco-conscious creatives directly from the editor of GreenCraft Magazine. Submissions for their next issue will be accepted even if they come in past tomorrow's deadline. If you are a crafter/artist that works with green materials, this is a wonderful opportunity to have your work considered for inclusion in the next issue. In their words "GreenCraft Magazine will provide ideas for repurposing trash to treasure by showcasing projects where waste is repurposed into ecologically chic creations." Here are the details:

• GreenCraft Magazine
  
• submission guidelines
• new deadline: art work must be received by September 25th

Maybe you've always wanted the chance to get published with your wonderful ideas. Maybe there is something you've always dreamed of doing, but haven't had the courage to try. Whether you felt the above info was directly for you or not, this next part is. Please take a breath... I really want you to hear this well:

Don't be afraid to take risks. Don't hold back. Dare to put yourself out there. The water is fine... truly. But you'll never know unless you dive in.
xox maya

renewed love and a special give-away!

So, I've found a long, lost love! Jewelry. Long, long ago I had a passionate affair with jewelry. Lots of it. Bangles up and down my arms, anklets, toe rings, several necklaces at once, and intricate seed bead earrings. Much of it I made. When I hit my mid twenties, I simplified... but still adorned myself. Then I had a child. I simplified some more. I stopped wearing all but my wedding band. This has gone on for 11 years, with only an occasional bit of mild bling for special occasions, or a borrowed bauble from my mom now and then. But now, now I'm finally ready. I decided that I want to wear something simple and delicate that makes me feel strong and beautiful. Lisa Leonard's Designs have been calling out to me. It's quite likely that you have seen her work before... she sponsors some very good women. I was searching and I found the just right piece to wear everyday. Although it is so gorgeous, I bet I'll keep it on for special occasions, too. This little sterling silver necklace is called "be still". It has a tiny bird resting beside two reeds. I can just imagine when my day is spinning out... I will touch that little bird and remember to breathe. I will think about the quiet place out back where the reeds grow tall and the red-winged blackbirds perch. Lisa is generously gifting one lucky reader this very necklace, also. I'm so excited and deeply grateful to have this opportunity for such a lovely give-away. Lisa puts so much love and thought into what she creates. Do go visit her shop and admire all of the incredible work that she does. You may also find another perfect piece... or two. Her blog is gorgeous, also: a reflection of what a remarkable woman, mother, and artist she truly is. Her spirit shines through instantly... you'll see. If you would like to have a chance to wear this extremely special piece... filled with peace... to slip "be still" around your own neck, please leave a comment in this post before Friday, the 18th at 5 pm EST. I will announce the winner on Saturday.

On a little side note: I absolutely adored styling this jewelry photo shoot. Who knew?

shop update today!

I'm so happy to welcome you back to my shop! At 2pm Eastern Standard time, I will fill my shelves with some very lovingly crafted wares for your home and studio. Today is just a little beginning... I have a lot of new designs coming your way over the next few weeks. I intend to get very busy making and to have regular updates to keep things fun and exciting. For today, I will be offering the first of a new line of simple burlap banners. I really believe in the power of words... to influence and inspire. I've been busy printing a selection of some of my favorite words and will share them soon. I'm loving them! MAKE seemed like a great one to start with. I also have a pussy willow pocket bucket to sweeten your craft area or stash you latest stack of magazines and books. Below are a couple of the littles that will be offered today.


W.I.P buckets (and more) will be there, too! See you soon. Click here to hop over there.