winter postcards # 7

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username mayamade for sneak peeks)

Well I think this is it for the winter postcard series... lots of endings and beginnings these days. I just finished disassembling the shelf that I styled for the book cover. I hadn't been able to touch it since September... seemed like good luck keeping it up for a while. Now my mom's barn is back to its usual self, but I do believe that rolling shoe rack/shelf has a bit of a glow... as if it's enjoying its unexpected time in the spotlight. Can you see it, too?

Here's to putting things in order and new beginnings!

winter postcards # 6

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username for sneak peeks)

Dear Snow,
We miss you and can't wait for you to arrive!
Sincerely,
your winter friends

p.s. Our sleds are ready!

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winter postcards #5 Charlotte

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username for sneak peeks)

My daughter wished for a doll... a cloth doll... the kind Laura Ingall's had. Her name would be Charlotte just like Laura's, and she would have long hair... and arrive on Christmas morning. She had it all planned out. I've only made a couple of dolls (remember Lucie?), but this is just the kind of challenge I love... and also the kind I find myself doing in the wee hours of Christmas eve/morn. These manic midnight making sessions are not destined to be my finest crafting moments, but certainly some of the more memorable ones. I created a quick pattern, drawing inspiration from Erika's dolls. Her woolen hair was the only brown yarn I had and is so thick, I think they're a bit more like dreads. I will work on hair for the next doll... and there will most certainly be another. Charlotte needs a friend. I love the process and would enjoy having a bit more time with the next. And we certainly have enough gorgeous clothes. She fits all of Grandma Bunny's vintage outfits and is sized just right for some very spiffy linen doll clothes I picked up at a Flax garage sale last spring. Isn't that dress perfect? Have you made a doll before? Do you have a favorite pattern? How about clothes? Can you hear the little girl in me coming out? Yes, doll making seems to tap right into my child self.

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winter postcards #4

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username mayamade for sneak peeks)

Sandwiched between two very special birthdays (each with their own chocolate cakes!) has been a whirlwind of love, piano playing, and twinkly lights. Fueled by some serious caffeine, the sewing machine whirred into the wee hours of far too many nights. So today... I sit. I listen. I watch. I play. While the holiday and birthday glitter settle-  fresh books are cracked opened and new games are set out on the table. This last week of the year might be my favorite one of all. All the hustle comes to a gentle crawl as we settle in for some serious time together without the distractions of our usual schedules. 

I also see a rare winter nap by the fire in my future. Yes, I do!

winter postcards #3

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username mayamade for sneak peeks)

May your weekend be filled with light...

creativity...

 

joy...

magic...

and good cheer!

 Love and warm wishes to you all!

p.s you can click on any pic for more info

winter postcards #2

Wishing you warmth, light and a happy Solstice!

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Format: Instagram (follow username mayamade for sneak peeks)

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winter postcards #1

vintage spool branch and berry holders:: idea and installation by my children

Good morning! Other than longing for a real snow, my family and I are contentedly nestled in for our holidays. We have planned for a rather quiet and cozy winding down of the year... together and home. I will continue to visit with you here, but am bringing back my postcard series from the summer until the new year begins. Hope you enjoy!

Winter Postcards: a series of snapshots capturing this magical time of year
Location: in and around HOME
Format: Instagram (follow username mayamade for sneak peeks)

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wrap it up

We've always enjoyed creative and green gift wrapping, but last year I had big plans for making drawstring cloth bags for all of our family presents. I gathered up my material that felt festive and cheery. Stacks of red and white scraps and yardage sat on my work table with high hopes of seeing seams and drawstring channels. And there they sat, as slippers, buckets, and the like got sewn. As the big day loomed, I acknowledged that it wasn't to be... but maybe that was for the best. Simply wrapping presents up with those piles of fabric kept my options open. No cutting or sewing allowed me to keep some beautiful yardage that I'd rather save in one piece. It also inspired me to get creative with other materials that I wasn't ready to cut up. Out came vintage napkins and tea towels.. such perfect sizes for wrapping! The children struggled with using only yarn on some of the odd shaped packages. A little tape came to the rescue. Last year worked out so well, that we'll be following suit this week. We'll use the large pieces for big items and fold scraps to size for smaller presents. No scissors! The pile above is a photo taken on Christmas morning 2010... the happy aftermath. Later we rolled up the yarn, saved the tags, and folded the fabric to go back on the shelf. It didn't take long with everyone's help. Below is the after shot- neat and tidy.

I'll be making some more tags like these... they make me happy! Yesterday my daughter and her friend had a wonderful time making little watercolor snowflakes to top presents and just to give.

I helped them punch 2" flakes out of watercolor paper. They added glitter glue after the paint... which diluted the paint, but they didn't care. Glitter is essential.

If you're looking for wrapping options, it really doesn't have to be complicated, nor involve scissors and thread.  Napkins, tablecloths, and pieces of fabric are all you really need. Tie it up with ribbons and yarn. Add handmade gift tags and you'll be set! This works for everyone on your giving list, but especially for those presents that stay right at home.

herb gift toppers

I've been topping some of my gifts with fresh herbs. It looks festive, smells wonderful, and can be put to use in holiday cooking.

Tuck  a bundle onto a package wrapped with baker's twine or lace. If you don't have any greens of your own, check your grocery store for fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme- a wonderful and classic combo. The two latter herbs need to be added right before giving, as they'll begin to wilt.

Rosemary is quite sturdy, on the other hand. Tie some to a gift bag for instant cheer. Below is an easy way to wrap with rustic, reusable appeal in three easy steps.

1. Pull out several strands of jute from each short end of  a long burlap rectangle (to create a fringe).
2. Fold in half lengthwise. Sew up the sides and lock stitches. 
3. Insert a gift and secure with twine and fresh herbs.   

Have a wonderful weekend!

squam in the new year

Today is the launch of all things SQUAM! Please take a look right here... a gorgeous new website will greet you with the announcement of next year's retreats and offerings. It's all incredibly exciting and dreamy! The line up of classes, teachers, and locations is just amazing. I'm honored to be teaching at three of next year's retreats... with workshops that encompass my great loves: printing and sustainable (and soulful) stitching. Crazy wonderful! The experiences and relationships that have grown out of my years at Squam have completely changed my life. No exaggeration. And I'm not alone. The many transformations and connections made on that lake have rippled out into the universe. Making space in our lives for creativity and soul deepening should not be an afterthought. As the world's pace quickens, more of us are recognizing the importance of slowing down, using our hands, listening to our hearts and strengthening our connections face to face. The internet is powerful, but ultimately we need to touch and see one another in person. I would love to meet you... or hug you once more on the shores of Squam Lake. And this year I get so say "even by the sea!"

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pull up a chair

We're cruising along at a steady pace over here at the Donenfeld hearth headquarters. Not totally on top of my list, but not quite behind either. Today is teacher gift assembly time, and  I wasn't sure if I'd have a chance to blog. However, yesterday's heavy post was beckoning for a little cheer to follow. As I gathered  my supplies and turned on the carols, I realized what a cozy, cheerful scene it was. I put on the kettle and seriously wished I could invite you over for some tea.  I grabbed my camera for the next best thing. We can pretend, can't we?

It's chilly out there, so come on in by the fire. The smell of woodsmoke and cloves fills the air. Chocolate is melting in the oven. There are snowflakes to hang, jars to fill and stars to fold in the crisp light of our little farmhouse windows. I could definitely use your able hands!

Mmmm. And as long as we're fantasizing, wouldn't a winter's nap be perfect too!?

gentle

The holidays are such a wonderful time to gather with those we love.  Joy and celebration are everywhere right now.  For any of us who have lost someone close (perhaps someone so dear to us that they were an integral part of our holiday traditions),  this month can hold a quiet loneliness. I know this is true for my family.  I wanted to honor each of you today that is missing someone you love right now... often as you continue to create a magical season. Maybe there is a friend who is experiencing this December with fresh grieving. A phone call or special card  recognizing how hard this month might be for them could be the kindest gift of all. There is great healing that comes from feeling seen... from being connected to others that recognize what we are feeling. So in the hustle and bustle of all of this joy... joy that is real and wonderful... I just wanted to send out some tenderness to those of you that might need a little extra right now.

Be gentle with yourself.

(green) handmade holiday round-up

I'm bringing out some visual cues to remind you (and me!) of projects and traditions from winter's past. A good idea is a wonderful thing to recycle. Below are some of my favorites from last year:

recipe found here

tutorial found here

how to found here

diy frilled pencils

And here are a plethora of good ones from deeper in the archives!

Above your find some simple decor for setting the scene. Links are from left to right.
Row 1: burlap forest, snow covered pine cones, cranberry wreath
Row 2: rag wreath, newspaper snowflake garland, batting scrap wreath ornament

The following are links for simple gifts you still have plenty of time to make. Once again from left to right.
Row 1:  elf slippers, card holders, milk carton cookie houses
Row 2:  napkin rings and other security paper ideas, gift bag/boxes, leather leaf cuff
Row 3:  wrapping ideas, child's travel pillow, paper whites
Row 4:  love letter pillow, travel felt board, envelope purses
Row 5: quick personalized stationery, memory game, last minute treat bags

Happy making and joyful giving to you all!

simple gifts: yule log tray

I have a new wooden tray.  I just made it a few minutes ago and love it! The idea came to me as I gathered firewood to bring inside. I realized that a flat slab from a log would make a lovely rustic centerpiece for holding candles and such. The rounded underside needed a base to make it steady. Fallen branches from our kindling pile looked just right. I collected some supplies and whipped it up. The end result is so pretty that I might just enlist my kids to make some more for giving. That's right... this is an ideal carpentry project for children (or woodworking novices) because there are very few steps and only two simple hand tools are needed.

Supplies:

• flat slab of firewood/log
• 2 branches of similar diameter (around 1")
• hand saw
• hammer
• nails
• sandpaper
• vegetable oil and rag (optional)

Make

1. Sand the rough hewn side of the the log just enough to smooth out edges and prevent splintering. I rubbed a little vegetable oil on the surface at this point. Optional, of course.
2. Saw the branches to equal lengths. Make them both a little longer than the width of the log.
3. Rest the log on branches and determine the steadiest spot for their placement.
4. Turn over and nail in place. I found that a single nail in the center of each branch was the most stable spot for attachment.

Done! That was quick, wasn't it?

A dusting of snow on our picnic table looked  like a romantic spot for a winter picnic... so I rounded up my candles and pretty greenery along with my camera.

What a perfect centerpiece for any winter celebration!

ease=joy

What if it wasn't so hard... so tricky... so fancy... so busy... so much? What if December was actually about discovering simple, easy, slow, free? Mmmmmm. Yes.  I talk about this each year as a reminder to myself, as well as to you. My mantra for this season is always "simplify". Maybe you're thinking... oh that's easy for you... your life looks so tidy. Well, the reality is my Decembers are just as busy as anyone's... two birthdays, three holidays, recitals, gatherings... you name it, it's on our calendar*. But each year, I try to find at least one new way to scale back. Our count down calendar has been a phenomenal success and perfect example of how EASE is another name for JOY. Thankfully, my children were very flexible about shifting the focus to celebrating new or favorite family traditions each day. How I've worded every activity and set our intention for togetherness has made all the difference. The four of us gather round and truly have fun together. So far, cracking open a gorgeous red pomegranate has been the highlight. Who knew? Red sticky fingers and tons of giggles. I mean it doesn't get much easier! So, with that in mind... I urge you to think about what your family truly needs to make this a memorable season.

p.s. We've also loved our other count down activities which have included:
1-Making our very own snow to welcome in December"  with snowflakes found here.
2-Toasting to good cheer- with sparkling cider in wineglasses for everyone.
3-Stuffing dried apricots with chocolate-an easy favorite.
4-Sipping hot cocoa by the fire with candy cane stirrers (we buy these at our health food store).

Easy stuff! Right?  I bet you have some too- simple family traditions that make happiness not stress. Please consider sharing one in the comments... I'm sure we'd all love to hear!

I'll be bringing back my simple gift series this week...so  stay tuned!

* editor's note: after a funny phone call with a good friend, I'm adding in another slice of my reality!

• A ceiling tile in our main bathroom fell to the floor. Yikes! It's still being held in place with duct tape and a piece of cardboard, two weeks later.
• I was recruited to sew huge fabric "floats" for my daughter's class play. They need to be done TOMORROW.
• My studio floor is so cluttered that there have been two (minor) injuries from tripping in the last 24 hours.
• Our stove burners all rusted out simultaneously. Waiting for parts has meant cooking with only one burner sparingly... for a week so far.

So"simplify" it is. Thanks N, for reminding me to keep it real and share the whole story..

news from the winter birds

I invited my birds to share along in today's post.

 December's bare branches don't offer much cover for winter birds. Their new visibility seems strikingly similar to how I feel suddenly... balancing out on a limb for all to see. So far, it's not so scary! Thanks to all of you! Your warm and happy response to my book news has had me dancing for days.

Last week I quietly slipped my newly hatched offering into the sidebar: maya*mail. A big thank you to everyone who has already signed up! I'm so excited to be finding fresh ways to stretch my wings. Here's the plan- each month I'll be sending out a letter written especially for you. Because I live closely with the seasons, I'll be tapping into the natural rhythm of the year for inspiration with either a recipe, tutorial or a personal story. To ensure that you don't miss anything fun and exciting on my blog, I'll always add anything noteworthy... but the main focus will be a sharing that's just for my maya*mail folks. If  this sounds like something you'd enjoy, than simply sign up below ( the invitation will always remain at the top of my sidebar).

Subscribe to maya*mail

One more little bit of bird news...

 Yes, it's true. You can now find me on facebook, too. As many of my friends know, I have resisted for years. It seemed like just another thing to keep track of. Truth is, I'm getting fairly good at managing all of my online nests, and I'm sure I can handle one more. Especially with so many familiar faces stopping by with warm welcomes and... even a few taking me under their wing as I learn the ropes. Find me right here.

it's here- my book!

I did it! It's been a dream and a goal long before this blog, but because of maya*made and all of you, I am now a published author! My book, Reinvention- Sewing With Rescued Materials, is so intimately about my passion, values and sensibilities. I'm deeply in love with all 28 projects that I designed just for this book. I think you will be too. They are useful, meaningful, and downright beautiful in their aesthetic- simplicity. As you know, I am inspired by the properties and nature of individual materials. I spent this past year surrounded by some of my favorites and am terribly excited that I don't have to keep quiet any longer. It won't hit the shelves until May, but I'll be sharing behind the scenes and sneak peeks until then.

I've been waiting for Amazon to put the book cover up, and today's the day! I can't even pretend to be calm, cool and collected. I almost choked and could barely catch my breath. It's not like I didn't know what it would look like, or even that it was any day now... but still! Oh my- there it was! It's up! And you can pre-order it and everything. Wow! I can't believe I just said that! Maybe once more... for good measure. In fact, I'll shout it from the rooftops!

My book is available for pre-order right here!