Thursday, January 5, 2012

a squam-y giveaway!

cup4
As registration for Squam Art Workshop's draws close, visions of the lake and wooded paths have been surfacing all week. Daydreams about ocean sunrises and strolls along the beach have been warming me as I gathered firewood in the single digit weather we've been having. Squam has played such a tremendous and powerful role in my life. From amazing teaching opportunities and personal transformation to some of the most wonderful relationships I've ever experienced. Making real life connections with maya*made readers is the highlight each time. In fact, I had an incredible email from one of my fall students just this morning... I love keeping those connections growing beyond the classroom. Maybe this is our year! I am honored to be leading stitching and printing workshops during the spring, fall and even by the sea and couldn't feel more blessed.

Thanks to the ever so lovely and generous Squam Goddesses, I get to announce January 9th's registration with a special giveaway from the Squam store! The store is brand new and I love the concept- each month there will be a featured artist who offers a limited edition, handmade item  This month you'll find:
cup3
  "...some beautiful gleena cups and tumblers made especially to celebrate the magic and creativity of the squam community. Whether you fill the large tumbler with a frothy latte or allow yourself a quiet moment of respite when you sip a favorite tea from these lovely porcelain cups, the beauty of this hand made ceramic will make everything sweeter.  Asya Palatova lovingly crafts each piece by hand in her gorgeous, light-filled Pawtucket, RI studio.  "Gleena," which means "clay" in Russian, was founded in 2002 and is greatly inspired by Asya's childhood in St. Petersburg ". "


And I am happy that I get to offer you one of these beautiful cups... you know how much I appreciate  a special cup!! I've been given "a is for art" to pass on to one of you! How perfect is that for manifesting a little more creativity into your daily life?

cup
Please leave comment between now and Saturday at 5pm EST. I will announce the randomly selected winner on Monday morning. Perhaps share something new and exciting that you're are bringing into your life right now.Yes! Pin It

156 comments:

Krista said...

these are gorgeous! so well crafted.. and 'a is for art' is so perfect for me, as a fellow artist :)

amy said...

I have the form, I know January 9th is coming up, it's sitting there on my computer...as I list all the reasons maybe it's not the right year, my husband tries to convince me! I've decided 2012 is for me to try to figure out what my creative goals are. (Or maybe my goal is to continue to putter and follow whatever strikes my fancy?) So, new and exciting. I signed up for the online Creative Courage workshop. And that Squam registration form...it's been downloaded, anyway. Working on it. (Honest!)

sylvia said...

i've seen these on the squam site already... gorgeous
something new and special in my life right now? well, i'm 17 weeks pregnant, that's quite "new" (in a sense) and very very special.
i'm also joining an art journal challenge this year and just bought myself a new journal!

Yvonne said...

these cups are great. I'm going to have to take a look at the new site!

Caroline said...

These are so pretty! I wish I could make Squam work this year, but alas, with my sweet little 8 month old, it won't be happening...another year!

Something new and exciting? I'm taking on Project 365 this year! It can be found here:

http://river-girl-365.blogspot.com/

Michele said...

Love the cups. I'm looking forward to learning needle turn applique this month.

Ikimau said...

These cups are lovely - will be looking at the new site.

jenna said...

i love Asya's work so much. the new squam site is so lovely. i hope someday i will be able to attend - it sounds magical.

Morgan said...

I live in north Carolina and would love to attend a squamous workshop on the coast. Meanwhile I am working on my own to improve my crocheting skills and learning mixed media art journalist this year. Those tumblers are beautiful!

learning table said...

How pretty these are! My new and "exciting" is getting my house cleaned up and organized. I've been wanting to tackle this for awhile, and I'm halfway there. It feels so good to clean out and purge and make the rest more simple and accessible. Getting the clutter out has made my brain happy!

Karen said...

What a gorgeous cup! Something new and exciting in my life right now is a new found love of rowing and swimming. I'm an arty girl who loves books. I had a moment of madness in late September and rang up to enquire about learning to row lessons. Before I knew it, I was in a boat and loved every second of it. Then, because of the rowing, I had to learn to swim. At age 43. I was petrified and had to be walked in for my first lesson. I hated it but the motivation to row was so great that I stuck with it and now look forward to going to squad training. I swam my first kilometre five days before my 44th birthday and was so proud of myself. I'm off to row in four races in a three day regatta next weekend so am pretty excited about that. Thanks for the chance to give this beautiful cup a loving home.

Lynn said...

Oh, what a lovely cup! New and exciting... For the next 2 months I am on furlough from work so I am able to revel in being home with my sons and focus each day on the creative energy of our home and writing about it in my blog. As far as creative goes, I have just begun making my first Waldorf boy doll to give to my 3 year old son for Valentine's Day.

Elpinoine said...

New for me I'm trying to learn at least one new creative technique every month.I love learning new ways to express myself.

Paige said...

Lovely cups! I hope to have the financial and creative resources to attend Squam in the years to come.

Erin said...

what beautiful cups! i could only hope to be so lucky to own one. i like the splash of color on an unexpectedly calm mug.

Annette L said...

What a creative idea! The cups are beautiful. My daughter is an artist (acrylics is her medium) and this would be the perfect gift for her.

Thank you for the chance to win.

Tracey said...

A beautiful cup!

I am making an effort to draw or paint every day and also to go outside each day, no matter the weather!

It's All Happening said...

very pretty - would love it. thanks!

Imra said...

Beautiful cups! I have resolved to spend time everyday doing something I love by myself - and of course that means more creative time just by myself. It's not going to be easy - I work full-time and try to spend as much time possible with my lovely 5 year old. But I realize more creative time alone means happy mama and then of course happy family.

mtdq said...

Art is nourishment for the soul. These simple but elegant pieces are beautiful tributes to creativity.

So She Did said...

Life is art. I am an artist. Therefore i love this cup! Plus it is beautifully crafted.

Dorothy said...

Squam looks amazing. Maybe one of these years I'll be able to go, but it's just not doable at this point in my life.

But these cups! Oh my, they are beautiful. I'd love to gift "a is for art" to my little sister, who is bringing something new into this world any day now. His name is Everett, and he is her first.

I am discovering that waiting for a birth is so much more enjoyable when you aren't the one 40+ weeks pregnant :-)

sarah jean, said...

i keep swooning over these little mugs! thank you for the opportunity to win one!

something new: the rekindled inspiration & motivation of intentional creativity with my children. they are so creative on their own and i on my own, parallel, that i have been aching for it to be together. it's happening.

blogmia said...

so cute! and so simple!

m is for magic...perfect for us this year, since we will be heading to most magical place of all later this year...walt disney world!

PeaceMama said...

happy new year Maya! thanks for all of your inspiration & this cup is lovely! one day i will make it to Squam! my new and exciting is going to be reading all i can in the realm of MLK's "beloved community"...his writings, other faith community writers and poets, meditating on this concept and trying to live it out best i can.

Becs said...

These are beautiful! I'm definitely going to keep an eye on the etsy shop too :)

suburban prep said...

These are great.
I just heard about Squam yesterday from my sister. She thought that I would enjoy going.
Perhaps I might. Looks interesting.

Julie said...

Lovely! My new and exciting is the start of a personal 365 project with my new camera, so we can get to know one another, become partners and friends. Really fun. :-)

Alyssa said...

These are so simple and pretty.

arianne said...

That etsy shop will be so much fun! Thanks for sharing it. Throw my name in the hat.

momma rae said...

what a lovely cup! one day i will make it to squam....

Katheen said...

Can't wait to see your smiling face at Squam! My new thing is trying to transition to a new career - after 25+ years in financial services/software, I'd like to work in an industry that's less grabby and more make-y.

corinne said...

Gorgeous!!! I am a journal maker and I originally was taking January to figure out what else I should be doing, but I have received so many "signs" to not give up my art, that now I am claiming January for an artistic "strategic planning" of sorts and am feeling energized, assured, excited! Thanks - love your blog! xo

Sonja said...

So glad I've recently been introduced to Squam. It's far away from me, but would live to get there some day. A beautiful cup to commemorate a beautiful place.

Anonymous said...

Love these cups! My special mug recently broke,and this looks like it could step up to the job! I've been dreaming of Squam, but I'll have to wait until my littles aren't so little. one day...
lizthomasvt(at)aol(dot)com

Tracy said...

Such simple beauty. My new and exciting thing? Finally learning to play the cello at 47. So unbelievably rewarding (and hard!)

beth said...

Oh Squam, such a dream to dream. Until then there is art in my house and in my heart. Thank you Maya for this wonderful giveaway. Wishing you an inspirational new year. Summer and those workshops will be here before we know it. (We'll just need to get some snow first.) ~beth in VT

L Schelvan said...

I just perused the Squam web site yesterday -- it looks so amazing and like something I need to someday make it to (once kids are older, time is more free, money less tight...). For now, I'd love the "a is for art" cup!

Libby said...

This is beautiful! I'm currently trying to persaude my mum to come with me to Squam Italia; reading all the Squam posts from various blogs has just deepened this hunger.

Color + Light said...

this is such a wonderful giveaway and a great reminder that i am trying to bring more art into my life in 2012. i am finally an empty nester and feeling my heart tug in a different direction.

Jennifer Finn of Imogen Lovely said...

I am going to try and go to Squam this year! Hopefully in the fall. I'm kind of worried that too many people will sign up and I won't get in. Not sure if that happens. We'll see, fingers crossed! A is for Art is perfect for me!! Hopefully I'll get to meet you at a Squam workshop!!

erika~ the inspired mama said...

ahhhh, what a beautiful little cup! i love it!! thank you for the lovely giveaway!! XX
erika
InspiredMama (at) msn (dot) com

Mousy Brown said...

I would soooo love to go to squam but until that becomes a possibility, winning one of these would let me share in a bit of the magic! :D

Jessica Jo said...

Honestly I think that little cup would go great filled with water for rinsing brushes in. I think it would be an honorable life for it.

Ciara Kay said...

Oooh, those cups look sooo nice to hold. Something new and exciting? I'm just trying to get through the day...

Sara said...

Such pretty cups! It would be such a lovely reminder of Squam.

Jennifer Allison said...

thanks in (a)dvance! *wink*

Julie said...

I do love these cups! What I am bringing into my life this year is ... an art studio so I can paint again! Yes!

darah said...

so pretty!
i just finished a knitted vest for my toddler son and it feels so very good! my first non-accessory! while i miss the more "artsy art" i was able to do in college with so much more time and space and materials i love that i find the same satisfaction and sustenance from creating for my family.

someday i'll make it to squam- in a difference season of my life perhaps :)

Gayle said...

New and exciting? Hubby gave me an iPad for Christmas - I never knew I wanted one, but now I love it! LOL

Peggy said...

As much as I would love to attend a Squam workshop it just is not going to work this year. But this years priority is one I am 100% on board with... you see we are putting EVERY penny into becoming debt free... well except for a tidy little sum which is going to purchase a marimba! Our middle son is a musician and this is his instrument of preference.... not a little instrument but he plays so well and it is a pleasure to listen even when he is just "practicing!" Plus the eldest graduates in a few months and then will be off to college so staying home is a good thing! Now I am off to do some work in the kitchen... adding beadboard wallpaper and making granola!

Joey said...

I'm still on the fence with some BIG (for me!) plans for 2012! I'm not very good at making these kinds of decisions!
I love those mugs!
xoxo
~ joey ~

eli said...

Those cups are such beauties! Thanks so much Maya for the lovely giveaway!

rebecca said...

One day I will go there...right now it's still a glimmer. These cups are so beautiful! The art one is my fave ;0)

Terri said...

Lovely thank you.....

handstories said...

wishing...

miscellanea said...

I love these little pieces of squam that are able to enter people's lives. Great giveaway :)

Anonymous said...

I am seriously considering setting up a blog--just thinking about it and researching the offerings are exciting!
Deborah

Jen said...

Oh, how lovely!!! I would love this.

gill said...

Not sure if I'm allowed to join in from the UK ??? but these cups are gorgeous!

Vintage Girl/Marivel said...

gorgeous,lovely..!!Great giveaway.
Best wishes

Michelle said...

Something new. Me. A new year is another chance on that journey to finding my authentic self. Everyday I seem to find one more tidbit to who I am becoming and evolving into. Current status: mother, wife, artist of all trades, sister and friend.

Susan J. said...

Gorgeous - I love the white glaze and the stamped "a". Thanks for the chance to win!

Leah said...

These tumblers are so lovely! I just came across the Squam website and can't wait to one day go to a retreat, when it's my time!

Katja said...

The cups are lovely! All the beautiful things I hear everyone tell about Squam make me long to be there one day. Right now, I haven't got the time and financial support but in a couple of years, after finishing university, I will hopefully be able to join in. All the ones who'll be there: HAVE A GREAT TIME!

Here's something new and exciting (though it might not sound so at first, it could be a very crucial change for me): I'm trying to bring some CALMNESS into my life (or what we call "Gelassenheit" in German). Too often, I am afraid of doing something wrong, of disappointing someone - and that makes me unhappy and sometimes even scared AND there must be an end to it!!!

Instead, I want to try becoming a calmer being, being more content with myself, stopping myself from feeling wrong. I want to be pleased with my choices, proud of who I am, brave enough to encounter numerous adventures! This year is going to be a try and being more pleased with who I am will also help me to connect with others.

Melissa R said...

I am always jealous of your time at Squam. Maybe someday for me.... maybe for my mom too :) Thanks for sharing so much with us.

Sara said...

a is for art
a is for artist
a is for always trusting our hearts
a is for absolute love
a is for astonishing beauty
a is for aspects of wonder
a is for awesomeness

I love this cup, and the peachy-salmon color inside. Such beauty. Thank you for this amazing offer.

michelle gd said...

loving these squam cups. is it wrong that i entered the giveaways on susannah's and amanda's site as well?! i don't usually win contests, but it's fun trying. and if i'm not the lucky winner, i'll likely purchase one myself. these cups whisper bits of magic to me. right now i'm all about magic and inspiration and manifesting art in my life. baby steps (my new blog) and dreams (fall squam??).
thanks to you and the squam goddesses for offering this giveaway...

~Heather said...

Lovely!

Alison said...

Squam sounds beautiful and I would love to go but cannot for health reasons. These mugs though are truly wonderful and 'a' is also my initial - perfection!

Steffie said...

Oh my, I just love these mugs! I will have to sign up for a pottery workshop right now! :)

Neo-Homesteading said...

So adorable! They look so sturdy and colorful.

Star faerymother said...

Squam sounds wonderful, Have fun with all that inspiration. pretty mug too!

Meryl said...

I'm trying to focus on bigger projects this year, instead of a million little ones. So far...I think it's going ok. Love the cup. :)

buebau said...

Wow! love this!
And... A is for Ana too :)

hugs from Portugal

Alyssa said...

'tis my letter!
A is for Alyssa as well. Love it.

Jackie said...

Oh how I would love to attend Squam. It's not in the cards for me (financially) at this time, as I am an at-home mama to two little boys. But a girl can dream, right?

meganmini said...

Beautiful. New this year, or more like a refresh, is getting back in the habit of sending physical cards and letters.

Wehaf said...

We're adopting a dog!

urchiken at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

How utterly lovely it is! This year, I am aspiring to have something hand made in each room of my house. H

mary said...

ooh those cups are gorgeous- currently detoxing from caffine they would be perfect with some herbal tea!

Sheau said...

they are so sweet. thanks for the chance.

cheryl.mccann said...

these cups are amazing. i would love to have one filled with indian tea. something new and special is my brand spanking new lens my honey gave me for Christmas. i am having heaps of fun with it.

Maryam said...

so lovely!

Gerri said...

These are adorable...

Anonymous said...

beautiful cups :) One day I WILL go to Squam :)
haPPy day :)crystal

Anonymous said...

what a great little mug!!! nancywalters44@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love some art inspiration!
Thanks Maya!

Jane @

jcwah1999@yahoo.com

rosesmama said...

It's beautiful, thanks!

Rachel said...

Ooh, I would love this! Thanks for the chance.

margie said...

beautiful cup! I would use it to sip tea in the quiet of the afternoon while staring out the window at the snow falling softly...

I'm trying to find time for small creative endeavors every day to keep the spark of 2012 alive and well!

lisaplus6 said...

just beautiful..... I am so close I am hoping one year I can make it to experience it too.....

Francesca Di Leo said...

'a' is for adore, and i so adore you maya!! xoxx

Domestic Diva said...

Those are so gorgeous! Thanks for the chance.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

jenistar said...

So pretty and a great shape to hold in your hands! And P.S., I just started a Squam 2013 fund :)

Falafel and the Bee said...

LOVE love love this!
~Michelle
www.falafelandthebee.com
falafelandthebee@gmail.com

Melissa said...

Oh how I would love to go to Squam! It sounds like a dream! But since I'm on the other side of the continent, I'm going to make sure I get out to a little retreat somewhere over here, maybe quilting, or yoga.. Oh, and that cup is just beautiful!

Kate said...

They are just beautiful, just the thing for a quiet cup of tea!

darkstarfarm said...

So beautiful!
~Linzie

Gumbo Lily said...

Sweet, inspirational cup. I just made a new friend today.

Jody

shelbyisrad said...

I love love love these mugs! they're all kinds of lovely!

Dana TM said...

What a treat! danainalaska -at - yahoo.

Michele N. said...

simple & beautiful.

Tisha Smith said...

love, love these!
tisha(at)artwithmrssmith(dot)come

shelli said...

Love these mugs!

sksittler@yahoo.com

Kellen said...

Yeah for Squam!!! I'm going to make it there in June to see you. Do you think that Nirvana is available again? Love to you Maya.

laura said...

I am bringing good health and good nutrition into my life this year...how nice it would be to have mini morning smoothies in one of the Squam mugs!

Anne said...

These are beautiful cups! And "A is for Art" would be a perfect motto to read each day ...

Kitten's Lost Her Mittens said...

I wish I were going to Squam this year! I really, really want to go, but haven't been able to, yet. Some year I will make it!
I love creating things, but sometimes it gets lost in the busy-ness of day-to-day life. This year I am planning on making time for it! This beautiful art cup would be a fantastic reminder. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
x Katherine

Chiska said...

We're working on a new place to live this year. It's exciting, scary and bewildering all at once. Thanks so much for the chance!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what lovely cups! Some year I hope I will make it to Squam.

Thanks for the chance to win!

KAMiller

OrcasMoon said...

Wow- living on the west coast and having gone to school in Ithaca I love your site. Not only is it full of great ideas but really reminds me of home. I wish I could go to Squam!
Jennifer

andrea said...

Would so love to have this beautiful cup to drink form all year long :) Thanks for the chance :)

Erin said...

Those are mugs are beautiful!
I'd so very much love to attend Squam... perhaps someday!

Susan D said...

I think the mugs are beautiful and inspirational. I would love to attend Squam someday.

Garbage Cinderella said...

Squam someday... someday.. It sounds so beautiful.

Aimeé said...

Oh, I love those cups! Just looking at them is inspiring! Thanks for a lovely giveaway!

Stephanie said...

I would so love to attend squam this year. And those cups? Pure beauty!

Meghan @ Life Refocused said...

I am trying to bring the notion of "practice" into my daily life. To not get so ahead of myself and not be perfect.

sigfridpettersen63 said...

These cups are great! I have started a new knitting...a blanket.

chris said...

In 20-12 I am going to make a commitment to honor my creative soul and be free to create more. Would love the "a" for art cup by my side.

Fiona said...

thanks for the giveaway :)

Kristin said...

Beautiful mugs!

Irene S. said...

Beautiful cup! I'm looking forward to some quiet winter time to do some knitting and quilting (without deadlines!).

Megan Nelson said...

Love those mugs! I need a little Squam in my life. I'm unlikely to make it this year but am using it and my deep desire to go as inspiration for more art in my life. A little reminder over coffee each morning would be lovely. Thanks for the opportunity!

Corene said...

I love that cup! This year, I'm trying to figure out what I really need to be doing, and break away from my usual marathon pace.

Bean said...

Love that cup!!!

Emily said...

Why yes! A is for Art - Love this...
Thanks for the giveaway offer, Maya!

hugs.

Emily

Eileen said...

Beautiful cups! And who couldn't use a little more "art" inspiration? Thanks for the chance to win.
eileenwalters@msn.com

SandyH said...

I've been inspired these past few months to embroider again. I embroidered a pillow case for my granddaughter and dish towels for my Mom!

jack said...

I saw these cups yesterday on Soulemama's blog! They are gorgeous! I'd love the chance to win one!

meganarline said...

Lovely cups. I'm hoping to do a lot of cross country skiing, walking and crafting the rest of this winter. Thanks!

ariadne said...

A is also for Ariadne!Happy New Year!
AriadnefromGreece!
ariadnesky@hotmail.com

Marlo said...

Love, love, love. I am trying to bring more fun into my life this year. Wish me luck and hope it doesn't involve falling off a skateboard while my kids watch.

jm said...

wow--Squam-what a fabulous experience-I am struggling whether I can fit the trip in this year--so much happening-children turn 18 & 16, HS graduation, possibly going away to college, 20 th wedding anniversary and husband turns 50- I beat him there. Squam gave me a center last year and i found myself open to a new challenge-now I am teaching a craft I love! Thanks and Maya showed me the possibilities-she didn't even know it.

Olivia said...

Glad I stopped by! I'd love to give this to my sister who is currently searching for a teaching job in art. <3

Mary said...

a potter loves her some pottery!

cRevelry Photography and Design said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Erin Bramlette Thompson said...

ohhh that was not supposed to be deleted I'm a clumsy sort :/ I just meant to swap my "name" and poof ....

:) anyway... in the heart of what I had posted was getting rid of fear... so with that goes the embarrassment of oops and oh cruds. I'm kicking procrastination and fear to the curb this year and looking forward to it with wild abandon! :)

Menina Rosa Store said...

Q potes lindos!
Faço coleção de canecas...e xícaras também.
Feliz 2012 para você!
xoxo
:D

Laura said...

What a beautiful cup!
Thanks for a chance to win. :)

Elizabeth said...

Trying to see the art in everyday life. Lovely small-a art cup for a goal of living a small-a artful life!

ginigin said...

Lovely cups, so simple and such pure lines. Something new that I'm bringing into the coming year is to start an art journaling group for visioning work. I met with a friend's reading group last year and did a short visioning workshop and that grew a desire to work with other women in a journaling art format.

Kaffiknopf said...

How I wish to go back to squam again ... love and a merry happy new year :)

Jannette said...

Best wishes for the new year! What a beautiful cup..

Something new this year..? Start of a new job! Very exciting. Plus, I have promised myself one moment each day to look - properly look at something beautiful. Look at them, store them away, maybe draw or write them, but mainly: enjoy them. And take strength, I suppose.

MJ said...

I can't tell you how excited I am to go to squam this year!! There is something so special and powerful about people with all the same intentions--to be creative and passionate--being in the same room! Thanks for the chance at the beautiful cup!!
xo

Mary Ann said...

I am so thankful for this chance to win a bit of art.

tami said...

I could use a little more creativity this year. Thank you for the chance.

Annie said...

These are lovely mugs, and Squam sounds like such an inspiring place and experience!

Something new and exciting (and a bit scary) that I am bringing into my life right now is a reevaluation of where I am. As my boys are growing from toddlers into preschoolers and soon kindergarteners, I am finding myself in a place full of questions and shifting, with lots of excitement, hope, insecurity, and so many more emotions(!), struggling to find my path and me.

This is My Life said...

Beautiful cups. So kind to offer the giveaway.

Sara said...

what a beautiful cup! Thanks for the root stew - have you ever tried oden? It's sort of like the japanese version of your soup and is served all over japan out of street carts in the cold depths of winter.

leah of sang the bird said...

i've seen these on the squam site already... gorgeous. i would love to go to Squam! it sounds like a dream! but I'm on the other side of the world...

casso said...

Oh I need to create an Australian SQUAM. Every year I am just so inspired from the other side of the world.

A is for Australia too. :)

thea said...

Aren't these cups lovely?

I have been dreaming about the woods and the beach as well. I am so thrilled I will be there with you...

Jenni Horne said...

I've been lurking in the squam website for a spell now. And one day, I will get there. The feeling I receive just through my computer screen is one of such peace and joy...non-intimidation...and love. hopefully next fall I will join the circle!

Heidi said...

Just lovely! I'm an art historian/librarian who's been working an office job for, oh, ten years now...trying to get some art BACK in my life in this new year.

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