details

Thanks for all of your skirt enthusiasm yesterday, as well as your familiarity with that specific guilt associated with self-care. I think I'm over it! So many things I want to make, now that I'm giving myself a little permission.

 I'm really excited to keep working on this appliqué style with wool. It began rather spontaneously, but seems to want to keep evolving. I didn't include a close up shot so that you could understand the process and see the details of the stitching.  There was a request for just that, so here's the best I have from the photo shoot. I think it gives you some sense of it. One line of stitching throughout including each leaf. I used a feather stitch, but any stitch would do the job. I know I will need to hand wash it, but being wool,  I'd be doing that anyway!

worthy

Whenever I create something for myself, I have to fight off feeling a bit guilty... as if  I was being too self indulgent. This is ridiculous because it's actually an essential component of self-care. Just like exercise and fresh food is good for the body, creativity feeds the soul... and forming something for one's self goes even deeper. It has the power to mend a broken spirit and give meaning to our making.

 With that in mind I devoted yesterday morning to completing a project that was entirely for my own pleasure. How exhilarating! I've leafed through the pages of this Japanese felt book for years. I got it in NYC at Kinokuniya - ISBN978-4-579-11115-2. It's filled with inspired ideas and just what I needed to give me a sudden light bulb. I grabbed an vintage woolen blanket, the book  and a pencil. I sketched a similar botanical design to this skirt featured.  Free handed it. Then I used scissors and a rotary cutter.

 I wanted to transform this tired and dull woolen skirt into something a little more "powerful and exciting". Two words I'd like to see more of in my life these days.

  I arranged the branches in place, pinned them down.  Lovely is always on hand when I choose to work on the floor in front of the wood stove instead of my studio. As I headed for my sewing machine, sun streamed in through the windows, music blasted, and I let myself relax into process of making something up as I went along. There was no pressure and it came together effortlessly.

Pretty nice, eh? Feels a bit Anthropologie/folk artsy, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

  I wore it the rest of my busy afternoon filled with grocery shopping, an orthodontist appointment, and an after school playdate. I'm certain it made my very ordinary day more "powerful and exciting". Most of all, it kept me conscious of the time I had devoted to myself. I am worthy of an hour or two just for me. So are you... and let's not forget it!

You'll find my experience of  a different kind of time in my new post up at honoring hope.

a winning monday!

 I can't believe that by week's end we will be entering March! For those of us in the Northeast, that's some pretty exciting movement towards spring.

Little announcements:
1. Babble selected maya*made as one of the top 50 craft blogs (for the third year in a row). Yay!

2. My local Sustainable Tompkins chose Reinvention for one of its annual  "Signs of Sustainability" awards. Love where I live!

3. And don't you want to know who to congratulate for winning the Mikodesign diy Frida doll kit?

EviFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:41 PM

Oh yes please, she is just divine!! Thanks so much for the chance to win her! She will love Australia......!

 Evi- I'm sending your mailing info to Erika this morning!

Such a nice and hopeful way to end this month.

I was recently surprised with a complimentary/review copy of  Creative Lettering by my friend Jenny Doh. Thanks Jenny! The timing couldn't have been better, as I've been wanting to bring more hand lettering into my work and had just bought The Little Book of Lettering for inspiration. They are a perfect pair together.

The latter is pure eye candy, while Jenny's book offers lots of comprehensive techniques and projects from multiple artists who incorporate letters into everything they do. I've always been satisfied with my printing and cursive- but never felt that my "artistic lettering" was as up to snuff as I'd like it to be. I'm putting an end to that! Experimenting with and fine tuning our creative passions is so accessible now. Between the plethora of wonderful how-to books and the web, there's really nothing we can't teach ourselves. And what about you? Anything new you've been itching to try? It's a fresh new week and anything is possible...

***

chocolate clouds

I'm stopping in to entice you to do a little baking this weekend. On Monday I shared how much we love our chocolate pudding. Here's what we make with the remaining 4 egg whites: Aunt Amy's Chocolate Clouds- little meringues.

I'm not sure how to photograph these heavenly cookies to do them justice, so you'll just have to take my word for it... each bite is melt-in-your-mouth-bliss. They're one of my favorites whenever I visit my aunt- from little girl to now. The fact that they're gluten free makes them a bit dangerous these days, but my children ensure sure that not too many end up in my hands.

 Aunt Amy's Chocolate Clouds

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 2 cups  melted semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional because my kids think that cookies with nuts in them are ruined) 

Make:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease 2 cookies sheets.
3. Beat egg whites until foamy and then add vinegar and salt. Beat until stiff. Add sugar and vanilla.
4. Fold in melted chocolate (and nuts). 
5. Drop by tablespoon on to cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

I know I've been focusing on the desserts here these days, but we've needed all the extra sweetness we can get.  I promise to balance that with a savory recipe next time.

****

Don't forget to enter the Frida giveaway by this Sunday and this week's post at Honoring Hope is up if you're following along.

Hope you have a great weekend! 

frida diy kit: a giveaway!

 I'm always excited to hear from my friend Erika, of Mikodesign. She knows just how much I love her distinct style and the way she infuses her daughters' lives with outrageous creativity. You might remember all of the fun we had with her Parisian doll kit a few years ago, blogged here. When she recently asked if we wanted to try our hand at her Frida doll kit, I was thrilled. I know from experience, that every Mikodesign kit is beautifully packaged, thoughtfully crafted and super easy to put together. What a perfect project to share with my little girl.

The big bonus was how organically it lent itself to a lesson in Mexican art history and culture. I've been a Frida Kahlo fan since I was in high school and have been lucky enough to visit her home (now a museum) in Coyoacán. What a fascinating conversation my daughter and I had as we looked at images of Frida and her art! And now she has another handmade doll to add to her collection- one who brings to life an inspiring and powerful woman. Thank you Erika! 

 Mikodesign originates from Holland, so along with all of the very traditional Mexican details (like a rebozo!), this Frida has a little taste of the Nederlands that I love.

There are a few fun little accessories that come with the kit that we haven't even gotten to, yet. Here's the complete list of the set:

 a piece of fabric to make your own Frida doll, skirt, scarf, big Frida heart, two birds, 1 big Frida Medaillion and one small Frida medailion and two birds.

 In addition, Erika has come up with some wonderful additional kits, like this craft panel in the background, which has everything from a needle case to a lovely banner.

 So, I know that you're excited to make your own Frida doll! Stitch one for yourself (she's fit for a grown up, no doubt!) or for a little person in your life!

Erika is generously offering a Frida diy doll kit to one of you and will ship anywhere. Please leave your name and contact info in this post between now and Sunday at 5pm EST. A randomly selected winner will be announced on Monday morning. Buena suerte (good luck)!

nuts and bolts

 Thank you to everyone that left such sensitive and extremely thoughtful suggestions for how to handle the loss of an animal with children. You are each so compassionate and wise... and a very useful list was created for easy reference for all of us. We are moving on nicely today. Adjusting. I guess you could say that we are becoming experts at that as a family.

And in keeping with shifting and evolving,  I realized it was time to retire the old and make room for the new. Yesterday we spontaneously bought a dining room table on Craigslist. These old bolts held together our huge and heavy antique one that carried all the memories of over a decade of family meals. The three of us were dwarfed by it, and I was beginning to feel oppressed by it. Dismantling it this morning and placing our smaller and simpler table was a relief. Getting each table in and out of the back door was a huge feat that my son and I worked on for hours, but we did it! My toe is a bit sore from when the old table top fell on it. Yeah- ouch! But other than that, we are feeling totally successful, resourceful and capable. Those three qualities are the nuts and bolts of the life I want to make each day forward. Tonight we will celebrate with our first meal on our "just right" table.

two lost

Our weekend had a sobering quality. We were surprised by the loss of two hens on Saturday afternoon. Henrietta and Bocky. This is always a possibility, if not probability, with chickens... especially when you're in deep country. After almost a year of letting them roam free 80% of the time, we were feeling invincible. Poor sweet girls. Our valiant and handsome rooster, Guapo, was a bit roughed up, too... I believe he fought hard to protect them. So we're a bit tender as we start this new week together. I'm happy that it's school vacation time... my littlest has experienced a lot of loss this year, but the death of a pet (and they were most definitely pets) is new to her. There have been lots of tears, talks, art... and treats. A little sweet comfort food is always helpful. Homemade chocolate pudding with freshly whipped cream is the perfect soother. We consciously used eggs laid that day to honor their life and give thanks for all of the hope that they brought us during this past year.
I discovered this recipe during the fall, and it's been on repeat ever since. It calls for 4 egg yolks, and since our favorite cookie call for 4 egg whites, they happen in tandem. I'll share that recipe the next time I get a picture of them... they disappear quickly.

Today is a new day, and the tears are dry, but if you have any suggestions for how to help children through this process... they are always very appreciated. I realize it's not quite the same as a dog or cat, but I believe we all would benefit from a conversation around animal losses with children, so thank you.

*****

experimenting

Owls continue to swoop into my creative process. I chose to work on a bigger scale this time. It's 7 inches long and my largest stamp so far. It isn't yet complete, and I'm not even sure where it's going...but I'm enjoying relaxing and experimenting. Seeing works in progress of others is always intriguing to me, so I figured it probably was for you, too.

Have a wonderful weekend!

my valentine

 I am the luckiest mama in the universe! I tell my children this everyday. And who wouldn't feel that way when given this folded origami heart... en español? Might just be the sweetest Valentine card I've ever received! 

May all of our hearts be full and strong today and everyday!

chocolate*cupcakes

What could be better? Yesterday was a day that needed a little something special. I had committed to making over 2 dozen cupcakes for a school event, and the timing was perfect. By afternoon, the house smelled heavenly and my daughter and I had so much fun decorating. Piping on the frosting made it extra thrilling, if not messy. I added more milk to the recipe linked below to create a lighter and fluffier consistency that was just right.

 I'm not so big on candy... so you can you imagine how over the moon my little girl was when she saw that I had pink and purple sugary decorations for the top! Must break my own rules some of the time... keeps things exciting.


How do you like my food photography trick for a dark winter afternoon? I ran outside with the plate and let the snow be a natural light reflector!

I'm pretty sure I've linked it before, but just in case... the is the best chocolate/cupcake recipe EVER!  It's the original Hershey's Deep Dark Chocolate Cake that we've been making in my family ever since I was a tiny girl. It's the ultimate birthday cake and makes divine little cupcakes, too. I double the  chocolate buttercream frosting recipe that comes with it and often use Ghiradelli cocoa instead.

I was a professional baker during my college years. This recipe became the foundation for many variations of double and triple layer chocolate cakes. Here are the two simple favorites that sold out instantly:

-Chocolate Raspberry Bliss- In between each layer, spread raspberry preserves on top of the frosting. Top off the entire cake with fresh raspberries.

-Mocha Madness- Add a bit of espresso to taste to the frosting. It's one little step, but completely transforms it something more sophisticated. Decorate with chocolate covered espresso beans.

***Have a sweet day!***

all I really need

"All I Really Need is a Song in my Heart

Food in my belly and love in my Family

All I Really Need is a Song in my Heart

And love in my family" -Raffi

 It's just that simple.

 I woke up singing this song. Oh my!

There are a couple of new posts up at Honoring Hope.

mornings

Every single day I bundle up, pull on my tall boots, and put on my work gloves. I race outside in the chilly early morning light with a saucepan of boiling water, my log carrier, and kitchen scraps. It's chore time!  Chickens need their water thawed, the fire needs tending, and the compost is situated on the way. During the week, it's a scramble. I literally am running to the barn with hot water sloshing so that I can get back up to the house to make breakfasts, lunches and all of the other details that happen on school days.  I always enjoy it, hustle and all, but never get to savor it until the end of the day- when I repeat the process (minus the compost), but with a little bit more time. 

But weekends are different... the chickens patiently wait as I take my time.

Yesterday's exquisite blue sky and fresh blanket of snow inspired me to bring my camera. I walked slowly. I stopped and listened. My eyes took in the big picture and sought out the tiny details. I breathed in gratitude for what is simple and good. I released the stresses that seemed so much smaller under a wide open sky.

When I slow down like this, I often find surprising little presents. Yesterday, there were diamonds dancing in the snow!

On the return walk, I gathered up the beauty, the stillness, and the sunshine (along with my firewood) to bring inside. Documenting these little everyday moments always reminds me of how fortunate I am. Clearly, that's a good thing. So, if there's something that you do regularly each day (or week) that brings you a bit of pleasure... grab your camera. Capture it all through the lens of gratitude. 

Have a great start to your week!

grey trapezoid tote

It seems that I'm on a charcoal bag kick. There was the linen one in the last post, there's some industrial grey wool on my cutting table, and than there's this quickie I whipped up yesterday. I just needed something bigger than my current tote- an easy "toss everything in" bag. Funny how everything is the same color this week. Soft, neutral, put-together, works with everything... charcoal grey.

Yesterday's new project was reinvented from a pair of men's wool trousers. They had been abandoned by my ex-husband, but you can find them at thrift stores by the dozens. I decided to turn it into something useful, rather than toss them or be bitter. But I will admit that I enjoyed the deconstruction immensely. 

First- I cut off one leg and ripped open a seam from ankle to thigh. Next, I sheared off the bottom cuff and opened the leg to get as much usable fabric as possible. That felt good... satisfying, to say the least. Now, I could move on to creating something new. 

Spread out on the table, the seam left in tact was now in the center with the wrong side facing up. When I folded up the bottom, a trapezoid appeared, and the bag's shape took form.  I cut a lining fabric to match. It was some yardage discovered at SewGreen years ago and ties in the contrasting white thread perfectly. Using a feather stitch directly over leg seam reinforces it while adding a sweet detail to an otherwise very minimalistic tote. A thin strip of grey leather makes a delicate, but tough strap. I completed it in less than an hour, and packed it up with afternoon snacks for hungry kids. Now, that's a happy (and useful) reinvention!

And for the underbelly of my week, there's always a little Honoring Hope, if you are so inclined. Have a lovely weekend!

mistakes

I am fascinated by the concept of making mistakes. And to me, it really is just that- a concept. If we look at our creative process as a series of experiments, than each stage is necessary to reach the outcome that we're most satisfied with. What might be considered a mistake is actually a necessary step towards discovering something more effective or to learn a new skill.

Nothing can teach you this more clearly than writing a craft book. In writing 28 patterns, I learned a great deal about the necessity of prototypes. Whatever I envisioned in my mind usually took several attempts before it reached its final version... often different, but always better than what had been planned.

I've kept many of those mistakes  attempts that didn't quite work in a huge basket. Over this last year, I've reworked some simply to salvage the fabric... or as practice for something new. So it was with this linen portfolio. The linen is gorgeous, but I had lined it with a much too heavy winter blanket, and it's a bit lumpy. Yesterday, I decided to complete it anyway and added my first leather handle. Guess what? It's still not what I want it to be, but I learned how to work with leather in a new way- and I'm really excited about its potential. I've since taken my seam ripper to that handle and it's ready to be attached to something else. Ever evolving.
 

Here's what I learned about working with my leather from SCRAP:
-A universal needle works beautifully with thin supple leather
-Folding that same weight leather in half transforms it into something exceptionally strong and sturdy (great for a handles)
-Using contrasting thread is asking for trouble, but has potential to be striking.

Have you learned anything recently from something you considered a mistake? Perhaps it was just a step in the right direction. And hey, seam rippers are very effective! Wish I could use them in all areas of life!

****

winter bloom

I discovered a most unusual vintage wool blanket at Found. Its bold floral pattern works in reverse on the flip side. Red and cream. Cream and red. Considering I devoted an entire chapter in Reinvention to working with wool blankets, you'd think I would have taken out the shears by now. Poufs, pillows, bags, trivets, scarves... so many possibilities, but it hasn't told me what it wants to be, yet. Here's the thing- it's in pristine condition. Maybe it just wants to be a blanket. The kind of romantic woolen wrap that you throw around your shoulders and run out into the snow to walk amidst the frosted trees. 

Creating magic doesn't always have to involve thread and needle. I need that reminder these days when I'm pulled in every direction- except the door to my studio.  Sometimes weaving a little enchantment into the middle of a busy day is just as transformative as something more tangible. So out I went... tripod trailing through the deep snow. Tiptoeing through the powder, draped in a rosy glow.

What might you do with this vintage blanket if it was in your hands?

***

p.s. new post up at honoring hope

love delivery

I handed over 10 red, white, and pink map hearts to Ithacamade today. What could be happier than a window filled with big Valentines? Maybe a smiling dear friend (Jan of silk oak fame) stringing up all that love!

Hope your weekend is LOVE-ly!

photo taken by Jan