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| Photo by Thea Coughlin |
My designs reflect a desire to use sustainable resources woven in with inspiration from the natural world. I'm passionate about encouraging others to find their unique creative voice and gain confidence in making things with their own hands. So... with the help of an incredible team at Wiley Craft, I created a book about just that! I wrote it for you. Reinvention- Sewing With Rescued Materials has just begun hitting the shelves! You can read about it here.
I invite you to check out the MAKE button on the right hand side bar. My hope is that you'll jump in with me and have some fun!
If you'd like to know a little bit more please visit these lovely sites that have interviewed me.
Interviews:
- Squam Teacher Feature
- HandMadeNews
- Indie Fixx
- Art Saves
- CraftSanity Podcast
- Apartment Therapy's Ohdeedoh
- WhipUp.net
- Etsy: Featured Seller
- Craft Synergy
- Resurrection Fern
- Melissa Loves
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you balance mothering and creativity?
My children are getting a little older (13 and 7), but it still can be a challenge. I find it impossible to do everything well at the same time, so something has to give. Time and again the dishes and laundry tend to pile up since they are my last priority. I've been mothering for over a decade and have a pretty good sense of how quickly time passes... how fast our children grow. I'd much rather be playing in the woods or wielding paintbrushes together, then keeping my house tidy. I try to bring a sense of beauty and magic into our life and let the dust bunnies gather, if need be.
Where did you learn to make stuff?
I grew up in a family of artists, builders, and inventors. New projects were constantly springing up around me as a child. My grandfather always said that you could make anything if you had access to a library. With the help of the Brooklyn library (1940's) he built an amazing home... it was the first solar heated house on Long Island to boot.
Can I link to one of your projects? Yes! I love when my projects are appreciated, so go right ahead and link. I just ask that you check in if you want to use more than one photo or any content. You can contact me at mayaluna{at}yahoo{dot}com. Thanks!
What kind of sewing machine do you use?
I grew up using my mother's Kenmore and later a Singer. For the last two years I've had the pleasure of sewing on a Pfaff ClassicStyle. I use it for almost everything. I LOVE it! I also have Pfaff hobbylock 4842 serger that I'm still making friends with.
What kind of camera are you using? For the first two years of this blog, I used a Sony Cybershot 7.2. I still love its portability, but have upgraded to a Canon G11. I process my photos with Picnik if they need any cropping, etc.
Where do you get all of your used coffee sacks?
I purchase them from our local coffee roastery: Gimme!
How do you wash/care for burlap?
I carefully select only the cleanest sacks and then air them on the line. The graphics that make them so distinct are not permanent and will often fade or disappear in one washing. All of my sacks are made from food-grade certified jute. Spot cleaning is recommended, but when I must wash them I do so in cold water by hand. A washing machine will make them a fuzzy mess. Trust me, I've tried.
Are you still making burlap buckets?
Yes! I've slowed down my bucket making. I often announce it on my blog ahead of time. Creating bucket patterns was a way to encourage everyone who wanted one to try their hand at making their own. The patterns are simple enough for a beginning sewer.
Where do you buy your printing supplies?
Carving tools and ink: Blicks.
Fabric paint: Dharma Trading Co.
Fabric stamp pads: Scrapbookforever
Freezer paper: Wegman's (our grocery store)
