book reading and craft night

Just a quick local announcement! I'll be reading, crafting, selling and signing at the end of the month, and I'd love you to come if you're somewhere close by. Below are the details:

Join local author, Maya Pagán Donenfeld, for a book reading

and craft night! There will be opportunities to share and talk about meaningful making and coping with loss and then create items directly from or inspired by Hope, Make, Heal.

When: Thursday, February 25^th

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Dolce Delight

1080 Danby Road Ithaca

This event is free and open to the public. A small donation is suggested to cover costs of the materials provided.

launched

It's been said by many that the energy in the room was wonderful at the Hope Make Heal launch at Buffalo Street Books. It was a very receptive crowd, who not only were so supportive of me personally, but also were clearly happy to take a copy of the book home with them... either for their own use or for a friend. Here were my opening lines before I read excerpts from several of the chapters:

"Welcome and thank you for coming to celebrate with me today. My first book, Reinvention, was published at the beginning of 2012. It was not a time for celebrating. At the exact moment that it was coming off the press, I was reeling from the unexpected and very sudden loss of my 16 year marriage. The last four years have been a wild ride filled with hope that I would survive the pain, the making of a new life for my children and myself, and then the healing of the places that had been broken. That grieving and rebuilding process evolved along side this second book that I hold in my hands today. Hope, Make, Heal was published exactly 10 days ago and I couldn’t be happier and more ready to share it with all of you... to celebrate!"

I  introduced my dear friend Ellen Abrams (sadly not pictured here- send me pics if you have them friends), who contributed the meditations to each section. Ellen is a local therapist who also leads Mindfulness Meditation groups for people who have experienced trauma. I was attending it during the writing process of the book and knew it was an important component to include. She led a beautiful meditation and then there were paper feathers offered for writing intentions on. Templates for six of my feather prints are located in the back of the book for using in various projects!

Then it was on to signing... Buffalo sold out, but have let me know that more copies will be arriving this week.

RELEASED!

This week, three years ago I had done everything within my power to give my children a beautiful Christmas and my daughter a happy birthday. Although almost a year had already passed since their father had moved out without warning,  it was our first december on our own. The winter holidays have the potential to be a time of magic, as well as the tendency to illuminate loss and magnify grief.  I remember making it to this last week of the year and thinking- I'm almost there. I will survive this hellish year after all. I chose my word for the upcoming year: HOPE. Here is that post, like a little time capsule.

Thank goodness for my kids. They were the reason I made myself get out of bed every morning and that I was doing more than just making it... I was determined to to heal for them.

To learn everything I could about how to face darkness and come out on top. 

To thrive and help them to do the same. 

It was the hardest challenge of my life. Desolation was always at my side in the beginning, but I acted brave for them... until one day it was true.

By that Christmas in 2012, some good days were sprinkled in with the constant rough ones. I started seeing glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel. And I began writing down my process. As a writer and an artist, there was an overwhelming need to document my return towards wholeness. I blogged and journaled the tools I was discovering (and most often creating) to guide me forward.

 My second book was emerging long before I was ready to actually write it. But it was the book I was wishing someone could place in my hands at that very moment. So I began. I knew it was about hope and creating. I prayed it would bring my healing and maybe help others who were struggling through one of life's inevitable transitions. Several years in the living and making, and TODAY it goes out into the world!! TODAY!!

Hope, Make Heal is filled with the 20 projects, plus recipes and meditations, that brought me to this point today. I am a confident and proud single mother of two very healthy and amazing kids (one getting ready to head out into the world in a matter of months). There are fresh traditions and new people in our lives, as well as wonderful (bittersweet) memories of a different life long ago. I can now hold the story in my heart without feeling crippled by it. I laugh. A lot. And so do my children.

I am so happy to have arrived at this moment!

*all photos in this post our projects from Hope, Make, Heal- 20 Crafts to Mend the Heart.

light

Wishing you a cozy and peaceful Solstice. This shortest day of the year brings the annual hope of light returning us- the perfect metaphor for anyone traveling through a dark time. The holidays can be challenging for so many. Missing loved ones that can't be here, or the knowledge that life doesn't always match the parades of perfection flaunted by every ad campaign. Our lives are complex and often fragile.  Sending you all so much love and strength as we turn towards the sun.

This handmade message candle is one of the projects in my new book. I call them "Lights for the End of the Tunnel".

Hope, Make, Heal 20 crafts to Mend the Heart will officially hit bookshelves next week (yes-finally!!)... and freshly printed copies will find their way into all of the mailboxes of folks who pre-ordered it a few months back and even today. A brand new year is the perfect time to begin the process of using creativity for self-care and renewal... my wish is that this book finds its way into the hands of all that need it right now.

handmade heirlooms

New mittens- made by my 10 year old! She has forecasted many more. She used the pattern for "Easy Going Mittens" from Jennifer Casa's brand new book Handmade Heirlooms. Several of her sewing buddies came over with their machines and each of them whipped out a pair. They were simple and satisfying with just the right amount of challenge (sewing stretched elastic can be tricky). This is just the right combo for making gifts in multiple- something many of us are thinking about at this time of year. There are 24 projects to sew, knit, crochet, craft and repurpose. That about covers all of us- right? The premiss and subtitle: "crafting with intention" is my favorite way to make stuff. Thank you Jennifer, for creating this lovely book!

You can find Handmade Heirlooms, produced by my favorite publishers (yay Roost!), and read more about it right here.

 Although we haven't had any real snow yet, mitten season has begun- and this sweet one is proud of her new pair!

The Artful Year- a review

I'm so excited to share one of my new favorite books with you! Today we are part of the blog tour for Jean Van't Hul new book. She has written another "soon to be" classic with The Artful Year, published by Roost Books (my favorite publisher!). It celebrates each season and holidays with crafts and recipes for the whole family. The essence is on creating memories and traditions together by following the rhythm of the seasons, which Jean feels are "ideal for introducing children to visual arts and natural science, both of which begin with observation".

Jean and I have been online friends since the early blogging days, and I was honored to contribute to her first book, The Artful Parent. Her blog, of the same name, is a wonderful source of inspiration for how to bring creativity into your children's lives. I love that Jean focuses on projects with an open-ended process. Nature is surely woven in, as well. The Artful Year is a wonderful reflection of that emphasis,  even though there are plenty of crafts that end in a wonderful gift, a celebratory decoration or a wonderful new holiday dish.

The Artful Year is brimming over with activities (175!) for all ages, lending itself well to families with mixed age siblings. It's organized by season, including a chapter on things to do anytime of year. There are reading lists for kids and parents… and there are recipes! I've always believed that cooking with children is just another creative outlet for families, and I love how many fun and festive recipes have been included.

As we push forward the clocks today, I am aware that spring might come after all. I've poured through the Spring chapter with gusto and there are over 10 different kinds of ways to decorate eggs- ten!

You'll  also find nests to make for your eggs and nests to bake and eat! Instructions are simple and straightforward… photographs are inspiring because they're great guides and not too glossy. I've noticed that many craft books for children often have an unattainable quality to their perfect end products. Jean's photographs are real and beautiful.

This book is truly a must have for anyone raising or working with children. If I could only keep a couple of books on creativity with children, The Artful Year would be at the top of my list. It's really that good.

 Here's a little peek:

And if you'd like to see more, check out the blog tour right here and hop on over to some of the other stops. 

Congratulations, Jean! 

the paper playhouse

A light hearted energy has landed in my home this week and with it came a desire to play. Katrina Rodabaugh's new book, The Paper Playhouse (Quarrybooks), arrived just in time!

 It's filled with children's projects using recycled paper, boxes and books. This focus makes me happy for all of the obvious green reasons, but also for utilizing materials that are so easy for kids to find around the house... and for their parents to gratefully hand over to them for experimentation and creativity.

 

 There are plenty of perfect invitations for parents to collaborate with their younger children around craft, creativity and imaginary play. Lots of the projects can be made independently by an older child. In the back there is an extensive gallery of paper artists and their work for further inspiration. Just a few of the many below. And YES those are my newspaper and sewing pattern flowers! So happy to be included here with such a great group!

Congratulations Katrina! What a lovely book to share our kids!

Artful Christmas- a review and giveaway!!

I have a treat for us today! Artful Christmas (published by Lark Crafts) is the brand new book by Susan Wasinger. I've loved all of her books. She's a creative whirlwind of ideas that combine clever techniques with easy (and often eco) materials. All of which wouldn't impress me as much if I didn't also love her aesthetic- a compliment I don't hand out liberally. And she's prolific- check out her books here. My love for the winter holidays and resourceful decorating is no secret… so Susan has just published one of my new favorite books. I'm pretty certain that you'll love it too.

 Some of her projects are not new, but the easy instructions and little twists she uses makes each one fresh and more enticing than ever. I've always wanted to make a doily bowl… now I actually will.  Can you imagine a holiday table with a smattering of different sized "snowflake" bowls holding votives?! Lovely!

 Stocking Inspiration is always welcome. I might even make the three of us a new set this year. Time for fresh starts on old traditions. And what to do with those old decks missing a few cards? Love these ornaments.

 Needle-felted wool on linen with raw edges! Need I say more? 

 And then there's the advent calendar… Susan shares some brilliant ways to create different designs on the front with stencils and stamps. Stencils and stamps may be two of my favorite words!

With 30 craft projects for Christmas making, all are quite elegant even if the materials are very humble. I envision pulling this out each year- excited to try something new. I think it would make a perfect present waiting under the tree for all of the crafty folks out there… and worth checking out right now to add some making magic to this festive month.

And here comes the giveaway! Thank you to Susan and Lark Crafts, who would love to offer one of you (in the US or Canada) a copy. Please leave a comment below by Monday 12/9 at 9pm. Perhaps share one of your favorite things about this time of year: a smell, a craft, a treat, or an activity. I'll announce the randomly selected winner on Tuesday!  Good luck!

Now I'm off to paper punch some more playing cards for some weekend fun!

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

And the winner is…

Karen PeacockDecember 5, 2014 at 5:39 PM

Now I know what I can do with all those playing cards floating around here! Every year I look forward to getting out my grandmother's "Christmas is Coming" craft books from the 80's. I really need to update my collection!! 

Laura's Knockout Knits

I'm going from "quiet" in my last post to shout... because I'm so thrilled for Laura Nelkin! She's one of the most talented women I know- and also happens to be my dearest friend. Last week her first book, Knockout Knits, was published- and she launched it locally on Friday night with great fanfare... and a very special cake!

 It's a beautiful thing to witness someone you adore in a moment of success and triumph... and as her "official" photographer of the event, I saw the celebration both through the lens of love and also with the objectivity of documentation.

This book is a perfect example of who Laura is- inspirational, clear, funny, innovative and totally clever. We learned to knit on the same day... well, she caught on a little more quickly, as you can guess! And it's been a beautiful ride watching her grow into the sensation she is today. I still prefer my sewing machine, but Knockout Knits and the chill in the air is calling me back to my needles. The projects start out simple and accessible, with skill- building intrinsic to each pattern. From sweet boot toppers to complex lace...

With the holidays insight (shhhhh! I didn't say that!), it's nice to have a book filled with gorgeous accessories to knit up as gifts. My daughter and her best friend are campaigning for the Cha-Ching mitts on the cover. We shall see... mine does have a winter birthday coming up! Check out Laura's post today for more pics of the event... including the Cha-Ching girls!

my second book!

The experience of writing a book is often compared to that of pregnancy and birth. And once again, I see how true this is as I wrap up the final stages (and pages) of my second book! I'm so grateful to  have this opportunity twice, and am extremely fortunate to be working with my amazing editor at Roost Books. 

So if I've seemed quieter here... certainly there have been less tutorials, and posts... you now know where I have been temporarily channeling my energy. My mornings begin with the first light of day. I lie in bed forming a plan and then reach for my computer or tiptoe down to my studio. If I'm lucky there will be a few hours undisturbed to go into a quiet trance of organizing, writing,  prototyping, making and documenting. Any endeavor this huge has the potential to consume the creator during the process. Fortunately, the focus of this particular one also had the ability to nurture, support and inspire me along the way. Which makes sense, as this is the entire premise of book number two...

Simple, soulful projects to create and use during times of uncertainty and transition. I've learned so much in the last few years about the ability to transform darkness into light. Using my hands in conjunction with my head and heart were key to finding my balance and reinventing myself. This book is an offering to all of us- for those times in life where we need a little extra direction on how to put one foot in front of the other. I think of it as a creative compass to find our way back to ourselves when we are lost or hurt.

This is where I have been- and where I'll be for the next few weeks, as I give it that last final push into completion. It's very special moment in my life... so happy to finally share it officially with all of you!

***

p.s. If you get up at dawn, know that I'm drinking my coffee with you. And maybe send a quiet little "you can do it!" my way... just for good measure. Thanks!

This Book Was a Tree

I'm so happy to introduce a brand new book that's sure to inspire you to unplug and step outside. It's wonderful for nature needing folks of all ages. Hey- that's everyone! It would be a super useful companion to anyone working with children who's looking for sure fire ways to connect with nature, while educating with the science behind each project. Here's author, Marcie Chamber Cuff's, description:

“A guidebook for becoming a modern pioneer – a strong-minded, clever, crafty, spontaneous mud pie-making, fort-building individual committed to slowing down and giving the world your complete attention, questioning everyday things, and reconnecting with the wildness around you.”

Good stuff! Wouldn't you agree? Here's a sneak peek inside...

 Now that we've had 2 or 3 actual spring days, I can envision getting muddy and inspired with this book in hand. First up- we'll be making that nesting ball with all of the wild grapevines that ramble along our hedgerow. It's a perfect welcome back gift to all of our feathered friends that have returned to perform their all day orchestras once again. 

Congratulations, Marcie! This Book Was a Tree is a true gem and will be put to good use this season and beyond! This is stop #4 on a wonderful blog tour line-up. Follow along and catch other insights and peeks.

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

Week One:

4/1 House Wren Studio

4/2 Mindful Momma

4/3 The Long Thread

4/4 Maya Made

Week Two:

4/7 Rebecca Sower

4/8 Sara Bakes Cakes

4/9 Donuts Dresses and Dirt

4/10 Tinkerlab

4/11 Resurrection Fern

Week Three:

4/14 Small Measure

4/15 Lil Fish Studios

wise craft- a review and giveaway!

I have exceptionally high standards when it comes to craft books. I was particular before I authored my own, and now even more so. There are a lot to choose from, and rarely do I get excited. But I am today, as I share Blair Stocker's newly published WISE CRAFT, named after her equally wonderful blog. It's the first book in so long that has me bookmarking page after page of things that I can't wait to try. She offers 60 cross-crafting projects organized by seasons. That's a lot of inspiration packed into one beautifully designed manual of how-to's. Did I mention that the materials are all thrifted or natural objects? Yes, this book totally speaks to me... 

And therefore- I'm fairly certain it will speak to you!

 I always enjoy finding uses for all of the little leather scraps I save. This pan (above) handle cover caught my eye immediately, and so off I went to my sewing machine. It took only 15 minutes and I'm kind of in love with its beautiful simplicity. It can also be made with wool. I want to dress up all of my pan handles now. (See mine below.)

 Here's the other leather project I'm itching to try...

 As I said, 60 projects all designed with Blair's talented eye and edgy, modern/retro, classic aesthetic. You can see lots more pics and read about the behind the scenes right here...

And she's offering an extra copy to one of you! Please leave your name and link/email in the comment section before Sunday at 5pm. I'll announce the randomly selected winner on Monday morning! Good luck! Congratulations Blair, it's phenomenal!