GreenCraft!

 I was so happy to pull the latest issue of GreenCraft, out of my snowy mailbox on Friday. Unfortunately, I had to show complete restraint and only glance at it. I had major prep for my daughter's cat party on Sunday, and there wasn't time for any distractions. After a full weekend of paint, frosting, balloons, and lots of CATS... my treat was to crawl into bed and leisurely go through the spring edition. I was honored to be asked to contribute my instant recycled paper flowers and couldn't wait to see how they'd be photographed.

Many months ago I created an entire box of assorted paper flowers and thought they looked so lovely clustered together as I sealed them up for mailing off. Apparently, GreenCraft felt the same way upon opening that parcel! And here they are!

Even one can make a strong statement as a solitary, long-stemmed (twigged) blossom.

The entire magazine is filled with fun ideas and new twists on using old materials. In this issue I recognized a strong emphasis on projects containing sewn paper, a personal favorite. In fact, I was so inspired by scrap paper being quilted and pieced together by artist Jeannine Stein, that I'm curious to go investigate her book:  Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials.  I'm pretty sure GreenCraft has hit the newsstands, so go check it out!

I'll be returning with a post or two on all of the fun party details, including my piñata escapades.

sponsor give away: reCREATE Art Kits

Happy Monday! Hope you had a festive weekend. We're in the thick of making, frolicking and general merriment around here, and I wanted to pass on some of that magic to you this week. I'll be sharing some of our projects and offering a few give-aways to boot! The first up comes from our top sponsor: reCREATE! They will send one lucky reader two of their Art Kits. These art kits make me so happy... here's how they are described:
"We work with businesses to collect things they don't want, that we think have value in the creative process, and we use those materials to make our reCREATIONS.   These are not mass produced kits, but rather, one of a kind activites packaged up for your creative enjoyment.   Our kits are meant to help you explore a hands-on, tactile art experience, as a family."
   
Fantastic! Incorporating recycled goods into our crafting is a sustainable practice worth teaching early. It fosters ecological awareness and hones cleverness as we look at materials with a keen eye for their multiple uses. Doesn't that sound like the perfect gift to give our children?  ReCREATE will send two kits ready for making. Here's the selection the winner will get to choose from, and you can read more about them right here:

Please leave a comment by Tuesday at 9pm EST. The random winner will be announced on Wednesday morning. Good luck!

(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. And below are some of my favorites.

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

I have a long way to go before I'll feel a dent in my gift list, but I love the process so much that I refuse to let myself get overwhelmed. I'm also going to enlist the kids' help with a series of afternoon making sessions... starting with these stars that should prove fun for all ages. What are you making these days?

count-down calendar 2010

I'm so excited to share this year's count-down calendar inspired, once again, by the humble toilet paper tube.  I loved the 2008 version and am quite proud of the 2009 iteration that landed in the recent holiday Woman's Day Special... but this year's advent calendar is my favorite! 24 little houses {with doors that open and shut} are hung from a bouquet of bare winter branches. This idea lends itself to customization of both the house decorating and the display venue. String them on a garland, nestle them in a little evergreen, or tack each one to a bulletin board in tidy rows. Perfect for making it represent your style and home. I still haven't decided how my family will showcase it come December 1st, but for now it's going on the mantle just like this. The branches are anchored in a recycled can filled with the same marble chips we grow our winter bulbs in.

Hidden behind each door will be a time ticket (a family tradition now!) or a slip of paper with a clue to where a tiny treat is hidden in the house... treasure hunting is very popular around here. If you've been saving up tubes, but don't have enough for each day, just make these into sweet little ornaments instead.We collected them all year, so I had more than was needed for a count-down to Christmas. The extras were turned into blank houses for my children to decorate for ornaments and present toppers as we move into December. Here are the instructions for you to create some of your own:

Little Winter Houses

Need:

• 24 toilet tubes (or the number of days you are counting)
• paint and brushes
• scissors
• ruler
• pencil or pen
• painter's tape
• fastener of choice: sewing machine,glue gun or stapler
• Xacto knife 
• standard hole punch
• decorative hole punches (optional)
• rubber stamp numerals and ink pad

Make:

1. Create a pointed roof by marking the center point of an open end of the tube.  Using the  midpoint, measure an equal distance to the folded edge on each side. Snip off ends with scissors and close roof and bottom opening with your fastener of choice. I'm a huge fan of sewing on paper, so this is my favorite step.
2. Decorate your house! I used a strip of painter's tape to quickly and evenly paint white roof tops.
3. I removed the tape when the paint was dry and painted the base or kept it blank. The example I used for this tutorial only has one coat of paint. Later, I decided that two coats was the look I was after. Leaving them natural reminds me of gingerbread houses, so I ended up keeping a third of them like this... and I'm sure I'll be experimenting with that idea in the next few weeks.
4. Using a straight edge and an Xacto knife cut three sides of the door. Gently score the side that will be the "hinge", careful not to cut through to the other side. Open the door and punch a hole for the knob. Punch a hole at the point of the roof for hanging or slipping on a loop of ribbon.

 



Put any finishing touches on your house. I love paper punches for their miraculous powers to transform recycled paper. Here I used the snowflakes and vines from Martha Stewart. Paper bags and envelopes have never looked so good!


When you're done, arrange in the order that pleases you and number them. Rubber stamps make it simple. We hung them randomly from a branch, because searching for the right day is part of the fun!

I'd love to see yours if you give it a try, so be sure to add them to our flickr group.

Happy Making!

wearable reminders

I'm finally accepting that this isn't just the busy season of the year, it's the busy season in my life! There's a lot going on... it's rich, it's full and it often takes my breath away.  Sometimes I  forget how to stay grounded. I stumble without reminders to stay present and grateful for all that is and not get caught up in the mind's busy chatter. When I share these thoughts with you, I'm always surprised by the tremendous response. Obviously,  I'm not alone in this struggle. I have many helpful books in my library and inspiring podcasts to listen to, but those little words I left around my home seemed to have worked more than anything else! (Yay for handmade solutions!) But I'm not always home. In fact, the times that  I'm out and about are when I'm usually juggling too many balls and losing my balance. What if I wore my reminders or kept them tucked into coat pockets? Maybe add some lavender to the mix because its scent has always soothed, calmed, and led me back to my center with a few deep inhales. The above "BE" amulet is lightly filled and can be worn close to the heart or tied to the handle of a handbag for easy holding. The wooden button was hand crafted from a reclaimed branch of a sturdy oak tree and is smooth to the touch. I found it here, where they have a huge variety of beautiful tree branch buttons. The back side was printed with my crow. It remains one of my favorite stamps because it was inspired by a photograph of a crow getting ready to soar from the tree outside my studio window. Its image always gives me courage to leap.

So that's what those mysterious components were all about: wearable reminders. It actually began with some cuffs. First, I made the skinny little "breathe" sachet to tuck into a pocket.  I added the crochet trim from my friend Sonia to incorporate a little friendship and support. It's tiny but powerful. Then, I thought how nice it would be to display  words on your wrists... where you can't miss them. These cuffs were crafted with a thin center pillow of lavender.

They're are all spoken for, but I bet you could make your own version. What a simple gift for yourself or someone you love. Perhaps a little tutorial is in order for lavender wearable reminders: to stay present in the moment.

sponsor give-away: Green Rainbow Shop

Good morning friends. I'm so happy to announce today's giveaway! Green Rainbow Shop is a wonderful resource for eco shopping for the holidays and everyday. Green? Check. Organic? Check. Handmade? Check. They carry such a nice variety, that there's bound to be something special for everyone on your list. Today they are generously offering a $50 gift card to not one, but TWO lucky readers!!! If you'd like a chance to win please leave a comment in this post by Monday at 9pm EST. I'll announce the random winners on Tuesday morning. Good luck!

Green Rainbow Shop will also be offering a 15% discount to maya*made readers through 11/30/10. The code is MADE.

simple gifts: (pencil pleated) wrist warmers

First and foremost: thanks so much for cheering me on in my attempt at letting go of fears. When I didn't get to publish this post yesterday(various obstacles), I had another day to squirm and adjust my comfort level. Maybe it was just what I needed. But now I'm super happy to share today's tutorial... it's the first of this year's edition of my Simple Gift Series.  Some of you may remember these from the previous two seasons. Check out past projects here. The holidays are really sneaking up on us now, but no worries. I'm sure we can knock off some presents from our list if we keep the making of them... simple. These wrist warmers were whipped up out of necessity during last week's freezing temps. I was having a hard time getting anything done because my hands were so cold. They were a gift to myself, but now that I see how much I'm wearing them, and just how useful they are... onto the winter present list they go!

I'm sure there are tons of tutorials for wrist warmers from cast off sweater sleeves, but what makes these unique are the little details. To give them a fitted feeling around the fingers I created 5 parallel pencil pleats down the length of the hand with contrasting white thread. This gave them such crisp tailored look even though they were only sliced sleeves. Those little pleats looked so familiar, and then I realized that they were reminiscent of my grandmother's traditional leather gloves. Her father had immigrated from Romania when he was a small boy and grew up to be a glove manufacturer. There is much family lore about my great grandfather George, and I think he must have channeled those pleats, somehow.

So, now they were snug in the hand but loose enough around the wrists to pull on over a sweater. Maybe too loose. So, I created a fitted option by sewing on buttons and some elastic loops on the arms. Now they have the ability fit over sweaters or to look trim... and even elegant (check out the final photo in this post).
If you'd like to make a pair, and I think you might, look for wool sweaters with a fine gauge and subtle cuff. Throw it in your washing machine and dryer for some quick felting and then get started.
Materials: 
Two sweater sleeves
4 buttons
4 loops of elastic or hair ties
thread


Make:
1. Slice off sleeves if you haven't already. Somewhere above the elbow.

2. Try your wrist warmer on for size. Shorten it from the cut side. If you're satisfied with the length proceed to snipping the thumb hole.  I did this part by feel not measurement. A simple: oh this is where my thumb needs a hole! Make sure that the side seam is on the same side as your thumb, if possible, so that you can snip along the seam.

3. Sew pencil pleats: starting about an inch from the thumb hole- fold and sew down 1/8 of an inch from the side. Begin at the top and sew in a straight line down about 4 inches.I flared the bottoms a slight bit. My pleats aren't perfectly straight because I was experimenting and eyeballing as I went. For the next pair I might pin them first... or maybe not.

4. Make four more parallel pin tucks/pencil pleats every inch. Snip threads.
5. If you'd like the fitted version make a teeny tiny hole along the seam below the thumb. Insert a loop of elastic and sew it in place.

I used sturdy button thread since I felt there would be a bit of stress on it. Sew second loop several inches down. Try it on to see where best to place your buttons and then attach them, too.

On a cold and crafty morning you can slip on you wrist warmers (wristies), grab a cup of tea, and head to your sewing machine for making a couple more sets for giving!

sponsor spotlight:Modern Organic Fabrics

Happy Sunday to you! I'm so pleased to bring your attention to long time sponsor, Modern Organic Fabrics. Melanie's shop keeps on growing and is filled with an amazing assortment of gorgeous and sumptuous organic cotton fabric. Where we put our dollar does make a difference. If you enjoy sewing, knowing that there are wonderful organic alternatives makes fabric shopping another way to make thoughtful choices.
I admit to always getting lost when I stop in at Modern Organic Fabrics, dreaming up what I'd like to make next. I love the idea of making my family's own flannel sheets! I know a little someone who'd love a set in these:

View the entire selection of cozy flannels for some amazing inspiration for all your winter projects. They now offer a bulk discount of 30% off most of their fabrics when you order an entire bolt (15 yards), so if you have a big project (like those flannel sheets) or a little business, you may want to read up on it right here. Modern Organic Fabrics now has free shipping to the US and Canada for all orders of $50 or more, and to the rest of the world for all orders of $75 or more. Don't miss the sale bin, which is currently filled with great stuff you won't want to miss~ your gift making list will be completely taken care of.

Before you run over to check it all out, let me tell you that the coming soon page is very exciting! Here are my top picks, but it wasn't easy, as they're all wonderful:

Cloud 9: Nature Walk

Daisy Janie: Shades of Gray

Birch Fabrics: Avalon

Thanks Melanie and Modern Organic Fabrics, so happy you're here!

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sponsor spotlight: reCREATE Art Kits

Today I'd like to officially introduce you to maya*made's top sponsor: reCREATE. If you've been following along here for even a little while, you'll understand just how thrilled I am for us to mutually support one another.
 Here's what founder and director Donna Sangwin has to say:

Our mission is to inspire creative expression through reuse. We believe in making art accessible to everyone and encourage people (especially children) to rediscover the value and potential in an every day item- like a toilet paper tube.  Through doing so, each project is also a celebration as we divert items from entering landfills. reCREATE is a nonprofit organization that serves the greater Sacramento area (California's capital) through a hands on eco art center and a school program that will visit over 10,000 students this year! 

At the center there are lots of options:

• Drop in craft time for $5.00/hour - Craft with our bulk items, we will supply the scissors, glue, etc.  
• Throw a Party (We love to host birthday parties, and can even ship out one of a kind birthday activities and favors upon request)
• Bring a school or scout group in for a field trip
• Take an Art Class
• Shop for unusual materials to make art at home
• Learn how to be a little greener
• Buy an eco-friendly kids toy

 With our rolling art truck, we bring the field trip to each school with a three part program:

1. Discussion about trash, natural resources, conservation, and personal choices in consumption and waste. 
2. A visit to the truck filled with our treasures (formerly known as trash), to fill their basket with good stuff.
3.  It's time to reCREATE!

 At reCREATE, we want everyone to believe that art is accessible, and to celebrate items being diverted from the waste system. Along with familiar recycled items, we receive some fascinating manufactured byproducts… like round foam circles, or rigid plastic containers, paper die cuts, or metal doodads. These are loaded with potential!

Doesn't that all sound amazing!?  Oh, how I wish Donna and reCREATE were in our little town!

Luckily for ALL of us they've figured out a way to reach beyond their borders and inspire far away friends to celebrate reuse, art, and family time with the launching of:

Details:  We work with businesses to collect things they don't want, that we think have value in the creative process, and we use those materials to make our reCREATIONS.  These are not mass produced kits, but rather, one of a kind activities packaged up for your creative enjoyment. Our kits are meant to help you explore a hands-on, tactile art experience, as a family.  All kit sales help us to expand the mission of reCREATE, which is to get people to downsize their waste footprint, and to promote art and creativity.

There are currently three wonderful kits available online and more to come! So go check out the details right here.

 Thanks so much Donna and reCREATE! We're so glad you're here and are happy to spread your important message around the world!
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sponsor spotlight: Green Rainbow Shop

Happy Sunday!  I'm delighted to welcome Green Rainbow Shop, an online eco boutique, as a new sponsor. It's wonderful to share with all of you this great source for green goods for the entire family, pets included! I pulled some of my favorite items for this post, it wasn't easy... there were many to choose from, but oh, was it fun! I've been wearing a lot of tunics this fall (over jeans... leggings...) and that Mod Hoodie/Tunic Dress,  made from bamboo and organic cotton, is calling to me. Along with lots of other green clothing and accessories, they feature wares for the kitchen, bath, and the whole home.

And there's cool stuff for green kids, too... love this shirt!

Green Rainbow Shop also features a selection of organic baby bedding and natural toys, including art supplies. That Brontosaurus caught my eye instantly (not just because of its sweet, gentle smile)... it's a puzzle AND a kit! Comes with watercolors for decorating, and you know how much we love painting with watercolors on wood!!

So go take a look, and keep them in mind the next time you want to purchase a thoughtful gift for someone special... including yourself!
Green Rainbow Shop
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Have great a beautiful day! It's a gorgeous 3 day weekend here in the northeast and we're off to frolic under the flaming foliage.

newspaper chains

What do you do when your child is sick in bed for the second day in a row?  Climb right in with her for a little crafting and storytelling. Using the old fashioned method of cutting accordion folded paper, we created an instant village among the snowy white mountains blankets.  We took turns making up silly tales. When my daughter was ready to return to the stack of books at her bedside, I couldn't resist snipping some little acorns. I had been dreaming of a mixed fall leaf chain, but frankly my sleepy brain (lots of middle of the night waking going on these last couple of days) and uncoordinated fingers needed something easy.

Later on, when we both felt a bit more energized, we went downstairs and applied some watercolors.

Both of us are happy with how they turned out.Quite. I get a crazy amount of satisfaction out of cut and painted newspaper, as you well know! We'll be returning to these kinds of chains even after her sore throat disappears.

With all of the big box stores out there, it's easy to forget about simple materials and traditional crafts. But you and I won't, will we? Please keep spreading the word: you've already got everything on hand... or maybe out back in those recycling bins! Now, onto those leaf chains...