release banner

 I thought I'd share this yesterday… but it was just too dark as the snow began to fall. So I let go… Ha!

Hope all of you east coasters are cozy and warm today. We were only hit by a normal winter storm out here… nothing epic. Only a pretty, fluffy and very white morning to wake up to. And some shoveling, of course! But I have strong arms.

As I said last week, my word for 2015 is RELEASE. January has surprised me with quite a bit of loosening and unleashing so far. A colorful little banner feels like a celebration of these and all future "releases". Each triangle holds specific ways I'd like to "let go" written on the back. The watercolor illustrations are great reminders… from releasing arrows, to blowing dandelion dreams into the air, to soaring sparrows.

I am letting go of negative patterns, old dreams, toxic energy and making way for the new and fresh.

I am releasing exciting ideas, big dreams, lofty goals, and joy out into the universe.

It all feels quite freeing... 

And so very happy!

The triangles are stitched together on my sewing machine, but punching holes and threading through some ribbon would be an easy alternative. You might like to try one yourself. Either create pictures for your word of the year… or maybe you'd like a release banner too. While I was waiting for the snow to stop falling, I scanned these and made it into a pdf!

 You can find this lovingly illustrated RELEASE BANNER in my shop, where you can download it and print them onto card stock to hang up your own bit of letting go! Yes!

bliss-art::release

I never shared my word for this year. It didn't come easily. There was a lot of searching and listening well into the first week of January. I knew it didn't matter when I found it, but I was starting to get frustrated as one word after the other didn't fit. And then I let go. And of course, that was the answer to not only it appearing… but essentially WHAT that word was. RELEASE. Upon claiming it… lots of things instantly fell away or loosened enough to begin what will be a very important year. A year of release in my home, my life, and my work. From new books and projects being released into the world to  letting go of things that have bound me for so long. It's time. I'm ready.

And so my scheduled bliss-art day arrived this morning. I chose to focus on what my word for 2015 represents to me. 

 I made little watercolor illustrations to remind me. They'll be finished up with some string and shared here on Monday when I  hang them as a watercolor banner of release symbolism. The couple of  hours set aside to play with my box of paints was a true gift. Hope you can make a little time to play also!

Happy Weekend!

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 I can't stop. Every night I spend a moment painting one or two more feathers. My dreams have been powerful and vivid, and I wake up each morning excited to add some ink while I sip my coffee. It's a practice that seems to be sticking. And since it makes me totally happy, I'm wanting to share it with you.

Happy Monday!

feeling good!

 I've dappled in water colors my whole life without any training, consistency or end goal.  I just know that they make me feel good when I use them. Definitely a process tool for me.  I had no idea what a sweet response I would get from a couple of feathers. Thank you! I think they've become the springboard for something new and so very fun... so don't be surprised if you see a few more soon. These next ones were detailed with white ink, rather than a micron. But my trusty microns are waiting for me to return to them tonight. They're are definitely calling me... Microns are also the tool of choice on Creativebug's newest workshop- a 4 week drawing class with Lisa Congdon.  Thanks Rebecca, for pointing me towards it. I'm in that juicy place where I'm ripe with new ideas, so the timing couldn't be more perfect for fresh inspiration and guidance. I watched last night and am all fired up. Give it a try! (Subscriptions at Creativebug are now only $10 a month and that includes EVERY workshop imaginable.)

The combination of doing new things, using bright colors and immersing myself in my nightly read of SHE, has helped me jumpstart my way into a fresh season, even though I can't see the ground beneath the snow yet. The first week of March has been a good one!

And now I'm so pleased that I get to announce the winner of her own copy of SHE...

jenny dunhamMarch 5, 2014 at 8:58 AM

this book looks gorgeous and from what i can see, offers such a powerful and uplifting message! thanks for the opportunity.

Congratulations! I will email you for your address!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

feather meditation

The other day, I added some details to one of my stamps with a trusty micron pen.  I'd done this from time to time, but something about it struck a creative cord that needed to be plucked.

 All day I dreamed of watercolors with fine black lines. At 11pm, when I maybe I should have gone to bed, I put on my earbuds, gathered some paint and brushes and began the sweetest meditation I've done in months. It reminded me of the feeling I get when I carve stamps... but maybe even more soothing since there are no sharp tools involved.  I snapped a few pics with my phone of the process. It's super simple. You know, I like that.

 It was gentle. It was peaceful. And I had the best dreams... 

I awoke refreshed. Got the kids up, made my coffee and took a morning glimpse. This is what I saw. I'm super pleased. I can't wait for the the quiet of tonight to paint some more!

 Don't forget to leave a comment before tomorrow to have a chance at winning a beautiful hardcover copy of SHE... Your chances are pretty good this time around, so go for it!

Salley Mavor and a give-away!

Blogging has the potential to be quite powerful and something amazing happened this week. A doorway opened. In my last post, I shared with you my love for Salley Mavor's book Felt Wee Folk. First, a little background is in order for you to fully appreciate my gushing... oh and do read through, as there is a surprise at the end!

My admiration for Salley's soft 3 dimensional illustrations began when my son was a toddler and we stumbled upon her rendition of Mary Had A Little Lamb. Having grown up in a nursery school with constant exposure to wonderful books, I've had a lifetime love affair with children's literature. Salley's Mavor's exquisite tiny details moved me more than any other book before. I remember bringing it home and staying up late into the night pouring over every little tiny stitch and wishing I could jump into the page. I was hungry for more and discovered that she had created quite a few books. They were each gorgeous, but the text of  In the Heart (Ann Turner) combined with Salley's evocative felt sculptures took my breath away. When her how-to book (Felt Wee Folk) was released, I felt like I had struck gold. This was long before my days online, and it remained one of my only crafting books for many years. When I shared it with you on Monday, I didn't do my usual Googling for background. It simply didn't occur to me, since I associated Salley Mavor with a different time in my life, the pre-blogging era.  However, a bit of "virtual" magic occurred yesterday. Maybe some of you noticed. Salley Mavor commented. Not such a big deal? Oh my, how it rocked my world! Yes, of course Salley is just another talented artist in this inspirational on-line community... but not only did I not know she was HERE... she's has been a house hold hero of mythic proportions for years! So, please let me introduce (and do forgive me if you already know this)... Salley's blog: Wee Folk Studio.  I have been a bit lost there for the last 24 hours... I did feed my family and do the laundry... but all with a glazed look in my eyes. Her blog is filled with wonderful insight into her creative process and I ate it all up. It's my new must read!

 Her latest book is quite the masterpiece: A Pocketful Of Posies combines her original fabric relief illustrations with a treasury of familiar nursery rhymes.

Every image in this post comes from somewhere in between the pages of this lovely children's book, soon to be a classic.

She has outdone herself with page after page (72 full color ones!) of her 3 dimensional interpretation of old favorite verses. These photos, courtesy of Salley Mavor, are peeks into the process and evolution. Some of them are complete, and others are bit and pieces in the making. It's all there at your finger tips to admire, and I highly recommend viewing this selection of  posts on its creation right here. But first for the surprise... did the post title give it away?:)

I've now had some very nice correspondence with Salley, and she's just as kind as her work is lovely. She is offering an autographed copy of Pocket Full of Posies to one lucky reader! What a wonderful addition to any library!  Please leave a comment in this post before Saturday at 5pm EST and the random winner will be announced on Sunday morning. Good luck! Comments are now closed. Thanks!
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Pocketful Of Posies: A Traveling Exhibit

vintage birds and my new cardinal

During my thrifty costume hunting for the Steampunk Wedding, I found myself surrounded by vintage birds. Wherever I went, there they were. Several followed me home. Three beautiful prints by Louis Agassiz Fuertes will be framed soon. An over-sized bird guide from the forties offers sumptuously thick pages filled with rich and detailed illustrations by Rex Brasher.
My favorite is a little hand-bound book entitled Wild Birds of New York. It's the sweetest little book ever and it was printed in 1912!


At some point, I believe the cover must have fallen off. The original owner created a new one and bound it with a little strip of red ribbon. Holding it in my hands literally makes my heart ache. Did I need a little inspiration for more bird carving? No, but these images certainly motivated me to put everything aside and return to my flock. I had been wanting to carve a cardinal ever since I drew this silhouette last year. I loved the idea of my newest bird being incorported into my holiday creations... who better than our scarlet feathered friend. Not a single cardinal image in the Wild Bird book of New York! The one in the 40's guide looked a little sinister... or just starving.

I searched through our own bird books, and then with enough inspiration began. I carved way into the night.
After carving is completed, I always do several prints to clean up any rough spots.

I'm loving him! He'll be adorning packages, journals, and so much more... just wait and see!

knittin' and drawin'

After my last post, a cold snap hit and we've all been enjoying more inside cozy time. My goal at the beginning of the week was to start knitting... the weather inspired me more than ever. My daughter has just about outgrown the mittens I made two years ago (size 2-4 really lasted). After many stops and starts in the form of gauge swatches and yarn changes, I am finally casting on tonight. I'll let you know how it goes, but I've selected a new-to-me washable merino wool, called Saphira. I bought it locally, but here's a link I found for you. Have you ever knit mittens before? It's fairly basic, and if they are for wee hands, they knit up quickly. I've collected way too many patterns... if I knitted non-stop for the rest of my life, I still wouldn't have used them all. Especially, since I always come back to the book pictured above, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. It allows me the freedom to use whatever yarn I want, because each pattern is charted with multiple gauges. This book also gives ideas on how to customize each pattern to make it unique. Basically, it's a guide for the type of person who likes to create their own recipes with what they've already got stashed away... that's me! The super delicious alpaca (above) was too drapey for mittens...but makes a great hat (made one last year for another niece of mine...I have four). Blue was the request...guess that's obvious. If you're not a knitter, yet...this is a wonderful time of year to start. Because of upcoming holidays and winter weather, many knitters come out of the woodwork. Ask an experienced friend to get you started. Most knitters love giving help and advice.

My children and I have also been very busy drawing. the October Big Draw has had a big impact on our family. The next picture was taken this morning before breakfast...a spontaneous drawing session. There have been many!


My son hasn't been this interested in drawing since he was six or seven. We now spend regular evening hours side-by-side sketching in front of the the woodstove. It's become a magical part of our day and I don't want it to end when we move into November. I've included several of my drawings from the last week or so. You can find more in my photstream on flickr (in the sidebar).

retro robot:


concentrating:



knitting matryoshkas:


matryoshka family:

A number of readers have been writing in to say they've made various newspaper buntings or paper leaves...please consider joining the flickr pool of maya*made designs...here. I'd love to see them!

Check back soon...I've got a little tutorial coming up shortly.

lovely mail

Oh, how I love to get mail! It's my son's job to check our box when he gets off the bus and rarely does he say the magic words, "it's for you!" I heard them THREE times last week...well, the third time was actually, " for you...AGAIN!" I have been madly putting energy into everyone and everything but myself recently, some treats were a good idea. I had never made a single Etsy purchase and it seemed like a good time to try it out...ooooh...now I understand how hard it will be to resist more "treats"! It was too easy. A little disclaimer first..I don't buy new things very often, if I do it's for someone else, or maybe a book that I couldn't get at the library. Oh listen to me...I sound so defensive...am I really trying to justify the wonderful act of supporting fellow artists and beautifying my space? "What did you get, already!" you ask? Gorgeous images... created by three incredible woman I adore. I will put them up in my studio and surround myself with inspiration without having to click on the computer. I click on to stay connected and also to plug into the vast energy of so many creative minds. I think having a tangible part of some of the people I admire and love on my walls will enhance my work and help wean me from the constant plugging in to the screen...which will give me more time for my own work. That's the plan anyway. Not that I will post less, just not get so lost in my journeys from one lovely blog to another... I know you can relate!
So here are my first prints by these beautiful woman:

Mrs. French's (bliss) Little Moon

I feel so fortunate to be blog and flickr friends with someone so kind, gracious, and inspiring. I absolutely love everything she's doing... her eye for beauty can be found in each photo she takes. She only opened her Etsy shop a couple of weeks ago, but a huge flurry of attention has been paid to her by many new fans. It's incredibly joyful to watch someone you care about exploding with success by doing something they love so much. Gives me goosebumps! There's also is a little voice inside of me that keeps saying...to the rhythm of the The Little Engine That Could: "I knew she was special...I knew she was good...."! Also check her Monday "I heart" posts (on her blog) ... they're always filled with delicious finds for great window shopping from your seat.
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Helen's (Zuk Zuk) Jelly Bean Birds and Martin's Chair


I can's say enough about this tremendous woman...she funny, bright, and oh sooo talented! Her use of color just fills me up. I love each and every print she makes...you must stop by her shop, these pictures don't capture her work at all! I have to tell you that Martin's chair was completed during the same week that I did my chair re-do...there is a little story that goes with this print here...I realized I was Martin(with a garage filled with old chairs!) and knew instantly he had to come home with me. When I first discovered ZukZuk, months ago, she was having a give-away with one of her Jelly Bean Birds prints. I didn't win, but Helen magically knewof my huge disappointment (be aware of the comment trails that you leave) , and crazy generous woman that she is... tucked the print in behind Martin's Chair. I was so dumbfounded upon opening my package, that I checked my pay pal invoice twice to make sure I hadn't bought it without realizing it...I mean I knew I loved it, maybe I had! No, Helen is just extremely generous, sensitive and good at making people cry over their mail.
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Elsita's Within Reach

I learned about Elsita early on in my short blogging career. When I first poured through her blog, and learned who she is, what she's been through, and where she's going ...I knew I'd found my hero. Elsita's voice is filled with an unsurpassed warmth and openness that makes each reader feel like they are her new lifelong friend...and they are...she is so genuine and real that each post she writes makes me catch my breath...or I find myself putting my hand to my heart...she's just sooo good. And her ART, well I've never seen more abundant beauty in my life. She explains her motivation and intentions behind individual pieces and generously shares her techniques. How to choose just one little bit of Elsita for my studio? There are so many diverse choices, and if you go to her shop, you'll see just how prolific she is. Actually, this print spoke to me right away and I never wavered. It's a perfect representation of how I would like to feel about myself...how I hope we all can work towards feeling about ourselves. Everything we desire and need is within our self...and WITHIN REACH!
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Here's to talented and creative women everywhere!! I know all of you readers are gloriously talented, too...and if YOU don't know it, yet...let's remember together, that it is
within reach...really!

on my desk...

on my desk... check here for other players.

Does the above photo give you a hint as to how many projects I'm juggling? It's all fun and exciting stuff, but a tidy little shot of my "desk" wasn't possible! There are so many fantastic things I want to try and not enough hours in the day. I'm staying up way too late and am back to coffee in the morning...but I'm not really tired. New "work" seems to fuel me even more than caffeine. So here's a break down of the above jumble. More leaves for the Mama Goose window. The installation was postponed until tomorrow, and I just keep making leaves in any spare moment! Yesterday, I received my first pattern from Sugar City Journal. After all of my "pattern fear", I decided to check out a handmade pattern for my first go. It suits my sensibilities perfectly! I can't wait for that free moment...soon please...to make a sweet new dress. It's a very simple pattern that begs for your own embellishing and unique interpretation. Like I said, perfect! I also love the little instruction booklet they send out with each pattern...very friendly. I might use some of that yummy green elastic on the first dress. My mother got it at garage sale and it just moved out of the barn studio and into mine! She has two rolls and is always generous! Have I mentioned she's a garage sale genius.


Sugar City Journal Blog
simple servant frock pattern

Peeking out of the top left is the linen tea towel for Cele, one of my give-away winners. Just a little way of me letting you all know that I haven't forgotten and hope to have them mailed out by this weekend. I'll post full pix of each winner's gift once they are on their way!

The little drawing in the middle is a quick little sketch that has been in my head all week. I keep thinking of the true lives of these lovely matryoskas I seem to see all over blog land. I'm glad I put it on paper (actually a very nice envelope that I rescued from the recycling). I'm wanting to try my hand at scanning in pen and ink drawings so that I can digitally color them with photo shop. Many artists I admire use the this technique...ZukZuk's work comes to mind immediately.
When I jumped over there to get her link, I saw that she is having another give-away! Letting you in on this will certainly decrease my chances of winning...but I just purchased one of her pieces the other day, so I can share!


Check out Resurrection Fern's posts here and here for a new and lovely twist on the traditional Russian doll. This drawing is part of a new challenge I took on at close to midnight last night...yes, I'm a bit crazy! The challenge is to draw something each day for the month of October. You can find out more at the blog of Bad Faery...it's probably not too late to join in. I'm going to squeeze this exercise into my daily routine because it feels very important to my artistic growth at this moment. My response to reading about it (longing and fear) made me know I had to push myself. I'll be posting my drawings every few days on flickr.

Hope your week is fun and full!