Monday, November 30, 2009

ink on my hands


Sunday was a day of settling in after a busy and full Thanksgiving weekend in NYC. Have you ever just needed to throw yourself into something you love to feel nested and home? Yesterday, as the washing machine rumbled through mountains of "vacation" laundry, we all found ourselves at the kitchen table doing our own special things that we love- together. While my daughter drew half a million pictures with a new set of markers, my son read a new library book, and my husband worked on a NY Times crossword puzzle. I hesitated for a moment (the clean laundry was starting to pile up on the couch), and then ran for my carving tools. Creating a new image to print is my favorite way to unwind these days. I love drawing freehand and then transferring it onto a block. After the meditative carving, getting my fingers covered in ink relaxes me further. Do I love my little Black Capped Chickadee? Sure, but I mostly appreciate how he mellowed and eased me into being home. Do you have a special way to transition back into your space?
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24 comments:

  1. oooh Maya, what a lovely way to feel right at home, and the result is simply breathtaking ... you are really talented at drawing & carving birds (among other things, obviously !!).
    When we come home from vacation, I usually do my best to get as much as I can back in order, so that we don't live in a huge mess ... then a stay in my creative space usually does the trick. :)
    oxoxo big hugs my friend

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  2. Me gustaría saber dibujar tan bien como tú. Me gusta mucho tu blog. Un saludo desde España.

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  3. Crafting is my favorite way of unwinding. It relaxes me in every possible way. You do lovely work.......

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  4. The kitties on my lap , clamoring for attention and weekends worth of belly rubs and the birdies outside at the feeder always help me ease back into my home life. I love your new stamp, chickadee's are very dear to me. All the best with your sponsorships. I couldn't think of a more lovely place for someone to hang their calling card.

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  5. What a lovely bird.. ! I know what you mean, about doing something that, more than anything else, feels like 'home'. For us it's similar: drawing (all 3 children), reading or a little sewing by hand (me), making something (husband).

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  6. Maya, I am back from a trip too! We've been to the ocean for a few days (secret house scouting, yay!).
    I am on the same spirit as you are today! I am on the bar counter, with my laptop, catching up with you my lovely online friends. After putting the washing machine on, and depacking.

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  7. Creating does take the stress of life away!!! Your carving is BEAUTIFUL!! What do you use to carve it on?

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  8. You do such beautiful work, and it sounds like a lovely time decompressing after a busy weekend. Love your new little birdy.

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  9. it seems universal for creative people... we, too do a bit of unpacking to minimize chaos & then I grab a project. while the boys are low key I can get something done!

    beautiful chickadee, I'll look for him in your shop.

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  10. I love these stamps! You have inspired me.

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  11. With a book, snuggly on the couch, with NO TELEVISION ON, and a warm winter fire in our wood stove,looking at the flames, sipping hot cocoa, mmmmm good things in life can be inexpensive...

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  12. Oh Drawing, colouring that kind of thing totally gets me feeling really chilled. I also LOVE these soft carve stamps and could just make hundreds of them. This little guy is super cute.

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  13. I just wanted to let you know that Martha used your embroidery-hoop framed lace doilies as background decorations on her show today! I LOVE that idea - obviously other people do too!

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  14. Welcome "home," and what a handsome chickadee you've made. I like him. When I've been away from home, I want a long walk in the pastures. I enjoy getting creative too. Embroidery is relaxing to me.

    Jody

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  15. such a handsome bird! hope you had a great thanksgiving.

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  16. That is beautiful. Creating is such a wonderful way to relax and focus. We just added some handprinted note cards to our handmade shop that my dear friend carved herself and it is also an image of chicadees. You do beautiful work.
    Warm wishes.

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  17. ************Zauberschön**************

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  18. I love your little chickadee! Sleeping in my own bed is always the best thing after time away--love the feeling of those cool sheets that haven't been slept in for days!

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  19. I think a series of your birds would be lovely . . . On some nice Fabriano, ready to frame . . .

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  20. what a joy that little chickadee is! We have a birdfeeder at our window that is crowded with those little cuties right now.

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  21. I must say that this is absolutely amazing! I admire your work and the natural beauty of it all.

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