maggie makes

sneak peek: feb tutorial

I am working on the February tutorial. Hopefully I will be ready to share it with you this weekend.  Here is a tiny sneak peak.

I hope you all like this one, because I am really really happy with how it turned out.

you look nice today

 

Scenes from my day.

Top photo is some sweet graffiti that obviously was meant for someone else today, unless beat up converse and boring grey sweatshirts are your thing.

Bottom photo is the last of the Birthday candies. Seriously something that makes turning older worth it. Shipped by my Aunt for my Gammie from Rhebs. I adore their truffles and vanilla creams.

colored pencils as material

Have you ever come across something online that you just instantly love? Something new to you, that you never would have thought of existed but that finding it just makes that spot in the pit of your stomach ache and your mind race?

These amazing works made of colored pencils did that to me this morning. I found them through a wonderful blog (Facil y Sencillo) that I can't read, since I have forgotten all the Spanish I learned in high school, but that I follow for the beautiful photos and amazing finds like these!

The top photo is of a sculpture by Jennifer Maestre.
The bottom two photos are brooches by Maria Cristina Bellucco.

Simply stunning.

wooden buttons

My week reminds me of those t-shirts from the 80's (?) that said "My parents went to ________ and all I got was this stupid shirt".

I have been working on a project that I was really excited about. I planned, I researched, I thought it would be easy. But it wasn't. The main material was wood and it had to be thin.

I tried door skin, which splintered horribly. Then I researched hardwoods, but they were too heavy. Then I looked at balsa and basswoods. I was so sure the bass wood was going to work so I went to stain it. Oh no wrong stain! Oh well it was close enough. Then I transferred my design and started cutting, only to learn I have no skill with a saw and its obvious when the wood is as thick as it was.

So I am back to the drawing board. I think I might try to find thinner basswood and bribe G to do the cutting for me. If that doesn't work, its on to plastics.

I haven't given up yet, but I am close. A week of this and other crafts and all I have to show for it are these wooden buttons for a different project, which btw isn't turning out as I planned.

Today is definitely a Monday.

520 less paper cups a year

I have a confession to make........I live in the Pacific Northwest and I use paper cups. I might be one of the last, people here are serious about the environment. I understand, its beautiful, lets keep it that way.

The fact is I use at least two every work day. Three if you count my morning latte. (yes I am one for those Seattlites) That comes to about 520 paper cups a year, give or take a few. I won't go into how bad that is for the environment, because I researched it and feel guilty enough, it would just be salting my wound. 

So I bought this cute little cup from YAVAGlass on Etsy to replace the paper cups I use at work. It comes with bonus points for being made from a recycled glass bottle. Or so I like to think it does.

As for the morning latte cup? Baby steps. baby steps.

thrift store finds

  

I am a sucker for things that hold things. Bowls, bags, boxes. Glass, metal and especially wooden.

I went to look for fabrics, but I got there too early and the store was closed. The only thing to do was to go to the "antique" stores for awhile. Which of course meant I would find more perfect clutter.

when i turned a year older

Today is my Birthday!

Here is a little bit about who I am as I turned another year older.

I like to do these things most:

• hang out with M, G and S
• make new things
• solve problems
• play in the snow
• sing
• read
• walk

and these things the least:

• cleaning anything
• driving in a car
• going to the doctors

I wish I did these things less often:

• eat candy
• dress like a mess

and these things more:

• walk
• run
• cycle
• archery
• dress better
• called my grandmother

I see myself as:

• impatient
• stubborn
• fairly smart (but a terrible speller)
• opinionated
• silly

how g sees me:

• beautiful (that reminds me to schedule his eye exam)
• intelligent
• creative
• trend-setting sense of style (this one makes me laugh)

how s sees me:

• opinionated
• accurate
• intelligent
• strong willed
• creative

how maggie sees me:

• snacks!!!!!!!
• outside
• belly rubs

Things I am most looking forward to this year:

• sandal weather
• summer at the shack
• everyone staying healthy
• riding my bike
• more Kasey Keller and the rest of the sounders!
• going to Beijing (if I can get over my fear of flying)

and a bow to top it off

Ok, this is the last Valentine's post, I promise.

I found these paper flowers over at maya*made (seriously inspirational blog!) and I can't wait to make some of my own. She shares a step by step tutorial, so they are simple to make and I love the different textures and designs she gets by using different recycled papers.

This one is my favorite. I have a certain love of pattern paper that goes back to college when I used it in my printing. I may have to revisit that. But until then, wouldn't these cute flowers make the perfect topper for a Valentine's gift. I think so.

valentines: ideas for him

Need some Valentine's idea for him? These are all great finds on Etsy.

First up, Somethings hiding in here.
Great, simple and humorous. Faux bois, wood? too cute!

Next, Salty and Sweet.
Skater, Zombies, Video Games, Westerns inspired mobiles. Genius!

Next, Whimsy and spice.
Seriously delicious Valentine's cookies. And their packaging is adorable too.

Finally, The Beer Soap Co.
It seems like they have hundreds of different beer soaps to chose from! I picked up some of these as stocking stuffers for Christmas and they smell great.

tutorial: embroidery heart pins

I am excited to share with you my January tutorial for Embroidery Heart Pins in four designs! Great for beginners, the tutorial will walk you through each of the three stitches used and stencils for each design so you can make your own pins perfect for Valentine's day. I have also included a blank template so you can make your own design!

Don't forget to share photos of your finished project in the maggiemakes flickr pool. Doing so will make you eligible for one of next month's giveaway, which is one of my favorites!

If you are interested in the Embroidery Heart Pin Kits to give as a Valentine's day gift for the crafter in your life, I have posted a few in the shop.

Happy sewing!