I handcraft pirate treasure maps and pirate treasure kits for all the little pirates of the world. I prematurely age a sheet of canvas and lay the artwork down with inks and hand letter everything. they make very unique gifts for those who like their kids to engage in creative play at least some of the time. Video games and tv are fine if they are balanced with creative and imaginative games that all children are capable of.
I also make notebooks out of vintage record album covers and various types of boxboard (like cereal boxes). The remnants of what I cut from cereal and other dry goods boxes are hand punched to make little scalloped shaped tags for gifts or price tags etc. It is a great way to recycle and people think they are cool ideas.
I have also been making and selling primitive hang tags for years.
How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
I have always been creative and willing to try new things. I have not, however, always been successful. I failed horribly at knitting for example. I did mosaic art for quite a while, cutting all of my own pieces from vintage dinner plates. I really loved the 70’s retro colors but did a lot of cottage chic type of pieces because they were hot sellers at that time.
I did some work with digital graphics for a few years as well during that same time. I then had my son and those two things were just too demanding on my time.
I transitioned into some recycled projects, the primitive hang tags and my latest passion for the pirate treasure maps.
Is there a story behind the name of your shop?
Maya is the name of our family dog. A border collie. I started an ebay account years ago and called it mayasmomma, that transitioned into a store and then I started selling on Etsy and I decided to stick with the name to make it easier for customers to follow me.
Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?
I work alone for the most part on the crafts. My husband helps when I need him to but he is the biggest help indulging my son at those moments when I really need to get work done. My dad is a constant help to me with the primitive hang tags. He is in charge of stringing them up for me which just takes time that I do not always have. He loves to be able to help me and I usually need it!
Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?
I sell mainly online.
I do a few craft shows per year around the holidays.
I like the interactions with the Etsy members. So many creative minds in one place is very empowering and motivating.
Do you have any favorite handmade shops or sellers you’d like to recommend?
My favorite for quality, handmade knit items: The PunkyToe Co.
What inspires and motivates you?
I am often motivated by others. I am encouraged by friends and family because they think I have a talent for being crafty-licious in general. I try many things and when I can make one work I focus on it until I feel it is something that others would covet.
What do you wish I had asked you?
“Did you ever attempt a new craft that you could never get the hang of?”
I once had this idea to learn to knit so that I could make and sell “matching people and pet scarves”…I really wanted my fur child and I to be wearing matching scarves when we went for walks. FLOP. I couldn’t learn to knit to save my life. I did find someone to knit matching scarves for me.
Snort. I think that’s a great idea even though my crazy dog would just eat her scarf ;) Thanks Anne! And if you would like to be interviewed next, just head over to DIY Interview.
