Maker Portrait | Eleanor

Eleanor, as most of you know, is my four-year-old daughter. I love taking pictures of my kids in the act of creating, so I thought I'd share some of those moments with you. As a creative mama, teaching my kids how to make is one of my biggest goals. But the funny thing I've found is that the best way to teach them, is to lead by example, and they soon find their own way. Here's Eleanor. 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day friends! However you're celebrating today, I hope it's a day full of love and family. We're all coming from different walks of life, and I know today may not be an easy day for all--my prayers are with you, and I hope this brings you a smile. Have you read my story about becoming a mother? Here are some of my other favorite posts about motherhood, too:

When Mama's Not Looking
How this Mama (Sometimes) Copes

And a little treat for you (affiliate link) Craftsy's offering up to 50% off select classes for Mother's Day! What have you been wanting to learn?

Have a blessed day everyone!

Plastic Canvas Patio Set

I'm taking part in the super-awesome Plastic Canvas Blog Hop hosted by Diane Gilleland (aka Sister Diane) of CraftyPod this week. When she put the call out for pc crafters I jumped at the opportunity. I have a little obsession with plastic canvas crafts (especially quirky thrift store finds), and I've been a big fan of CraftyPod for years now. 

I went through a dozen ideas before I came up with my dollhouse-sized patio set, and I have to say, I'm quite proud of how it turned out. Here's a closer look:

5 Green Gifts for Moms

Calling all people with awesome mamas in your life! Have you bought her a Mother's Day gift yet? No pressure or anything, but it's just over a week away! Don't sweat though, I've got five awesome finds that not only will she love, but Mother Nature will, too. Hey Chris (that's my hubby), this post's for you, too!

This post contains affiliate links

Clockwise from far right:

Backyard Date Dress from ModCloth Whether you're taking her to dinner or a picnic with the kids, this 100% organic and fair trade dress will make any mama glow. And it has pockets, every mama loves a dress with pockets!

The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You Written by actress and cofounder of The Honest Company, Jessica Alba, The Honest Life is an all-inclusive guide for living a cleaner, greener life--something almost every mama has high on her list these days.

Mother's Day Umba Box Give her the gift of handmade with this curated box from Umba. Gift box includes a handprinted organic cotton chickadee apron, handmade stoneware colander, and melt-in-your-mouth Fleur de Sel caramels.

Nest Learning Thermostat I was first introduced to the Nest thermostat during my tour of Treehouse, and immediately fell in love with its intuitive technology. Never battle over the thermostat again! Nest learns where you both like the temperature while saving you energy (and money) at the same time. Take the full tour at Nest.com.

Mother Mary Charm Bangle from Alex and Ani Alex and Ani is a unique line of jewelry made in the U.S. from completely recycled metals. I have two bangles (including the Mother Mary charm bangle) that I wear everyday. I love the design, the company values, and they make the most beautiful tinkling sound as I go about my day.

What are you waiting for? Go show the mamas of the world some extra love this Mother's Day! Mamas, which one would you most like your hubby to surprise you with?

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SNAP! Con Recap and Queen Bee Giveaway

I took a trip out to Utah this month for the creative blogger SNAP! conference and left completely inspired. I met tons of amazing bloggers and left full of ideas on how to grow here at Maker Mama.

The conference was held at Thanksgiving Point, and although it was super chilly, the grounds were beautiful (I SO wanted to pick a bunch of tulips). Since you couldn't all be there with me, I thought I'd share some photos...and an awesome giveaway (with $200 worth of handmade goodies)!

I spent a good chunk of my time frantically scribbling notes during the back-to-back presentations, but there was a good amount of making going on too (and I had to bust out my Makers Gonna Make Tattly).

I also got to hang out with these lovely ladies(clockwise from top left):  Shannon of Madigan Made, Lisa of The Pennington Point and Becky of Organizing Made Fun, the Ana White (okay we didn't really hang and chat, but she was there teaching a building workshop), and my new favorite gal pal Jamie of C.R.A.F.T. (and, no I didn't wear that stripey shirt everyday--these were all just taken on the same one).

There was even a huge craft market after dinner one evening. There was so much I wanted to take home with me, but my suitcase wouldn't have been big enough!

You may have seen some photos from the Queen Bee Market floating around Instagram and Twitter--but you don't have to feel left out because I've partnered with BlogPrizes.com and some of my blogging friends to give y'all a chance to win some of the hottest items at the Queen Bee Market. Several of these items were sold out before the show was over, and a couple sold out just after it started!

Check out what you could win:

One winner will be getting a box filled with all of this!

Be Kind Sign - Evie Ivy
Engraved Cutting Board - Alexis Mattox Design
Camera Strap - August Blossoms
Cupcake liners, straws, and cookie cutter - Bake it Pretty
Aqua Bracelet - Hoop-la (I bought two in different colors and love them both)
Crochet Rose - Made by Jewls
3 Bars Handmade Soap - Karol's Handmade Soap
White Flower Earrings - Love Stitched
Heart Necklace - The r House Couture
Moustache Covered Notebook - Ameroonie Designs
Leather and Fabric iPad Case - Sage & Harper
3 Lip Balms - Kustom Kissers

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget found below:
(giveaway begins at 12am PST on Monday April 29)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your favorite item on the giveaway? Have you attended any crafty conferences lately? I'd love to hear about your experience!