Maria was in her studio late this afternoon, working on her new idea, placemats. She is creating another utility art form, like her potholders. I love the idea of turning placements into art and making eating a creative experience.

Inside, she was feverishly working on placemats. Yup, placemats.

She put up her first trial placements yesterday and they were sold before she finished them. Her studio is something of a sacred space to me, it hums with creativity and imagination. I actually tried to buy one but she wouldn’t let me.

I wanted to give them as Xmas gifts to someone.

I’m biased of course, but I think Maria’s genius is turning ordinary life into art. She sees art everywhere she goes. Now, she may be about to transform the experience of eating.

She brings this creativity to everything she does – belly dancing, potholders, quilts, windowsills, clothes, and the house we live in. I am so grateful to know and love her and admire her.

I believe she is making more and will put them up for sale soon, but that isn’t the kind of question I would ask her, it makes her grumpy. If you wish to contact her, you can at [email protected].