Thank you for visiting my site! My name is Maria, I live in MN and work full time in IT. I have two daughters and when I’m not with them, I love trying new things, especially if I am able to make something. We all need a creative outlet and this is mine. I really enjoy working with yarn, wood, glass, and leather and am always trying out new products. Sometimes it works out, and other times not so much – we can’t be good at everything right?
I want to make gifts that make people smile, whether it’s a warm scarf, funny card, or something sweet for the little ones in our lives. As long as it makes you happy, then I’m happy!
I like to try making new things all the time and my gifts may change from time to time, so please continue to visit the site.
Contact Me to purchase or come visit me at one of my events. You can also shop local at Flaunt Accessories or Kai Salon.
Interested in more of what I’m working on?
I am branching out! I’d been looking for a way to expand on what I have with El Rastro MN; add to the pieces I make and be able to reach more women. After chatting with Amy, To Wit, To Woo (personal stylist and amazing person!) about her styling for Stella and Dot, it seemed like a good fit for me too. It’s a great community of women and I love the pieces! I think it’s important to mix in heirlooms, handmade, and new pieces to keep your style from getting stale! 🙂 Shop with me on Stella and Dot!
Check out my Events page too!
Book lover? I have been in a book club for years and try to keep up to date on our reviews. Check out the Book Ends.
Have a look-see at my blog, I Love My Breastpump, to read about pumping, and stories from moms experiencing the “joy” of breastpumping.
What Does “El Rastro” Mean?
My cousin, Ellen, a truly talented artist, helped me name this little business about 6 years ago. I have such a eclectic variety of items that it didn’t feel right to name the business after just one of them, like Maria’s Crocheted Stuff (horrible name!). Our grandmother’s side of the family is from Spain, and we both have traveled there quite a bit. She recalled the name, El Rastro de Madrid, which is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. We thought the name was fitting being that it was Spanish and didn’t represent just one item. So it stuck. That’s also why you’ll find I’ve incorporated the Spanish name for some of my items and categories.
Go to Lively Brush to see Ellen’s work.
Giving Thanks
I’d like to thank my mom, Nina Guertin, for her inspiration and support. She started making angels as a hobby and followed her calling to be an artist full time. She is truly talented and I am blessed to have her as my mom! Go to 4 Angels Creations to see her work.
I’d also like to thank my family for their ongoing support. Sometimes doing this work takes me away from them but they are always supportive. I couldn’t do it without their love and am so grateful for it.
Lastly, thank you to all of you who have visited this site, purchased some of my items, and given me encouragement to keep creating. I can’t tell you how much it means to me when you come to see me at a show, studio hours, or even stop by the house to take a look at what new things I have made.
As my Grandma K used to say,
“Thank you, thank you said the little animals in the zoo!” – The Little Engine That Could.
el Rastro MN 