Maya Marin: Constant Chatter Contributor

Maya Marin is not the girl to call for company if you're planning a night out on the town. In fact, this incurable homebody's got an honest boilerplate response for anyone who should extend such an invitation: "Thanks, but I'd rather stay in and make stuff."

And make stuff, she does, regardless of whether or not she has the requisite skills! Anyone with an eye for DIY is more than welcome to join her at home. A believer in self-taught, trial-and-error crafting, she learned how to sew, knit, and crochet entirely via the Internet -- and is confident that you can, too.

To support her crafting habit, she has worked as, among other things, a performing singer-songwriter and advertising copywriter. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three cats.

Articles by Maya Marin

DIY Mission: Turn a Man's Shirt into a Toddler Dress

Itching to "lose" that hideous shirt your manbeast keeps wearing? Looking to spice up your little girl's wardrobe? Here's an option. Turn that shirt into an awesome toddler's dress. Shirt gone - check. Fellow mommies made sick with envy - check. Creativity tapped - check. That's a three-fer in our books.

DIY Mission: Turn an Old Sweater into a Shoulder Bag

Maya Marin -- or Maya the DIY-a, as we like to call her -- applied her considerable creative talents to the task of turning a ratty old sweater into a super cute shoulder bag. Read on to learn how you too can replicate the magic in 10 easy steps. (And yes, we definitely recommend you try this at home.)

Stories You May Have Missed

New Mommy Files: The Down 'n' Dirty on Diapers

The latest dispatch from the New Mommy Files addresses the raging controversy over cloth diapers vs. disposable. Prepare to be mesmerized by talk of such things as Pre-Folds, Envelope Shells and the St-Lucia Blues. Who knew keeping the planet green and your baby's bottom clean could be so involved?

Beauty on a Budget: Stock Up on Makeup

We've all got our addictions; that habit we just can't kick. Frances Grove certainly does, and she gets her fix at the drugstore. No, it's not a jones for Percocet that gives her the shakes. She needs the really heavy stuff: John Frieda, Revlon, Sally Hansen, L'Oreal, Roc, CoverGirl. You get the picture.

Book Review: Rain Mitchell's "Tales From the Yoga Studio"

Looking for a book that's a blast to read, but won't evaporate from your consciousness the minute you turn the last page? Rain Mitchell's "Tales from the Yoga Studio" offers a slyly clever peek into Lalaland's yoga scene. Nuanced characters, a compelling plot and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments will keep you reading this one well past your bedtime.