About Maya Lin

Hi friend, and welcome to Craft Minty. I’m Maya Lin, a lifelong crafter, former elementary art teacher, and proud collector of tiny scraps I swear I’ll use “someday” (spoiler: I usually do).

Quick note in case you’re wondering: I share a name with the architect and artist Maya Lin, but I’m not her. Around here, I go by Maya Lin of Craft Minty, and I’m your local, glue-covered Maya, here to help you make things you actually want to finish.

Crafting has always been my favorite way to slow down, reset my brain, and make something real with my own two hands. Around here, we celebrate the joy of creating, even when the paint smudges, the glue strings show up uninvited, or you have to redo a step because you measured with vibes instead of a ruler.

How I became a maker

I grew up in a home where handmade gifts were the ultimate expression of love. The kind of home where you didn’t just buy a card, you made one. Where a scarf wasn’t just warm, it was proof someone thought about you stitch by stitch.

I learned to knit, sew, and paint before I could ride a bike. I truly believed everyone lived with a basket of yarn within arm’s reach and a drawer full of buttons that had no business being that sentimental. Later, I turned that love of making into a job and spent several years teaching elementary art (K–5), mostly with students who were braver with glitter than I will ever be.

Teaching taught me something I carry into every tutorial I write: creativity is not a personality type. It’s a skill and a permission slip. When you break big projects into small steps and give people room to be imperfect, almost anyone can make something they’re proud of.

What Craft Minty does

Craft Minty exists to bridge the gap between scroll-stopping, showroom-perfect DIY and the joyful, real-life crafting that happens at your kitchen table. The kind that fits into a busy life, uses what you already have, and still feels a little magical.

My mission is simple: help you make things that feel good to create and even better to use or gift. That means:

• Beginner-friendly tutorials that assume you’re smart, capable, and maybe just new to this.
• Budget-conscious supply guidance so you can craft without turning your cart into a financial jump scare.
• Low-waste crafting habits that honor your space, your wallet, and the planet. I use “low-waste” on purpose because perfection is not the goal, but I will absolutely cheer for your no-waste moments.
• Projects for makers of all ages, from “I have 20 minutes” crafts to weekend deep dives.

If it’s accessible, practical, and makes your brain exhale a little, it belongs here.

How my tutorials work

I write like the friend who sits with you over coffee and says, “Okay, we can totally do this.” You’ll see clear steps, specific tips, and the little details that matter, like how long to let paint dry before you touch it (because we both know we will touch it).

My craft comfort zones

My favorite projects tend to live at the intersection of cozy and clever. I bounce between:

• Papercrafting (cards, garlands, gift toppers, and paper flowers that never need watering)
• Upcycling thrift store finds (frames, baskets, lamps, wooden boxes, and the occasional mystery item)
• Beginner woodworking (simple builds, approachable tools, and lots of sanding)
• Fiber arts (knitting, weaving, embroidery, and yarn crafts that feel calming and steadying)

My real-life promise

I will always aim to give you options. Don’t have a cutting machine? We’ll do it with scissors. Don’t want to buy specialty paint? I’ll tell you what works from the craft aisle, the hardware store, or your own stash. My goal is to help you finish a project feeling capable, not overwhelmed.

You’ll also see practical details whenever I can, like kid-friendly notes, skill level, and time estimates, plus measurements in both imperial and metric when a project calls for it.

If a project uses blades, power tools, heat tools, or anything that can bite back, I’ll call that out clearly and share basic safety reminders. If you’re crafting with kids, I’ll label what needs grown-up help.

Accessibility matters here, too. I write steps to be easy to scan, I use descriptive image alt text, and whenever a project has a printable pattern or reference, I’ll tell you exactly where to find it and how to download it.

Why I keep the good scraps

I’m known for my low-waste approach because, honestly, scraps are where the best ideas hide. The corner of patterned paper you almost tossed can become a gift tag. A too-short piece of ribbon can become a zipper pull. Fabric remnants can turn into patchwork, stuffing, or tiny bows that make everything look intentional.

Crafting does not have to mean more clutter. I love teaching ways to:

• Use what you already have before buying more
• Choose versatile supplies that work across many projects
• Store scraps so they’re actually usable (and not a guilt pile)
• Upcycle tired items into something fresh and personal

Why crafting matters

In a world where so much happens on screens, making something physical can be a small way to reclaim your time and attention. For me, crafting can be a reliable way to unwind, practice patience, and remember that not everything has to be optimized to be worthwhile.

Sometimes the project is the point. Sometimes the calm is the point. Sometimes you just need to put color on paper and remember you’re a person with hands, not just a brain with a to-do list.

Start here

If you’re brand new to DIY, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re an experienced maker who just wants projects that feel fun again, I’m glad you’re here, too. Craft Minty is meant to feel like a friendly studio you can drop into anytime, no judgment, no perfection required, and plenty of room to try, tweak, and make it yours.

• Want a quick win? Try beginner papercraft for low-supply projects you can finish in one sitting.
• Prefer thrifty projects? Browse thrifted upcycles for makeovers and clever reuses.
• Feeling brave? Start with beginner woodworking for simple builds and tool basics.
• Need something soothing? Explore fiber arts for slow, cozy makes.
• Want weekly-ish inspiration? Subscribe to the newsletter for new tutorials, supply shortcuts, and scrap-friendly ideas.
• Just browsing? Head to all tutorials and pick whatever sparks a little yes.
• Want to say hi or work together? Visit contact to reach me.

Grab what you’ve got, clear a little space, and let’s make something together.