Majestic Hand Embroidered Challah Cover

Maya Shem Tov is a talented Israeli artist who is best known for her beautiful embroidery. Although Maya primarily works with threads and fabrics, she is influenced by paintings and canvases, natural themes and Jewish history and tradition. Maya’s greatest inspiration is her religion, she loves holiness and the presence of the Divine, embracing the concept that “The eyes of the Lord your God in it” is inherent to the creative process.

From early childhood Maya was fascinated by art: especially music and painting (she is an amateur violinist). After her wedding Maya focused on hand embroidery, and then machine work. Today she embroiders in free embroidery (drawing with threads), she has developed her own rich and picturesque style, enriched by authentic oriental decorations.

Maya Shem Tov has a room in the house where she weaves every day. She would like her buyers to know that she creates each item of fine embroidery out of love for her art and the joy of continuing a traditional Jewish craft. Each individual embroidery is the product of a moment of unique inspiration. It expresses a personal interpretation of history, religion, and the natural world.

Maya primarily uses yarns, old second-hand clothes, and interesting fabrics that she comes across when she shops. When Maya buys materials, she is inspired by the fabrics she sees, and loves turning an old product into a new and exciting piece of artwork. Her concept of recycling and sustainability is that the old and abandoned should be reborn as something beautiful.