Category Archives: Art

Latest Obsession: Photo-A-Day

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By: Mary Pat Baldauf

Mary Pat Baldauf

This month, I started playing a cool “game” with my iPhone: Photo-A-Day.

It works like this. Each month, you get a list of daily prompts. All you have to do is use any camera you have — iPhone, Smartphone, Digital, — and use the daily prompt as inspiration. You then share the photo using your favorite social media platforms, i.e. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Flickr, Tumblr.

You can Google “picture a day challenge” and find any number of challenges. I’m doing FatMumSlim’s Photo-a-Day Challenge because 1) it’s the one that a lot of my friends are using, and 2) I like her style. (Click here for a great article about FatMumSlim blogger Chantelle Elam and her Photo-A-Day challenge.)

FatMumSlim gives five ways photo-a-day will change your life for the better, but here’s why I’m doing it:

It Expands My Horizons.  Seeing Photo-A-Day shots from friends gives me insight into who they are, what they are doing and how they see the world. It also exposes me to things I might not otherwise see or know about, such as a beautiful flower or a new camera app.

It’s a Great Way to Document My Life, Day by Day.  I blog, but my blog isn’t really a journal in the true sense of the word.  And who has time to scrapbook anymore?  I have a nice camera, but I usually just use my iPhone to capture every day moments.  I post a lot of them to Instagram anyway, so it’s a no-brainer.  Once I post my “Photo-A-Day” picture, I also save it in a monthly “Photo-a-Day” folder I’ve created on my iPhone.  I think it will be neat to go back at the end of a month, even the end of the year, and see my month in photos.

It’s Plain Out Fun.  I love the challenge of illustrating the daily prompt. It helps me think outside of the box and gives me an opportunity to express myself.  It also forces me to slow down from the daily grind and take time to think about something besides work and my daily to-do list.

Sound interesting? Visit FatMumSlim and get started today. You can get some practice with the remaining days in July and start your first full month in August. Let me know how you like it!  Already do a monthly photo challenge?  Please share your experiences!

52 Windows Gala, An Evening to Benefit MIRCI

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By: Mary Pat Baldauf

Did you know that one in four adults — approximately 57.7 million Americans — experience a mental health disorder in a given year? Or that one in 17 lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder?  Would it surprise you to learn that about one in 10 children live with a serious mental or emotional disorder?

In the Midlands, there is a wonderful non-profit – Mental Illness Recovery Center, Incorporated or MIRCI – whose mission is to provide community based services to individuals recovering from severe mental illness or emotional disorders through counseling, housing and financial management initiatives. They have some incredible programs and 92% of every dollar goes directly to services for folks in recovery of a mental illness.

On May 10, I’m supporting MIRCI through 52 Windows, and I’d like to ask you to consider doing the same.  In this 52nd year of service at MIRCI, 52 artists from around the state have created 52 Windows to be sold at a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 10 at 701 Whaley.

Yours truly created a window for the event, a sustainable piece titled Pop. Art. This funky piece is created from 100 reclaimed materials, included soda cans, pop tabs, even a piece of foam core destined for the landfill!

Join us as we celebrate the vision of South Carolina artists through a collection of individually unique hand-crafted vintage windows to benefit MIRCI’s Housing and Homeless programs for Midlands-area individuals facing chronic mental illness.

You’ll enjoy a delightful evening featuring:

  • Unique Works of Hand-Crafted Art
  • Local Artists from the Midlands and throughout the state
  • A Lively Silent Auction
  • Live Music & Open Bar
  • Heavy Hors oeuvres from Aberdeen Catering

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://52windows-facebook.eventbrite.com/.  Monies raised will bolster housing and homeless services for those in the Columbia area facing chronic mental illness.

A Legacy In Textiles

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By: Crissie Miller Kirby

For some reason, I’ve struggled with writing a decent blog posting lately; do I write about school choice, the “mommy wars,” or the joys of pulling up linoleum and carpet (one word ~ gross)?  Since I wasn’t emotionally ready to deal with some of those, I thought I would write a short posting about some of the most treasured gifts I’ve ever been given; those that have been handcrafted and given from the heart.

I was blessed to have two grandmothers who were extremely talented in the world of crafting.  My mom’s mother crocheted like there was no tomorrow and did lots of needlework on plastic canvas, an art that I think has truly fallen by the wayside.  My dad’s mother always made beautiful quilts and, after being taught by my maternal grandmother, also has turned out some beautiful crocheted afghans.  I often joke that if my power goes out, I will never ever get cold, warmed to perfection by these two ladies’ handiwork.  In all seriousness though, I’m blessed to have in my home every day reminders of my grandmothers.

I share with you now photographs of some of these quilts and afghans in my home:

The first quilt is one that my Granny Mary Lee gave me just a few years back.  While I do not know the true story behind this quilt, I consider it a prized possession as it is unique and contains pieces of my own family history.  The quilt, as you will see, is comprised of blocks of varying fabrics, but each contains a signature, most of the owners whom are actually related to me; there are squares with my mom’s signature, both of my dad’s sisters, my grandmother, and even my great-grandmother.  I’m not sure of the exact age of this quilt, but anticipate it’s age as somewhere around 40 years as my parents married in 1971.  As such, I’m hesitant to actually use this quilt, rather I keep it folded on a hanging quilt rack in my den as a testament to the piece of art that it truly is.The second is a patchwork quilt that I have had for as long as I can remember.  Again, made by my dad’s mom, this one was made specifically for me in 1979, the year I turned 1.  A true legacy from the 70’s, the squares, backing, and binding are all polyester; the coldest nights with no power are no match for this quilt.

This photograph is a compilation of several quilts and baby afghans my grandmother made for each of my boys either while I was pregnant or not long after their births.  The quilts are fashioned utilizing the “Dutch Doll” or “Sunbonnet Sue” pattern, which holds a special place as my Granny also made a quilt of the same for each of her grandchildren many years ago.  Alas, I actually used mine and am not sure of its fate any longer.  The blue and white baby afghans were made especially for each of my sons and they were snuggled in them on their trips home from the hospital.

The last photograph is of two afghans that were made by my Granny Edna.  The predominantly orange was my “Clemson” afghan while growing up; the other just another fine example of her handiwork.  Confined to the house much of the time, Granny Edna perfected her crochet technique and could work and use just about any stitch created.  She tried, unsuccessfully, to teach me to crochet; I wish now I had persevered a little harder back then.

Beyond blessed is the feeling I hold for these items and the others which I did not pull out and photograph (there are at least 5 more safely tucked away).  My Granny Edna has been gone now since 1997; My Granny Mary Lee is still alive and well and living in the house where she handcrafted each of these precious quilts and afghans.  I have fond memories of her quilting frame being set up in either the den or the living room and being allowed to play underneath while she worked.

These are treasured possessions for me; reminders of who I am and from whence I came.  What about you?

The Power of Music

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By:  Shannon Shull

A bit odd to think of music being powerful, heh?  If you really stop and think about it though, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  Music has the ability to strike emotions in us humans that are indescribable.  Have you ever listened to a particular song and it moved you to tears?  Have you ever listened to a song and it literally causes you to move your body?  Have you ever listened to a song and instantly a specific memory is recalled? If you answered NO to any of those questions, then I’m terribly sorry, but I’m afraid you’re not human.

Seriously! There is great power in music. And different styles of music speak to us individually on many different levels. Some of us love all kinds of music, some of us only love very specific kinds of music.  But either way, for each of us, there is bound to be a song out there that fills our hearts, ignites a special memory or fantasy, or just causes us to rock it out and experience sweet release of some sort.

In my case, my collection of tunes is very broad. I’m a lover of everything from Bach to Bon Jovi, Ella Fitzgerald to Enigma, Gavin DeGraw to Guns-n-Roses, Florence and the Machine to Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr. to Heart, John Legend to the Jackson Five, Katy Perry to Keane, Led Zepplin to Lady Gaga, Louis Prima to Luciano Pavarotti, Mary J. Blige to Meatloaf, Otis Redding to One Republic, Powerman 5000 to Peter Gabriel, Queen to Queensryche, Ray Charles to Rihanna, Sade to Shakira, Tenacious D to t.a.T.u, U2 to Usher, 30 Seconds to Mars to 311…..  and that’s barely scratching the surface of my range of musical tastes!

I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when music literally fills my soul.  It sometimes can be an out of body experience for me.  My life would be devoid of true living, I’m afraid, if music did not exist.  No matter what mood I’m in, it comes to my rescue, whether I want to grieve, celebrate, remember, release anger, feel sexy, groove or simply rock it out!  Music is a great power in my life.  It inspires me on more levels than I could begin to describe.

I hope that there are some of you out there that can agree with me. Does music captivate you?  Does music take you places?  My playlists range something fierce – one week it may be all dance inducing Zumba type music, one week it may be a playlist that I sing my heart out to, another week it may be emotional and sentimental taking me places in my head… you get my drift.  What’s your latest playlist? I would love for you to share the playlist that is currently inspiring you – the songs that lately have been captivating your heart, mind, body and soul in some way…

The latest playlist rocking my world is…

  • LA Woman – The Doors
  • Pictures of You – The Cure
  • Can’t Get You Off My Mind – Lenny Kravitz
  • Crazy – Seal
  • Put Your Hands On Me – Joss Stone
  • Deep Inside of You – Third Eye Blind
  • Sex is on Fire – Kings of Leon
  • Mystify – INXS
  • Strings – Young the Giant
  • My Body – Young the Giant
  • Never Gonna Leave this Bed – Maroon 5
  • Heartbeat – The Fray
  • I’m on Fire – Bruce Springsteen
  • The Sweetest Taboo – Sade
  • Faster – Matt Nathanson
  • Animal – Neon Trees

Memories, Traditions and Possibilities: A Deal At Just $5.99

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By: Mary Pat Baldauf

Mary Pat Baldauf

I bought a box of crayons yesterday. Not just any box of crayons, but Crayolas in that familiar green and orange box. A 64-pack. With the sharpener. When the clerk rang up the crayons, she shook her head, “5.99 for a box of crayons.”

Not being a regular crayon shopper, I don’t know whether that’s high or low or whether I could’ve gotten them cheaper someplace else. The way I look at it though, $5.99 isn’t bad for a box of Crayola crayons. 64 pack. With the sharpener. And that’s because in addition to housing 64 magical dream sticks, there’s a lot more in that box. A box of memories. A box of tradition. And a box of possibilities.

A box of memories? Yep. When I crack open a box of crayons, I get a neuron-splattering head rush. I am transported back in time to…

…the first grade, when we used those fat crayons that were flat on the bottom so they wouldn’t roll of our desks.

…to 208 Holly Avenue, where my sister and I made masterpieces with crayons and Fall leaves. You did these, right? We’d pick the most colorful leaves from the woods across the street and bring them home. When Mom was busy, we’d pull out her wax paper, fold it in half and place the leaves on one side. Then we’d take old crayons and use a knife to cut shavings onto the wax paper. We’d fold the wax paper over, and when Mom wasn’t looking, we’d iron the paper until it turned into a beautiful stained glass creation. We usually got in trouble for getting Burnt Sienna and Maize on Mom’s iron, but it was worth it.

…to summer YMCA camp when we made what I know as scratch art. We’d color a piece of paper with bright crayons, then cover it with black paint. When the paint dried, we’d use a toothpick to create a design. Those were the days.

A box of tradition?  Uh huh. Binney and Smith created Crayolas in 1903, and since then, generations of children have played with them. Crayons are universal; they are the great equalizer of humanity! Babe Ruth? Probably used crayons. President Obama? Bet he used crayons. Prince? Purple crayons, for sure. And then there’s little old me. I most certainly used crayons!

A neat thing about crayons: even though they’ve been around for more than 100 years, they’ve changed just enough to stay relevant. I’m a purist – I like the colorful wax sticks wrapped in paper, but today there are specialty Crayolas: twistable, washable, dry erase, even multicultural. And those big flat ones I used in first grade? They’re now triangular. (Easier for kids to hold.)

Lastly, there are crayons that mark changes in our culture. The crayon once known as “Flesh” was voluntarily changed to “peach” in 1962, partially as a result of the U. S. Civil Rights Movement. The crayon I colored with as “Indian Red?” It was renamed Chestnut in 1999 in response to educators who felt some children wrongly perceived the crayon color was intended to represent the skin color of Native Americans.

A box of possibilities? You bet! A new box of crayons is fresh and perfect. They’re all pointy, lined up in order, bright and, well, perfect. A box of crayons contains the colors of an eye popping sunset, the thousand colors of the sea, the brilliant colors of a rainforest.

Speaking of colors, do you remember the name of your favorite crayon? Mine was Carnation Pink, a color that was introduced in 1949 and is still in that orange and green box. I asked my sister this morning. Hers was Maize, which was retired in 1990.

A funny story about crayon colors. Through my work with the APWA, I travel to their headquarters in Kansas City once a year. Kansas City is also home to the country’s only Crayola Store, which is connected to the hotel.

On my first visit – I visit every year – I asked the clerks about their favorite crayon colors. The first one hemmed and hawed, then finally said that blue was her favorite.

“Blue?” I asked. “Cadet Blue, Cornflower, Denim?”

“Just blue,” she said.

The second clerk’s answer was no better. “Green,” she said quickly.

“Green?” I asked. “Asparagus, Fern, Blue Green?”

“Green,” she answered.

Not very good Crayola ambassadors, if you ask me.  If Crayolas are boxes of possibilities, they were a dead end.

I bought a box of crayons yesterday. Not just any box of crayons, but Crayolas in that familiar green and orange box. A 64-pack. With the sharpener. $5.99 for a box of crayons. And memories, tradition and possibilities. Not a bad deal.

The Beauty of Arts Integration

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By: Shannon Shull

I recently have had the honor of teaching and leading arts integration at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. Can I just say – what an amazing experience and opportunity! Let me define “arts integration” for you…

Arts integration is the collaboration between the arts and other academic content areas resulting in a richer, more complete whole that fosters deep, connected, personal learning in both areas simultaneously.

Creating Tableaus with Teachers

I am what they call a “teaching artist.”  I am a trained performer, with a focus of acting and dance, that infuses the arts into regular school curriculums. I get great joy from being a teaching artist!

Me doing dance immersion with fellow teaching artists

So how does arts integration help me? Understanding arts integration helps round out my artistry.  Knowing how to integrate the arts and actually engaging in integrating the arts only enhances my pool of talents and allows me the precious opportunity to share my passions on a very unique level.  As a performer, you seek to entertain and gain great joy from entertaining — add teacher to that equation and you’re knighted with this priceless opportunity to let the arts lead the way alongside education, enriching everyone’s lives.  To me, arts integration means tapping into a student’s imagination and engaging them so much into the subject and art form, that they don’t recognize how very much they’re learning — due to the fact that they’re having so much fun!

Last summer I had the honor of training at Greenville County, Smart Arts, and Metropolitan Arts Council sponsored training institutes and I participated in Kennedy Center’s Artists as Educators Seminars. It was a total thrill for me! I seriously loved every bit of it. Working with school teachers and other teaching artists opened my mind and broadened my teaching horizons. Sounds cheesy I know, but hey, it’s my thing!

Dance Immersion

Amazing things happen and great knowledge is attained when the arts help to bring school subjects to life. All that being said, I hope those of you who read this will also be supporters of arts integration and encourage your local schools to take advantage of the huge benefits the arts can have on education.  It’s a beautiful thing to see a child grasp the knowledge and have so much fun learning!

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone – Part 2

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By: Staci Rutherford

“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” – Orison Swett Marden

I am beginning part two with a meaningful quote that sums up how I have been feeling since before stepping out of my comfort zone.  I spent the month of February on an emotional roller coaster.  At times, I was overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, however, my excitement and happiness outweighed those feelings and I came out on top.

The HandbagReport.com showroom officially opened its doors to the public on Thursday, March 1, 2012, which was also First Thursday at Tapp’s Art Center.  First Thursday is a big event that takes place every month at Tapp’s, where the work of different artists, photographers, and sculptors are featured.  It’s a fun, laid back atmosphere that is perfect for networking and connecting with kindred spirits.  I met some fantastic people and received positive feedback on the space that I worked so hard to make just right.

As I explained throughout the evening, the HandbagReport.com showroom is extension of the blog.  It’s a place to personally connect with my readers and customers, and to bring the blog from virtuality to reality.  I chose accessories from a local designer to feature in the showroom, Nana by Sally.  The collection is one-of-a-kind handmade clutches and handbags made from vintage, vintage-inspired and designer fabrics.  I also interviewed the designer of Nana by Sally, Sally Peek, which is currently posted on the blog.

The next few weeks will be spent continuing to decorate the space, and preparing for the official grand opening.  I look forward to sharing the showroom with my friends, family, and all of the women in town who love handbags.  I believe with all of my heart that I am doing what I am meant to do, which is an exciting and scary adventure!

Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone – Part 1

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By:  Staci Rutherford

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch

I found this quote months ago and it made me stop and think about where I am in my life, and where I want to be.  I have many goals that I want to accomplish, but often struggle with determining what to do first.  My time management and procrastination issues often leave me wondering how I will get it all done.  I follow a group of bloggers who are my source of motivation, because they are living a life doing what they love.  I have already established my love of handbags, and nothing would make me happier than turning my passion into a profitable business and life-long career.  Since my last post, I finally made the first move.

Before I share my exciting news, I must acknowledge two dynamic women who have come into my life believing in my vision, and challenging me to take the next step – Roshanda Pratt and Alicia Zeigler.  After several conversations about my short term and long term plans, both Roshanda and Alicia have offered advice and resources that have given me the confidence to market what I have to offer beyond my handbag blog.  Roshanda, a fellow Every Woman Blogger, is also a media consultant with R.E.P. Communications Network.  She took the time to help me focus on developing my ideas into something tangible.  While donating a handbag to a pre-Columbia Style Week event, I met Alicia, the founder of FFS Model & Talent Agency, Columbia Fashion Alliance, Columbia Style Week and the new editor of Wink Magazine, Columbia’s premiere fashion magazine.  We immediately clicked, and she too gave great advice that has been instrumental in my stepping out of my comfort zone.

After a few days contemplating whether it was the right time, I decided to follow my heart and rent a studio space at the Tapp’s Art Center located downtown on Main Street. “Studio 26” is the new home the HandbagReport.com office and showroom!  It will be an extension of my blog – a place to connect with others who love handbags.  I plan on having monthly purse parties, designer trunk shows, themed events and more.  I am excited to share this journey with you as my life is just beginning!

Mark Your Calendars: Columbia Style Week Coming in June

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By: Staci Rutherford

For the first time ever, Columbia, South Carolina will have an official fashion week!

Mayor Steve Benjamin and the Columbia City Council issued an Official Proclamation declaring June 5th-9th, 2012 Columbia Style Week.  This is a major event for the Capital City that will include five days and five nights of fashion, arts and entertainment.  As a style-obsessed blogger, I am beyond excited that we will have an outlet to showcase talented fashion designers, models and local retailers.  I will feature a calendar of runway shows for Columbia Style Week so we can help make it a huge success.

The “Follow Your Heart” Charity Fashion Gala and Auction is the official kick off event for Columbia Style Week’s “Road to Runway Tour.”  It will be held at Tapp’s Center for the Arts (located downtown at 1644 Main Street) on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.  Partnering with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, the gala will be hosted by Arielle Riposta-McConchie and Alicia Zeigler of Wink Magazine.  Dr. Norma Khoury, of the South Carolina Heart Center, is the keynote speaker on heart disease and its impact on women.  The event will also include a silent auction, refreshments and wine, live entertainment and DJ, a Red Dress fashion showcase and more!

A portion of all ticket sales and 100% of silent auction proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.  Click here to purchase a ticket.

If you are interested in becoming involved with Columbia Style Week, they are looking for volunteers!  Visit the www.columbiastyleweek.com for more details.

What Inspires You?

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By: Shannon Shull

What inspires you? Outside of the love you have for your children, your partner and family. Really think about it…what, in your personal life, really taps into your inner being and brings you great joy?

Well, for me personally…when I listen to the soulful singing of Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Tory Amos or Adele, they inspire me to want to strengthen my own voice and share it thru song. No cheese here, music literally fills me up, it lights up my soul.

Nancy Wilson

When I watch Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines or Mikhail Baryshnikov dance – they inspire me to such a degree that it literally makes my muscles twitch. To watch Baryshnikov dance is to watch a super-human…the man is a dance god in my eyes. His talent takes my breath away.

Mikhail Baryshnikov

When I read the works of Rebecca Wells, Steven Press field, Veronica Franco, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Guadalupe de Saver, Shakespeare – it is an indescribable escape.

Shakespeare

When I see a Gustav Klimt painting it takes me away, releases my imagination.  He paints with passion.  The bold, richness of the colors he uses catches my attention and activates my mind.

Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss"

And when I see actors like Jimmy Stewart, Gary Oldman, Leo DeCaprio, Hugh Jackman or an actress like Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Winslet, and my all time favorites, the comedienne geniuses Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, I am truly astounded by their talent and inspired to tap into my own. They’re ability to transform themselves rocks my world.

Gary Oldman

Lucille Ball

I’m a creative, artistic person so this passionate kind of talk comes easily for me. But whether the passion comes easily for me or not, I know it’s good to recognize the things in my life that inspire me.  So I’d like to challenge you to really think about the things in your life that truly inspire YOU.  Think about your favorites, think about the things that make your heart smile…think about the things you know you should spend more time doing or admiring.

Ready…set…GO allow your true self to be inspired!

And please share what inspires you with us here on EveryWomanBlog.com!

Here are examples of some of my inspirations -

Enjoy one of my singer idols, the incredible Nancy Wilson…

One of my absolute favorite dance pieces by the dance gods Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov…

See my ultimate dance crush, super human Baryshnikov, in one of his most brilliant works of art…