Tag Archives: creative minds

Mel’s Modern Caillgraphy

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I first met Mel when she came aboard at our school as a second grade teacher. Like many teachers she is multifaceted and crazy talented. It only took knowing her for a short while to realize this. As the school year started I saw her classroom come together beautifully. I could not help but notice all the unique hand lettering and calligraphy. Of course I went to ask where she had found such cool things for her room and her response was, “I made them”. My mind was pretty blown at that point. I later found out that she held a job while she attended college that allowed her to create cool custom stationary that helped her to nourish her creativity.

Not long ago Mel decided it was time for her to start her own business and named it “Three M Designs” (Melodie Marie Musgrove). She later changed the name to a much sweeter one to avoid any confusion with other companies with similar names. Her design company is now called “Maggie Elaine Designs” after her beloved weimaraner Maggie and her favorite character from the tv show Seinfield.

When Mel invited me to her home to take these photos I was even smitten with her living and work space. It is so vibrant and indicative of her talent as well as her artistic abilities. Every element and piece is carefully selected and in its right place. Her dining/work table is covered in butcher paper to protect it from craft materials and one small chalk board at the entry way allowed me to feel welcome and ready to create as soon as I walked in. The two stars of Mel’s home include a custom 5’by 6′ canvas piece hung carefully on the wall that says ” If you love what you have, you have everything you need ” and an original 1970’s sofa gifted to her by her grand parents. The sofa is adorned with bright floral prints and is built to last just like the special bond she shares with her family.

When I asked Mel what the future holds for Maggie Elaine Designs she said, “To continue to give her customers special stationary made from the heart”. As she continues on her path as an educator and future principal she will continue to design one of a kind creations. Check out Maggie Elaine Designs on Etsy for custom graphic lettering and stationary. Nourish your creativity. Enjoy!

The Shelby Rose Collection

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The Shelby Rose Collection began with a mom of two looking at her makeup pouch and wishing it was something that she loved. Shelby loves dance and over 26 years she has led, choreographed and performed countless times with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets dance team. Even today as an elementary school teacher in Houston, Texas Shelby hosts a dance club for the students that she teaches physical education to.

Only close friends and family knew of another talent that Shelby would soon explore again. Shelby’s grandmother, Rose Marion Pullum was born in 1905 and gave Shelby the first sewing machine she ever owned. Rose taught her how to sew and creating and crafting has been apart of Shelby’s life ever since. At a friends request, Shelby sewed a few throw pillows and it was then that she realized that if she made her own makeup pouch, should would love it much more the the ones she currently owned. Shelby dusted off her sewing machine and explored her creativity in new ways.

Shelby went out and got fabrics that she loved for the pouches that she planned to make. While shopping for fabric she realized that she didn’t love her pouches because the INSIDE was boring! She resolved to fix that problem by using playful sophisticated prints on the outside and eclectic linings on the inside. It was then, that The Shelby Rose Collection was born.

Her handmade pouches come in 3 different sizes and are customizable. They can be used as a pouch as well as a clutch when you’re going out. You can check out The Shelby Rose Collection on:

Instagram: shelby _rose1905

Facebook: Shelby Rose

Pinterest: The Shelby Rose Collection

Subscribe to Authentically+B so you won’t miss April’s creative mind. Enjoy!

Advice From An Artist• Joonbug!

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Lenworth McIntosh. His mom calls him Junior, his friends call him Joonbug, his fans call him anything from Mr. McIntosh to Mr.Kaufee. He is the CEO and founder of a unique clothing company called Fresh Kaufee and is the head graphic designer at Bugs87 Art and Design. When you order a Fresh Kaufee shirt you get a complete experience. It comes fashioned in a coffee bag with the robust aroma of freshly ground coffee. His unique packing and style completely sets him apart from other brands. I would describe his style as perfected imperfection. An obvious appreciation for culture, history, and old world quality is written all over the Fresh Kaufee brand.

Joonbug’s Jamaican roots tie together his top 5 sources of inspiration seamlessly. Generations of artists in his family, music, nature, books, and social media feeds his artistic spirit.

Joonbug and I first met in college at McMurry University in Abilene, Tx. From the moment I met him, his passion for art was very apparent. Towards the end of his undergrad career, he nearly fell into “cubicle life” as a graphic designer for a larger firm. Life’s pressures have a way of making you feel like you have to follow a certain path because we naturally fear the unknown. Joonbug didn’t like the idea of eventually being burned and at the same time, uncertainty didn’t sound so bad if it meant being his own boss and always having creative freedom.

Joonbug still frequents Dallas, Texas for family,friends and business but has moved to Oakland, California to be among other artists and avoid being boxed in artistically. Junior’s feelings are that “When it comes to careers, most people aren’t doing what comes naturally to them. We are all born with gifts and and we often ignore them and pay more attention to the rules society has set for us.” Joonbug being a full time artist was much more than a career choice. It is a life choice! He chose his continued happiness and daily satisfaction over everything.

What used to be most difficult for this artist was time management. When you’re your own boss you work when you want to. Joonbug took what used to be procrastination and turned it into time to truly conceptualize his plans, then he takes the pressure and produces amazing results.

I asked Joonbug what advice he would give to new and emerging artist and he said, “Respect yourself and your art. You can’t look to the outside world for confidence in what you do. Prove all you need to prove to yourself, validate yourself,then share things with the world that you are already confident in. Meditate, organize your thoughts, and keep your goals in front of you.”

See more of Joonbug on social media @thebugs87 and @freshkaufee

Check back in March for a new creative mind, Enjoy!

Creative Minds

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It’s finally beginning and I’m beyond excited about it! My new creative minds series is being kicked of by one of the most entertaining and authentic people I know! My sister and travel contributor for AuthenticallyB.com is amazing and you’re going to love her!

If you would like to know more about what this new series entails check out this link for a more detailed description. New Series Coming to A+B in January 2016:Creative Minds

Enjoy!

Creative Minds: Ashleigh the Wanderlust

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Let me start by saying some creatives can NOT be tamed! I enjoy meeting people with wild hearts and it’s even more of a pleasure when you get to know a free spirit. My sister is the epitome of what I just described so a traditional “interview” for my creative minds series just didn’t happen. Lol However, she did do her magic and give some wonderful insight about who she is. Enjoy!

What am I passionate about?
Oh that’s simple! Traveling, books, photography, food, writing, Supernatural, Dr. Who, Sherlock(on every aspect the RDJ movies, CBS Elementary, BBC Sherlock and of course the source Sir Arthur Conan Doyle series).

How do I travel?
I usually pick a place with the most affordable airfare and build around it. I’m a backpacker, so I pack lightly. You know, no wheels, on my back. How much do I really wish to carry as I run(upstairs, crossing the street and my personal favorite through the airport)? I stay in hostels and load up on the complimentary breakfast. I eat with locals, seriously always follow the locals!! I take public transportation and walk A LOT(it’s kinda off sets my love for food hahaha). Most importantly, I save the word “no” for dire situations. If I’m offered food, drinks, an invitation, the answer is “YES!” Why? Because I have comfort at home and I do not travel for comfort. I travel for the love of the unknown. I travel to sit next to strangers and listen as they speak to me. I travel to learn new words and phrases, in a language I don’t speak. I travel to trust myself and humanity.

Reading?
“Reading gives us someplaces to go when we have to stay where we are.” -Mason Cooley
I’m quite keen on all genres

Where does my photography inspiration come from?
Family. My family means everything to me. I enjoy focusing on candid moments between love ones. When I do a shoot, I like for everyone to carry on as if I’m not there. I typically get the absolute best shots from children. They tend to easily forget about my presence and I’m able to capture their exuberance.

Food?
Everything, I will try a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g ☺ How else will I know what I’m fond of?

What am I writing?
Mostly my own thoughts in my journal. Recently I’ve taken on the role of travel contributor on AuthenticallyB.com blog. You can find me in the travel section.

Am I a fangirl?
OF COURSE! I didn’t choose fangirling, fangirling chose me. Honestly I am unfaithful to all fandoms. There’s Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, Star Wars, LOTR. I mean just to name a few more hahaha.

What’s next for me?
You know, in a perfect world I would be a travel writer and photographer. I would also volunteer at schools and orphanages as a way to give back. All of this in hopes of perhaps, spreading my love of the camera, and overall eccentric nature with others.

Find Mischief,