Christmas Tree Project!

This project is a great way to reuse an old tree if you want a new look but don't want to get a new tree, or if you can't afford one of those fancy flocked trees. It would be great to freshen up a used tree as well!

Before I begin, I'd like to thank my fiance's family for kindly offering this tree to us since they were no longer using it. They knew we were low on money, and this will be our first Christmas together in our own house so it's very exciting!

I get ideas in my head that I like to call visions, and when I get those visions it's hard for me to do or think of anything else. I really had my heart set on a beautiful white flocked Christmas tree, but alas it was not at an affordable price. With bills and Christmas gifts, it simply wasn't in the budget.

As I was speaking with my mom about reaching into my savings to splurge for the tree, we discussed trying to make our own snowy tree instead. So, I headed to Walmart and tried it out!  I'm going to share this so that other people who may be struggling and would like to save $100+ to use for Christmas gifts can try it as well--or if you'd just like a fun Christmas project to do while spicing up the classic Christmas tree!  We did this for under $20

You'll need some white spray paint, depending on the size of your tree and how much paint you want to use you'll need between 2 - 6 cans.  I bought 4 and ended up using 3 on this 7ft tree.  At Walmart these were only about $1 each!

Spray in circular motions, one branch at a time.  If your tree has branches that come off individually, you should be able to do this inside easily, by laying them out on some newspaper, plastic, or an old sheet/drop cloth.  This tree comes off into three big sections, so it was a bit trickier.  I started with the bottom, pulling each branch away from the others so I could spray them separately.  The paint doesn't have to be even, you can play around with how much white you want to show up, it could be just a dusting of 'snow' or you can add even more, that's up to you!   :)  I added a lighter layer underneath the branches, but you don't have to do this.

 

This is the first branch with just one layer of white spray paint and it's already starting to look snowy!  

The next thing you'll need is snow!  

This is the brand we used, also picked up from Walmart, and it was only $1.50!  Keep in mind that this stuff isn't made to coat your entire tree thickly like flocking, but it adds a soft snowy and textured effect that looks beautiful on top of the already spray painted branches--and it's easy on the wallet!  

Just one layer of spray paint and one layer of 'snow' and the contrast is striking!

You can play around with it and add more layers, you can make it even or you can make it random, a little thicker here, a little less there, it's all up to you!  If you do choose to do this inside (both the white spray paint and the snow), make sure you open a lot of doors and windows and cover your floors if you don't want them getting covered in a layer of powder, haha!  

Here's a close up look of the 'snow' on the branches

The snow will flake off here and there, but more can easily be added if you desire, especially since it's so inexpensive!  You can also use spray glue and sprinkle pieces of fake snow onto the branches if you'd like a thicker snow effect.  Another idea that I had found, but was a more expensive option, was using textured popcorn ceiling patch paint as the 'snow'.  And I may add some glitter to mine later! 

I bought this but have not tested it yet, I'll post updates later if/when I do!  

Once the tree was put back together, I added more 'snow' all over!  

Here you can see some of the powder on the floor (spray outside if you want to minimize clean up!)

Gave my kitty white paws haha!

I'd like to mention that this paint is non-toxic when dry, but use at your own risk and be careful around children and animals.

This tree has multicolored lights built in, I just sprayed over those and when lit up they look more pastel than they did originally.  Since I'm not a fan of multicolored lights, I liked the pastel look more, but went ahead and added clear lights.  I took pictures of both.

Multicolored lights with pastel effect from spray paint

Adding clear lights, I definitely prefer this look!

Now to add ornaments and finish the look!

If you try this, we'd love to see your pictures!  If you've already done something like this before, feel free to share those as well!  If you have any other ideas that aren't suggested here, we'd love to hear them!  :)

I hope you liked this blog, good luck and Happy Holidays!

*Disclaimer, these are just my experiments, feel free to use different brands or products.  I know some paint can be flammable so be careful and do not add lights until it is fully dry.  There are some heat resistant paints I believe if you would rather choose to use those.  We don't plan to leave our Christmas tree lights turned on while we aren't home.  Have fun and be safe!  :)

Change

 I have been through a lot, and there is so much that people don't know about me. I've heard a lot of assumptions from people, both good and bad, about how they think my life seems based on what they have seen on social media. I went through a really rough time in my life a few years ago. Right after one bad relationship ended, another one started. In my vulnerable emotional state I was easily manipulated into thinking that was what I needed. I was fed a lot of lies that I believed.


That person turned into someone I didn't even recognize by the end of the relationship. He told me that I was pathetic and worthless. He acted like my opinions and anything I said didn't matter. He told me that my photography was terrible, and acted as if I would never go anywhere in life without him. He laughed at me after he made me cry and he showed no remorse and no emotions. For a long time, he messed with my head, even after we were no longer together. I've had some bad times in my life, like everyone else, but this one person made me feel a sadness I had never felt before, a hurt so bad that sometimes I can still feel it. I still can not understand how someone could be so cruel and heartless, especially someone who said they loved me.


I've been avoiding talking about this for years, but looking back I am amazed at how much has changed and how far I have come. I gave up so much for him that I lost myself and I've been trying to find myself again for so long. I've done that through various passions, which I've poured my heart and body into. I've pushed myself harder than ever to be happy and free. I used to think that I needed someone to make me happy, but I really just needed to learn how to find happiness in myself.


I've learned that you need to find happiness in yourself before you're truly happy in a relationship with someone else. When you find the person that supports what you do, even if they disagree with it, then you should hold onto that person. Someone that sets restrictions and rules to a relationship and acts like you have no say, is not someone to be with. Don't let false love blind you, no matter how much real love you may feel and give to them. Save it for someone who deserves it, even if that means yourself for a while. There's no point in rushing love and happiness, it will happen.


Things in my life are finally falling into place and there are some big things heading my way. This year is going to be full of even more changes and I've never felt happier in my life! It may seem like things are taking forever to finally work out, trust me I know haha! But it will happen, you just have to work at it and never give up. I've made so many changes and I've surprised myself many times with how strong I've become, both mentally and physically. I've accomplished goals, big and small, that I never thought I could.


  Congratulate yourself on even the smallest of accomplishments. If you try something and you don't like it, don't be discouraged, try something else and keep experimenting with new ideas, whether you enjoy art or a sport, hiking or gaming, do what makes you happy and never give up. :)

Pole Dancing in a Different Light

 

                              Some of you may know by now that I do pole fitness.  If you didn't know that then you may be shocked right now with one of two thoughts going through your head.  You must be thinking A. Oh really? I didn't know you did that!  Or B.  WHAT?!  You're a stripper??  To clarify that question, no.  I am not a stripper.  I do not strip or dance around a pole in lingerie.  I don't work at a strip club.  I do this for fun and for fitness.  Let me go into some detail about the history of pole dancing, BEFORE it was in strip clubs.  (not that anything is wrong with strippers or strip clubs, I am not condemning anyone or their occupation, everyone has a right to do what they want and like no matter what, I just want to clarify my differing situation before assumptions are made)


             
           Pole dancing originated from Chinese Pole, which was a circus act dating back to the 12th century and Indian Pole performances known as " Pole Mallakhamb" 800 years ago.  These forms of dance and athleticism evolved over the years until traveling circuses started dancing around the poles of circus tents in the 1920s.  Pole dancing did not start out as anything sexual or stripper-esque until later in the 1960s, Since then it has been viewed from a sexualized standpoint almost exclusively, when there are other forms of pole dancing including fitness and art.


   




Resources:  Wiki 

History of Pole

Pole History and Info



                    Recently though, within the last few years, there has been an increased interest in pole dancing forms other than stripping and people all over the world are working to explain that and change the views and better explain where pole dancing originated from.  I hope that any of you reading this that are against this type of sport or dance will see it in a different light.  I know how surprised and happy I was to learn that it started in the circus!  Ever since I can remember I have always loved carnivals and the circus.  Since my dad grew up working on a traveling carnival, it comes as no surprise why I love it so much!                                             

                    Pole fitness is a lot of fun and such a great work out.  People aren't kidding when they tell you that!  It will make you sore and realize you had muscles in places you would never think you could have muscles haha!  You will learn how to use your body in ways you never thought possible.  It's almost like dancing, yoga, strength, and cardio all in one centered around a fun form of exercise rather than something that seems more like work than fun.  If you're like me, spinning around and being silly not caring if you mess up or look funny, then you will love it!

                   You will get a LOT of bumps and bruises.  You will mess up, that's unavoidable when you start out.  It takes a ton of time and practice and patience and pain.  There is still so much that I have to learn and that's the best part!  I love learning new things and if a hobby doesn't offer much to learn I'll get bored and move onto the next thing.  Pole dancing and fitness isn't one of those things, it keeps you wanting to learn more and the feeling of accomplishment you get when nailing a new move is such a wonderful feeling!  If you're a girl, you will also have the satisfaction of being stronger than any guys you know that don't pole!  ;)  (haha just kidding.... or am I?)  Watch the video below to see men trying pole moves for the first time, it's guaranteed to make you laugh!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isa1rt_hQIw

           I have always been the type of person who was just a little different than the others around me.  Because of that, I was made fun of and bullied all throughout school and even later when I became homeschooled and sometimes even still do this day!  BUT my parents always told me to never be afraid to be myself.  They taught me that true friends would like me for who I am, and I didn't want people to like me for someone I pretended to be to avoid getting made fun of.  That being said, I was the type of kid to think outside the box and to often break the rules haha!  I loved climbing trees and furniture and just about anything I could get my hands and feet on!  

            I think all of that climbing and running and playing and dancing I did growing up has really played a huge part of my life today.  I've been swing dancing for three years now and I absolutely love it.  But I wanted to do something else, something I could do when I was home alone without a dance partner.  One day about 2 years ago at a swing dance party at my friends house I noticed there was a pole on their back porch.  Not a pole dancing pole, just a support built onto the house, but of course I saw the pole and wanted to spin on it.  So I did.    



          Then everyone was on the pole playing and climbing and spinning.  A few jokes were made about it and we laughed, but who knew I would seriously start doing pole fitness full time?  I started looking into it but didn't really find much, there weren't any classes in Greenville at that time.  So I got my fiance and my dad to help me build my own pole in my tiny messy little room with the intentions of starting up pole fitness.  Life got in the way and I did it on and off without classes, up until about two months ago when I really started.  I have learned and improved so much in those two months and it's made me so happy!



          This year a school opened in Greenville teaching pole fitness called The Pole Academy.  My friend Ally, knowing how much I loved pole, invited me to their intro class.  I took the class and it was so much fun, everyone was so sweet and encouraging!  Even though I knew all of the beginner moves already, they encouraged me to continue and push harder.  They taught me the correct ways to grip the pole, to climb, and to land safely; I took home what they taught me to better myself.  They inspired me to get rid of almost all of the furniture in my room to replace it with more functional storage space so that I had room to pole, do yoga, work out and dance without always bumping into things.  Although it's still not ideal, I make it work and continue to push myself to learn more and stay motivated.


          So if you're thinking about giving pole fitness a try, don't be afraid of what others may think.  There are so many more positives to outweigh the negatives of some ignorant people!  Work your hardest and show off those skills and muscles and ignore the negative people that try and stand in your way!  :)

  Matthew Pautz Photography

                                                               

Sisters!

      So, my little sister's birthday is tomorrow. (Happy Birthday, Shae!!)  She's turning 18 so this is a big one!  It's also the year she graduates from high school!                                                               

    

         When we were growing up, we were very close.  We were best friends and we did everything together.  We played with barbies together, made up games together, went on adventures together, and even got in trouble together.  Okay, we got in trouble a lot.  XD  And it was usually my fault, because I always wanted to do things that were against the rules, haha!  Things like, going down to the creek in our back yard when our mom said it was dangerous, or climbing too high in a tree, going into the 'out of bounds' area of the McDonald's playground, etc.

 

We also argued a lot-and we still do!  We're actually very different from each other so we have a lot of conflicting opinions and ideas.  Our parents would separate us when this happened. We had to go into our own rooms and weren't allowed to speak to each other the rest of the night.  But of course, we would sneak out and play games in the hallway between our rooms anyway and the argument was forgotten.  We would be laughing again in a matter of minutes.  

   We didn't like being separated, even when we disagreed or got angry at each other.  Our friendship meant more than that so it was easy to let it go so we could play and laugh again.  My mom has always said that having a sister is like having a built-in friend. I know, that even through our differences, we will always be friends.
 

       Shae had her interests, and I had mine, they have changed throughout the years, but we still remain friends and I will always cherish those memories no matter how far we grow apart with our differences.  I know we went through a hard time as sisters when going through our awkward teenage phases, but I think now that we are both young adults, we will be able to grow even closer than we ever were before, with time.  :)

         

The Last Dance

           Last night I, along with over two hundred other swing dancers, shared my last dance with the first person I danced with at The Handlebar.  It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that this is the last time I will ever dance on that floor.  As I walked in, I felt the familiar rush of butterflies in my stomach, the same feeling I've felt every day I have danced since the first day I set foot in The Handlebar three years ago.  This time, another feeling washed over me, nostalgia.  I looked around seeing all of the people I have come to know

and love over the years.  There are so many memories within those walls, not only for me, but for so many others!  Paul Hoke has been an inspiration for countless people and events.  I only wish I had known about swing dancing at The Handlebar sooner!  When I was a kid I used to watch people swing dance on tv and I fell in love with it instantly never knowing that just fifteen minutes down the road it would be going on for fifteen years!


          Before I started dancing at The Handlebar, I was going through a very very rough time that I don't like to talk about.  I had lost a lot of people and I felt very alone and heart broken.  I had been betrayed by people I thought loved me, who I thought were my friends.  So when I heard a group of some old friends discussing swing dancing three years ago, I was immediately interested.  They invited me to come along and I went every Tuesday that I possibly could, even when they stopped going.  I have always been a very shy and quiet, introverted person, but I have also always had a love and passion for dance.  Swing dancing allowed me to get the nerve up to come out of my shell and make new friends.  In the past, I would have never been able to accomplish all that I have without swing!  It gave me courage, happiness, and a sense of belonging that I had never felt before.

          Before long I had learned the basic steps and dips and spins and I wanted to learn more!  I wanted to get thrown around and flipped and lifted into the air like I had seen the dancers in old movies do.  I met more and more talented aspiring dancers that I ended up rounding up into a group of friends who all shared our passion and love of learning and dancing together.  Not only did we dance on Tuesdays, but we started dancing wherever we went!  Downtown, in coffee shops, even in Waffle House!  I don't know if he knows it, but Paul had given us all something that we could take with us wherever we went.  Something that we could share with others and teach and learn from!  He also taught us that we don't have to be amazing dancers, we don't have to be perfect, and we don't have to compete, we just have to have fun and spread that joy to others.  He gave us a place we could all fit in and belong and create friendships and long lasting relationships and bonds.

  

           All of this has inspired me to get together and dance for fun, for photos, for videos, to make friends, meet new people, get people together, teach and learn and so much more!  Since I have been going to The Handlebar for Upstate Swing I have had several of my own smaller dance events, whether it was for someone's birthday, a photography or video project, for a holiday, or just for fun!  One of my favorites was a HUGE swing flash mob that was so successful and amazing that I will never ever forget it!  Check out this video, if you haven't seen it already!  

Singer: Wanda Johnson

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wanda-...

           Swing dancing at The Handlebar changed my life, and the lives of many others.  It's sad to see it go, but we all know that swing is not dead, it never was, and it never will be!  Upstate swing on Tuesday nights is not over, because they have moved to a new venue and will still continue hosting dances on Tuesday nights in Greenville!  The memories at The Handlebar will stay with us all.  And Paul, I hope you are reading this, even though my story is small.  I want to thank you, and the entire Upstate Swing team for all that you have done for me, and for all of us, and all that you continue to do.  It has been an honor to dance with you, and to work alongside you, and I hope there will be many more years to do so!

Also, be sure to check out Paul and Greg on this interview with Carolina Now:  http://www.carolinascw.com/story/25250707/upstate-swing-celebrates-15-year-run-at-the-handlebar-with-final-event

What, Why, and How

         My favorite photos, both to admire and photograph, are photos that tell a story just by looking at them.  I also love to shoot photos that are more toward the fashion side of things, such as editorial.  I'm a very eclectic person and artist, so I don't have one particular genre or style I stick with. I like to bounce around according to my mood at the time.  I love editing, and experimenting in photoshop, with different styles, learning new techniques and so on.   I have done some composited images/photo manipulations/digital art, here and there, but they aren't really my favorite.   What I really like is trying to create every aspect of my work in real life.      


  I get such a feeling of accomplishment knowing and being able to say, "Yes, I did do the makeup for this shoot." and "Yes, I made that jewelry." or "I spent days finding the perfect location, or hours setting up a scene for a photo, weeks shopping for the perfect props, etc."  If I want fire, I'll have fire.  If I want a certain location, I will search and search until I find one, and in some cases, create one!   If I want bone jewelry, I will pull a deer carcass off the side of the road and make that bone jewelry!!  (and yes, I really did do that, haha!)  It's all an adventure and I love it.


  Ever since I can remember, I have always loved to create things.  Whether that means, drawing,  sewing handmade cat toys, making origami, practicing makeup on my little sister, etc.  I use to carve sidewalk chalk into creatures and I even made 'paper dolls' out of magnolia leaves from my favorite tree.  My sister and I always had really wild imaginations, and we would make toys or games out of whatever we could find or come up with!  When we played Barbies, I always loved to do all the Barbies hair and outfits, set up their Barbie castle, house, horses, etc. into the perfect scene and then I didn't want to even play the game because of how beautiful it all looked haha!  I used to go outside and pick flowers to make into a bouquet, dress my sister up from head to toe, do her hair and makeup, and have a pretend wedding, or act out a play I wrote with a friend, neighbor, or even a cat haha!                                    

To put it simply, I love to coordinate things.  I love putting things together, organizing, coming up with every single aspect of the photograph all the way down to the nitty gritty details such as (makeup, nails, hair, wardrobe, accessories, props, locations, pose, facial expression, shadows, lighting, etc.) and challenging myself to create as much of it as possible without photoshopping anything in that wasn't actually there.  Yes it can get overwhelming at times and sometimes I have to ask for help, but I love every minute of it.  It is a very wonderful and satisfying feeling to accomplish something that challenges me, especially when it's something that I put together myself.

I like to take time alone to think.  I put everyone else's thoughts and opinions of art and 'rules' of photography out of my head and do what I want, what I view as art, what I think will express me and my thoughts.  I haven't had any schooling in photography whatsoever.  I have been unschooled since the 8th grade, and it's the best thing that could have ever happened to me.  I have a love of learning and a passion that drives me to create.

      I work really hard and put my heart and soul into my photography.  Sometimes I take a long time to create an image, because I'm a perfectionist and I am stubborn but I am proud of my work, and the dedication and determination that I put into each piece.  I create art because I love it, and because it allows me to express myself, to let go completely, and to have fun.  I don't do it for attention, to compete, or to win. I definitely hope others will enjoy it as well, but that isn't really my top priority when I am creating. I don't mean that selfishly, I just mean that is how I feel is the best way to show my way of thinking and seeing when it comes to art.