Stash Studios

Gone Surfing

2009-07-16T06:00:00-05:00

This chica needs a break. Was jonesing for an adventure and the universe presented one. The whole tribe is hitting the water.

Hasta Luego,

She had good bones

2009-07-15T15:30:11-05:00

Despite all that I have going on right now, the "New Ideas for Old Things" quest continues. I realize that I need to go ahead and take "everyday" out of the masthead tag-line. Let's get real, right? So before I jet out of here on a quick getaway, I wanted to show you what I was working on over Memorial Day weekend.

I needed a multi-purpose desk, music holder, dual-nightstand. Mr Stash could have built one but I set out to get it cheaper. My budget goal was to spend LESS than the wood budget for a new piece.

I came home with this sleek little 50s era beauty (bear with me and overlook that royal blue nubby fabric). Oak veneer. Oversized swivel stool. Did I mention SWIVEL? As in you can sit and spin and spin and spin....All that for Cheap Cheap Cheap.

So I was pretty proud until we got a closer look and realized the ring on the stool was split in two places. The desk was split in about 50 places. The veneer was chipped out in a few more places than I'd originally realized in the dark warehouse space. Suddenly I had just gotten my money's worth.

So Memorial Day weekend was spent...glueing...filling...sanding...clamping...and painting.

Then I recovered the spinning stool with a faux fur and viola - exactly the piece I was looking for. An anchor to a catch-all room that hosts too many toys and miscellany. The desk -nightstand helped transform the room into a multi-purpose playroom, guestroom, music room, study room. You get the idea.

Peace out,

Card Me

2009-07-14T20:14:26-05:00

Very excited to have some new business cards in hand for the Stash Couture venture. Speaking of which, I've got some good news. I now have a mail list manager and when you sign up, you get a coupon for a great savings good through the end of 2009. I'm a one-woman show over here so don't expect to be bombarded with emails, this is just to let you know the minute we post new products or sales. But wait, there's more....

If hide isn't your thing, sign up anyway, I have a ton of vintage materials in studio and am working them into several new products for the fall. This includes a line of boy bags and a design partnership with Chris Brown of Urban Prairie, Fuzz, and Refueled. But wait, there's more....

Since I know we are all feeling the squeeze, I've put a few bags on sale, so check it out. You won't find lower prices on these handmade originals. But wait, there's more....

Finally, I want to give a shout out to the good friends of Stash Studios who have featured our new venture. I love you guys. Grassroots is where it is at. But more than just good karma back to you, I have included a field in the sign-up process for a referral name. For every two people who join our mailing list and list you as their referral, I will give you $1 off. And you can earn up to $50 off on any purchase of $150 or more.

This referral program is valid for the next 47 days only (EXPIRES AUG 31, 2009). Meaning that you've got 47 more days (from today) to help us populate our mail list and earn a great savings. Then you have 6 months to use your savings. And in that time, I can guarantee we are going to launch a few new things including some great boy bags with some fantastic vintage materials that are going to knock you out.

I recommend having your referrals give me either your URL or email so that I can contact you with your totals. I've added a countdown clock on the right. Good luck to us all!

Peace out,

Let Them Eat Pie

2009-07-09T08:30:21-05:00

In case you can't read the sticky note above, it is a quote from David Mamet's play Boston Marriage:

"We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie."

My family of occasional and aspiring musicians had day jobs. The day job for all of us at one time or another was to work in the family business. The family business was a small town Texas lumber yard, construction company, and design studio. I earned my minimum wage in all three areas throughout school. In my down time, I always poured over architecture and design mags. And, if I'd loved math a little more, I always thought I would have been an architect.

Perhaps it is for this reason that I've followed and long admired projects like Samuel Mockbee's Rural Studio and John Bielenberg's Project M Lab. Such programs inspire young designers who want to apply their skills to do good, to be useful, to make a difference, to integrate these things directly into a community so that the community might reap the benefits.

It was out of Project M and a group of dedicated designers that the PieLab sprang up. Built in Greensboro, Alabama from reclaimed building materials and thrift store finds, PieLab cost almost nothing to produce. Inspired by the Free Pie movement, the concept is to provide a place to promote dialogue thus hoping to gain inspiration and new ideas. It brings people together to foster community and creativity through something as simple as delicious as a pie.

Jones makes a great point in a recent Fast Company article by Alissa Walker, "PieLab provides a neutral environment in a traditionally segregated town where people from every race and class are welcome to sit together and talk candidly about whatever is on their mind." The project has been so well regarded that it has recently earned a $40,000 grant.

All photos from Brian Jones' flickr.

Take care and have a slice,

Red Lover

2009-07-08T06:00:00-05:00

I am an unabashed lover of red. It symbolizes fire, passion, creativity, something I fear too many folks live without fully embracing. Of course, I am also a great lover of the calm, cool balance of blue. So, my favored red shots have a blue counter. Something I am intuitively drawn to. Water balances the fire. Keeps the flames in check.

I've been updating my flickr account, finally. And in doing so, have dedicated a set to some of my favorite shots with red. These shots for one reason or another move or inspire me and all shots are from the Stash Studios family. Some you have seen and some have been hidden.

Enjoy,

" | More

Thicker Than Water

2009-07-07T06:00:00-05:00

I've been listening to and loving the soundtrack to Thicker Than Water for the last five years. This week I finally got to see the documentary, Thicker Than Water. Released in 2000 and hailed by Surfer mag as the Video of the Year, TTW was originally a collaboration between surfing champ and (then) USC film student, Jack Johnson (yes, that Jack Johnson) and two school colleagues Chris and Dan Malloy.

The documentary is just a laid back journey surfing round the world - almost a video diary with that fantastic soundtrack I love so much.

In the documentary, Johnson took the opportunity to prove that "surf music" is a subjective term not owned solely by the mainstream music long associated with the sport. You won't find electric instruments and buzzsaw licks. Rather expect "an organically focused, acoustic-center collection that would seem as welcome on a shady creek band as a sunny, wave-lapped beach." - Jerry McCulley via Amazon.com

Perfect viewing and listening for a hot summer day.

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Texas Stars

2009-07-06T09:54:54-05:00

Weekend before last, I had a tremendous opportunity to photograph and hang out with several musicians I admire. It has taken me a while to post because don't want to give away too much about our conversations as my writer brain is formulating stories and angles for the next issue of Refueled Magazine.

Refueled Magazine editor-in-chief, Chris Brown and I headed to Austin on Friday and I shot Monahans at the Mohawk. Their journey to this point spans ten years, two bands, and five prior releases. You don’t need to know that to enjoy their latest album - Dim the Aurora, but it certainly helps to appreciate the achievement. As the follow up to their promising debut Low Pining, Dim the Aurora represents a dynamic landmark for the band’s slow burning evolution.

The following day we covered the famed CityWide Garage Sale, all of South Congress, and downtown, including the fabulous Mercury Design Studio. Then we met up with Amy Cook for a photo shoot and a little hang time to discuss her upcoming album.

It is difficult not to be a little star struck when someone you admire whips out a guitar and starts delivering a mesmeric live acoustic performance. I live for these moments. I can only tell you that I've got a bootleg copy of the rough mixes for her new album and I can't quit playing the tracks in my head. You can go to her site to download one of my favorites - Hotel Lights. For the rest, stay tuned.

Later,

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Sweet Relief

2009-07-05T09:13:00-05:00

Coming from a musical family with one retired drummer and several aspiring singer-songwriters, it is no secret that I have a soft spot for musicians. I recently learned of a charitable organization called Sweet Relief, founded in 1994 by singer/songwriter Victoria Williams. What a fantastic idea. The organization strives to provide financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet due to illness, disability, or age-related problems.

Have a great week,

Gig Bag

2009-06-29T10:41:15-05:00

Spent the weekend in Austin busy working for both of my jobs: Stash Couture and Refueled. I'm still processing all of that so more later. In the meantime, I wanted to show you my favorite Citywide score - a canvas sea bag. Schlepping a tripod and equipment has now become a little easier and a lot cooler.

Later,

Stash Couture launches today

2009-06-19T10:58:26-05:00

At long last, our website for Stash Couture has launched. We decided to branch off of Stash Studios and launch a separate site and brand for the accessories (and future clothing lines). Our bags have been around for a while but until now, they've only been available by word-of-mouth.

Located in the Houston area, we ship globally to qualified buyers. All bags are created in our studio which sometimes gets a little warm (this is Texas, afterall) but is NOT a sweatshop of any sort. Each bag is custom-crafted and hand-riveted by me and will never be duplicated because of the variation in hides. All pelts are new highest quality Brazilian, the same pelts used in modern upholstery and decor.

As I grow my business, I daily try to figure out ways to give back. We were recently inspired by the guy who started Tom's Shoes. So we decided to collect 3.5% per retail sale to donate to Heifer International. This seemed the best way to complete the circle of what we are creating.

Stash Couture is owned and operated by me, Cheryl Schulke. When I'm not in the studios designing bags and clothing (coming soon), you will probably find me behind the lens of a camera shooting for my freelance photography business or Refueled magazine. Continue to follow my Stash Studios blog, check out my fotos on Flickr or get an inside look at my adventures on Facebook.

Have a great weekend,

One Night Only

2009-06-15T08:33:45-05:00

Courtney Smith Barton for Stash Studios by cSchulke

Thus far our artisan bags have only been sold in quiet back rooms. You know, the one down a dark alley, secret knock, a little adrenaline and you are in a brick warehouse sitting around a zinc-top table with a single light bulb dangling from the ceiling. They have been sent across the US and to far away lands like South Africa and Kuala Lumpur.

Cheryl for Stash Studios by Don Weir

Stash Studios will be offering our limited edition artisan hairhide messenger bags this coming Thursday, June 18th at Premier Pilates. Quantities are limited so come early for best selection. There will be cocktails and snacks. Email me if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there,

Seeking Inspiration

2009-06-14T15:56:40-05:00

The photo diary of Hedi Slimane is a consistent source of photographic inspiration. I find whenever I have a shoot lined up, I start to try and feed my creativity by browsing as many photographers as possible.

Have a chill week,

Dear & Yonder

2009-06-08T12:54:36-05:00

malia manuel by john smart

Some of my guy friends are all about hardcore surf and sport. I think there might be the tiniest hint of that edge in the next issue of REFUELED (but you didn't hear that from me). I've long been fascinated by this culture. I love the idea of barefoot travel and beach bonfires. I'm thoroughly inspired by the fashion of this culture and I find as soon as temperatures heat up I begin to dress a lot more like I live on the edge of the ocean with a board at hand.

bird tree on moorea island by tmc

Alas, the waves are an hour from here. Not bad, really. Although I have surfed a bit, I've recently decided that it wasn't nearly enough. So, rather than locking myself away in studio for the summer, I am seeking inspiration from and interaction with this culture and hope to foster a similar interest in Stash Jr. (This shouldn't be too difficult. She has a similar passion for the ocean and has already swam with dolphins and beluga whales and trolled the Turkish coastline for a little body surfing.)

ashley & noah davis by andria lessler

So the hardcore aspect of the sport is fascinating to no end, but I'm seeking female role models for us. I have no doubt that Gidget will be read this summer (yes, it was a book before a tv series). And I was thrilled to find out about Dear & Yonder: Daring Stories of Ladies United by the Sea.

prue jeffries by tmc

The trailer looks captivating. This is not a big theater release. The film will be traveling to various cities this summer. It just so happens that the film will be showing nearby for all my local readers.

Galveston, TX at Saengerfest Park June 27 at 8:30pm

Roxy team surfer Kassia Meador will be on hand for this free outdoor premier with Roxy giveaways.

Cheers,

Mermaid Avenue

2009-06-07T16:19:49-05:00

Okay, it is settled. Can't get California Stars from Mermaid Avenue out of my head, so that's the summer soundtrack. What sealed the deal for me is that the song comes from an album of previously unheard lyrics written by Woody Guthrie then set to contemporary music by Billy Bragg and Wilco.

It was a risky venture but surprised everyone when the album met universal acclaim. What an amazing collaboration. If you've not heard the album, I recommend you check it out. No, this isn't a new album. Came out in 1998, but this isn't exactly a blog all about new things.

"I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight.
On a bed of California stars...."

Have a great week!

Auditions

2009-06-04T10:36:58-05:00

Summer has officially begun. We are looking for a studio soundtrack. Last summer it was Nightswimming by R.E.M., then it was Tandy's album, To a Friend for the fall. Both are hard to top.

So as we initiate summer around here, we are looking for something that suits our creative mood. Haven't decided on the soundtrack yet but thoroughly enjoying rediscovering The Felice Brothers, interesting Americana at its very best.

Enjoy your day,