Spring has Sprung! Assembly Party and New Issue!

Spring issue insides

As those of you in the Twin Cities area know, we have had a pretty unprecedented springtime so far in that spring sprung early with 70 degree temps even before the equinox! Totally unheard of! At any rate, that made putting together our newest issue all that more exciting and difficult. After all, when one is faced with a glorious, sunny 74 degree afternoon off  in mid-March, it is hard to sit in front of a computer, even if it does mean laying out the most fabulous artistic expressions by creative women, when the patio at the Rail Street is calling.

Still, in huge part due to our resident advice columnist, Sheila, and the friendly folks at Paradigm Course Resource, everything was finished on time for our wicked Spring 2012 assembly party!

Laura poses with some of our finished products (including the most fabulous calf/goose/hat issue that was deemed so amazing, it could not be sullied by the "C.L.A.P. " strip)

The warmth, and the springtime shower, of the evening was perfect as a great group of women put together our newest issue in the common area at Yeti Records (a huge thanks once again to Jake and Lisa Luck for all their support!). Another huge thanks to all those who participated: Stephanie Ratanas, Laura Kling, Sheila Frankfurt, Molly Harrington, Shieva Salehnia, Lisa Luck, Ryn Gibson, and our newest C.L.A.P.per, Elana Polichuk! Stay tuned for more details on our Spring issue, upcoming events (including the Is/Is album release on April 13th at the Turf Club also featuring regular C.L.A.P. contributor Molly's band Heavy Deeds!), our updated contributors listing and some great pieces from our Spring issue!

Cats are weird. And cool. Selections from Stephanie's collage materials as taken from an 80's Cat Fancy Magazine.

Also, for those wanting to get in on the next issue (out June 20th), the theme, as suggested by Elana, will be WIERD THINGS.

Winter 2011 C.L.A.P. Out NOW (like a month ago)!

As many of you probably know from my recent email responses, things have been a bit nuts at C.L.A.P. headquarters—so much so that I am just now able to properly introduce our Winter 2011 issue! 

Sydney Doran's four ladies cover

Caitlin Skaalrud's cover

Jocelyn Chase's original artwork

This issue's cover features the drawings of three talented, lovely women: Jocelyn Chase (I am not this/that), Sydney Doran (four women) and Caitlin Skaalrud (single woman). 

As our theme for this issue was "Our Bodies, Ourselves," many of the articles revolved around topics related to our physical beings: living gluten-free, winter biking, discussions about diets, affordable at-home spa treatments, straddling the divide between American and Persian culture, and more. This issue was also the perfect time to debut our new women's health column, "Vagina Speak."We also have some of the usual suspects: Lillith Fair Fan 696969's column, Hot Roxx mix-tape listing and hair-do, Dear Sheila, and recipes. 

Vagina Speak! All about your moon cycle!

A page from Jen Hughes' grunge hair style tutorial

LilithFairFan 696969's comic + Dear Sheila

Join the "Cool Club" and powerful lady compliments

Want to get your hands on a copy? They are currently available at both Everyday People Clothing Exchange locations, Yeti Records and soon to be at Boneshaker books! Stay tuned for more locations as well! Not in the Twin Cities area? Have no fear—the C.L.A.P. Etsy account is here! To get your paws on a copy of the new issue, out of towners should check out our listing here. 

Contributors from this issue are encouraged to get in touch with us to pick up their free issue, if they haven't already! Stay tuned for info about contributing to our Spring 2012 issue as well! Deadline is March 1st, 2012, the theme? COMMUNITY! 

First ever C.L.A.P. mixer beats the winter blues!

Now that things are getting back in order for us here at C.L.A.P. (more details about the winter issue, and how to get your hands on a copy...plus how to pick up your complimentary copy if you contributed to that issue soon to come!), I am pleased as punch to announce that, by my standards, our first ever C.L.A.P. mixer was a success!




Despite the cold temps, we had a great turn out and an even greater group of "performers": a huge thanks to Bernadine Ophelia (C.L.A.P. contributor Molly Harrington's solo project, along with special guest, Chad Hilgenberg on banjo and tambourine) and the Burglars (featuring C.L.A.P. contributor Shieva Salehnia) for their jams, Hot Roxx (C.L.A.P. columnist Jen Hughes) for breaking out her vinyl collection and djing all night long, C.L.A.P. contributors Sheila Frankfurt (our "Dear Sheila" advice columnist) and Ryn Gibson for reading selections of their written works, AND Littlefoot for showing her 2006 Italian short film La Casa Che Fa Tutto Per Te (The House That Does Everything For You) (what can't this woman do????). PLUS we had the fabulous Lisa Luck doing five minute portraits all night long (a doubly huge thanks to her and husband Jake for offering up the Yeti space for the evening), beer courtesy of Great Waters brewing (thanks again Chad) and a whole lotta love from everyone involved.




Here are some select shots from the evening, for more, be sure to check out our Facebook album here.

"Dear Sheila" columnist Sheila Frankfurt reads from some of her columns.

A peak at some of Lisa's works from the evening.

Bernadine Ophelia (C.L.A.P. contributor Molly Harrington) and special guest Chad H. started off the evening's festivities. 

The Burglars wow the crowd, despite having their van towed (bummer). 

Mixer attendees get their five minute portrait painted by Lisa Luck.

Jen Hughes of Hot Roxx, a regular C.L.A.P. contributor, kept the tunes spinning all night.

C.L.A.P. contributor Ryn Gibson reads from her upcoming novel while C.L.A.P. columnist Steph Nelson gets her portrait painted.

Fitting vinyl purchased at the end of the evening. Thanks Yeti Records for all your support! 

Thanks again to all the performers and attendees! What a great way to show your support for creative ladies!

Solar Jar DIY

Maybe it is due to the days getting darker and colder, but as I have been grasping for warmth and light, I suddenly remembered—doh! We had a great DIY for solar jars, by Erin Duffey, this summer that we (well, more accurately, I) was supposed to post with pictures! DOH!

So, even if our backyards might no longer be places to hang out, follow Erin's instructions for some beautiful little lights that will brighten up the darkness!

Drying jars!

Mod Podge—a crafter's best friend!

Jar top + solar lid = almost there!

Brillance! No more dark days! 

Call for Art!

Are you an artist specializing in simple line drawings? Or do you just love to doodle? Regardless of where you see yourself on the self-appointed "artist spectrum," we want your work!

C.L.A.P. is currently looking for simple black and white line drawings/images to adorn the cover of our Winter 2011 issue. Ideal designs would reference this issue's theme of "Our Bodies, Ourselves" and would lend themselves to easy photocopying. Depending on how many submissions we get, we may be able to feature multiple images on the cover and/or run them within the zine itself.

If you are interested, or have any questions/comments about art submissions, email us at creativeladiesarepowerful@gmail.com! Images must be submitted by December 1st, 2011 to be considered for the cover.

C.L.A.P. Features: Miller Upholstering

In the spirit of supporting and promoting creative women, we are starting a new project on the C.L.A.P. blog called "C.L.A.P. Features." For it, we will be showcasing independent female-friendly businesses, organizations and individual creative types that are hip to the C.L.A.P. mission. 


I am very excited to present, for our first "C.L.A.P. Features" post, Helen Miller of Miller Upholstering. I first met Helen when she swung by the C.L.A.P. booth at a show we were sponsoring at the Kitty Cat Klub a few months ago. She was very enthusiastic about the zine and bought a couple to send to her daughter in London. A while later, she contacted C.L.A.P. about carrying the zine at her shop, Miller Upholstering, and is now one of our vendors. 


With that, I am pleased to present one of C.L.A.P.'s biggest supporters, Helen Miller of Miller Upholstering! 

The shop!

How and when did you start your business?

2001 – started as a result of not being able to be “hired”  in an established interiors/upholstery workroom at a living wage.  Also wanted more authority and creative license than such a position would have afforded.  Wanted to combine professional workroom practices with a craft/fiber-arts approach and see both disciplines have a place in home decoration.

A sample of the fabrics Miller Upholstering carries

What services or products do you offer that readers of C.L.A.P. would be interested in?

•FABRIC ! (new and vintage) and a go-to source of know-how in interior/domestic arts.

I assist the DIY’er with supplies and instruction as well as take custom orders for upholstery and soft home furnishings.  Vintage restored furniture and one-off cushions and fabric are for sale in shop and millerupholstering store on etsy. 

Helen at work

What is the best thing (or things!) about your job?
 

Full-on, hands-on arts and crafts every day, the study of interiors, furnishings, textiles thru the ages, the endless surprise of weave and pattern and how they work for or against certain frames (clothing constructionists know about this too), finding notes, photo’s, money and toys in furniture, redecorating the shop, THE WINDOWS!, playing great music in the shop, not having a boss make me listen to KQ or BOB-what is that?102?, counting my moneybags, watching my bank account rise (and fall – witnessing and learning the direct result of my endeavors) – oh and so I don’t sound completely self-indulged,  the sight of people reunited with their restored/reupholstered piece of furniture  - tears of joy, gasps of disbelief, pride of ownership and pleased with their decision to reupholster (no buyer’s remorse here!)

More of Helen's cute space

What advice do you have for other creative women interested in starting their own business?

Be ready to hunker down for a long slog – plan, and have as much capital as you can, because if you shoe-string it, you will be hating life.  But if you shoe-string it anyway – try and have a good time…enjoy yourself 100% or it ain’t worth it.  Have your support systems in place, i.e. mentors,  smart advisors (as opposed to ignorant advisors – and know the difference!), friends, etc.  Be adaptable, pay attention, cross-promote and be friends with other businesses, be good to your customers, treat them like gold,  KNOW WHO LIKES YOU ON FACEBOOK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM – if they are fellow or neighboring businesses LIKE THEM BACK if you deem them worthy.  Eat well and get a good nights sleep.  Don’t forget to exercise.

Anything else you would like to add?

Have no regrets – it’s a journey, not a destination, right? 


To find Miller Upholstering:  


Miller Upholstering

3614 E. Lake St. Mpls MN 55406

612-729-1841

helen@millerupholstering.com

www.millerupholstering.com

Girl A Whirl Re-cap AND Sweet MPLS.TV Article!

The second Girl A Whirl went off without a hitch! To check out all the highlights, be sure to check out Yeti Record's photo album of the event here.

ZINES! 

Bad Ass! 

The lady behind it all—Mrs. Lisa Luck! 

C.L.A.P. contributor Littlefoot plays as a potential future C.L.A.P.per looks on! 

Also very exciting: Lisa Luck (curator of Girl A Whirl, co-owner of Yeti Records and regular C.L.A.P. contributor) was interviewed by Lacey Prpić Hedtke of the Zine Apothecary for MPLS.TV about Yeti's new local zine section. Check out the interview here and be sure to swing by the store to pick up some of the other sweet publications our neighbors have been putting out there.

C.L.A.P. Sponsors: Girl A Whirl!

Mark your calendars for the second Girl A Whirl THIS SATURDAY, November 5th! From 5 pm to 10 pm, Yeti Records will be rocking with the sounds of local lady bands Jaded Matron (Gibbous & Tabitha Sheets), IS/IS, Littlefoot, Cadette and Brute Heart! Hear dj sets by the fabulous (and regular C.L.A.P. contributor) Jen Hughes of Hot Roxx and Carol (Double Trouble)! AND....witness the unveiling of Yeti Record's new ZINE SECTION!!!!! It is going to be totally bodacious. 


 C.L.A.P. is sponsoring this sweet  FREE event, curated by the fabulous artist/record store owner/regular C.L.A.P. contributor Lisa Luck. Since she is the mastermind of this event (and really funny), I wanted to get the inside scoop on Girl A Whirl, how it came about and what attendees can expect. We were finally able to catch up and I got it! The scoop!

Q.How did Girl a Whirl come about? A. Well Holly, let me tell you. The first Girl A Whirl came to be  on Yeti Record's first Record Store Day. It just so happened, that  my business partner (aka my husband) was out of town. I knew  I wanted to do something with pizzaz. I also knew I love girl  bands. So tada! I put together "Girl A Whirl". A rad lady band extravaganza! Q. When was the first one, what happened at it? RSD, 2011. April 16th. 4 radical instores occured. Girl Germs DJed.  We gave away some raffles.... and had a big ole 45' Sale. It was  awesome. Q. What can we expect from this Girl A Whirl? More Awesome, this year 5 radical lady bands. Also the unveiling of  our new Zine Section. 4. What are you most excited about for Girl A Whirl? I am excited to hear the bands! Something great about having a  record store is getting to put together shows. I get to see 5 of my  fave bands perform and host a party. I like hosting. In fact  every time someone comes to the store, I feel like they are at my  house and I want to offer them a martini. Also the Zines. I mean come on. How great are Zines! 5. How do Girl a Whirl and C.L.A.P. fit together? How do they not? Creative Ladies are powerful dudes and dudettes.  Also some of the contributors to C.L.A.P. are involved musically.  Jen Hughes is Djing and Steph Onasis Nelson plays in Cadette. Cool right? 6. Tell me about Yeti’s new zine collection! So many people have been bringing them in. It is so exciting! From  cooking, to music interviews, fashion.. art .. humor. It's so great  and it's so local. For more info on Girl A Whirl, check out the event page here and  stay tuned for a recap of all the radical happenings that took place!

Dear Sheila: When the "news" is too much

   In the spirit of playing catch up, here is our second installment of "Dear Sheila," from the Summer 2011 issue of C.L.A.P. Have a burning question you'd like Sheila's advice about? Just email it to: sheila.frankfurt@gmail.com!                                                                   
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                             
Dear Sheila, 

Everytime I pay attention to the news, I feel so depressed, I just want to curl up and die, but I want to stay informed! How can I be aware of what is happening in today's world without it ruining my day? 

-Lovin' Ted Turner

Shoot; well, this is a tough one. What I sense, lurking behind your question, is the burden of trying to meet competing, and inchoate, expectations for yourself and the world. 

As a thinking woman, it sounds like you feel you have a responsibility to be informed about the world. As a feeling woman, you have a quite a task just keeping yourself sane in a quickly maddening world. Once again, let's take a Socratic approach to your dilemma . . . what are your expectations for yourself? What does it mean to be informed, in this globally connected world? How do you know if you're informed? Sometimes, when we're missing a metric to let us know whether we're on the right path or not, trying to fulfuill personally meaningful expectations can become a Sisyphean struggle. 


Perhaps, though your handle doesn't reflect this, you feel that major mainstream news organizations are shit and don't reflect reality on the ground (sorry for pissing on T^2). Your sense is, of course, correct->major network and cable news have more in common with fantasy novels than reality most of the time. But where does that leave you? Trapped in a hall of mirrors, in which reality is quickly bifurcated into a senseless nightmare? NO! Here are some alternative news feeds that give relatively unbiased news and current events: Jim Lehrer Newshour, on PBS; the BBC newsfeed tends to cover the whole world, and has an interesting perspective on U.S. events; for politics, Politico.com is a huge clearinghouse of all the Beltway derring-dos without much editorializing. 


 I would suggest that your responsibilty can be fulfilled in a personal, creative, and meaningful manner. What role do you want to have in your world? Do you want to make informed consumer choices, and make an effort to buy local and ethically sourced products? Then keeping informed about current production practices and local business movements would seem to be important. Is a certain region of the world or conflict particularly salient or pressing to you? Focus your attention on news surrounding that area AND focus your activist energies on getting involved in organizations, demonstrations, education, etc that will increase your agency in the world. Truly, what is more depressing than seeing a miserable world and not being able to do anything about it. But, let's remember, CREATIVE LADIES (of all stripes, creeds, genders, ethnicities, and orientations) ARE POWERFUL!!! 



P.S. Look, I'm a closet Goth too, so I understand the urge to indulge your miserable side by picking scabs, watching Fox News, and listening to old Placebo CDs. There's a time and place for everything. But unless you want to live in your bat-infested basement, leaving only to tie one on at Ground Zero, you'll have to learn when to say when. 

BUSINESS MAGIC WOMEN Working 9 to 5 (and then 5 to 10): Let’s Start a Business

Steph Nelson does it again! In this third installment of Business Magic Women (from our Fall 2011 issue), she tackles the subject that so many creative types are now struggling with—doing work you love while also working that other job to pay the bills. Check it out! 

By S.O. Nelson

By this point, we all know that times are tough in the employment world. Recent graduates are having a hard time finding work.  Experienced professionals are being laid off.  As an example, I am an attorney who graduated from law school three years ago.  It has not been easy entering a market with an oversaturation of attorneys and a lack of open positions.  Instead of sitting behind my desk with my face in my hands, I have been re-thinking my career plans.  I want to self propel! I am shifting my focus from legal practice into legal writing and I am also starting to build a prototype of a law firm that I will eventually open.  Additionally, my husband and I are considering starting a food truck business!

In this time of economic turmoil, starting your own business might seem scary.  But it might also be the best option – not only for your future career goals but for your mental health! Here are some reasons why starting your own business is a GOOD idea:

1) It will keep you happy.  This is your project.  You are calling the shots. Starting a business makes a boring day job more tolerable because you will be humming with ideas inside your head.  Building a business will keep you busy while you are unemployed (see #2).  Your project will be a light at the end of a doldrums tunnel. 

2) It will keep you busy.  Idle = unhappy.  Let’s face it, being busy keeps us from worrying.  When you are working on something you love, you’ll get lost in the moment.  It is a great feeling.  A creative lady in 2011 could use some lost moments for sure.

3) It will keep you focused.  Maybe you want to start a jewelry business.  But along the way, you realize that you would rather market the wares rather than bead a necklace.  Starting your own project will help you narrow down exactly what you’d like to do best.

4) It will lead to greater things! If anything, building a business will lead to some new friends and contacts, some new experiences and absolutely new ideas for more projects.

As additional inspiration, there are oodles of rebel women writing blogs about taking their careers into their own hands.  Do what you want to do and succeed! As a start, check out: Cordelia Calls It Quits, The Middle Finger Project and Brazen Careerist.