During National Photography Month in May, focus your attention on sharpening your skills. Master the art of composition or learn how to use that fancy camera you bought. The entire month is dedicated to photography.
How you choose to participate is entirely up to you. While the tools used in photography have changed since its inception some 170+ years ago, the fascination it generates has not stopped. In fact, the more the tools advance, the more we seem to cherish a quality photograph.
Searching archives for a likeness a photographer took of a person or a place years ago that is familiar to us today will leave us awed. Many of us grab our phones to snap a quick photo of some of the strangest things – a delicate leaf in a puddle, an old penny or a frozen bubble. We capture moments in time and collect elements of our lives from the everyday to those landmark events.
Take a class to hone your skills. Learn to preserve your photos or visit a museum to see images of the masters. How will you spend the month? Use #NationalPhotographyMonth to share on social media.
National Tartan Day on April 6th honors the Scottish heritage flowing through the United States.
From its early beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before the Scots declared, “For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
Surprisingly, of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, nine were Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent.
Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Tartan blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artists, experienced leaders, and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States. Try Outlander.
On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155, designating April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day. The day recognizes Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States. The House passed Resolution 41 on March 9, 2005, and George W. Bush signed the Presidential Proclamation on April 4, 2008.
On this day in 1320, Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England. For more information, visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTartanDay
Some parts of the country hold parades, ceremonies, and events. Check local civic websites for any Tartan Day events. Learn more about Scots in America. Wear your tartan and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media. Don’t miss National Unicorn Day, April 9. Unicorns are the National Animal of Scotland. Try it with a Dram. Whiskey is shared as Drams especially in Scotland. So break out the Plaid, settle in with a dram and tune into an Outlander binge watch…
If you’re at home wondering what to do today. Outlander is always worth a binge watch. Truly great idea for both entertainment and in celebration of the contributions of Scot’s in America. See more Outlander here.
On March 6th, observe National Dress Day by reflecting on memorable events when we recall dearest memories by what we were wearing.
Dresses have been worn for hundreds of years. Today, they come in a variety of shapes and designs. From long, mini, fit, and flare to the ball gown and A-line, there are many ways to celebrate. Throughout the years, dress designs have changed drastically! However, they still provide a distinctive look and one-of-a-kind fit adding a level of poise and confidence to any event.
On our most important days, we seek out the perfect dress made for the occasion. Whether it is prom, an interview, a first date, or a big wedding day, National Dress Day will give us all a reason to relive some of our dearest memories. We invite you to celebrate National Dress Day with us on March 6th.
ASHLEYlauren founded National Dress Day to honor all of the ways dresses help us celebrate the significant moments of our lives.
About ASHLEYlauren Since the launch of ASHLEYlauren in 2011, fashion designer, businesswoman, and founder of TEAMfabulous™, Ashley Lauren Kerr has recognized the power of fashion. Immersed in design, intrigued by the latest trends, and influenced by classic silhouettes, she takes great pride in creating dresses that fit a unique style and personality. It is Ashley Lauren’s passion for all things fabulous that motivates her to design a dress line that is both timeless and modern. Follow ASHLEYlauren on Instagram @ashleylaurenme for all things TEAMfabulous™, including gorgeous dresses!
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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDressDay
Visit www.NationalDressDay.com and follow @nationaldressday on Instagram to participate in our countdown. Don’t forget to wear your favorite dress or post your favorite dress memory using #NationalDressDay on March 6th.
Share a photo of your favorite dress – whether it be from the past or present – on social media using #NationalDressDay.
Exercise your problem brain with a puzzle. January 29th is National Puzzle Day.
Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, trivia, word searches, brain teasers or Soduku, puzzles put our minds to work.
Studies have found that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we use both sides of the brain, and spending time daily working on puzzles improves memory, cognitive function and problem-solving skills.
Word searches and crossword puzzles have the obvious benefit of increasing vocabulary and language skills.
Sudoku, a puzzle sequencing a set of numbers on a grid, exercises the brain as well. By testing memory and logical thinking, this puzzle stimulates the brain and can improve number skills.
The bottom line is, puzzles stimulate the brain, keeping it active and practicing its skills.
Started in 2002 by Jodi Jill, National Puzzle Day was created as a way to share her enjoyment of puzzles. As a syndicated newspaper puzzle maker and professional quiz maker, Jodi Jill developed classroom lesson plans especially for National Puzzle Day and the popularity has grown year after year.
National Embroidery Month in February recognizes the talented stitchers who turn needle and thread into an art form.
Since ancient times, humans have left their mark on textiles with colorful threads. Some created elaborate works of art woven into tapestries. Others made ceremonial attire for warriors, priests, and the betrothed.
Over time, embroidery retained its creative expression but also served a commercial purpose, too. Elegant monograms identified business logos cleanly and beautifully. Bold artwork stood out on jackets and caps.
And still, in the arts and crafts world, embroidery filled a niche of handmade items and artwork that commercial embroidery just doesn’t create. Two of the best embroidery skills celebrated together.
NATIONAL EMBROIDERY MONTH HISTORY
National Embroidery Month began in 1992 to promote commercial monogramming and embroidery. However, since then, the observance has spread to hobbyists, museum enthusiasts, and commercial endeavors.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEmbroideryMonth
Celebrate National Embroidery Month by sharing your favorite embroidery items. If you embroider, then you are challenged to create a new piece to share. Find some new colorful threads and patterns to try and get creating! You can also:
Teach someone to embroider.
Take up embroidery for the first time.
Create a one-of-a-kind design.
Give a gift of embroidery
Thank someone who embroiders as a hobby or professionally.
Use #NationalEmbroideryMonth to share on social media.
