Looking for a last minute gift? Local artisan Mamie Turner creates treasures

Turner

Blythewood resident Mamie Turner was raised with a do-it-yourself attitude. She says that perhaps her woodworker father instilled his artistic talent in her along with the desire to put her own spin on things. And Turner has passed that same “make it my way” passion to her daughter, Tamara Day. The pair, members of the Blythewood Artists Guild, find painting together a relaxing hobby.

The mixed-media duo have been creating decorative signs with sayings for seven years. Most unique about Turner and Day’s work is their passion for turning discarded items into beautiful décor, even creating wind chimes out of old silver wear.

While vacationing in Edisto this past summer and sorting through items they found along the shore, a new idea was hatched. Turner and Day saw the broken oyster shells that most would abandon or discard as an opportunity to create art. Through the work of Turner and Day, the collected shells transformed into Christmas ornaments and necklaces.

Hand painted items made by Turner and Day range from $8 (ornaments) to $35 (painted boards) and can be purchased at Blythewood Consignment in Blythewood and Cotton Yard Market in Ridgeway.

Contact: (803)960-6669