Luck, LeSportsac and the Artistic Flair of Mary Blair

Recently, I entered one of those Facebook giveaways.  You know the drill, you comment, like or share in order to get a chance at some sort of a prize.  I do this stuff all the time (sorry FB feed friends).  Well, this time I actually won.  No, I don’t know how many others entered.  I don’t care. I WON!

This particular prize just happens to be something very near and dear to me … a LeSportsac duffel bag.  Okay, so duffel bags aren’t really all that near and dear to me.  It’s the artwork that’s on the bag, as well as the story behind it, that I adore so much.

LeSportsac and the Walt Disney company have teamed up to honor the message of peace, harmony and beauty that is embodied in the artwork of Mary Blair.  The collection features several styles of bags depicting scenes from the various countries, or rooms, of the Small World ride.  My particular bag is from the Holland section.  I believe that it is the large weekender bag, and the pattern is called Well Wishes.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Mary Blair was a Disney artist and “Imagineer.”  She is the creative spirit and talented paintbrush behind the art of many of Disney’s best-loved movies and attractions, including “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and the whimsical “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Mary Blair also did work on several commercial advertising projects such as Dutch Boy Paints, Bakers Instant Chocolate and Hanes Underwear.  All have that same colorful exuberance and chubby-cheeked childlike look of the Small World characters.

I should probably also mention that Small World is one of my favorite rides at Disney World.  I love the color, concept and creativity of the ride as well as the happiness and spirit behind the creation of it.  Yes, and the music.   It’s my ringtone.  Don’t laugh.

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears / It’s a world of hopes, it’s a world of fear / There’s so much that we share / That it’s time we’re aware / It’s a small world after all.”

While the duffel bag is a bit big to carry around the theme parks (for me, anyway), it would make a great carry-on or overnight bag.  Measurements are 13.75 inches tall by 20.75 inches long and 10 inches wide.

The fabric is lightweight and kind of “silk-like” (does that make sense?), but appears to be very sturdy.  There are zippered pockets on either side and at both ends.  Sunscreen, sandals, pens, small notebooks and cosmetic pouches could fit into these roomy spaces.  The interior is gigantic.  It can easily hold several towels or a couple of days worth of clothes.  It would also make a great gym or beach bag.

The bag has removable shoulder straps for those that prefer carrying it by the handles.

From the LeSportsac hang tag …

“Walt Disney and UNICEF began their relationship in 1964 when Disney created one of the world’s most beloved attractions, “it’s a small world: A Tribute to UNICEF,” for the New York World’s Fair.  “It’s a small world” strikes a chord with people who recognize that there is just one moon and one sun, and in spite of the oceans and mountains that divide, we are all here together to share this earth and take care of each other.  The Walt Disney Company continues to embrace childhood and is proud to celebrate UNICEF on behalf of “it’s a small world.”

 

Before I forget, I just want to give a big shout out to the blog that posted the contest in the first place…Onezumiverse.com.  If you get a chance, check it out.  Oni is an artist, blogger and educator who writes about haunted attractions, theme parks and other quirky events and attractions (and her art reminds me of Mary Blair).  She has an awesome review of the LeSportsac bags that can be found by clicking right here.  Thank you, Oni!

You can read more about Disney-themed bags by surfing on over to my post entitled It’s All in the Bag.  Meanwhile, I will be enjoying my Small World LeSportsac bag.

If you happen to feel the urge to run out and purchase a LeSportsac bag of your own (I know I did after reading Oni’s original review – thank goodness for giveaways), you can peruse their pouches at LeSportsac.com.

“There is just one moon and one golden sun / And a smile means friendship to everyone / Though the mountains divide / And the oceans are wide / It’s a small, small world.”

 

 

 

Disclosure: While the author did receive this item as a prize giveaway, there is no compensation for this review, nor is it endorsed by any of the above mentioned companies.  All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.