the Post project

March 7, 2010 by Aimee

the Post project is something I’ve been planning for about 3 months. The short version: I love mail; the cards and letters I receive from friends and family. “The Post” in this project means “Postal”. Each month there will be a new addition to the Post project here on Creativitae by way of a FREE printable that can be mailed “the old fashion way” to a loved one; write a thoughtful letter or your favorite inspirational quote. Hey, you could even toss a lottery ticket in there, give someone a thrill! Remember when you got your very first letter or postcard in the mail? Mine was from Mrs. Moulton (my babysitter) I was four, there was a dolphin on the front of the postcard. Maybe you were lucky enough to have pen pal? My hope is to bring a little bit of that magic back into our lives.

The first printable in this series is a note card: fleur by fleur. It’s sized to fit an A2 envelope and can be personalized. Open the file into Acrobat Reader and select the type tool. Then click on the “personalize here” field, highlighting the text (it currently says “hello beautiful”). You can put your name in there or any phrase that suits your recipient: Thank You, I Love You, Miss You…anything.

Now, the second part of this project is all about Y-O-U. Do you want to receive a little something special from me in your mailbox? You won’t know when it’s coming, but one day…maybe when you’ve had a bad day (or week!) you’ll come home to find a little something special from the Post project in your mailbox telling you how truly wonderful you are (because you are!). I’ve got 100 openings for 2010. Please email me at hello(at)creativitaeblog.com and let me know if you’d like to sign yourself and/or a friend up (I solemnly promise NOT to stalk you and I will NEVER share your info). If you have a blog and want to promote the Post project, feel free to link to this post. If you send or receive something from the Post project, let me know, I’d love to hear about it! Your printable is below. Right click to download (or option click for mac). You’ll find the Post project badge in the sidebar with the Creativitae badge soon. Now go to the post office and buy some cute stamps!!!

fleur by fleur notecard

[artwork © Aimee Elizabeth McEwen]

[FREE printables are for personal use only. Not for commercial use.]

all you need is…

February 24, 2010 by Aimee

I hope everyone takes a moment today to hug someone dear,
hold them close and say I love you.

[images link to source on flickr]

love, love, love.

February 14, 2010 by Aimee

cute overload strikes again!

Bailey doesn’t know how close he came to having one of these on his head today! Rough day so far for me, fell halfway down the stairs. Nothing is broken, just not used to wearing socks in the house. It’s still really cold here. I’m ready for spring.

I’m having a bit of girl-time with my BFF today and I’m super excited. Good movies and good food. Sweet.

[image from cute overload, links to site]

goodness :: to write love on her arms

February 8, 2010 by Aimee

To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. ~TWLOHA.com

A few weeks ago stumbled onto this non-profit’s website: To Write Love on her Arms (TWLOHA). After reading about their Vision I was struck by how closely it matched many of the things I remind myself when I’m feeling less than happy (i.e. depressed). I know that depression is a convenient blanket term for “not being happy”. We all feel it from time to time. With the way our society operates, the pressure to be perfect, happy and normal makes being depressed or having problems coping unacceptable; something to hide and be ashamed of. This stigma and shame prevents people from seeking the treatment they need. It also seems that so many people have had their own “problems” or “bad childhoods” that we are desensitized to the pain of others, as if suffering is commonplace. The first part of TWLOHA vision states:

You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you’re part of a bigger story. You need to know that your life matters.

There are many ways you can donate to TWLOHA and participate in the movement. I’m leaning toward the T-shirt with the print you see above, you’ll find it in the online shop. You can also join the Street Team or donate directly to the cause via Paypal.

If you are suffering with depression, visit the site’s Find Help section. TWLOHA can be the bridge that leads you to resources that can give you hope. Because you matter, and you are not alone.

[image from TWLOHA]

tokens of love {and friendship}

February 3, 2010 by Aimee

Remember when you were little and first learned how to make friendship bracelets? I must have made hundreds of perfect little bracelets (I was a bit obsessive). This was waaay waaaaaay before YouTube which, thankfully, has a ton of videos for tweens and, ahem, crafty grown ups like me. I’ve searched out some glammed up alternatives for those who’d like to give (or receive) one of these sweet tokens of friendship on Valentine’s day.

I love these pieces above by Erica Weiner, the bracelet says “I LOVE YOU” in the links (better detail on her site). The “forget me not” ring is so sweet. And check out the bevy of very cool, unisex bracelets at ScoshaNYC (below).

You cannot go wrong with hearts on “strings”!

[images link to their source]

We Love Hue Too, Brightside Project

February 1, 2010 by Aimee

I just want to take a moment to let you know about The Brightside Project’s February launch. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s all about color. If you haven’t yet visited this fabulous site (you poor thing!) please go there right now! There are amazing giveaways held daily. Today’s gem is from Le Creuset and it’s in a dazzling hue of blue called “Caribbean”. Now shoo, off with you to bask in the loveliness.

[image via The Brightside Project]

merry + bright :: handmade holidays

December 10, 2009 by Aimee

I’m still in holiday mode, just a few more Christmas items will go into the shop this weekend and then I’ll be getting ready for Valentines day. I live in Florida and we’ve had warmer temperatures this week (High 70′s). It’s a tad difficult to stay christmassy when it’s so warm. But with the house all decorated and a daily dose of hot chocolate, I’ve been managing just fine. This holiday will be pared down a bit. There’s just not enough cash flow to afford a big hurrah of gadgety gifts or big parties. I’m planning on handmade gifts this year so I’m combing the web for ideas and I’ve been rewarded with plenty of how-to’s. Printables are awesome gifts and I will definitely be giving those to loved ones this year as well as the other goodies I’ve planned. I found this self promo by Little Brown Pen yesterday via The Brightside Project. LOVE IT! I also found some GREAT Ideas on MarthaStewart.com. (that’s of no surprise!) So I’ll be gearing up to get my craft on this weekend! I’d share them with you but that would spoil the surprise for the recipients…who would see them on here or via facebook! I’ve pulled some christmassy clips for you instead, enjoy!

[Clips from YouTube]

Etsy love :: deck the halls

November 27, 2009 by Aimee

Happy Thanksgiving and shopping frenzy Friday my peeps! I’ve pulled together some of my favorite Etsy items for those, like me, who decorate the weekend after Turkey day. This weekend I’ll be pulling out boxes from the closet under the stairs so that I can set up my Christmas cheer. Etsy is a great place to find inspiration, I’m in love with garland (or bunting) this season. Enjoy your holiday everyone!

Metro Retro Designs

Nesta Home

Sunshine and Ravioli

Tangled Things

the tiny house

Tippy’s Textiles ‘n Stuff

[images link back to their source on Etsy]

goodness :: breast cancer awareness

October 6, 2009 by Aimee

It seems everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Friends, family, co-workers, ourselves. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I wanted to spread the word. If you’d like more information about Breast Cancer and how you can help please visit Cancer.org to find out about events in your area. According to the American Cancer Society: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Right now there are more than 2½ million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Early detection is key. Monthly Breast Self Exams are an important tool. There is a free downloadable Breast Self Exam (BSE) Guide available on the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website which tells you what methods of detection are best for your age group. Click HERE to visit page for PDF download. There is also an interactive Step by Step Breast Self Awareness guide that can be viewed by visiting this page.

Here are some other sites you may want to check out and remember to check back here on Creativitae this week for a special Etsy Love feature.

creativitae series :: look up {8}

October 5, 2009 by Aimee

In case you missed it, last week’s topic was Take Measure, there was a FREE printable Take Measure List posted for those that wanted to participate or maybe you just like FREE printables and cute lists (like me!). I had only a few goals for myself today: get at least some of my laundry done, rest, and not to work too hard given the fact that I worked Saturday and Sunday. I slept waaay in and when I got up I went over to “The Mat” and did two loads of laundry. I was feeling a bit peakid and the Martha Stewart living (Oct. 2007) was making me feel hungry (and inadequate!) so I decided to fold my still damp laundry and head over to the local grocery to see if I could find some sustenance. I narrowly avoided purchasing the giant cranberry colored mums on display at the entrance and made my way past the pies and the wine. I’m on a strict budget lately and all those items have been excluded indefinitely. I bought my lunches for the week, some sushi and a gallon of green tea for my date tonight with the newest episode of Heroes. All of which has led me to this week’s lovely Look Up topic:

Be Well.

If you are anything like me, you have a zillion things going on in your head and nearly none of them involve eating or the possibility of planning to have a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I just get preoccupied and forget…then I crash…and burn. I’ve taken steps to improve my fiscal fitness and now I want to carry that theme though to my physical fitness. All research on this topic leads to food… and eating habits. Once I read that a balanced diet with at least 100% of your daily vitamins and minerals helps to boost thought processes (and creativity!) I was sold. I’m starting my eating schedule this week, next week’s topic will be related to this one so I’m sure you can guess what it will be about.

Last week I had fun with the Take Measure printable list so I’m including another one. This printable is a fill in the blank I made up for myself to plan/track my meals. I’ve set it off to the right of the page since I will be 3-hole punching the sheets and putting them in a 1.5″ three-ring binder. The PDF has 5 pages: blue, green, pink, purple and orange. Right click the link to download (Macs: option click).

be well