you betcha!

...life is still moving forward but the blog is a bit dated/slow or will be while we experience new life and late nights (yawn) for a few weeks.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Printable Housing???

A University of Southern California engineer and his colleagues are developing a 3D printer for houses.

Called Contour Crafting, the system spits out layers of concrete to build a structure from the bottom up. Caterpillar, the worlds largest manufacter of construction equipment is sponsoring the research. Read the full article here.

----------
Source:
BoingBoing, A Directory of Wonderful Things
Posted by David Pescovitz, September 3, 2008 9:29 AM

Why Nots...

Afraid to be upfront with your thoughts? or do you just refrain because you want to be a "good" person? Sometimes you just have to let go!

Why not send a Why Not notecard and let someone know exactly what you're thinking.
















Check them out here...They're new in the shop!

Agapanthus Note Flats

(Drum Roll)
...Welcoming back a popular item from my online shop, the Agapanthus Note Flats. These note flats come in two colors - terra and smoke. Note flats can be personalized or not and sent as a gift to that special friend or keep a set for yourself!

Check them out: terra or smoke

Refresh :: Renew

I've been snail blogging for quite a bit now - no ones fault but my own - work, life, family, etc. I guess you could say one of my New Years Resolution for 08' was a flop! Okay so maybe not - I do twitter with friends, crafters, artists & designers - that has to count for something. Ya think? I'll wait five minutes for a response (smile).

Well no one responded...

With the above being said I'd like to apologize to anyone that's been following the a-iek blog or attempting to. I am tying up loose strings and body parts so we can get ourselves back in order to blog more often...refreshing & renewing is what I am calling it. So hang in there (note to self also), we're still here!

As always thanks for everyones continued support and well wishes!

Birthdays

...so today is the big day well meaning in birthdays. I'm not really sure how I feel about turning ** but let's just say turning 30 was easy. What makes my feelings a bit more strange, funny, or just plain crazy is:

1. I totally forgot my birthday was coming up
2. the fact that my coworker sent me a card which reads:

AND
3. today after telling me happy birthday, my mom told me she was still 25...

Can you say...

Celtics 131, Lakers 92 (F)

(and yes I am excited)

Hey...

Ya'll (that's southern).

I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I've been out about traveling and working hard for the past three weeks. So if anyone's been wondering...I'm back and it's hot...but I have Coldplay, Viva La Vida or repeat so I'm 'A' okay!

...because Erin made me do it!!!!

Okay, so I just finished checking out Design For Mankind and there's a post on "blogger cribs" - bloggers and their refridgerators. As I read the blog I notice that Erin and I have something in common...our refridgerators!!! Ouch!!! Okay maybe not ouch, but how cool! Now I honestly don't feel bad about my fridge and how it's packaged, moreso my strange ways. I believe the Design For Mankind post originally came from Rachael over at Black Eiffel - Cribs, Blogger Style. Shout out to Rachael for pulling my card and making me acknowledge my fridge...Great post!!!

(check out the posts on >Black Eiffel<>Design for Mankind<>

and Erin - here's my fridge:

(sorry it's a little blurry)

A great way to end a crazy week...ok so it's Thursday!

Anyway...today I received my Monster Print by Constant Dreamer an Etsy Seller. I've been drooling over this print ever since I first saw it. I'm not sure what it is about the print - the colors, the simpleness of the print or just that the print is a bit funny and makes me smile. Maybe it's all of the above!

So here it is - ta daaaaaaaaaaaaaaa: Monster Print by Constant Dreamer. Enjoy - I am!!!

P.S. Constant Dreamer has a ton of other cool prints to offer. The Tree and Underwear Print is another one of my favorites (tickles my soul).

Another great artist on Etsy....

Check out the Contant Dreamer >here<

Saturday street festival digs...

Here's a picture of my one super fab digs I picked up this weekend at May Festival. There were a lot of really nice vendors on site however, the weather was just plain stank (hot, without a breeze). I'd say tons of folk, animals, creatures and heat just do not mix.

I was very thankful for the fresh squeezed lemonade stand!

front view...saucccccccccy!!!

rear view...norm!!!

Blue Palmetto Tree

Most of you that know about a-ieK paper goods & designs know that I sell online through Etsy. Being apart of Etsy you meet a wonderful group of artists, crafters and designers - which can be pleasant (for the most part).

Today, I wanted to take the time to introduce you all to Blue Palmetto Tree, my fellow neighbor (by state) and a member of Etsy. Ever since meeting Stacey of Blue Palmetto Tree she's been a joy to know...and through knowing her we found out we have a lot in common besides just enjoying each others products!

So what does Blue Palmetto Tree have to offer?

Well...Blue Palmetto Tree Shop offers quality handmade crochet items for you and your home. Blue Palmetto Tree has large selection crochet dishcloths, crochet exfoliating scrubbies, crochet baby afghans, crochet coasters, and more!!! Stacey has been crocheting for 32 years! Wow! Take some time to visit Blue Palmetto Tree on Etsy...you'll love the shop and the owner. Blue Palmetto Tree's products are great gift ideas!

Below are some of my favorites from Blue Palmetto Press:

Crocheted Cotton Exfoliating Facial Scrubbie Cloths

(...these scrubbies look so scrumptios...exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate)

Crocheted Baby Afghan

(...thinking of baby...)

Crochet Child's Clothes Hanger

(...thinking of baby a little more...awe)

...yawn...life you gotta love it!

...in case anyone's been wondering about my lack of posts and slacker blogging habit that has formed within the past month - well...here's a picture that may help.













Illustration of Catney Reid from the book, Catney Reid
"Who Needs Money" starting her day.
(Source: http://www.picture-book.com/node/1475)

If the picture didn't help just know that all is well - I've actually been working hard, life just takes us through various trials...
I do hope you are well.

Blog soon!

Party Anyone?

Fun, simple & clean...party picks for any occasion. Use
party picks to top off your favorite drink, hourdevours
or just keep around for a party of one!

Specs:
-12 pack
-Assorted colors
-Comes packaged in a cello bag

Get your party picks here. I guarantee you'll be
the talk of the party!

Because “MALL” is a four-letter word...

"The Handmade Market"

The Handmade Market is a semiannual shopping event in downtown Raleigh, NC. The event features a juried selection of the best and brightest artists, independent designers, and crafters from NC and beyond.

The event is produced by The Handmaidens, a North Carolina collective of independent designers, and is made possible with the generous support of sponsors and volunteers.

At every Handmade Market, The Handmaidens partner with a local charity to organize a raffle to benefit their cause. At the show, visitors can make a suggested donation to the group. In return for the donation, a raffle ticket will be provided for a chance to win a gift basket filled-to-the-brim with handcrafted goods and vouchers for services that are donated by Charity Sponsors.

The local charity for the event on May 3rd is AnimalKind, an organization whose mission is to help eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable animals in the Triangle-area of NC and beyond.

Mark your calendars and come out and shop for unique handcrafted gifts and support artists and independent designers:

The Handmade Market
Saturday, May 3, 2008
@ Vintage 21 in downtown Raleigh, NC.
(Vintage 21 is located at 119 S. West St.)

The event runs from 11am until 5 pm

p.s. Did I mention that a-iek paper goods & design will be there? Come out and see us!!!

Paper Weights

I'm not to sure if the concept of paper weights have left the building, but I'm bringing them back! I think my great grandmother may have one - but does that count?

Anyway, the paper weight below is titled "Autumn Moon." This paperweight was inspired by my Autumn Moon Notecards and my desire to go camping (I think it's the weather we've been having lately). These paper weights are made of crystal and measure 4" x 2 7/8" x 3/4" deep and weight about 8 ounces. I've packaged one of these beauties for a good friend that I once worked in a plant nursery with. I figure this would be right up her alley! Enjoy!




Paper weights and more can be found here.

repackaging...

Design For Mankind

Every so often there's that one person that puts a spin on your day. For me that person would be Erin over at Design For Mankind. Thank you so much for corresponding with me and then featuring a-iek paper goods & design on your blog. I appreciate it very much (and honeslty I was having a crazy day)!

The Design For Mankind Blog is awesome! Don't believe me - well it's bookmark as a favorite of mine on my computer and there's a link to the blog on my blog (lower right hand side under morning brew). Take some time to check out. Make sure you read the welcome message on Erin's blog - it's something to think about. Also, check out Erin's work on Etsy.




p.s. If you're enterested in reading what Erin had to say about a-iek paper goods & design click here. Also, thank you to all the readers of Design For Mankind that have left great comments. I sincerely appreciate it!


~Have an awesome day and inspire someone new!

inhabit...surround yourself

Okay, so you want to focus on the rear of the picture – the wall. What is it? It’s a wall flat designed by a company called Inhabit, founded by designers Jennifer and Mike Tuttle - a husband and wife team.


This embossed wall flat (SHAN-Shangri La) is designed to expand in any direction with an automatic pattern repeat. One could cover a not so amazing wall or just have fun with space and form by mixing and matching patterns. One could even paint to coordinate with your décor!

These wall flats are said to be good from the environment being as they were made from bamboo pulp - one of the world's most renewable resources. The dimensions of these flats are 18” x 18” and ten panels come in a box. No clue on how many of these you may need…there’s a tile calculator on the site. How cool is that (my mom would love that)?

Take a peek here. There are other patterns to choose from.

Enjoy!!!

p.s. ...check out the website overall...good finds

Lily of the Nile

Above, is one of my new notecard flat sets, "Agapanthus". The plant otherwise known by its common name, "Lily of the Nile", is a herbaceous perennial plant native to South Africa. This plant has funnel-shaped flowers, in varying shades of blue colors with white flowering forms occurring.

This set of Flat note sets come as a set of 12 (envelope include) in magenta. These note flats can be purchased blank or personalized with your name or your favorite persons name. Don't have a "favorite" - personalize this note flat with any text of your choice (for no additional charge).

This note flat and other items can be purchase via my website or my Etsy shop.

ALSO

Today is my calendar feature day for the lovely greeting card group I belong to Etsy Greetings. Check it out here!

...

I've been printing all night and a lil bit weird this morning. On the other hand I found this cool 80's station on Friday that I've been listening to in between the Ipod and NPR. Truth is I am a NPR junkie and was trying to give NPR a rest this weekend...or at least until today.

aaaaaaaahhh allergies

While sitting at the stop sign in my car, in preparation to turn (because I'm a cautious driver), I look over and I see beauty in bloom...then I sneezed!
Life - it's a process!
Enjoy!

Bright colors, randoms patterns and small in size - what a delight!

What has bright colors, random patterns and are a added delight to any lifestyle? POCKET SKETCHBOOKS!!! I have a few new fun pocket sketchbooks in the shop.

Drop by the a-iek shop and check them out...put one in your pocket - your guaranteed to never forget an idea!

woooo is me...

What a mess! Something I always think about, more so something "to think about": Best Buy Loses Laptop: Owner Sues... for $54 Million.

Read the article here.

and the winner is...

...how the little one made such a big impact...read all about it here!

Play to win, part 3

A week ago I told you about a contest through a group I am apart of "Etsy Greeting." We are celebrating our one year anniversary. You can help us out by participating in our 1year count down contest.

As the first two contests have come to an end, the third contest is up and running. You can find details for the contest here.

Best of luck to all that dare to enter (smile).

funny were little ole road trips lead you...

to say the least, today I learned about "change we can believe in."

Play to Win...

Unfortunately I am not speaking of the LOTTERY, but something better!!!!

Help the EtsyGreetings Team commemorate its' one (1) year anniversary. We are hosting a countdown contest.


The first contest drawing ended yesterday...but you still have time! New contest activities will be posted a couple of times each week leading up to a GRAND PRIZE contest on our big day, February 14th. Here's the path to great winnings: >click here<


Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaah Esty Greetings!!!! Congrats on your one year anniversary and thanks to all the creative talent that participate in the group!!!

Indie Collective...

Q. What is indie collective?
A. Indie Collective is a collective of independently-owned businesses which showcases artists, artisans, designers & many other facets of the creative arts community.

Q. What types of businesses can I find there?
A. Accessory, apparel, art work, home goods, paper goods, services and more!

Q. Is a~iek paper goods & design listed there?
A. We are indeed!

Q. Does anyone at a~iek work for Indie Collective?
A. No, but it doesn't hurt to promote one's work and the great people behind promoting others work. You can find out more about the folks behind Indie Collective by visiting the site or clicking here.

Organization 101.5

This weekend was all about organizing my studio. For the most part I am a pretty organized person, it’s more so when I start experimenting with material I place things in the fastest place possible – which in the end leads to disorganization.

I thought about purchasing some organizing items: posting boards, canisters, etc. but haven’t yet due to lack of interest in the items I’ve seen. For me coordination is also a part of organization (did that come out right). I need to find the perfect colors – and accessorize supplies. Not to mention items need to be of the perfect fit!

Overall I believe I did I good job organizing with what I have. I’d say I could do more – but for now it’s a good start!

…that is until later this week

Read about how fellow Etsy members organize their work space here

Treasury @ Etsy.com

Thanks to winemakerssister for the link on the Esty Treasury Shop she set up in honor of Universal Letter Writing Week. Also thanks to all the Etsy Greeting Group members that were so inspired to write in honor of the week - not to mention those that inspired me.

Universal Letter Writing Week

"Gorge" Note Set, 4.25"X5.5" (3)

As most weeks are devoted to text messaging, this week is designated as Universal Letter Writing Week. Each year, one week in January is designated as Universal Letter Writing Week.

Take a moment this week and send a letter. Go old school - letters are a great way to get in touch with someone you haven’t talked to in a while or just to send a simple hello.

Although I am guilty of not writing letters, I enjoy when my dad sends me a letter of remembrance (he’s still old school – gotta love your dad). I’d especially die (figuratively) for a four page tasty or heart filled letter from someone (seriously, I wouldn’t mind a one pager – it’s more of the thought that counts)!

I think we tend to take advantage of email and the telephone – not to mention we can push a key to send text messages via the telephone and im. I sometimes wonder is this fast paced world getting a bit ridiculous. I also often get annoyed when someone sends me a text message in regards to going out! Where’d that all come from? Who on earth does that? How about sending me a small note or letter!

In closing, a simple letter or small note always sends a smile. Try it! Who knows you may get something in return.

Feel inspired to send a note but not sure where to start? Try Etsy Greetings – you’ll be amazed by what you find.

"Thinking of You," Gocco Printed Note Card 4.25"X5.5"

Need more inspiration? Check out what others are saying about letter writing:
http://grafikexpressions.blogspot.com/
http://winemakerssister.blogspot.com/
http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/
http://cesiadesign.blogspot.com/

Pondering on New Years Resolutions

…after the New Year has begun.

I was sitting here thinking about what to blog about today. As I am not so good with the A.M…yawn (or blogging). So I started thinking about New Year’s resolutions – yes, after the New Year has already started. I usually don’t make new years resolutions because I believe they turn out to be no-year-resolutions! So as I was sitting here I came up with a few resolutions. Of course these are all things I should be doing. I guess I am thinking it will help to write them down as I do most things (not). So here goes:

3. Get more rest at night

2. Exercise (make my gym membership useful - ouch)

1. Cut down on Starbucks

Of course I could find more to “resolute” but why play myself this early in the game? I’ll start off short and see what I can accomplish…but for now I think I’ll grab a soy vanilla latte!

1. Cut down on Starbucks

a~iek

“happiness is…”

Well we made it through the first non-full week of 2008. To make the some-what half of week crazy was the weather....burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

btw...Happy New Years to everyone!!! I hope everyone has a safe and ejoyable weekend.

a-iek