Hippin’ + Hoppin’

DIY Bath Salt Easter Egg Bombs // DIY Easter Mood Eggs // DIY Happy Easter Banner

My default decor for Easter is fresh flowers and dyed eggs, aside from a big meal with family I don’t have a lot of tradition surrounding the holiday. Maybe that will change one day if I have a child, but in the meantime I love the few things I know I can count on being present. But if you’re hosting, looking for creative ideas to decorate eggs, or curious about treats for baskets check out the nineteen ideas we’ve rounded up!

 

DIY Modern Brushstroke Easter Eggs // DIY Paper Carrot Treat Box // DIY Swedish Easter Wall Hanging // Easter Bark

 

Mini DIY Easter Bouquets // DIY Pastel Egg Easter Soap // Rosé Creme Filled Marbled Eggs // DIY Dyed Robin Eggs

 

DIY Egg Vase Centerpiece // DIY Hologram Galaxy Easter Eggs // DIY Monochrome Eggs // DIY Sprinkle Easter Eggs

 

DIY Illustrated Eggshell Centerpiece // Easter Printables // Natural Tea Dyed Easter Eggs // Printable Easter Bunny Treat Cones

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Print, Write, Mail – 17 More Printable #Resistance Postcards

Our #resistance postcards post last month BLEW UP, so we’re doing a second round! You all downloaded and printed and shared and made my heart so full. Even more creators reached out afterwards asking to be part of any future projects and that’s where we are now, with 17 more postcards for you to mail out. I’ll continue to share new designs as long as artists and designers want to keep creating them, so if that’s you let me know!

Each download has two postcard fronts per letter-sized page, you can download the universal postcard back here. It goes without saying that these are for personal use only, each artist and designer retains the copyright to their work.

 

Brandi Marie Littledownload here

I believe in resistance through a reclamation of the feminine. There is power in women’s work, a woman’s intuition, childbearing, mothering, moon cycles. We are far from the weaker sex and the world needs our voices.

 

Sunny Eckerledownload here

I wanted to explore the concept of resisting not just in thoughts and words but also in our physical actions – so many of us have marched lately and used our bodies and movements as a form of resistance. I love the power and community created in that way! For this artwork, I wanted to incorporate not just a visual language, but a physical one, so I chose to spell out “resist” using American Sign Language – a form of communication based on physical action.

 

Vivian Kvitkadownload here

I often need a reminder to think bigger, plan long term goals. ‘Go bigger’ is about being brave, taking risks, and taking up space. This piece was inspired by the incredible artist and human Katie Armstrong.

 

Anne Smith – download here

 

Sara Jensendownload here

I spent the majority of my young life watching my parents fight for what was fair. From leading strikes out of factories in the south with unfair working conditions, to standing up the KKK when they came after their friends. Resistance and justice run deep in my veins. Forever the squeaky wheel for those who feel they have no power, I am proud to be a pain in the ass for a system that is stacked against the poor, the abused and neglected. I will remain that way until the day I die.

 

Annabel Ingannidownload here

Ongoing, constant mindful resistance. We the people, made up of every kind, are powerful when united.

 

Lindsay Goldnerdownload here

This quote is a line from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. I fell in love with Hamilton over a year ago, but I’ve discovered a new love for it in light of what’s happened in our country politically. This lyric is a good reminder to me that resistance is something that has to be cultivated and fanned like a fire.

 

Of Note Stationersdownload here

We are deeply grateful to the Women’s March for inspiring our nation to get writing. On January 23rd, they released their first action of writing “a postcard to your Senators about what matters most to you.” The first 10 days are over, but let’s keep stuffing mailboxes.

We designed this postcard (1 of 8 in the series) as both a rebuttal to President Trump’s campaign slogan and as a way to preserve the Women’s March chant of “Love, not hate, makes America great.” The design was inspired by our love of old book covers and is our offering and encouragement to keep writing. Write to your senators, your mayor, your governor, your town police, community organizers, local lawyers, friends in need of a little encouragement, etc.

The time is now to make your voice heard.

 

Ashley Cecildownload here

Having spent over 500 hours in a natural history museum making artwork about the science of our interdependence with nature, few things about politics frighten me more than the prospective damage that can be done to our already strained environment by policies passed by our elected officials. We won’t get a second chance at this, so let’s speak up like it matters.

 

Adam J. Kurtzdownload here

As always, women – particularly women of color – are getting together to fix some bullshit, call out inequality, and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Thank you to everyone who’s shouting out for human rights for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or anything else. WOMEN! WOMEN! WOMEN!

 

Laurie Smithwickdownload here

Empathy. That’s what is missing. The fact that anyone would argue against this most basic of statements shows how unwilling we are to walk in someone else’s shoes. The fact that anyone would perceive this statement as a threat (as though it said “ONLY black lives matter”) shows how privileged we are. That everyone wouldn’t just understand that it’s actually saying “black lives matter, TOO” shows how unwilling we are to listen. There are so many things to be angry and frustrated about with our new President, but to me, “Black Lives Matter” is the archetypal rally cry. Until we embrace this fundamental truth about our fellow Americans, we will be, at best, a nation divided, at worst, a nation that espouses hate and discrimination as guiding principles.

 

Emily Behmdownload here

In the aftermath of this election, I, along with so many others, have been suffering from “all the feels” as the kids say these days. I’ve found glimmers of post-election hope from the massive marches, the protests, and by taking whatever small steps I can to help make some sort of difference. I think this quote from Hillary is a perfect aspiration for us right now: “Let persistence plus resistance equal progress…” Our officials were elected to represent us – let’s remind them of that fact!

 

Miya Hirabayashidownload here

In science truth, in art honor.” This is a reminder that art and science are indispensable, for what they bring to our lives, and for what they bring to our society. To defend them is patriotic.

 

Caroline Cohenourdownload here

I tried going full theme, painting in red, white and blue, including words reflecting my love of our American history and texts. But ultimately I felt hemmed-in and too on-the-nose, which seemed in contrast to the idea of speaking freely and being creative. I ended up instead going full ME: all color, some pink, a touch of neon, but not too much. And I stuck to one term which kept repeating in my head like a chant as I painted: “out loud” instead of cluttering what is ultimately your postcard with a bunch of my words. If each of us take the time to amplify our best and most authentic voices to the world and to our government, then we have a real chance to affect change, whatever our politics.

 

Megan Dusenberrydownload here

Be the resistance even when everything is crazy and hectic.

 

Christine Kohdownload here

My inspiration for this design is two-fold: First, I have been extremely troubled by how so many people (both politicians and everyday citizens) are normalizing or turning a blind eye to Trump’s actions (and in the case of politicians, favoring party line over human decency). Ever since the election – at each horrid turn – I keep thinking: How can these people look themselves in the mirror? How will they explain to the next generation that they played a role in this period of history? This song title by Lin-Manuel Miranda encapsulates how I feel about everyone who is not resisting. Second, the United States feels painfully fragmented, yet I refuse to lose hope that we will find ways to connect and find common ground. It was actually pretty therapeutic to create this design – to intersect and lock together the fragments as I moved from one side of the country to the other.

 

Natalie Shahmiridownload here

Resistance is the strongest when it comes from a place of love, compassion, and support. Volunteer in your community, donate to organizations that protect human rights, and make your voice heard by your representatives. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Action expresses priorities.” Every positive action you take is a step forward, and that’s all that matters.

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Printable Sensory Calendar

Monica Lee

A few weeks ago when I was in Palm Springs I attended a roundtable discussion led by my friend, Monica Lee. In it she talked about embracing your senses and using them to broaden the world around you, both for well-being and creative purposes. Lately I’ve found myself creating a bubble of health and positivity, and this idea of hers fit in seamlessly with the salt lamp and essential oil diffuser I’ve made room for in my daily life. Our senses are the way we experience the world, why not – literally – stop and smell the roses more often?

I asked Monica if I might share her idea with you, so we created a download that you can print and follow each day this March, it even includes a few thumbnails of her beautiful paintings. Each task is short and meant to be enjoyed while making you take notice of the things that might normally slide by.

 

 

Download the 31 Days of Senses calendar, then head over to Monica’s portfolio to see more of her feminine, romantic paintings and read about her outlook on art.

 

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Print, Write, Mail – 24 Printable #Resistance Postcards

What better day to fight back than President’s Day? (Trick question, every day.)

I haven’t talked politics here because I haven’t had the words. If you follow Design Crush on any social media platforms you likely have a very good idea of my beliefs and thoughts on the current administration, it’s just been easier to put my thoughts and emotions into 140 character bursts than a post. It’s taken me over three months to get to this point and even now I feel fragmented. I was with her, I was emotionally and mentally devastated, I was sick to my stomach. I marched, I called, I wrote letters. And I needed my first ever political post here to be proactive, not just all of the above angst.

Last weekend I had a germ of an idea and acted on it, thirty minutes later I had emailed a few dozen artist and designer friends asking for their help. I wanted to create a post – this post – full of inspiring art in postcard form that you could download for free, print out at home (or wherever), and mail to every political representative you want to get in touch with. I can’t thank these friends of mine enough for making time in their already busy schedules to stand up for their beliefs and contribute to a project that I hope will be spread far and wide.

Each download has two postcard fronts per letter-sized page, you can download the universal postcard back here. It goes without saying that these are for personal use only, each artist and designer retains the copyright to their work.

 

Lisa Congdondownload here

‘Persistent’ is part of a series of artworks that illustrator Lisa Congdon is making in response to the new administration and posting on her Instagram feed. She has been struck by the perseverance, not only of Rep. Elizabeth Warren, but also by other women – both women in power and regular women who are resisting the new administration with fervor. Lisa was inspired by the imagery of a renaissance warrior in armor, which was the inspiration for this piece. The woman holds both a weapon and a dove, representing both the struggle and the fight for peace and inclusion.

 

Amy Turn Sharpdownload here

It’s our government. We get to resist.

 

Chris Piascikdownload here

I’m always drawing, it’s my way of thinking and reacting to the things around me. These days I can’t help but react to the insanity of the Trump administration and the GOP working hand-in-hand with him. So many outrageous things are happening daily, these are my attempts at bringing a bit of clarity to a blur of chaos.

Download additional postcard designs by Chris here.

 

Courtney Khaildownload here

“Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding” (Albert Einstein)

I attended a magnet school for most of my childhood. The student body was comprised of all different races, economic backgrounds, and sexualities, but instead of dividing us, our differences were celebrated. We were encouraged to embrace our unique stories and share our experiences with one another in order to become more well rounded, compassionate, and informed individuals. It was our diversity that strengthened us. When I sat down to create this painting, I knew that’s what I wanted to show. That despite how different each bloom is, each one is beautiful, strong, and worthy of being part of the overall bouquet. There is a lot of division is our country right now and I feel that all stems from a lack of understanding (which then breeds fear and hatred). So let’s fix that – let’s talk.

 

Dane Horvathdownload here

All of us, especially politicians, forget the simple concept of treating others like you would want to be treated.

 

Emily McDowelldownload here

I designed this “snowflake” badge – which is also being turned into a pin as I type this! – as a response to all the folks who use it as an insult. First of all, snowflakes are beautiful, and second, when millions of snowflakes get together, you end up with an avalanche, or a blizzard, or a deadly snow tornado, so WATCH OUT, you regressive, hateful shit-gibbons. I love this on a postcard, because I picture it as part of an avalanche of mail overwhelming the White House daily.

 

Everyday Balloonsdownload here

Persist – continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure. An important word to keep in mind as we rally together to resist and stand up for what we believe is right. While it’s not an easy road, we must persist to make our voices heard.

 

Amy Garbarkdownload here

I have been actively writing postcards to our elected officials for the last several weeks as a way to engage and speak up about policies and Executive Orders that I do not agree with and/or that I think are harmful, hateful, or detrimental to humans and our planet.

It’s been a serious challenge to connect with some of our lawmakers and representatives. As constituents, our voices should be important to the elected officials who are representing us, but in many cases, this is not the situation.

From disconnected phone lines, full voicemail boxes, turned away mail, and lack of town hall meetings; it’s been difficult to access some elected officials to even have the opportunity to share one’s voice. In some cases, the only available way to communicate has been via fax. And yes, it is 2017.

These postcard designs reflect a general sentiment of: Please listen up: the people have something to say and we want you to hear it.

 

Genevieve Barbee-Turnerdownload here

 

Jaime Derringerdownload here

I created this piece to represent the frustration and chaos of our political climate, but I am hopeful. #resist

 

Kate Missdownload here

My quote is taken from a speech Obama gave way back when he was campaigning before the 2008 election. It’s still so relevant, especially now that so many of us feel like we’ve lost an adult in charge and dart our eyes around for someone. It’s us, guys! I’m so proud of the resistance movement in our country and how we’re all holding people accountable and standing side by side. When I was in college in the early 2000s in Seattle I went to many anti-war protests, and my friend Steve used to whisper as we took a deep breath and stepped out into the streets of oncoming traffic: “safety in numbers, safety in numbers” and I whisper that to myself a lot lately.

 

Kelly Bealldownload here

Even when there are blockades in the road and insufferable people running the government, it’s our job as patriots to fight back. To stand up for what we believe in and what this country stands for. To persist.

 

Kimberly Hall for So + Sodownload here

We started doing these as merit badges for adults (there’s a small collection up online now) and as we started putting together ideas for more we stumbled upon Kate Greenaway’s book about the meanings of flowers. We just found so many that seemed like messages we want to share, and the nasturtium (for patriotism) was so perfect for the struggles so many of us are going through right now, it felt like a way to connect with others that are feeling the same way. We’re really excited to get to share it even sooner than it can be ready in its embroidered form!

 

Leslie Fandrichdownload here

Beastess does not mess around. She channels her steely lioness heart with a mighty headdress and a wild attitude. She will not be deterred and while she can be intimidating, she is also wise and loyal.

 

Melanie Biehledownload here

Abstract cityscapes are one of my favorite things to paint. I decided to create a city of red, white, and blue because while we’re different in lots of ways, we’re all Americans. I hope it reminds the recipients of this postcard that no matter how they personally feel about the message on the back, that it is being sent to them from a fellow American. WE’RE the people… all of us. And we deserve our voices to be heard.

 

Melissa Morris Ivonedownload here

I’ve been looking to the Statue of Liberty as an icon for this era. She’s a strong, confident woman who welcomes the persecuted into this country. She represents the greatest parts of America. The parts that seem ignored by the current administration. I know if she could, she’d pick up a sign and lead us all in an attempt to remind this country of what she stands for.

 

Natalie Souddownload here

Creating these was definitely cathartic! I’m a fan of super bold color, and it felt especially suiting to pair slap-you-in-the-face hues with the bold statements I wanted the cards to make. Couldn’t resist throwing in a little humor, because these days, we all need some!

Download additional postcard designs by Natalie here.

 

Old Sweet Songdownload here

I’ve had to stop looking at the news and at Facebook constantly because it is so overwhelming. This terrible thing is happening! Oh wait, here’s another terrible thing! And another! There’s just so much to be outraged about it’s hard to know where to start.

 

Rachael Arnold Sagerdownload here

The United States is SO fragmented right now. I believe there’s strength in that passion – it means we care about our nation, our communities, friends, and families… but if we are going to heal from this divisiveness, we must hold our government accountable for their actions regarding the population they insist to represent. We might be fractured, but we aren’t broken; and we aren’t going away.

 

Rebecca Rothfus Harrelldownload here

It’s funny, when you said resistance postcard I immediately went to the WW2 resistance posters that had the sun rays on them. I did that part and assumed I’d make a cloud in the front. I tore blue paper and grey paper to look like a cloud but nothing seemed right. Then I cut an angled piece of grey paper and I thought “AH! it’s an abstract cloud but also like a WALL”. I am trying my best to project positivity but feeling very weighed down by reality.

 

Ryan McManusdownload here

Based on something called “dazzle camouflage” that the navy used to confuse and disrupt targeting systems: “Unlike other forms of camouflage, the intention of dazzle is not to conceal but to make it difficult to estimate a target’s range, speed, and heading.” Seemed an apropos metaphor for the movement. Keep ‘em guessing!! The other intended goal was to stand out dramatically in piles and piles of US Gov’t correspondence. I thought it would help these little missives get noticed. Third constraint was keeping the design B&W so the printing could be cheap/ubiquitous (though I bet it would work best on glossy stock).

 

Strawberrylunadownload here

Good communication is always a positive. However, good communication is a two-way process. In this time of engaged citizenry and heightened awareness of the role our elected officials play in millions of Americans everyday lives, I find myself frustrated with the lack of open channels of communication to my elected officials. And I know I’m not alone. Don’t give up! Keep making those calls.

 

Worker Birddownload here

In the midst of this shock and awe campaign of “governing” I feel that RESIST is my go to word to keep up my own fight against EVERYTHING that is happening. It’s an umbrella term that covers not normalizing this administration and its actions, not accepting the racism and xenophobia that runs rampant, not accepting the avoidance and/or silence of our elected officials, and trying to hinder the forward march of fascism.

As I carved the art I pulled prints at various stages to track my progress and to see what was actually happening on the block. In the end I scanned a few of the proofs and then layered them to create the final digital piece.

 

Rebecca Atwooddownload here

The past few months have left me heartbroken. I’ve struggled to find the words to share because there is so much emotion.  I realize I am privileged to feel heartbroken like this for the first time.  I like to look for the silver lining–that hopefully this time will spark more change and more love.  To me, so much of this comes down to putting ourselves in the place of others and trying to see the world a bit differently. This year, more than ever, I want to spread more love. It’s hard to open yourself up. To consider others needs–even if it’s something as simple as opening the door for someone or smiling at them. To stop a gut reaction to snap when that response has nothing to do with the other person. Let’s all try and send out more love.

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Feel Good Valentine’s Day Printables

 

This month we partnered again with Vivian Kvitka, aka The Good Viv, to bring you two printable valentines to spread the love. The world needs as much as it can get, and a sweet sentiment or piece of mail (that’s not a bill) has the ability to make people genuinely smile! These print two to a page and can be mailed like a postcard – just write on the back, address, and add stamp – or handed out in person. I think the thing I love most is neither is actually Valentine’s Day specific, they’re all about love and support so print out a bunch and share the good feels!

Download Heart + Might here

Download I Think You Are Magic here

 

 

 

 

 

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Decked Out for Valentine’s Day

LOVE IS LOVE! Valentine’s Day is a favorite of mine, even though I’m almost always single when it rolls around. To me the day is about love in all its many forms and any reason to celebrate it is a good one, especially lately. Check out these printables, recipes, accessories, and more for a super decked out February 14th!

 

ROW 1: Printable Valentine Stickers // Printable Hot Tea Pyramids   ROW 2: Stripe Shirt with Heart Collar // Sugar Cookie Bars // The Love Spell Cocktail   ROW 3: Valentine’s Day Almond Cake // Valentine’s Day Treat Bags // Woman of Many Hearts Shades   ROW 4: Printable Tags for Valentine’s Day // Marbled Raspberry Dark Chocolate Valentine’s Day Bark // Red and Spotted D’orsay Flat

 

ROW 1: Acrylic Heart Frame // All Around Giant Heart Towel // Always and Forever Bunting   ROW 2: Arrow Cocktail Stirrers // Brass Heart Box // Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Valentine’s Hearts   ROW 3: Chocolate Pots de Crème // Coffee Lover Mug // Conversation Heart Ice Cream   ROW 4: Heart Necklace // DIY Hugs & Kisses Garland // DIY Pompom Heart Wreath

 

ROW 1: Rose Painted Valentine Cake // DIY Rose Petal Bath Salts // DIY Valentine Bouquet Wraps + Printable Love Quotes   ROW 2: DIY Valentine Heart Magnets // DIY Valentine’s Day Wall Hangings // Gold Heart Earrings   ROW 3: Graffiti Painted Clutch // Heart Print Sweatshirt // Heart Shaped Double Wall Glass Mug   ROW 4: Heart-Shaped Rose Tart // Jute Heart Rug // Love Potion #9 Martini

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