Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

I read somewhere (maybe a Cup of Jo Instagram post?) that instead of asking someone “how are you” are or “what's new?”, to try asking, “what are you celebrating?” I really love this idea, to ask for something specific and to share in a moment of joy and excitement. So what is something you are currently celebrating--big or small? 

Valentine and I recently celebrated her 17th birthday! It's become an annual tradition to make her a veggie platter and we always celebrate by going out for an extra long walk (her favorite) and of course getting lots of other treat! This is a special milestone for me--she is my longest dog relationship and I am so happy to get to experience this and to be here in New Mexico with her!

 

Valentine's also the only dog I've had where documenting has become so easy, especially video! Since I've always wished I had more videos of Lucci & Bernard and my cats Samone, Bubba, Jefrey, and Makani, I decided to make some Valentine Vlogs this month :) So far I've shared…

Valentine is such a big part of my life (as I think you already know :)) and I truly can't imagine it without her. I hope we get to spend many more birthdays together!

I originally created this as a mini brush lettering exercise, but you can also do this with your regular print or cursive writing! I also filmed a short tutorial to go with the written instructions and templates. 

It's one of my favorite projects and I especially love the final effect of the double heart design! I think it'd make for a fun Galentine's or Valentine's Day activity and teens and older kids can try it as well. I hope you enjoy it and gives you a chance to create and relax for a little bit! (You don't have to finish this in one sitting, work on a little everyday until it's done.) 

If you need some last minute cards and have a printer at home, I have PDFs in my shop for candy-less classroom cards (click the images below) and designs for your besties and partners! Even though I designed the below with kiddos in mind, I think they would be a fun throw back to share with co-workers and friends too :) There's also a bunch of love inspired goodies in the PDF Library including pet valentines! 

Valentine and I wish you a happy Galentine's Day & Valentine's Day! I hope you take some time this week to celebrate all the different kinds of love that exists--including what may be the most important one--self-love 💖 Take care and talk to you soon!

PS: I am heading to San Antonio, Texas soon to spend the winter in some warmer weather! If you have any favorite spots or suggestions on what I should check out, please let me know! Thank you and a special thank you to Vanesa for all your help already! :)

You've received this note because you've provided your email address. You can expect 2-3 notes in your inbox per month.

If you're using Gmail and this email ended up under the “Promotions” tab/folder, drag it to your “Primary” inbox then click “Yes" when asked “Do this for future messages?" If this email was sent to your spam folder, please mark this email address, hello@atiliay.com, as “not spam” and add to your contacts.