Guest Post: Creepy Hearts Club

by | Aug 8, 2014 | Creativity, Snail Mail | 6 comments

I really admire people who can devote themselves fully to a project. Like Ron Swanson says, “whole ass one thing”. Katzi (a Video Production Specialist by day and snail mailer by night) started the Creepy Hearts Club, and I really love how much it has taken off. Read on to find out what I’m talking about, who Katzi is, and how you can get in on this fun game!

Creepy Hearts Club Guest Post on Uncustomary Art

What is Creepy Hearts Club and how did it get started?

Creepy Hearts Club started a little bit out of boredom. I was working on a very intense and long render at my Video Production job, so while I watched progress bars, I decided to follow along with Omiyage Blogs and did a little Kirigami shape that left me with 4 little heart cut-outs. I drew faces on them – the 3 CHC faces you know and the Commes de Garçon eyes. I thought it was a rather interesting grouping of faces on hearts and took a photo. While editing it in the A Beautiful Mess app, the name “Creepy Hearts Club” just kind of stuck! I posted that to my Instagram and my friend Oak asked me to send him some, so I used this stash of scrapbooking paper tucked away in my filing cabinet at work and made some for him. And then the requests started coming! So much so that I started their own Instagram, Tumblr, and Gmail to keep track of it all!

Creepy Hearts Club Guest Post on Uncustomary Art

Is sending out CHC packages your first entry into the snail mail world? If so, how have you been enjoying the process of having a PO Box, using stamps, making mail art, etc.

The first package I ever sent was to my awesome pen pal, Jess through Fab’s Secret Pen Pal Scavenger Hunt. I had so much to learn but I got lots of ideas as everyone reported what they had sent and received. I also kept a close eye on the #incomingmail hashtag on Instagram so that my packages could be a little more…interesting and fun.

I am loving this Snail Mail Revolution so much! I love going to the post office to send packages off and pick them up! The best part is getting to send and receive mail from all around the world! I love that more than anything! I’ve also started getting more serious about actually learning calligraphy. It’s one of those things I’ve been telling myself I would learn but I never get around to it. Writing to pen pals is the perfect excuse to hone in on my handwriting and with beautiful examples from my pen pals, it’s the perfect motivation to pick up that pen and go, go, go!

Creepy Hearts Club Guest Post on Uncustomary Art

Now that CHC is growing, you’ve begun to branch out with things like zine publications. Ideally, where do you want to take CHC? Where would you love to see this project in a year?

I would love for it to be a movement. Shirts, stickers, more zines…you name it! I’m a big-time kidrobot fan and I would love to do a collaboration on something small like keychains or zipper pulls with them, and have the CHC message be part of the packaging!

Creepy Hearts Club Guest Post on Uncustomary Art
Vanessa sharing her received hearts

One other creative medium I know you’re passionate about is instant film. What about instant film is so appealing to you? Do you prefer it to digital and other forms of analog film? What do you do with all your prints?

I love instant film because it’s so instant! I know that sounds corny but when I was in college, I used to work in the Video/Photo equipment check-out area (where students could basically “rent” equipment for projects) and there were lots of times where the photo employees would ask the video employees to stand for a test Polaroid for lighting purposes. Or if we were feeling silly, we’d shoot Polaroids of all kinds – original Polaroids, medium format Polaroids and large format Polaroids – of whatever wherever. I have a box full of them and they are my reminder of my fun times in college.

Now, with a digital camera, I love that, too, but I still want physical prints. I love the Hipstamatic app for my phone and it’s because of Hipstamatic that I am inspired to take photos as often as possible. I’ve met so many great photographers on Flickr because of Hipstamatic! I do wish there was an easier way to get my prints, though. 🙂

I do like my Instax Mini because I like to share my instants with my pen pals! I think that’s the coolest part!

Creepy Hearts Club Guest Post on Uncustomary Art

Besides mail, hearts, and film, what are some other things that inspire you?

My friends and family inspire me very much! I love picking up on their energies and trying to infuse that in my packages. There are also tons of bloggers (such as yourself!!) that very much inspire a lot of what I do because we all have the same message, right? 🙂

And lately, I’ve been trying to tap into my more artistic self, too, by doing some watercolors or sketching whatever I feel like I have to get out of my consciousness. I’ve been trying to get out more and enjoy nature and be inspired by what’s around me: flowers, trees, birds…

How can an Uncustomary reader join the Creepy Hearts Club?

It’s simple! They can either drop me a line at creepyheartsclub[at]gmail.com, send me a message through Tumblr or DM on Instagram that includes their mailing address so that I can send them out right away! xo

Isn’t that awesome? So go hit up Katzi with your snail mail address so she can send you some creepy hearts and, in her words, “keep the creative process going and hopefully help inspire others to explore their own inner creativity”! (And let her know I sent you.)

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle