TBT: Cross-Stitched Stockings

From the "Homespun Crafts" article in the December, 1982, issue of Better Homes and Gardens comes these cross-stitched stockings. Now, if you can get past the early-'80s pirate shirt and the kountry décor, the stockings are actually really cool! I've included the original instructions, which you can download here. Enjoy!

Make a Font in 10 Minutes! (Freebie Alert!)

Over the weekend I discovered the iFontMaker app for iPad. Wow. Using the simple interface, you can literally make a font in 10 minutes!



Once you have created all your characters, the app then emails you a code so you can go to the website and download TrueType and Web Font versions, and even make the font public so others can use it as well. Here are two of the four fonts I've made so far. Both of these are public--if you'd like to download them, simply click on the font name below the sample. Enjoy!


First Try Unicase

Lilianne

Eek! Week Continues with a Printable Disguise

Here are some fun elements of disguise, designed by Jen Allyson, aka The Project Girl. Click on the image below to download the printable PDF file.

Eek! Week: A "Dynamite" '80s Halloween (includes free printable!)

To kick off this Halloween-themed blog week, I thought I would reach into my stash of hoarded childhood memories. If you grew up in the 1970s or '80s like I did, you most likely remember Dynamite magazine, which you could buy through the Scholastic Book Club at school. Here are some Halloween covers from the Dynamite collection, along with a poster and a Halloween monster quiz book. Plus, a sneak peek at the hottest Halloween masks for 1980!




Now, if you need some Halloween décor, don't go batty! Here's an activity from an old issue of Dynamite. Click on the image and a printable PDF version will appear. Just print it on card stock (as many times as you like, for multiple bats), and assemble according to the instructions! Wha ha ha!

Friday Fotos and Finds

Click on the photos above to check out my Instagram feed. Here are some fun links I found this week. I'll be away next week but have some favorite objects (wants...needs...gotta haves...) lined up to pre-publish before I step out of the studio.

1. Joshua Scott's toy font (via Pugly Pixel)
2. Butterfly cross-stitch pattern freebie
3. How to make a statement necklace
4. The amazing world of sand art
5. Homemade pixie sticks!
6. Custom kicks for the pop culture set

Enjoy!

Friday Fotos and Finds

I have a new obsession (running concurrently with my yen for Pinterest): Instagram! You can view my current photos here. Each Friday I will post some photos from the week, as well as six links of things I stumbled upon while browsing the Internet, and thought you might like.

1. Free Photoshop fabric textures
2. Collection of over 150 photos of vintage record labels
3. Make origami bows from magazine pages
4. IKEA hack: DIY hidden table vase
5. 18th Century spelling cabinets from the V&A Museum of Childhood in London
6. DIY Spice jar terrariums

Enjoy! And have a great weekend!

Spoonflower Mix Tape

To accompany my Mix Tapes entry in the "Outdated Technology" Spoonflower Fabric-of-the-Week contest a few weeks ago, I asked other Spoonflower designers what their ultimate mix tape song would be. I present to you the Spoonflower (virtual) mix tape, which you can listen to using the player below.

The Playlist (which includes links to each designer's Spoonflower shop):

1. The Candy Man by Sammy Davis, Jr., suggested by dianne_annelli
   
2. Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield, suggested by gsonge
   
3. Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac, suggested by happysewlucky
   
4. Broken Wings by Mr. Mister, suggested by feebeedee
   
5. Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies, suggested by francine
   
6. Wouldn't It Be Good by Nik Kershaw, suggested by a_most-peculiar
   
7. Black Star by Radiohead, suggested by ravenous
   
8. Message To My Girl by Split Enz, suggested by pennycandy
   
9. Groove Is In The Heart by Deee-Lite, suggested by kezia
   
10. The Sun Always Shines On TV by a-ha, suggested by zoebrench