Crafts Part 2: Christmas Past

Happy Holidays! I'm a little late to this game but let's just pretend I'm getting a jump on next year's festivities.

This year, I was bound and determined to get some stockings made and I am happy to say that I succeeded finally. With about 10 min to spare. Actually I think Santa had to circle the city a couple of times while I finished up the last stitches so he could fill up the stocking in time. And my lovely mother sat up with me, or rather snoozed on the couch for a bit for moral support. But nevertheless I made it.

I wanted the stocking to have a Scandinavian feel. And I set to work making paper patterns for letters and details, and used white, red and dark red wool felt with corresponding thread. My sewing machine is in a few pieces right now so it was easier for me to hand stitch the stocking instead of figuring out how to put it back together. The stitches are far from straight or perfect but I kind of like how that made it look overall. The stocking is finished off with exposed edging with pinking shears.

Valentine's past

 

So...I've been a bit absent lately. I had hoped to kick off the new year with great gusto on the blog but here it is almost the end of February and here I am. I thought I'd catch up with some of my recent craft/design projects that have been keeping me busy and happy in my free time.

First off, Valentine's Day! You've got to love all the great ideas being pinned lately. My little guy has been running around retelling the "Orange you glad I didn't say banana again" knock knock joke for months. So this idea seemed to fit just great.  He also woke up one Saturday morning saying he wanted to make hearts for the treat bags. About 100+ hearts later we were good to go. That coupled with orange slices and a custom label and we had our valentine's set.

Golden Birthday Party

This year my little guy turned 5 on the 5th. We thought it would be fun to have a golden birthday party but never really settled on what that meant. Gold treasure hunting, searching for the golden egg.... so we just went gold. Whatever we could find seemed like a good idea. Gold crowns, gold candy, goldenrod tablecloths and plates, golden medallions, etc.  We lucked out with a gorgeous day at the park beach for running around in the sun and eating yummy treats.

Wine Magic: A 60's guide to drinking

Magic in Your Glass: An Introduction to Wine, California Wine Advisory Board, 1966

It's seen better days, perhaps worn in from those testing out the information. It includes an introduction by Vincent Price. How could you not love that? Hand drawn textures and illustrations appear throughout....slightly wonky but full of personality. Text and charts are enhanced by the graphic layouts.

Packaging: Vintage Workshop

Most of these cans have rested on this perch for nearly 30 years or more. A collection of different eras.

I always notice them each time we visit the cabin but never looked closely enough until now. Great typography. Interesting shaped metal containers.

Book Envy: Babylit Series

As if Baby Einstein wasn't enough, you can now ensure your wee one's budding intellect with Babylit Books by Jennifer Adams and artwork by Alison Oliver. Each feature some pretty heavy reading from Romeo and Juliet to Jane Erye. All are skillfully crafted as illustrated Cliff note baby board books. Jane Erye is my favorite with a slightly dark yet playful tone.