What I Designed Today: Custom Illustrator Brushes

So I just realized today there’s a relatively new feature in Illustrator where you can choose which portion of your custom brush to allow to stretch. Hence, these cute little heart balloons for Valentine’s Day and four-leaf clovers for St. Patrick’s Day. Adorable, no? I love learning new things that make life easier.

Valentine’s Candy 2010

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It’s a little gnome army. Cute, huh?!?

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Jack’s showing off his candy sweetheart ipod box. Both ideas are from Family Fun online, except I modified the gnomes by sewing the hats instead of gluing them with fabric glue.

What I Designed Today: Poster for Knitted Valentine’s Hearts

I’ve been busy knitting hearts for Valentine’s Day. A friend of mine is teaching crochet and I’m teaching knitting in an upcoming workshop for church.

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I made the potholder pattern from Lion Brand Yarn just fine but I’m trying to alter it for a dishcloth.

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JoAnn’s pattern for a heart here is a little easier but they’re all basically the same. It’s not difficult, I got it on the first try!

Valentine Ribbon Flowers by BurdaStyle

Beautiful. I’ve always wanted to know how to do this and now there’s a tutorial. Check out the instructions here. Thanks, BurdaStyle!

Origami Cherry Blossoms by DIY Maven

I emailed these instructions to Cole, my origami expert, hoping to receive something like this for Valentine’s Day. What mother wouldn’t love to display these? Are you reading, Cole???

Amigurumi Hearts by Roxycraft

Ah, easy crochet pattern. Easy to love. Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Thanks, Roxycraft. I haven’t quite figured out what the kids want to do for Valentine’s this year – something homemade. We’re still on the hunt. I just can’t bear to buy those cheap yucky store valentines another year. As soon as I’m feeling better (we’ve been slackers and sick all week long), this is sure to get done – mostly because Valentine’s class parties are next week.

Cute Valentines Letterpress Cards

I’d never heard of Egg Press before but so glad I ran across them! Cute cards. They also offer this adorable monkey. Check them out here.