Free Five Friday

When I was growing up, my mother always did all of her sewing during the winter months. In the mountains of western North Carolina, the winters were long and harsh, with snow on the ground almost the whole winter through. It is not that way now. My parents, who still live there, barely get flurries or a skiff. But looking at blankets for my grand daughter coming in February got me to thinking of my mom sewing quilt squares, on the machine and by hand. Then, she and my grandmother hand-quilting them on frames they rolled up to the ceiling in the evenings. So, today's free files represent memories from childhood, when times were simple, and I stood by my mother's knee, watching her sew. That created a love of sewing in me that has grown into a 38+ year semi-professional hobby. Have fun with these, and happy crafting! 💌📍📕📚📝🕒⛄☃

So, I did a poll in the group to see what people were looking for, and I have a few subjects to search for. Today's offerings are a couple of vintage bird images and illustrations. My next search will include vintage photography, so look for that next week. In the meantime, I'll keep looking for requested items, and have more to add in the coming weeks. The poll is still open, so drop by The Repository and put in your comments if you are looking for something particular. Happy crafting!! 💚😁📎✂✏📏  

In my ramblings this week, I found these gorgeous patterned papers that I just had to share. I know, technically, the first two are book covers, but it's the pattern that is so unique. These would make great tags, backgrounds for mixed media, pockets - you name it! Have fun with these patterns, and create something beautiful! Don't forget to hop over to The Repository for more free goodies, or join to get a notification when new things are added. I add new files almost every week day! ⏳✂✉✏🎁💡📂📃📖📎📏📜  

I, for one, am a great fan of vintage advertising. Not only are they an interesting read (like why some contraptions are not made anymore) but they have some unique illustrations to help sell their product. So, I decided to share another five of these double paged ads, since the response was so good last week. Enjoy!

This week I have found some double-page adverts from a late 1800's catalog. I have made them to print out a full 8.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. So, they would be great as signature centers, or smaller pages within a signature. Or they can be cut in two to make tags, pockets, or a host of other ephemera. Be sure to hop over to  The Repository  for more freebies. In addition to the free five on Friday, I am now sharing 3 png (transparent stamp) files each Monday. They live on a page of the blog called  The Stamp Stockroom . Plus, I am sharing some of my free textures, backgrounds, and ephemera I have designed on the other days. Happy crafting! 💚💛💡📁📕📖📜🎨✀📏

This week has been different than any I have experienced in a long time. My husband was on vacation and, instead of going someplace where we would be restricted, we decided to do a 'stay-cation' and spend our money in local antique stores and thrift stores. We believe in helping the 'mom&pop' businesses. And we collected some amazing finds while we were at it! 😁📕📷🔑🔍🏡🚙

This week wraps up all the original images chosen to share as free files. Next week is my birthday, so I have a treat for you. I have found a few garden catalog covers that I think you will all love! In the meantime, here are more botanical plates and and a squash. Enjoy!

Another busy week has come and gone. So busy, in fact, that I almost forgot to post this blog! This week, I am sharing some botanical plates. Not the breakable kind, lol! Enjoy these in your paper craft projects!

This has been a super-busy week, so I haven't worked on digitals much.  I have begun a sewing project, so my time is going to be taken up with that for a little bit. But, don't worry! I'll be back next week with some goodies!