How to Create Your Own Custom Font

Although I don’t possess the talent to paint or draw, I like to doodle and make my own stuff. I like to use creative fonts that I downloaded from the net. But, I occasionally get bored using them, and switch to another font. Then, I found this great, and free, website that you can use to create your own custom font. How great it would be to use your creation to add a personal touch to gift cards, notes, letters, scrapbooks, or so many other projects.

All you need is a pen, printer and scanner. You don’t even have to download and install the software.

First, download (this is in PDF format), print out, and fill in the font template form. You can use your own handwriting or create your own unique designs. Then, scan this into your computer and upload it to the FontCapture site. They then walk you through the process to create your custom font.

Here is the link:

www.fontcapture.com

How Do I Clean My LCD Screen?

LCD screens are not like TV or the older pc screens that typically came with your pc. LCD screens are sensitive to cleaning products, and require special care to avoid burning out the pixels.

If you don’t know any better, and without thinking, you might think Windex or plain tap water will do. However, Windex contains ammonia, and tap water contains dissolved salts and minerals. You will most likely just wind up with smears.

There are LCD cleaning kits out there, but they’re expensive. Distilled water is safe to remove dust, but does not do a good job to remove greasy stuff, like fingerprints. As we would have a tendency to apply pressure to the screen for the hard to remove smudges, this too can fry pixels.

There are 2 home remedies that are good to use. Some people recommend 72% isopropyl alcohol or vinegar. Vinegar is probably the best of the two. Mix a 50-50 solution of either with distilled water. If your using alcohol, make sure its 72 percent, as other strengths can cause damage.

The cloth you use is important. Do not use paper towels, as they are made of wood and tiny wood particles can scratch the sensitive screen. It is best to apply your mixture to a soft, preferably microfiber, cloth.

Make sure you have adequate ventilation before starting. Don’t spray directly on the screen, as the liquid could run down between the screen and frame, and come in contact with wires that can lead to an electrical shortage. Moisten, don’t soak the cloth with the mixture. Gently wipe the screen and wipe dry with another microfiber cloth. It is not recommended to reuse the cloths, due to the potential for scratches.

Ne fall fabrics

I’ve added some new craft panels to my Etsy shop, just in time for all your fall handmade needs. A couple are just beautiful Christmas scenes, and one in particular is directed towards the beginner with instructions on how to make an apron with the fabric. Look for them in my supplies category on my website.

I don’t think you can ever have too much fabric. I have only listed a handful, but have tons. I just haven’t gotten around to getting them listed yet. What with some sort of crisis every week with my disabled brother (from a cerebral aneurysm). Sometimes it just boils down to getting him to understand something. But the 4-10 phone calls a day are disruptive to creative thinking and time management.

Come on over and visit http://www.taterpuddin@etsy.com

Totally Tutorials

I like to sew. I am working on several projects, all of which seem to be at the same time. I can’t explain it, I guess I’m just disorganized.

I never learned how to make jewelry, wood or leather crafting, but I wish I had. I think it would be awesome to make my own handmade pendant or design and emboss a leather tote. But, I never did, and probably never will.

However, there is a website that is a directory for crafters loaded with tutorials, How-To’s, Patterns, Recipes, and much more. The site was created by a fellow etsian, dottyral, who has shops at etsy.com. She is currently offering an exchange program where you can get free craft supplies in exchange for creating a tutorial. What a great idea, and so very generous.

For those of you that like to create by hand, please check out the Totally Tutorials website. But, please, make sure you have lots of time, cause it is already chocked full of great tutorials and tips.

http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/

My mini-vacation

Well, we just got back from a glorious day vacation fishing on beautiful Lake Greenwood. We were actually in a sleepy little town called Ninety Six, SC, just outside of Greenwood. We stayed with our friends, Earlene and Charles, that live on the lake. What a lovely couple, we always have such a wonderful time, just sitting back watching the sun blaze across the sky, and reminiscing about our fun filled days shagging at SOS (Society of Shaggers) in Ocean Drive, SC. They still go every year, but we have kinda gotten away from going. Something I shamefully admit, for no other reason than we just haven’t been going. But, one of my goals is to start back going to SOS, because we, and hundreds of our great friends, always have a blast. If you’re ever down that way in the spring and fall, as well as January, check out for the dates that shaggers converge, and come on over; you just might see me, either on the dance floor, or maybe under the table, one just never knows. But, I’ll be the one with the big smile on my face and a cold Miller Lite in my hand.

Earlene fixed up a batch of what is called Duck Farts. Geez, where in the world did anyone come up with this name? But it is apparently a well known concoction, as a bartender in Atlanta gave them the recipe. It’s a blend of Kailua, Bailey’s, and Crown Royal (1 part, 1 part, 1/2 part-in case you're interested). Quite tasty to have such an obnoxious name. We sipped on these and watched the blue cranes and egrets grazing on the water's edge. You know it's not something that just happened. There has to be a creator to come up with the most gorgeous view of a full moon glancing off of the still water with flocks of colorful water foul scattered about here and there. A magnificent wonderous delight to behold.

Anyway, I did catch the biggest fish on this trip. A 5 pound catfish. What a treat trying to reel him in. What a fighter. Reminded me of the 25 pound crevalle jack I caught off of Pensicola a few years back. Wish I had my camera, but left it at home. But Earlene and Don (my better half) caught the most, mostly brim and baby crappies and perch. Since we were doing this just for fun, we threw everything back, to include the 5 pound catfish. I figured he’s probably been around quite some time to have made it to his size, and well deserves the right. Hopefully the next fisherman will give him the same break I did; another chance to grow to a ripe old age.

What Can You Do to Prevent the Swine Flu?

Well, the flu season is quickly approaching, and the seasonal flu, and current H1N1 strain (swine flu), have not really kicked in yet. There are daily news reports, and most of the swine flu outbreaks at this time appear to be isolated to local areas and neighborhood schools. As the vaccine for H1N1 is currently in production, the mass flu vaccinations are anticipated to begin sometime in October, and health authorities are preparing to vaccinate about half the population over the next few months.

What is the difference between the swine flu and seasonal flu, you ask. Well, the symptoms share similar characteristics, which include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The main difference is in the degree of the symptoms.

While it is understandable confidence in the safety of the swine vaccine is a concern for a lot of people, as we are reminded of the last mass inoculation against the 1976 swine flu where there were rare side effects resulting in a paralyzing condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, scientists were unable to prove the relationship of the vaccine to the risk of acquiring Guillain-Barre syndrome. The CDC maintains that if the regular winter flu vaccine is related, the risk is no more than a single case per million vaccinated. Thus far, there have been no reported significant side effects, other than the usual expected, with the current vaccine. While this vaccine is slightly different from the seasonal flu vaccine, and as the seasonal virus is not circulating yet, it is advisable to get vaccinated before the seasonal flu begins circulating, to build an immune response.

This H1N1 strain seems to target the young more than the old, and it is anticipated to affect large numbers of children and pregnant women. While the numbers of those affected have been minimal, for the most part, it is anticipated this newest outbreak will affect 50% of the world population as the virus widens its range. I suspect the USA flu outbreak will spike once we get into weather changes and especially when the cold winter weather gets under way.

A virus is smaller than a bacteria molecule. I see a lot of face masks being used worldwide. While this could be helpful to block bacteria, virus molecules are small enough to penetrate through masks. However, there are things you can do that could impact your risk, or at least reduce the risk, for contracting the H1N1, or any strain of flu for that matter. Use disposable tissues, and throw them away. If a tissue is not handy, at least sneeze on your upper sleeve, never in your hand(s). Wash your hands regularly, and especially after shaking hands with someone. A lot of bacteria and viruses are spread through the use of doorknobs. Always use a disposable hand towel when opening a door, especially in public places. The liquid hand sanitizers are cheap, use it!!! and often. There are more germs under your fingernails than you want to know about. Keep your fingernails out of your mouth.

I read a recent article where one doctor offered these suggestions, which makes a lot of sense. He suggests gargling twice a day with warm salt water. Also, blow your nose twice a day. Afterwards, and using a cotton swab, swab your nostrils with warm salt water. While the risk of contracting any form of virus can often be unavoidable, the risk can be minimized by just using common sense and good hygiene practices to avoid cross contamination and spread to others.

Make your own fabric labels

I found this great tutorial for making your own fabric labels. Check it out.

http://patchworkpottery.blogspot.com/2008/09/fabric-labels-tutorial.html