The Graphics Fairy and The Buttons

You may already know about this amazing blog, it’s actually pretty popular. I like to think it’s been my secret source for some time and only now, because I just can’t keep it to myself any longer, am I willing to share it. It’s The Graphics Fairy, a blog full of free vintage images. I don’t know how she does it, but she finds the coolest old graphics, most in full color, and posts them on her constantly updated blog for FREE! (Did I mention they’re free?) And if you want a background for your blog, she does that too! (Free!) Just follow the links on her site.

Although I love most everything she offers as-is, I have been taking a few images and playing around with them in Photoshop to erase the text and then to Illustrator to add my own. With The Graphics Fairy permission, I am featuring one of these altered images right here, with more to come…uh huh, FREE! In fact, I took it a step or two further and I created some free PDF downloads for you to play with. They are the altered design made into labels for pretty button storage, because I know you have buttons. You can click on any of the round labels above for the enlarged JPGs to take home with you. And click on the design images below to open the PDF images and use as they are or enlarge or reduce elements as needed.

As far as a tutorial: print, cut and stick. That’s it.

A few tips: When cutting circles with scissors, you’ll cut more accurate when turning the paper and holding your scissors in one position. Also, I ink the edges of my labels with a marker to hide the white cut edge, it gives a more finished look. For labeling, either print onto full sheet label stock or use spray adhesive once the labels are cut out.

You can use the button labels on most any container. I placed the largest label onto a $1 craft store round wooden box and sanded here and there for a distressed look. I wrapped labels and bands on thrift store spice jars and labeled an old candy dish, courtesy of my friend Desirai. And lastly, I folded and ribboned the label topper over a small cracker jar found in Martha’s section at Kmart. You can also print the large lid image onto an iron-on transfer sheet and transfer to fabric, it will drape nicely and make a sweet gift for your favorite crafter.

And now, the photos. Have fun!