Last night I uttered words that I never thought would leave these lips: we need to discuss our World Cup weekend plans. In most American households, The World Series, The Super Bowl, or even The Stanley Cup get high billing, but in mine, this every 4-year tournament is paramount to any sporting event. (Olympics who?) I simply can’t pretend to totally care, but mix a little design and entertaining into the sport, and I’m game.

Fabric soccer balls by Klas Ernflo. Each is sized to match a real soccer ball and made from wool. Not sure if I’d want to kick it or pet it. Found via FFFFound. Gift for my unborn son? Perfect! Available for sale at Partners & Spade.

I saw this soccer tape by Magis at ICFF this year…just tape up a wad of newspaper and that’s all you need to DIY a soccer ball! Found on Design Revolution Road Show.

Throwing a World Cup party? Make these cute cupcakes, using the 100-Calorie Oreo packs. By Karen Tack for Parents Magazine.

Maybe I’ll buy this vintage mug for my husband for his morning coffee. From Neat Old Shiz.

Goooooooaaaaaalllllll! (Just practicing!)

My dear friend Jill’s daughter turned one last week, so she asked for some advice on how to decorate. So as a gift to her and Lila, I got my craft on to help celebrate this little cutie!

Since I started The Violet Hours, my most linked-to post has been the air-dry-clay rock placecards that I made for my wedding. After many requests for a tutorial, here it is!

What you’ll need: white air dry clay, a sponge, cooking oil, small letter stamps, paper towel, q-tip, glossy varnish, sponge brush, parchment paper, rapidograph pen

1. Form clay into an organic rock shape, about 3″ long x 2″ wide x 1″ tall. Smooth with wet sponge and let dry for ten minutes.
2. Dip your finger in olive oil and smear across the surface of the clay. Stamp letters into the clay to spell names (the oil allows for a clean release). Blot oil off with a paper towel, and smooth any dings or divots with a wet q-tip.
3. Let rocks dry completely on parchment paper, which may take a few days due to density of the clay.
4. Using a sponge brush, coat dry rocks with varnish just over the name. This will dry in less than an hour.
5. Using a rapidograph ink pen (the tip is very fine and almost functions like a syringe dispensing ink), fill in the letters with dark ink.
6. Let ink dry and coat entire rock surface with a final coat of varnish.

 

 

Even though it was a hundred degrees, with a hundred percent humidity and a threat of tornado, I made it to the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn yesterday. After passing many a silk-screened onesie booth, here were some of my fave finds…

There is something so precious about these little book charms by The Black Spot Books.

I have always been a fan of The Small Object, so it was fun to see her whimsical products in person.

 

If it’s embroidered these days, I love it, which is why I was so drawn to the sweet products of Coral & Tusk.

I started obsessively scanning The Style Files today; you may see many links coming from that blog. It’s that good! Here are some cool ways to arrange your walls…

Have a lovely weekend!