Gordon Freeman Costume Resources

Last year's Gordon Freeman Costume seems to be getting some attention as we near the Halloween season this year. So, I thought I would make life easier for you guys by sharing my images and providing a few tips for construction.

The Labcoat: there are plenty of medical supply stores online. If you're a college kid, ask someone in pre-med where they got their scrubs. You're looking at like $20.

The ID badge: This one is trickier... I suggest checking an office supply store like Office Max, Staples, or even Meijer. A multi-pack wouldn't be more than $5, I imagine.

You could go all-out and paint a crowbar, but I don't think the neighbors will appreciate you brandishing a "bloodied" crowbar at their kids. Set it on the table near the candy for effect.

Iron Transfer sheets: Key for this project. These are available at any Hobby Lobby or similar craft store. Make sure you get the right type for your printer and fabric (dark, light, inkjet, toner).

Downloadable resources:
BlackMesa Logo - blackmesa_logo.jpg
BlackMesa ID Badge - blackmesa_ID.jpg

Tips: When transferring the logo onto the labcoat, cut out the interior white space so that you don't have to iron the design for as long. Otherwise, just follow the directions and you should be ready to go!

Fabric Pumpkin Pattern

It's (nearly) October, and that means Halloween is right around the corner! My roommate loves to decorate for the holidays, and I want to lend a hand, so I'm sewing up some fabric pumpkins.

This pumpkin is about 7" around, but you could blow up or shrink the pattern to whatever size you want. I'm working on several different sizes to scatter around the room. It is a quick project with maximum satisfaction. I recommend very springy stuffing and stuffing lightly to keep the crinkly effect.

Pattern provided by Schlosser Designs: link

Paper Star tutorial

While browsing for decoration ideas, I came across this video tutorial on Metacafe. I didn't like the look of staples, so I used tape (what I had on hand as a poor college student). I think gluing the parts together would take a bit more time, but yield better results. Or better yet scrapbooking squares (double-sided tape)!
I think with a few more stars, with some colored paper, this place will spruce right up.