Fabric pictures

Fabric pictures have been a popular project in my class lately. It doesn't matter too much about level of skill as abstract pictures can be created and what I would call naive art images work really well. In order to make one you will need a piece of backing material. A good size to work with is A4 like a piece of photocopy paper. Look on pinterest.com under fabric pictures for some ideas, or dig out your old photos and use them as inspiration. Magazines may too have images to inspire you.

Draw your picture on scrap paper so that you have an idea of what you are doing. Find fabric scraps to make up the elements of your picture. The above (unfinished) picture is hand sewn using braids, ribbon, felt and hand stitching on silk. Sew by hand or machine or glue your work in place.

Frame the picture or hang it on a twig or piece of dowelling. If it's sturdy then use the work to make a pillow, pencil case or bag.

Some images that enable lovely pictures are mountains, beach huts, lighthouses, simple boats. suns, moons and stars, lips, houses, the sea, simple prams, flowers and little birds.

Have fun!

Button bracelets and more

Making jewellery with buttons that have holes is easy and the potential for unique pieces is endless. Buy new buttons, make your own or rummage around at home for the buttons that have been saved over the years.

Use elastic, strong jewellery thread or some of the jewellery cord available at craft shops. You can tie the cords and hide the knots or attach jewellery fastenings/clasps.

Why not make brooches, earrings, bag charms, key rings, necklaces, bracelets and ankle chains. That's just to start.

The above bracelets are made with four-hole buttons that have been threaded with two cords of elastic and tied.

I make them with all my groups and have made them with men as well as women. I would say that women are the most enthusiastic button fans but en like them too. My work has also introduced me to people who have button phobia and can't stand to e near them.

A fascinating world made more so by buttons.

button-art.com

scrunchies

hair-scrunchies.com


Hair scrunchies are fun to make and easy. The ones above were made by cutting strips of fabric and tying them firmly around a length of elastic. once the elastic is as full of tied fabric as possible you can trim it to your taste.

The above scrunchies are small and will twist around a pony tail. Make bigger ones in bridal fabric that can fit around the head of a bridesmaid. Use summer colours for someone going to a festival.

I also make them to fit around wrists. These can be made in bridal colours, fabric to match a prom dress or festival bracelets.

All you need is:-

Elastic - slim
Strips of scrap fabric or fabrics to match an outfit
Sharp scissors

Great for personal use, gifts, fundraising sales, weddings, proms and in craft classes.