Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Fabric Flower & Card Tutorial

Hey Everyone!

So sorry it's been a while between posts! Summer is just such a busy time and seems like the time just flies! I hope this finds you all having a fun filled happy summer!

I am heading off to Art Fiberfest and I wanted to post a quick "fiber" inspired tutorial before I left. I am going to show you how to make a super simple card with a handmade fabric flower.

This is the finished card that we will be making.

Gather your supplies: You will need
1. Two pieces of scrap fabric. Any kind will do! 
2. A needle
3. Embroidery thread to match your fabric. (Mine is red in the tutorial just so you can see the thread.)
4. A button or some sort of embellishment for the center.
5. Pinking or scallop scissors. (if you don't have these, just tear your fabric to get a nice frayed edge.)
6. 1 piece of cardstock to make a card your preferred size.

Cut your fabric that you will be using for your flower. Mine is about 6-7 inches long by about 1 inch wide. The bigger your fabric strip the bigger the flower. I cut the one edge with scallop scissors but you can tear yours if you don't have decorative fabric scissors.

Sew a running stitch all the way down your strip on the non decorative edge. This will be the middle of your flower.

Pull your thread from the needle end to gather your fabric along the thread.

Keep gathering until it forms a flower shape. Then tie a knot with both ends of your thread.

Then stitch the overlap of the petals together on the back side. I just did a couple of tiny stitches. Since your thread should match your fabric you won't be able to see them.

Sew on your button or glue any other embellishment you might have to the the center.

Now cut a second piece of fabric to fit across your card. I tore mine because I like the frayed look. 

You can sew your fabric strip on the card or glue it. I like to sew for the extra texture. Then glue your finished fabric flower on  top of the strip and you are done!

Happy Summer!