Hello! I'm back today to talk a little bit more about the layout that I created for the Something Special column of the summer issue.
I absolutely adore pretty fabrics! Just like patterned papers, I'm attracted to their wonderful colors, patterns, and designs. I must confess, that although I don't sew, beyond the very basics, I've been purchasing fabric in small amounts for years, and have accumulated quite the collection. I've discovered that fabric can easily be used in place of patterned papers, to create unique trims, or to create pretty flowers accents.
The flower accents that I created for my "Beach Babe" layout below, are very simply to make, and can be used on anything from scrapbook pages, to hair accessories and clothing, or even to customize a simple pair of summer flip flops, as wonderfully shown in the background photo of this article.
- First, trim a strip of fabric to desired dimensions. The dimensions on my large flower were approximately 1 1/4" x 12". Remember, the circumference of your finished flower will be twice the width of your cut fabric. By trimming my fabric to a starting width of 1 1/4", my finished flower then became 2 1/2". If desired, trim one edge with pinking shears, or, to create clean edges, fold your fabric in half lengthwise, and iron to create a crisp edge.
- Do simple stitching along the bottom, or unfinished edge.
- Pull thread to gather tightly, then connect the starting edge to the finishing edge with a simple stitch.
- Play with the pleats to achieve desired look, then for a finishing touch, adhere a button, decorative brad, or flower accent to the very center.
The flower on my daughter's jacket was created by layering a smaller flower with pinking sheared edges, on top of a larger flower with clean edges.
If you've incorporated fabric into one of your layouts of cards recently, I'd love to see it! Be sure to link me to your project in the comments. :)
~ Sheri Reguly
great idea and i love the flower on the jean jacket!!
Posted by: Nancy L. | August 17, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Sheri, your flowers are so beautiful! I love how you used them on both you layout and your daughter's jacket! She is adorable!!
Posted by: Renee J. | August 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM
I LOVE IT!
Posted by: Aspen Peggs | August 17, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Excellent idea. I am a sewer/quilter and have many scraps to use. I hope mine will look as good as yours do especially the flower on your scrap booking page.
Posted by: Donna Rawbone | August 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Cute flowers. They would make lovely embellies for ponytails and hair pins too:)
Posted by: Sandy | August 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Love the fabric flowers. I especially love them on the layout. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: JoAnn Burnham | August 17, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Your LO is adorable and so is the flower on your daughter's jacket! So cute!
Posted by: Kathy (krolski) | August 17, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Beautiful layout and lovely flowers! Thank you very much! :o)
Posted by: Nancy | August 17, 2011 at 11:25 AM
so pretty and easy, just love it!!!
Posted by: Norma Angelica Rubio | August 17, 2011 at 11:49 AM
thanks for this great tutorial - love these flowers!!!
Posted by: Tini | August 17, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Love it - I do the same thing with ribbon for my cards - in fact, I just learned how to do this last night and have made quite a few ribbon flowers.
Posted by: Anna/Oma | August 17, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Thanks so much for this tutorial, Sheri. I LOVE these flowers and think that I will give them a try!
Posted by: Amber M | August 17, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Beautiful layout, love the flower! TFS
circlebenterprises.com
Posted by: Just A Pac Rat | August 17, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Michelle Liimatainen | August 17, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Love your layout, and your flowers. Beautifullllll!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Theresia | August 18, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Love your flowers and the gorgeous layout!
Posted by: Jennifer Reynard | August 18, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Thanks for the tutorial. It looks so adorable on your daughter's jacket. She's so cute!
Posted by: Pam | August 23, 2011 at 01:09 PM