Scrappy Journal Part 2

Yesterdays post showed you how I use the paper cloths/towels that I clean up with to create pages from which I made this Scrappy Journal.

The quick and easy cover was made with a mop up cloth folded over some batting, that was stitched around the open edges and then decorated with stamps.

I made six mini books (signatures) and stitched them into the cover.

Each section had been stamped and stitched.....

                                      ....with added pockets and inserts, using up any bits that I had to hand.

I finished off by adding torn strips of fabric to the spine. My daughter thinks I over did it this, but once I had started I couldn't leave any bald spots!

This was very easy and a lot of fun to do.

Lots more photos here.

Scrappy Journal Part 1

NOTHING gets wasted when I do fabric painting. I even save the paper cloths that I mop up with.

I just can't throw away anything that colourful!

I think I first saw this technique in this book by Traci Bautista.

It is so simple and a great way to re-cycle paper cloths that would otherwise end up in the rubbish bin.

It's like creating your own art supplies for free.

This is a quick over view of what I do.

Separate the two layers of tissue that you usually get, and lay them onto a non stick surface. I am using an old plastic tray here.

Using an old wide brush and a mixture of approx. 3 parts water to 1 part PVA glue, flatten the tissue down onto the surface.

I iron the tissue flat first because it is easier to work with. (I avoid ironing my family's clothes if possible, but I am happy to iron used paper towels!!) 

Keep adding layer upon layer of  tissue until you are happy. You can put down blocks of colour or tear up strips to add more interest. You can also cut out shapes or trap things between the layers.

Three to four layers are usually enough, maybe less if you buy the posh stuff!!

Wait for it all to dry thoroughly and then it can be folded and cut up to make pages like these.

They can also be cut into shapes to make a paper quilt.

  These pages have gone into a Scrappy Journal that I will share with you next time.

Autumn Leaves

Summer has given way to Autumn in one fell swoop around here.

With that in mind, here are some ways to produce painted fabrics with an Autumnal feel.

From the top: Positive and negative stencilling. Sun printing. Leaf printing.



Some good strong colours for making appliques.