Frugal Gift Making - Shabby Image Printing on Fabric

Two things I love are shabby roses and pretty ornate frames.  

 I have quite a collection of them picked up at thrift shops for a dollar or two.  

 I thought it was about time that I did something with them and once I had made a few I just couldn't stop. 

                      So I thought maybe others might enjoy it too.  So here is a tutorial for you.

I have quite a collection of vintage style images that are given away FREE on the internet.  The majority of my images come from The Graphics Fairy.

 Measure the size of the print that you need for each frame and then make a page of images on your home computer using WORD or a Graphics Programme.  

Next decide if you are going to use factory made fabric printing paper (can be purchased at craft shops, Ebay or Online) or if you re going to make your own by cutting fabric and freezer paper to A4 size and putting it through your ink jet printer.  I have used both methods.  For Freezer paper instructions go HERE.

Using a rotary cutter cut out each image to the size required to fit in your frame.  DO NOT peel off the backing paper if you are using COMMERCIAL Printable Fabric Sheets.  If you are using Freezer Paper peel off the backing paper once you have cut the images to size.

You can fuse the image to the backing card of the frame or directly onto the glass.  I'll show you both methods.  I'll also show you them with or without lace.  This frame is Oval so with the frame together and the backing card in the area where a photograph would be I ran a pen around the edge of the oval.  This gave me an area that needed to be covered.  As the image is rectangle and the frame oval it was a bit of a puzzle as to what to do.  

You could make the image bigger and simply put it over the entire oval shape or you can fill in the bits that are left showing like I have.

Using scrapbooker's double sided tape apply to the back of your image.  Peel off the paper side and then place down onto the backing card.

You can do the same with the lace that you adhere to the edges.  Simply just cut the double sided tape to the same length.  Adhere down.  Peel off the paper and stick your lace on top.

As you can see the card is still showing through the lace on this image so I decided to place a pretty trim over the top as well.

Hunt around in your stash I'm sure you will come up with something

Use the same method as with the lace and adhere it down with the double sided tape.

Do it on all four sides

And then place it in your frame with or without the glass.  I love the look of them without the glass but it's entirely up to you.

I just love how this one came out with the lace around it.  It's just so pretty.

The other method is adhering the image directly onto the glass.  Place the double sided tape directly on to the glass.

Cut your fabric to the exact same size as the glass.  Peel off the paper on the tape and then carefully smooth the fabric over the glass so that the fabric adheres.  

This particular print is one of 3 that I purchased from one of my favourite artists (Gail McCormack).   The colours are so vivid.  I have had them for a few years now and recently just discovered them again so stay tuned for some more projects using the remaining two.

Then simply just place the glass back in the frame.  So simple, yet so effective and a wonderful addition to any home.  

What a lovely easy to make gift for someone special?

I hope you enjoy making them as much as I have.

Hugs,

Fee xx

When Life Gives You Lemons ........ Make Strawberries

Blog land has always been there for me along with the friends that I have made from blogging.  Many of them have become close, loving buddies that I couldn't live without.  When times are tough and when life is getting a little hard for awhile I always know that a number of my friends have my back.

Even if it just for a quick chat, a quick text or even a lovely long e-mail to sit and read.  These friendships bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

One such friend is Jenny.  The wonderfully talented, loving, giving and just all round lovely girl is within my closest circle of friends.  She makes me so proud of what she has done with her business "Ëlefantz"and where she has come from.  I am always there cheering her on from the sidelines.  Her talent never ceases to amaze me.

And she inspires me.  Whether I am reading her blog, stalking her on pinterest or following her facebook page - She just lifts my spirits and makes me want to stitch ! 

It's been a real struggle for me to get out of bed lately and I have been alternating between the bed and the recliner and then back again.  Doctors orders have been complete rest and I have had no trouble complying.  I still read blogs and I still get inspired every day but Jenny made a simple little project the other day as a tutorial on her blog and instantly I knew that when I felt well enough that was what I was going to make.

She made the most adorable strawberry pincushion.  I knew right away that a lace top that I had purchased at the op shop some months back would be perfect to use and yesterday in an hour or so I had 5 cut out and prepped and ready to sew. 

They brought so much joy to my heart making them.  A simple little project but I felt that I had achieved something.  I have a couple of stores that stock my handmade items and they have been screaming out for more stock so these little scissor and pin cushion sets will be headed off to their shelves very soon.

So do yourself a favour and pop on over to Jenny's blog to grab the template and tutorial to make your very own.  

Hugs,

Fee xx