Scrap-buster Fabric Canvas Art: DIY

I got this inspiration after a trip to Fancy Tiger and saw some canvases hanging on the wall with fabric scraps as the main focal point. Seeing as how I have loads of fabric scraps, this was the perfect project.

Here's the how-to:

12 x 15.5 canvas, fabric scraps, scissors, fine point Sharpie, 3M spray adhesive, ruler, pencil

To start, draw diagonals. I made mine fairly small at first & decided it would look too busy, so I erased and made them a bit bigger. Ultimately, I made 40 full diamonds with five half diamonds running along the side and the top (see picture).

Next, cut out just slightly smaller diamonds from your fabric scraps. Cut a few extra in case you don't like a few after laying them out. I ended up using 40 different fabrics!

Now trace over your pencil lines with a fine tipped Sharpie. I wanted my lines to show up but not be too bold.

Now spray a thin layer of adhesive to the canvas (this stuff works so well!) And just start placing the scraps on in whatever order you like! Here's my finished project.

Wouldn't this look so great ombre? (if you had enough different fabrics of the same color) Enjoy! 

Tuesday Tutorial: Customized Outdoor Bench Cushions

For a birthday present for my sister's boyfriend, we made him some bench cushions. He made the benches from scrap wood, a project that didn't cost him a dime (it did cost him some sweat, though). The wood was a bit splintered and was therefore not very comfortable to sit on. Splinters + bare legs = ouch!

We made a trip to Joann's, bought some indoor/outdoor fabric (50% off, holla!), sat down on foam in the middle of the aisle, bought the schtuff (40% off!) & went to work. This project may seem like a huge undertaking, but rest assured, this will only take a few hours!

*Photo heavy post!*

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$50 x 3 benches = $150

$29 x 3 benches = $87 at least

Here's how you can make your own customized cushions for less than buying them!

Sew the side just across from the fold and along one of the bottoms. Leave one short side entirely open.

To make the fabric take on a more boxed look, using the fabric from the long sides and the bottom sewn side, fold the fabric in a triangle against the seam. 

See below or here for a more detailed explanation on this technique.

Repeat for the other corner as well.

For finishing, I turned the fabric right side out and stuffed the foam inside. With the end edges, I folded the fabric like an envelope (see below) and pinned Velcro on the inside for an invisible finish.

Pinned Velcro, ready to sew. Notice how the Velcro spans the whole cushion.

 To make sewing the Velcro easier, I pushed the foam down and out of the way.

 I used a zig-zag stitch to secure the Velcro.

It looks something like this.

 To finish, fold in like an envelope, just like you did before pinning the Velcro.

This is what mine looked like finished.

Not even cute! So, we decided to sew some ourselves.

Linking up to:

I am in LOVE...

with Joel Dewberry. In a platonic swooning fabric fest, I am in LOVE.


At the local fabric/craft store I frequent, the cute and crafty saleslady ringing me up said, "I'm noticing a pattern... Joel Dewberry." 


I don't look at designer's names when choosing fabric, I just go with what makes me smile and lights my eyes up with potential, but somehow every time that happens, the fabric calling is Joel Dewberry. 


I can't stop saying it! Joel Dewberry. Joel Dewberry. It rolls off the tongue so pleasantly! Joel Dewberry (okay, I'll stop!).

Eclectic modern. Brilliant, Joel Dewberry. I love you!

My favorite collection is Heirloom. Here are my most recent investments:

Opal Jade, voile

Tile Flourish Amber, voile

To Infinity scarves & beyond! That's where these puppies are going. Can't wait for more! I love voile!

If you're brave enough to click the website, get ready to drool &/or fork up some dough buying the fabric on Etsy. Enjoy! Show me what you make with your Joel Dewberry!

Currently

Thursday thrills, what I'm up to:

Reading:

Dipping into some nonfiction with The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

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Writing:

My journal + application essays

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Drinking:

Lychee tea

Listening to:

Mumford & Sons Pandora station

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People

"You are a Tourist" by Death Cab for Cutie

"Turn Around" by Matt Maher

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Desiring to:

Go golfing, oddly enough

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Inspired by:

The imminent weekend

Voile fabric

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What are you up to?

Randomness is good (just ask entropy! ...nerdy joke). Have a good one!