Easy gifts

6 quick and easy gifts to make free homemade gift ideas for mixed media artists

presented by cloth paper scissors

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journal jars jenn mason

fabric flower pins Melody Ferris and Jill Russell

easy chic ring trio Mary Lynn Maloney

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mixed-media gifting pockets Melony Bradley

festive fabric cards Ro Bruhn

have a banner holiday Cate Prato

dozens. Mary Lynn Maloney shows how to make these bold, funky rings with simple open bead caps and baubles, papers, and found objects.

t

hey say it’s better to give than to receive—but I say it’s better to give and receive handmade gifts.

If you agree, you’ll find the inspiration and instructions you need for artful gift-making ideas in our new free eBook from Cloth Paper Scissors Today, 6 Quick and Easy Gifts to Make: Free Homemade Gift Ideas for Mixed-Media Artists.

Each of the projects in 6 Quick and Easy Gifts to Make: Free Homemade Gift Ideas for Mixed-Media Artists can be customized to fit your own artistic style and personalized to suit your gift recipients.

For example, Jenn Mason’s “Journal Jars” are easy homemade gifts that cater to individual interests and recycle, too! All you need are jars, pens, paper, embellishments, and your creativity.

With some fancy scrap fabrics, sparkly embellishments, and a needle and thread, “Fabric Flower Pins” are easy gifts to make. Melody Ferris and Jill Russell show you how to adapt these fabric flora to wear in your hair or on your lapel.

With the “Easy Chic Ring Trio,” you can make crafty Christmas gifts—or gifts for any other occasion—by the

“Mixed-media Gifting Pockets” made from recycled jeans are easy handmade gifts in themselves, made even more special when you tuck a small present or gift card inside. Melony Bradley shows you how to paint and stitch a snowman motif on the pockets, then embellish them. You can adapt her tutorial to any theme or motif you like.

Included in our crafty gift ideas roundup is a tutorial by Ro Bruhn for “Festive Fabric Cards.” Each is made from a stitched fabric collage, using scraps of lace and fabric, plus ribbons, sequins, beads, and buttons.

We haven’t left out gift-making ideas for holiday home décor. In my article “Have a Banner Holiday,” you’ll learn how to make a festive garland for Hanukkah. Plus, get ideas and inspiration from four other artists to make your banner posh, vintage or downhome, using papers, fabrics, and found objects.

6 Quick and Easy Gifts to Make: Free Homemade Gift Ideas for Mixed-Media Artists presented by

Cloth Paper Scissors®

online editor

Cate Prato

creative services Division Art Director

Photographer

Larissa Davis Larry Stein

Projects and information are for inspiration and ­personal use only. Interweave Press is not ­responsible for any liability arising from errors, ­omissions, or mistakes contained in this eBook, and readers should proceed cautiously, especially with respect to technical information. © F+W Media, Inc. All rights reserved. F+W Media grants permission for any or all pages in this eBook to be copied for personal use.

Where mixed -media artists come to play

So if you’re looking for crafty Christmas gifts, Hanukkah holiday ideas, or easy gifts to make and give any time of the year, there’s sure to be something you’ll love in this free eBook, 6 Quick and Easy Gifts to Make: Free Homemade Gift Ideas for Mixed Media Artists.

Warmly,

Cate Prato Online Editor, Cloth Paper Scissors Today

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Adapted from Cloth Paper Scissors® Gifts Holiday 2011/2012

journal jars by

Jenn Mason clothpaperscissors.com

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m at e r i a l s • Jars • Pens (I used Glaze® and Souffle®

gel pens, Identi®-pens, and Permapaque® Opaque markers by Sakura®.)

• Paper: found, purchased, scraps, etc.

• Scissors • Soft gel medium, gloss • Embellishments (I used things like ribbon, zipper trim, twine, etc.)

i

just love it when one good art project leads to another. I was preparing for a TV segment earlier

this year by doodling with some new pens. The package said they could write on glass so I tried doodling on some of the recycled glass jars that I keep my millions of brushes, pens, and pencils in on my work table and shelves. Each pen left a slightly different type of mark; some transparent, some opaque, and some raised. I really loved the collection of jars all together and thought of all the different ways I could use these “journal jars.” I’ve provided the basic directions along with a few ideas for changing things up. The next time you take your recycling to the curb, you may find yourself pulling out a couple of jars to take back to your studio! clothpaperscissors.com

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directions 1.

Make sure your jars are clean and free of label residue.

2.

Decide on your design and doodle away! Write words or phrases, sketch lines and shapes, or draw simple motifs.

3.

Add a paper insert. Cut a piece of found or purchased paper into a strip and adhere it to the inside of the jar with the gel medium. Coat the back side of the paper strip with gel medium as well to seal it and protect the paper from damage from the items you will be storing in your jar.

4.

Glue a ribbon, a bit of lace, a string of beads, or something else from your stash to the mouth of the jar to disguise the threads and add a finishing touch.

jmason@interweave.com

gift ideas to fill the jars • Paintbrushes—for your artist friend • Pencils and pens—for the business person in your life • Makeup brushes—for the babysitter • Hair accessories—for your favorite tween • Flowers—for the nice lady who lives next door (Just slip a smaller jar or a bud vase inside.)

• Dog treats—for Fido, of course!

• Votive candle—for a little romance • Collectables of all sorts—for you!

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Adapted from Cloth Paper ScissorsÂŽ Gifts Holiday 2010/2011

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he pleasures of hand sewing with glitzy fabrics,

beautiful beads, and buttons are magnified when there is a flower pin at the end of the process.

We take our inspiration from flashy recycled theater fabrics and a collaborative crafting process. This simple project is perfect for beginners and makes a wonderful pastime with family and friends, or can be the focus of a holiday craft party.

fabric

flower pins a wearable garden by

Melody Ferris and Jill Russell clothpaperscissors.com

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directions 1.

Make paper templates by cutting the heavy paper into 1", 2", and 3" circles.

2.

Trace the templates onto your fabric with a pencil or fabric marker and cut out 6–10 circles.

tip: Pin and cut multiple layers of fabric at the same time to hasten the process.

3.

Make a ruched (gathered) flower for the top of the pin, using a length of ribbon (see box, next page).

4.

Using the largest fabric circle as the base for your flower, stack 6–10 increasingly smaller circles on top of each other until the arrangement suits your style. Experiment with a variety of fabric textures, weights, and colors to create a truly unique piece.

m at e r i a l s • Heavy paper for circle templates • Assortment of fabrics (organza, tulle, lace, satin, etc.)

• Pencil or fabric marker • Scissors (fabric and paper) • Sewing needles and heavy-duty thread

tips

• Ribbon • Straight pins • Embellishments (beads, glitzy buttons, yarn, etc.)

• Prepare all the materials ahead of time to allow for spontaneous artistry.

• Pin backs

• Sew beads onto your ribbon ruche

• Glue gun

optional

at any time in the process.

• Leave the large, back circle unattached until you are ready to add the pin back. When you sew the pin back onto the piece, add in the back layer at the same time and sew through the entire circle stack.

• Change the size of the circle templates to change the size of your pins.

• Sew two circles together, right sides together, turn them right-side out, and slip stitch the opening for a more finished edge to the flower. Repeat for the smaller circles or just do this for the base circle for a different look.

5.

Pin the layers together and set aside.

6.

Choose an embellishment for your flower’s focal point and stitch it to the center of the ruched flower. Add this embellished flower to the top of your stack of fabric circles, and attach it by stitching through all layers

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with a needle and thread. Alternately, you can use hot glue to attach the layers and embellishments.

7.

Add more beads or buttons to the flower as desired.

8.

Attach the pin back to the back of the largest circle with glue or stitch it in place.

Once you’ve created a few of these flower pins, you’ll see they can be used to embellish a number of items in your wardrobe: t-shirts, sweaters, hats,

headbands, bracelets, ponytail holders, hair clips, and more. They can also be added to a gift package, a card, your purse, a pillow…or attach them to florist’s wire to create a clever flower arrangement. llessurllij1@yahoo.com. melodyjferris@yahoo.com.

how to make a

ruched flower

Pick a ribbon that is not too stiff. You don’t need to cut a specific length as you will gather the ribbon as you go.

1. Using a needle and thread, start at

1 end of the ribbon and begin to stitch back and forth in a zigzag fashion, using small stitches (see above). After you have sewn several inches, pull the thread to gather the ribbon.

2. Continue stitching along the length

of the ribbon, gathering as you go. Use a matching thread if you don’t want the stitching to show or a contrasting thread to add a little pizzazz to the flower.

3. Cut the ruched ribbon to the desired

length and gather the ribbon into a flower.

4. Conceal the ribbon end and any

loose threads within the flower and stitch to hold the shape.

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easy chic

ring trio

Adapted from Cloth Paper ScissorsÂŽ Gifts Holiday 2010/2011

make a bold fashion statement

by

Mary Lynn Maloney clothpaperscissors.com

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b

ig, bold, funky jewelry is a popular fashion trend. Blank metal rings are just waiting for your creative touch to turn them into expressive

and stylish accessories. Fill the ring’s bezel with color and texture, using any number of techniques. Paper, fabric, ribbon, and paint are all great choices—as are fun, three-dimensional things like beads, buttons, sea glass, washers, charms, and small found objects. It’s easy to tailor the ring to the taste of your gift recipient.

I had just finished a large, involved collage piece when I turned my attention to creating these rings. The small bezels were much less demanding than a big empty canvas, and I had them filled with tiny

m at e r i a l s • Decorative papers of choice • 5∕8" circle punch • 18mm glass dome • Glue (I used Nunn Design™ glue.)

• Small brush for applying glue • Antique silver, lace-edged circle tag, 18mm

• Large circle, antique silver,

adjustable ring (Nunn Design)

• Paper towels

works of art in no time. Considering the small amount of materials and time you need to complete them, these rings make a sizeable splash.

glass dome ring

excess glue and allow the ring to dry upright.

directions 1.

With the circle punch, cut a circle from a sheet of decorative paper.

In this instance, I used a scrap of paste paper left over from a previous project.

2.

Using the brush, add a thin layer of glue on the flat bottom of the glass dome, and place the dome onto the right side of the paper circle. Press down firmly on the dome to expel any air bubbles trapped between the paper and glass. Let dry.

4.

Add a thick layer of glue inside the ring bezel. Drop the assembled glass dome piece into the bezel and press down firmly. Wipe away any

tip: I like to tape my rings to my worktable to keep them sunny-side up. It’s a nifty way to keep things from falling or running out before everything is dry.

note: The glue will brush on white and dry clear.

3.

Brush a thick layer of glue inside the lace-edged circle tag, and drop the glass dome into the tag. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess glue.

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m at e r i a l s • Felt scrap • Scissors • Large, square, antique silver,

adjustable ring (Nunn Design)

• Fabric glue (I used Fabri-Tac™.)

• Beading needle and beading thread • Felt beads, 8mm (I used 2 orange and 2 purple.)

• 2 antique silver, open bead caps (6mm)

• 4 seed beads • Sequins

felt bead ring directions 1.

Cut a 1" square from the felt and round the corners slightly.

2.

Glue the felt square into the ring bezel. Push the felt down into the bezel so that it fits securely. Allow a little felt to spill over the sides.

3.

Using the beading needle and thread, stitch a bead cap and a seed bead to 2 of the felt beads. Trim any excess threads.

4.

Stitch a sequin and a seed bead to each of the other 2 felt beads. Trim any excess threads.

5.

Glue the embellished felt beads onto the felt square, and press them down into the bezel. Carefully trim the felt square close to the bezel edge.

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transfer sheet and rhinestones ring directions 1.

Paint the inside of the ring bezel with 3 coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry between applications. This gives you a nice opaque background.

note: Alternatively, paint the bezel with 2–3 different colors to achieve a more mottled, multicolored background. Or, leave some of the metal exposed in the bezel so that it shows through the transfer image.

2.

Punch out the desired floral image with the circle punch. Drop the punched circle into a small bowl of water for 30–40 seconds. During this time, the top portion of the transfer will come away from the paper backing. The transfer may (or may not) curl in the water like a little potato chip. No worries either way.

3.

Remove the image from the water and slide the top, filmy portion of the transfer into the ring bezel. Discard the paper backing.

4.

Dab the image carefully, yet firmly, with a dry paper towel, gently pressing the filmy image into the

bezel. This removes any excess water from the image, as well as any air bubbles between the bezel and the image.

5.

6.

Brush 3 coats of sealant over the bezel, allowing the coats to dry thoroughly between applications.

While the third coat of sealant is still wet, use the tweezers to drop flat-back rhinestones onto desired areas of the image. Have a straight pin handy in case you need to gently prod the rhinestones into just the right spot.

note: The glass dome ring and the image transfer ring can withstand a little water, but it’s best not to wear them when showering or washing your hands. The felt bead ring should not be exposed to water at all.

To make a truly eye-catching gift presentation, incorporate some of the same materials from your ring project into coordinating gift boxes, gift wrap, or tags.

m at e r i a l s • Large, circle, antique silver

adjustable ring (Nunn Design)

• Acrylic paint (I used Lumiere® Citrine Metallic.)

• Paintbrush • Graphic floral images transfer sheet (Nunn Design)

• 5⁄8" circle punch • Small dish of water • Paper towels • Sealant (I used Nunn Design sealant.)

• Tweezers (I love Creative Crystal® Precision Rhinestone Tweezers.)

• 16 flat-back rhinestone crystals,

2mm, in assorted colors (I used sky blue, clear diamond, and ruby.)

• Straight pin

nunndesign.com

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Adapted from Cloth Paper ScissorsÂŽ Gifts Holiday 2011/2012

pockets

gifting

recycled jean pockets for small treasures by

Melony Bradley clothpaperscissors.com

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m at e r i a l s • Denim pockets • Scissors, fabric and craft • Metallic and glitter paints (I used

Lumiere® paints: pearlescent blue, metallic silver, and Super Sparkle.)

• Paintbrushes, 1/2" and 1" • Metal sheets (I used Creative Metal™ sheets in silver.)

• Ink, white (I use acid-free,

transparent inks. Jacquard’s Pinata Inks work well.)

• Sewing machine and thread • Embellishments: Flat-back

rhinestones, pebble beads, selfadhesive gems, chandelier droplet, etc.

• Wood shapes (A 1"–3" circle or oval works well.)

• Rub-on transfers • Hand drill and drill bit • Wool felt • Fusible web (I used Lite Steam-a-Seam®.)

• Iron and pressing surface • Pencil • Embroidery floss, black • Embroidery needle • Magic Mesh • Tacky glue (I like Aleene’s® Liquid Fusion Tacky Glue.)

• Fabric marking pen • Heavy-duty hole punch • Wire, 20-gauge (I used black wire.)

• Wire cutters • Pliers

i

recently started thinking about projects I could make from recycled jeans.

Maybe a tote bag from one of the legs, or what about a wrist cuff from the

waist line? Finally, it dawned on me to create a small pocket for gift giving. It’s a creative way to present small gifts such as gift cards and homemade candies.

I use a mixed-media approach for these pockets that can easily be tailored to any skill level. You may wish to hand dye the pockets in lieu of painting them, or machine sew your appliqués instead of using fusible web and hand embroidery.

Whichever methods you choose, you will be able to create several of these pockets in the course of an evening.

directions 1.

2.

3.

Cut the pockets from the back of the jeans, and then cut off the pocket backing. (Figure 1) Use the 1" brush to randomly paint portions of the pocket with the metallic and glitter paints, letting each painted section dry between coats.

Cut your desired shape from the metal with craft scissors or a die-cut machine. (I cut a snowflake.)

(Figure 2)

Figure 2

4.

note: I also added a rhinestone to the center of the snowflake.

5.

Choose a wooden shape and paint it with the metallic paint. When dry, use a rub-on sentiment of choice and add it to the wooden shape. Using a hand drill, drill a small hole on each side of the wood shape, left and right.

6.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the fusible web to the wool felt. Draw a shape(s) onto the paper backing of the fusible web and then cut along the pencil line.

(Figure 3)

optional

• Die-cut machine with die (I used a snowflake shape.)

• Script fabric, scraps • Ribbon scraps (I used 3⁄8" light blue ribbon.)

Figure 1

Color the metal shape as desired and allow it to dry. I dripped several drops of white ink onto the snowflake to color it, letting some of the metal show through, and then dry brushed the edges of the snowflake with pearlescent blue.

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note: I cut circles for my snowmen and teardrop shapes for their noses. You could cut simple trees or ornament shapes, or just about any shape to fit the occasion.

7.

With the iron on medium heat, no steam, iron the shapes onto the pocket.

8.

Thread the embroidery needle with 2 strands of embroidery floss, and backstitch the edges of the felt shapes. I edged the snowmen, their noses, and the center of the script fabric. (Figure 4)

Figure 3

9.

Add the mesh square to the pocket, and then adhere the wood shape over the mesh with tacky glue.

10. Use

embroidery floss to secure the wood to the pocket by stitching through the drilled holes.

11. Add

embellishments like buttons or eyes in the same manner.

12. Trace

the pocket onto the felt with the fabric marking pen. Cut out the pocket backing, align it with the denim pocket, and machine stitch the pockets together with a straight stitch, leaving the top of the pocket unstitched.

13. Embellish

the pocket as desired. I used the floss to sew a chandelier droplet to the bottom point of the pocket and added script fabric with self-adhesive gems along the bottom edge. (Figure 5)

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 6

14. Using

the heavy-duty hole punch, punch holes on the top left and top right of the pocket.

Cut an 8" piece of black wire with the wire cutters and insert the wire into the punched holes, bending the ends to secure.

(Figure 6)

15. Add

any additional details and the metal shapes to the pocket.

I used fabric fusion to adhere a 4" length of ribbon for a scarf, and liquid fusion to adhere the snowflake.

Now that you have completed your pocket, fill it with goodies and hang it on a neighbor’s front door for a special holiday surprise, or place one at each setting on your holiday table filled with yummy treats as an extra special favor. mel-designs.typepad.com.

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Adapted from Cloth Paper Scissors® Gifts Holiday 2011/2012

festive

fabric cards by

Ro Bruhn clothpaperscissors.com

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i

love textiles and have been making fabric and paper journals for some time now. I always have lots of scraps left over from the journals, so I decided

to make some mini collages. The collages led to card making, and I’ve been making cards ever since. These cards make a great little gift as the receiver can frame the card and have a lovely piece of art to hang.

directions 1.

Fold the cardstock in half and crease the center seam with the bone folder.

The card now measures 4" × 6".

2.

Choose a selection of fabric scraps, ribbons, and lace. It’s nice to have a few pieces in contrasting colors.

3.

Cut or tear a piece of fabric for the background. This can be plain or patterned, and should be no larger than 3" × 5".

4.

Cut or tear the sari ribbons, lace, and other scraps of fabric into a variety of sizes. I like to fray the edges on some of the fabrics. Layer these pieces onto the background fabric, overlapping some of the pieces, until you have a pleasing arrangement. This is a great way to use up all of those precious little pieces that you just can’t throw out. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

m at e r i a l s • Cardstock, 8" × 6" (A5) • Bone folder or similar tool • Fabric scraps • Silk ribbons • Scraps of lace • Scissors • Straight pins • Needle and thread for hand sewing • Embroidery thread • Sequin waste, beads, sequins, and buttons

optional

• Sewing machine and thread

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Figure 2

5.

Pin all of the pieces to the background fabric, making sure the pieces are held down securely. Stitch, by hand or machine, to attach the pieces to the background. (Figure 2)

tip: If you’re using a sewing machine to assemble your fabrics, use a combination of straight and zigzag stitching to add interest.

6.

Embellish the fabrics with sequins, sequin waste, beads and/or buttons by hand stitching them to the fabrics, and then machine or hand stitch the finished fabric piece to the front of your cardstock. (Figure 3)

tip: Have a container next to you when you’re sewing, and put all of your fabric scraps into it. No matter how small, these pieces can be used in card making. The odd shapes can really add interest to your piece. robruhn.blogspot.com.

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have a

banner

Adapted from Cloth Paper Scissors® Gifts Holiday 2010/2011

holiday by

Cate Coulacos Prato

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b

anners, bunting, flags—whatever you call them, these garlands made from fabric or paper and embellishments make any celebration more festive.

Triangular flags are traditional, but really, anything goes in terms of shape, size, and materials.

Just a few months ago, I made the simplest form of bunting for my daughter’s graduation party. She loves yellow, so I cut triangles out of all the yellow fabrics I could find (with a little green thrown in for interest), sandwiched the ends inside double-wide bias tape, and stitched them down. Easypeasy, and they made a huge impact strung across the front of our porch and around the buffet table. In fact, I left them up all summer to lend a cheerful note to our outdoor décor.

To give you an idea of the variety of celebratory banners you can make, we asked four artists whose work intrigues us to create a banner using these directions: Make a celebratory mixed-media banner (not specifically holiday, but festive).

Think of it as something you would hang across a mantel, around a tree, over an archway, etc. Make the banner from whatever you like: fabric, paper, embellishments, etc. It doesn’t have to be in traditional colors, nor do the flags have to be triangular pennant shapes.

In other words: Do what you want.

We received a delightful array of interpretations. Each fits the requirements, but is as individual as its maker. In the meantime, I made my own Hanukkah banner as a gift for some special friends.

banner basics A banner really has only two main components: the string and the flags. From there, it’s all creativity and assembly.

colors, themes, motifs, and materials.

For my holiday banner, I chose to create a Hanukkah garland that could be hung on a mantel or over a window.

C h o o s e a d eco r ative t h e m e . Once you have the answers to some of the practical considerations, it’s time to look for inspiration. The celebration itself will give you clues, but it can be fun to pull out your stash of papers, fabrics, and found objects

cause for

Ask

yourself

w h o , w h at , where, and

w h e n . Whom is it for? What’s the occasion? Where is this banner going to go?

When (at what time of year) will it be used most? The answers will give you clues as to

celebration Don’t restrict your banner making to the holidays. Here are some other occasions for a festive, handmade banner:

• New baby • Back to school • Graduation • New job • Reaching goal weight • Completing a marathon

• Making the team • Wedding or commitment ceremony

• Birthday • Knight or fairy party

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fabric paper, simplified I had never made fabric paper before, but it was easy and fun. The hardest part was waiting for everything to dry. Overnight is best. This recipe is adapted from mixed-media artist Beryl Taylor’s method. For details, visit clothpaperscissors.com and click on Free Stuff>Making Fabric from Paper.

m at e r i a l s • Colored and printed tissue, paper napkins, and other lightweight, patterned papers

• Plastic to protect your work surface • Muslin • White glue or Mod Podge® • Water • Sponge brush optional

• Paints and inks and rubber stamps

directions 1. Tear your papers into pieces, ranging

from 1"–3". Don’t worry about the shape or pattern.

2. Put your piece of muslin down on the

plastic sheet. Mix the glue and water in a 1:1 ratio and saturate the muslin with the mixture, using a sponge brush.

3. Apply your papers randomly to the

muslin and immediately paint over the tops of the papers with more of the glue mixture. Overlap some of the papers and leave some gaps, too.

for inspiration. I considered candle or flame shapes for my Hanukkah banner flags, but ultimately decided on a dreidel shape and chose the traditional colors of blue, silver, and white. I gathered tissue papers and paints in the theme colors and made fabric paper with them. Then I cut out the dreidel shapes using a homemade template.

Find

the right

c o m b i nat i o n . Audition different materials and images. If the flags aren’t going to be uniform in color or pattern, consider a unifying element for each one. This could be a color, a symbol, or some kind of embellishment.

I dug through my stash for cording and trim in silver and blue and came up with some braid and some shimmery rickrack to trim the dreidel flags with.

The braid was a little too formal, but the rickrack seemed just right.

4. While the muslin and paper are still

wet, apply paint or ink here and there, if desired.

5. Allow it to dry completely (overnight).

When the fabric paper is dry, you can stamp with ink or paint or just start cutting and stitching.

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P hysi c s

matter s . When you’re choosing your materials, keep in mind weight and gravity. Make sure your string is sturdy enough to hold the flags if they’re made of heavy material or intensely embellished, otherwise they may twist on the string, or even fall off. Originally, I was going to attach the dreidel flags to the string with a silver clip that would resemble the spinner part of the top. I wanted to be able to add the flags to the banner each night of the festival the same way the menorah is lit each night. But the clips were too heavy, and the flags kept flipping. Instead, I made a loop of rickrack on top of each flag as the spinner. Each night, another dreidel can be hung on the silver rope.

Once you start making banners, it can be hard to stop, especially when you start to consider all the possibilities.

The banners shown here give you a glimpse of the ideas for colors, shapes, and embellishment.

cprato@interweave.com

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happy holiday banner vintage celebration

by Deb Taylor diddebdoit.blogspot.com “ I piled up my vintage linens and thrifted clothing and just started cutting and sewing. I feel like each banner section is a mini quilt, and because the linen is so flowy, it dances in the wind or under a ceiling fan. If you use the pocket of an apron or a man’s shirt, you can tuck a secret message inside.”

snowflakes

by Kim Geiser persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com “ When I started gathering the supplies to make this banner I found these little crocheted flowers that reminded me of snowflakes. I used blue denim and several shades of orange fabric, and I added the snowflakes in between the flags. I love making these.

I keep thinking of parties I have coming up…like my sister’s bowling alley wedding…hmm.”

blessings

by Holly Stinnett hollylovesart.blogspot.com

black & white balls

“ The ladies are printed on fabric and sewn onto larger fabric pieces (8"× 6½"). The flags are lightly stuffed with Fiberfil® (a signature of mine). I like the look of stuffed fabric images. I adhered hand-sewn yo-yos, buttons, crystals, lace, vintage Christmas bobbles, etc., to the fabric pieces, as well as letters that spell out the word ‘Blessings.’ I backed the banner flags with coordinating vintage-looking pink cardstock so the banner looks pretty from all angles.”

by Brenda Brink Bbrink5@hotmail.com “ I have oodles of black-and-white fabrics and wanted to try fusing them. All I had to do was add some silver—so festive!”

clothpaperscissors.com

6 Quick and Easy Gift Ideas for Mixed-Media Artists ©Interweave Press LLC

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