Burlap and Canvas Valentine Card

I love to make elaborate burlap and canvas Valentine's Day cards. My goal was to try out a variety of Canvas Corp Brand Products. They all performed exceptionally well. This shabby chic stitched card is thick with layer after layer of texture and color. Instructions for the flowers and the leaves are included below.

~ Love You ~

Here is a look at the supplies I used.

 Knot Rose

Step 1:Tie a loose knot in the middle of the fabric.
Step 2:Fold top piece back into knot as show.
Step 3:Add a drop of hot glue inside. Leave tail for attaching.

 Canvas Leaves

Step 1:Cut canvas in half length wise and width wise.
Step 2:Fold canvas with raveled edge to the left, color side in.
Step 3:Stitch diagonal line from raveled edge to straight edge.
Step 4:Trim excess. Open to reveal leaf.

After preparing my roses and leaves I arranged everything in layers. I glued and stitched the pieces to the card base. My final step was to stitch the sentiment to the top lace.

You can find more details and instructions for this card on the Canvas Corp Brands Blog.

Supplies:
Paper:Recollections
Dies:Peachy Cheap
All others:Canvas Corp Brands

Scrap On!

~charity~

Canvas Cover for Spiral Bound Journal

 Ric rac and paint decorate a canvas cover for a spiral bound journal. Hand made memory books are common this time of year. This particular one is a Gratitude Journal. This journal cover protects the spiral binding so that I can toss my book into my bag and not worry about it getting caught on things. It also gives me one more surface to embellish!

Directions:

Step 1 Measure the width of the journal and the length from page tip to page tip.

This should be done with the journal closed. I used a bit of trim that was the same thickness as the material I planned on using to cover my journal. The length of fabric needed to cover an item will vary depending on the fabrics thickness. I stretched my trim from cover to cover and over the spiral binding then laid this on a yardstick for the final measurement.

Step 2 Add 1 inch to the width and 3 inches to the length. Cut fabric to size.

I was using scraps of canvas so I didn't have one the correct length. I knew I would have to piece my cover together. I choose two pieces the right width and an inch more than the right length when added together.

 Step 3 Sew a basting stitch 1/2 an inch from either edge down the length of the fabric. 

Although this step is not strictly necessary, I have discovered that my rolled hems are not very even when I just eye-ball them. If I give myself a folding line the rolled hem turns out much better. A basting stitch is a long loose stitch that is easy to remove.

Step 4 Sew a rolled hem on either side of the fabrics length.

The purpose of a rolled hem is to trap the raw edge so it doesn't ravel out. To do this, fold the fabric twice so that the raw edge is hidden in the second fold. Fold the fabric in 1/4" increments with the right side down and the wrong side up. When you have folded it correctly the basting line will run straight down the outside edge of the fabric. The right side is the outside with any decoration. The wrong side is the inside, with the seam edges and hidden stitching. After you have sewn your seams pull the basting stitch free.

 Step 5 Turn the ends of the fabric under 1/2 an inch and sew a seam 1/4 inch from the folded edge. We will not be making a rolled hem on the ends because the thicknesses of fabric increases with each roll and the needle has difficulty piercing all the layers. This end is rolled under when the pocket is formed and the raw edge will be protected.

Step 6 Make a pocket to slip over the journal cover at each end. Fold 1 inch of the fabric over (wrong sides together) so that the raw edge from Step 5 is hidden. Use a blind stitch along the overlap at each end to hold the pocket in place.

Blind Stitch Tutorial
The blind stitch is one of my favorite hand sewing techniques. When this stitch is done properly the thread is completely invisible. It makes me feel like a MAGICIAN! Side a and side b are both hemmed leaving a 1/4" space along the edges to be joined. I used red thread for contrast, a thread that blends with your fabric is preferable for this stitch.
Step 1 The stitch begins on side b. Pull the needle through, anchoring the knot inside the hem space. Insert the needle in side a, directly across from where the thread emerged in side b. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side a.
Step 2 Insert the needle in side b, directly across from where the thread emerged in side a. Slide needle in the hem space for 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch, exit the hem space still on side b.
Step 3 Continue this pattern for the length of the seam, alternating sides.
Step 4 Pull the thread snug so that the edges match up exactly, but not so tight they pucker, and knot off thread.

Because I used two pieces of canvas rather than one long piece, I joined them with a 1/2" seam. I covered the seam with ric rac.

Decorating Tips For The Journal Cover

To give my journal cover the look of a bound book  I added strips of ric rac trim where it bent around the spiral binding. The finished length of my cover is 16 inches, from edge to edge. The ric rac trim that curves around the binding is in 4" lengths.

 I chose felt trim because the ends do not ravel out. I sewed the pieces that run the width of my cover onto the fabric, then snipped the ends so they were the exact length I wanted.

 I added the flourish design to the front of the cover using Tattered Angels High Impact Paint and a stencil. I tend to get too much paint on my brush when stenciling which results in a smeared design. Instead, I prefer to use a cotton round (the sort for make-up removal) to apply the paint through the stencil.  

My final step was adding the Beaded Rose Ornament. A couple of quick stitches hold it in place, but a good fabric glue would do the same.

Supplies:

Canvas Scraps and Burlap Flower:Canvas Corp
Red Paint:Tattered Angels
Papers:7Gypsies

Stencil:Pebbles Inc

Felt Ric Rac:Little Yellow Bicycle

I decorated the Burlap Flower using the Beaded Rose Ornament tutorial.

Craft On!

~charity~

How To Make Something Useful From a Burlap Bag

This post is all about how to make a useful artist organizer from a burlap plant bag. Yesterday I gave detailed directions of how to make a fall themed artist apron. Today I have these super easy directions for this hand sewn beauty.

 Supplies:
Medium Burlap Plant Holder (Canvas Corp)
Canvas Garland 2" width  (Canvas Corp)
Black Hemp Rope (Canvas Corp)
Fabric Panel With Printed Spider (Canvas Corp)
Black Thread (Coats and Clark)
Embroidery Thread (Prism)
Wiggly Eyes (Dollar Tree)
Heat Activated Fabric Adhesive (Therm-o-web)

Step 1: Cut spider from fabric panel leaving at least a 1/4 edge. Trace it onto fabric adhesive, cut out shape. Follow package directions for ironing adhesive to fabric.

Step 2: Trim spider to fit bag. Follow package directions for ironing spider to bag. Stitch spider legs with black hemp using a backstitch. Stitch through bag to reinforce adhesive.
Backstitch
Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front. Insert needle 1/8" below the thread and back out 1/8" above the thread. Insert it again, this time where the last stitch started and back out 1/8" above the most recent stitch. On top of the pocket you will be sewing backwards, but underneath you will be sewing forwards.  

Step 3: Use a blanketstitch to applique spider to bag front. Fabric adhesive reduces fraying and stiffens the fabric for ease of use.

Blanket Stitch

This stitch is like a capitol "L". Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front a 1/4" from the outer edge of the shape. Insert the needle 1/4" above and to the left of the thread then straight down and back out 1/4" to the left of the thread but on level with it. Slip the loose thread under the front edge of the needle and pull the needle through the fabric. This should leave a capitol "L" with the thread now coming through to the right of where the sides of the L intersect. Continue to insert the needle 1/4" above and to the left of the thread as you sew around the shape.

If you did not slip the thread under the needle you will have a diagonal line and the thread coming up on its own.

Step 4: Write words on the bag with a permanent marker. Stitch over the words using a backstitch. 

Step 5: Measure the circumference of the bag at the top, add 1", and cut canvas garland to that length. Fold the garland in half, matching up and pinning the ends. Stitch a seam across the ends, about 1/2" from the tip. A backstitch will hold the ends securely.

 Step 6: Pin the garland around the inside of the bag, 1/4" below the rim.

Step 7: If the garland is slightly larger than the inside of the bag leave the excess to bulge by the handle.

Step 8: Stitch the garland to the burlap bag one "X" at a time. Place these stitches where the pleat overlaps. If you catch only one layer of the burlap the stitches will not show on the outside of the bag. This takes some practice.

Step 9: Glue wiggly eyes to spider. Leave bag to dry. Of COURSE I used Scraperfect's Best Glue Ever. It worked great holding the two different materials together.

Step 10: Slip pens into the slots between the bag and the garland. Hook the lid clip over the garland. Fill the center of the bag with a sketchbook and colored pencils.

The coarse natural texture of the burlap give this Art Bag a hardy flavor. The Canvas Garland makes adding the pen loops a SNAP. Hope to see your version of this idea on Facebook or Insta!!!

Here is the bag from another angle without the wiggly eyes.

Scrap On!

~charity~

How To Make An Easy Apron For A Scary Treat

If you want to know how to make an easy apron for a scary treat this post is for you.

This hand sewn apron comes with pockets for brushes and pens and such. It has a matching art bag that will be posted later. I chose to sew this project by hand so those crafters without a sewing machine will be able to accomplish this project.

~ Fall Artist Apron ~

 This canvas apron is a blank that comes from Canvas Corp. I chose one without pockets because I had my eye on the fabric panel printed with a cat and a spider. I knew these would look just right with the Haunted House canvas banner.

Apron Supplies:

Canvas Apron (Canvas Corp)

Fabric Panel with Printed Designs (Canvas Corp)
Haunted House Canvas Banner (7 Gypsies)
Purple Embroidery Floss (Prism)
Black Thread (Coats and Clark)
Permanent Markers (Sharpie)
Heat Activated Fabric Adhesive (Therm-O-Web)

Art Bag Supplies:

Burlap Plant Bag (Canvas Corp)

Black Hemp Rope (Canvas Corp)

Canvas Garland 2" width (Canvas Corp)

Wiggly Eyes (Dollar Tree)

Directions:
Step 1: Cut printed designs from fabric panel, leaving at least a 1/4 inch edge.

 Step 2: Color images with permanent markers.

 Step 3: Pocket placement can be determined by tying the apron on and placing a straight pin where the pants pocket opens. The Canvas Banner will be the right-hand pocket. Pin it to the apron front about 1.5" from the right edge. Use a straight edge against the top of the banner to be sure it is on straight.

 Step 4: Sew both sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. The canvas banner already has finished edges so a backstitch will be the easiest way to attach it. Follow the stitching of the pre-finished edge if you are worried about getting it to look straight.
Backstitch
Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front. Insert needle 1/8" below the thread and back out 1/8" above the thread. Insert it again, this time where the last stitch started and back out 1/8" above the most recent stitch. On top of the pocket you will be sewing backwards, but underneath you will be sewing forwards.

 Step 5: The left-hand pocket will be the tree. Check the edges with a straight edge and trim where necessary.

Step 6: Cut 1/4" strips of  the Heat Activated Fabric Adhesive. Iron them on the back of the tree pockets sides. Follow the package directions for times and temperatures. Peel the paper backing off. Fold the sides over 1/4" and iron them down.

 Step 7: Repeat step 6 for the top and bottom of the pocket. The fabric adhesive will keep the canvas from raveling out.

Step 8: Stitch the top edge of the pocket to reinforce the fabric adhesive. Pin the pocket to the apron measuring and straightening as you did for the first pocket. Stitch the sides and bottom of the tree pocket to the apron using a backstitch.

 Step 9: The Cat, Pumpkins, and Spider are appliques. Trace them onto the paper backing of the fabric adhesive. Cut out your tracings, iron the adhesive to the shapes, cut the shapes to the right size, peel the paper backing. Follow the package directions for ironing times and temperatures.

 Step 10: Position the pumpkins and cat on the front of the apron. Follow package directions for ironing. Stitch the edges of the shapes to the apron using a blanket stitch.
Blanket Stitch
This stitch is like a capitol "L". Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front a 1/4" from the outer edge of the shape. Insert the needle 1/4" above and to the left of the thread then straight down and back out 1/4" to the left of the thread but on level with it. Slip the loose thread under the front edge of the needle and pull the needle through the fabric. This should leave a capitol "L" with the thread now coming through to the right of where the sides of the L intersect. Continue to insert the needle 1/4" above and to the left of the thread as you sew around the shape.
If you did not slip the thread under the needle you will have a diagonal line and the thread coming up on its own.

This canvas apron is just the right thickness to protect an artists clothes from the paint splatters and other staining supplies they so enjoy. The hand sewn decorations and useful pockets will remind them of your love with each use.

The directions for the Art Bag will be posted tomorrow.

Craft On!

~charity~