Sunday, June 27, 2010

Fabric Motif Jewelry-No Sew

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Make gorgeous jewelry to match the outfit you just made.
This oriental necklace was made out of left over fabric from a skirt I made and took very little time to make.  I added the oriental charm hanging from the bottom of the teapot.

The fabric had an assortment of Oriental teapots, cups and different teas dotted all over the background.  I picked out the blue set to make my necklace.

Last summer I started sewing again after years of caring for my husband before his death and then starting a new life.  I had forgotten what fun it was and busily made myself some fun cotton skirts to wear in our Texas summers.  When I finished one using a butterfly fabric, I went to wear it and couldn't find a piece of jewelry that worked with it.  The next day I hit upon an idea and gave it a try.  It's easy, fast and simple but makes the outfit complete.  I am often stopped while out shopping and told how lovely my outfits are and my necklaces are always noted.

Butterflies are always a source of beauty and pleasure.  I added a Fairy charm at the base and a couple of small rhinestone danglers each side.  I made it from the first fabric to the left.  (see below.)

Here are three samples of the type of butterfly fabric you should look for.  Butterflies should be separate from each other and not overlapping to get the maximum use of your fabric.  1/4  yard would be plenty if you only make jewelry.  I made a skirt and used the left over's to make my jewelry.

More butterfly fabrics where they are also totally separate from each other.

I bought these two pieces as remnants because I loved them, but they would not work out for jewelry because you would have so much loss.  Look closely and you will see that many overlap.

The first two fabrics I bought in England on a visit and they are small Flower fairies all over.  None overlap and they will be great for this technique.  The purple fabric I bought to make something and I can then use left over Tinkerbelle pieces to make jewelry.

These ducks and frogs would be great to make kids jewelry.

This Red Hat Lady necklace was made from the following fabric.  I added the handbag and shoe charms.

There were four different red hats on this fabric.

This lovely subtle rose fabric would also make a good necklace.

Now that you have an idea of how to choose fabrics, check out your 100% cotton scraps.  You are sure to have something on hand to test this out.

Now the technique.

Things you will need.
Patterned fabric.
A coordinating solid color fabric for backing.
Inexpensive white glue.
Chain o-rings and charms.

Step one.  Cut around a motif, leaving extra fabric.  Cut a piece of scrap backing fabric that will color coordinate with your motif.  Work on a surface that can be cleaned with water.  I use a plastic tray. 

Keep a wet cloth by your side when doing this technique.  Turn motif over and pour out some glue or use your finger to dip in a bowl of glue.  I prefer the latter.  Spread enough glue on the back side then place down on the backing fabric with front side up.

Now spread more glue on the top of the motif.

Place the wet motifs on a cake rack to dry out properly.  It is easier to do several motifs at once.

Here you can see the group after I cut around the motifs when dry.  Do not cut too close to the design.  If you are going to turn one into a necklace, leave enough fabric at the top to add an o-ring.

Now make some fun necklaces for your child's next birthday party.

My aim for this blog is to get women to create again.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to give a special gift.  The above necklace cost so little to make and took very little time.  I put an 0-ring in the top and bottom center of the motif.  I then made a chain necklace, see below.  I hung a bell in the lower o-ring because bells are very inexpensive and you can get a bag full for a small cost.  Charms cost more.  If you can't afford a lot, add a bell and tell the little girls the story about "every time a bell rings, a baby fairy is born."  They will love the story and the gift.

To make very inexpensive chains for your necklaces, buy a reel of crochet thread.  I had this silver thread in my craft stuff, but if you can't find it, use a color to coordinate with your motif.  Chain stitch 20" and tie ends.  Before you clip the extra thread, add a drop of fray check on the knot.  It will stop the knot from coming undone during play.

I had a bag of small silver charms with the word 'wish' in my craft supplies.  I had bought them on clearance awhile back and they are perfect for this theme.

For this piece I crocheted a gold cord and added a crown charm I already had.

Learn to make a tutu.
Learn to make a fairy crown.

I made a complete set of skirt, crown and necklace.

Be creative.  Don't spend tons of money.  Show your children how much fun you have making things for them.

For graphs, glues and stuff I use, check out this blog.











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