Three Things : Fabric (& a giveaway)
(Unikko - Orange, Mirabelle Red (Alexandar Henry), Alfie Barkcloth (Yellow))
One of my favorite parts of my recent creativity travel was working with fabric in my projects. I have been playing with bits of it with my sewing machine and starting to collect small pieces here and there (haven't gotten into any clothes sewing yet).
Here's a fabric layout I made in Christina Lazar Schuler's class at Inspired called Textile Anthology (check her Etsy store for available kits):
She talked about making an entire album of fabric pages (the one above is 8x8). I like that idea and I also love that this sort of page can just go in my regular albums as well (put it into a page protector or add grommets to fit to your album rings).
So why fabric? I like to think of it in the same way I think of pattern paper - a decoration. A bit of color. The cool thing about fabric is that it also lends texture to your project. We can all use a bit more texture in our lives. Fabric can be added to a layout with adhesive or stitched on by hand (I actually really liked the process of hand-stitching the photo on the layout above) or with a machine (quick and easy). Try using it in place of patterned paper on your next project. It's also especially great for covering chipboard albums.
Currently I am storing my fabric pieces in my metal shelf:
Here are three of my favorite sites for checking out fabric include Sew Mama Sew (love searching by color), Purl Soho (especially loving their contemporary collection), and Repodepot. You can also search etsy for vintage fabric sellers like Shabby Vintage Mom who has some cute bundles of vintage fabrics.
The giveaway today is for Donna Downey's newest book Fabric Scrapbooking. It's very much a project-based book with step by step instructions and supply lists to walk you through each project.
To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment below. I will close comments and pick a winner on Wednesday night around 7pm (April 23).
Oh her book looks so great!! I love to have step-by-step instructions to follow and then being able to add in my own creativity.
Thanks for the giveaway!
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Fabric would be a change for me, that I'm willing to try. Thanks!
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Ooooo...pick me, pick me!
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I've used some fabric before (like a homemade ribbon), but never like that. It looks way cool.
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I love the idea of using fabrics. It would be fun to use some of the fabrics from a shirt worn in the pictures.~Peace~!
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Hmmm...I've made fabric postcards before but never thought to make fabric scrapbook pages! Wonderful!
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My fabric is in a bow that is way to hard to get to. I need to get it out & use it..... :)
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I have just started adding fabrics to my layouts and I am enjoying it. Donna's book looks great. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas and inspiration you provide.
Sandi
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Great fabric work!
Hoping I'm lucky as I love fabric too..!! :))
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Ohhh, what a great giveaway. I LOVE Donna's work. And to learn sewing has been on my to do list for a long time by now.
Donna's the perfect inspiration to start that.
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Hadn't given this concept much thought...would love to win and try it out!
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love your layout. love you. love donna. love christina. have not finished my piece from the workshop. maybe today!
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I think taking out the sewing machine, even to sew on paper, is my biggest challenge. I think I'm afraid of it. But there's this gi-normous (gigantic/enormous) intrigue behind it...I have to at least try it!
Love the fabrics Ali! And love the fabric layout from Inspired!
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Love Donna Downey stuff. I sure would love to try working with fabrics.
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I love adding fabric to paper! It does give it that extra little something. Thanks!!!!!!!
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SO many wonderful places to go for inspiration... Now, where I can find some extra time?!? :) Thanks for all you do!
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I grew up with a mom who sewed EVERYTHING when I was little.... she made us clothes, dolls, bedspreads, curtains... you name it she made it. My first photo album in high school had a beautiful handmade fabric cover made by mom. I have done a little bit of sewing as I have gotten older - not much and definitely not as much as my mom! I have a love for paper that she has for fabric... but I love the idea of combining the 2 into one craft! It would be great to give scrapping that texture from fabric that you just can't get from paper. :)
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I am loving the look of fabric especially for mini-books - reminds me of all the books I bought for my chilodren when they were really young. Throw my name in the hat, please.
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That looks like a really great book. Thanks for giving one away, Ali!
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I have a few different MARIMEKKO patterns in my home decor. I took the fabric & stretched it around canvas & it instantly creates a pop of color on the wall. LOVE that fabric line. Plan to get into using the sewing machine for LO's as soon as my new craft room is finished.
Thanks for including me in the giveaway!
:-)
Deana
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I've been trying to get this book at my local scrapbook store! I have also tried to win it on other sites...maybe this time. I love Donna's stuff and working with fabric.
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I have been a fabricholic forever! Why didn't I think of using it in my scrapbooking.....forest for the trees kinda thing I guess! Thanks for the ongoing inspiration Ali!!!!
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Hey Ali,
Love your blog. Hope everything is well.
Enjoli
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I am a fabric freak, and have all of the other books, so I NEED this one! Thanks for sharing!
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you inspire. be well.
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