Trendy Tuesday – Denim

Trendy Tuesday – Denim
By Colleen Harshaw

This week I have chosen to focus on projects using denim.  Denim is one of those themes that I have noticed pop up here and there, without really coming to the forefront of the ‘trends’ list.  When I began doing my research, I realized how many denim products there really are available in the crafting market, and I became convinced that we are going to be seeing more denim inspired projects.  The manufacturers wouldn’t be making these products if nobody was buying them, right?

Denim lends itself to many different themes.  It can be used for western, shabby chic, masculine or vintage themed projects.  It gives a great sense of texture to projects, and let’s admit, who doesn’t have a favorite pair of comfy, beat-up, ripped denim jeans?  Don’t you just think of happy, cozy things when you see faded and frayed denim?  These types of associations evoke feelings that can really add to the experience of the recipient when they are given one of your creations.

I have selected some projects from blogs and online galleries to share in order to show you how you can use the denim products that are available to you.

This first card shows a piece of denim that has been cut into a heart.  Fabric papers, usually available in 12 x 12 sheets, are becoming more and more common.  These fabric papers are a lighter weight than traditional fabrics used in sewing, and they can be cut with many of the ‘crank’ type die cut machines that are out there (for example, the Cuttlebug).  See the list of products towards the end of this article to learn where you can purchase fabric paper.

An alternate to fabric paper, is plain and simple fabric.  Use an old pair of worn out jeans (my 10 year old son has a pair that are going to make their way to my scrap room….SOON) and manually cut out the shapes you need using a template.  Your template could be made using a die cut or a punch.  Then just trace the shape onto the denim and cut it out with fabric scissors.

Card by Debbie Carriere for mftstamps.com
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

In this card below, Julie has used old denim scraps to create rolled flowers and trim.

Card design by Julie Masse of stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com

In this card, the denim has been cut into shapes to mat the main image and to create heart shaped trim.  The denim paper used is from a My Mind’s Eye paper pad called On the Bright Side.

Card by Julie Masse for The Cat’s Pajamas

In this sample, narrow denim ribbon is used to create a clever woven border along the bottom of the card.  Don’t those colors just scream ‘summer’?

Card created by Ann
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

In this sample (below), the denim was used on a school themed card.  Rather appropriate, wouldn’t you say?  This is the same paper used above, from My Mind’s Eye……it’s called On The Bright Side.

Card by Joanne Basile for mftstamps.com

Next, I have a couple of scrapbook layouts to share with you……

Layout created by ‘motherload’
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Created by ‘skrapaddict’
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

This wearable ribbon was created as a Father’s Day gift.

Joanne Basile for mftstamps.com

I love this next project.  This is a great example of how you can decorate a journal or a smash book.  Smash books are another really popular trend right now.  We will talk about them another day!

Created by ‘scrapgoo’ of scrapgoo.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

OK, after seeing all of those adorable samples, you want to know where you can buy these products, right?!  Well, here comes the list!

Now, I don’t have any photos for these products, but I do want to mention some products from Close to My Heart (CTMH).  They have a paper packet called the Pemberley Paper Packet which contains an assortment of patterned papers, including one called Outdoor Denim.  They also carry Outdoor Denim ink pads and matching cardstock too.  If you happen to have a CTMH consultant, this is another option for your denim themed purchases.

Next, we have ribbon, available from Stampin’ Up!  I would guess that you could find some denim inspired ribbon or seam binding at your local fabric store too.  I don’t have a fabric store located close to me (sigh), so I have not hit the pavement to search it out myself….

3/8 inch denim jean ribbon from Stampin’ Up!

Next, I have some paper lines to share with you.  Once I began really looking, I was shocked at how many manufacturers are producing denim themed papers!  The choices are endless.  I found many good options on the websites scrapbook.com and twopeasinabucket.com.

Genuine 12 x 12 Collection Pack – By Authentique Paper
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

 

Genuine Bundle 6 x 6 Paper Pack – By Authentique Paper
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

 

Simple Stories – Summer Fresh Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper – denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Echo Park – Little Boy Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper – Denim and Lizard
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

 

 Bo Bunny Press – Double Dot Designs Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Now, here is an example of the fabric paper that I mentioned above.  As I said, it is becoming increasingly popular, and I have purchased it at Michael’s, although not in a denim pattern.  This denim fabric paper is available at scrapbook.com.

Canvas Corp – 12 x 12 Fabric Paper
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Next, I have an example of denim ribbon.  You could always make this yourself with denim scraps from an old pair of jeans.

Maya Road – Trim – Frayed Edge Pleated – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

I also found some denim embellishments to share with you.  These embellishments are available in several different shapes besides the rectangles shown below.  You can also purchase square, circle and flower shapes.

FabScraps – Metal Embellishments – Mini Frames – Denim Rectangles
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

 

I even found denim colored embossing powder!

Clearsnap – Donna Salazar – Embossing Powder – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

…..and denim color wash spray……

 Ranger Ink – Tim Holtz – Adirondack Color Wash Spray – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Below, you will see some denim and wood buttons available on both twopeasinabucket.com and scrapbook.com.

 Indigo Bleu Boutique Flair – By Pink Paislee
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

Lastly, I have a couple of examples of letter stickers.

 Denim Clear ABC Let Freedom Ring Stickers – By Pebbles
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

Fresh Goods Denim ABC Stickers – By Pebbles
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

So, as you can see…there are a lot of denim options out there.  You don’t have to be experienced with a sewing machine to use denim.  There are many faux denim and denim paper choices as listed above.  I really like this trend, and I can’t wait until I can sneak those old jeans out of my son’s room and get crafting!