Sew Creative
By: Katherine Elliot
I am always impressed by anyone who knows how to sew and it”s easy to see that many papercrafters are very talented in this amazing craft. Whether sewing is used as a design tool, or a theme, there are lots of wonderful inspiration pieces to check out.
Image source: Sew Artsy, stampingandstitching.blogspot.com
“The Little Things” card by Pat Smethers, image source: Splitcoaststampers
The combination of sewing & other trends, like the sewn on banners shown below (banners were featured in Colleen”s Trendy Tuesday article last week!), give this card a casually crafted appearance even though it is amazingly detailed.
Image source: koolkittymusings.typepad.com
Having no skills with a sewing machine myself, at least I know that the internet is my friend when it comes to finding any “how to”s” on this subject. I”ve found a link or two that you may want to check out: “How to Sew on Paper by Machine or Hand“, “All Stitched Up – Machine Stitching on Paper Tutorial” and “Sew, Mama, Sew!”
Click here to view this “how to sew on paper” article from SewMamaSew.com.
Not simply confined to decorations on cards and scrapbook pages, sewing tools, like an embroidery hoop, can be used to create one of a kind decorative objects, combining fabric, sewing and paper crafts all in one. Check out this decorative project…
IImage source: Kim Dellow, Inspiration Monday
If you love the look of real stitching, but have no machine, hand sewing is an economical option. A simple paper piercer and hand threading works, with some patience required (read How to Add Handstitching to Cards at About.com), but there are other things, like WeR Memory Keepers Sew Easy tools, designed to help you create more elaborate sewing designs on your projects.
Sew Easy stitching tools from WeR Memory Keepers shown above, image source:
Image source and more Sew Easy layouts and ideas at WeRMemoryKeepers , WeRonthenet.
A basic piercing kit, with thread included, may also be a great starter kit for a sewing novice.
Martha Stewart Crafts Stitched Collection Piercing Kit, image source: Scrapbook.com
If a sewing machine or handstitching is not an option for you, then there are other ways to incorporate sewing themes in your cards and crafts. Faux sewing, drawing stitch lines on your paper with a pen, is a fun way to achieve the look, without risking pricking your finger on a needle!
Image source: housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Even if you are skilled with sewing talent, you may not always have time to pull out needle and thread. Luckily there are many stamp sets with a sewing theme that you can find today. Sewing theme sets featuring stamps of stitch lines and seamstress essentials make this a fun and easy theme to pull off…
Hero Arts Sew Artsy stamp set, image source: 123stitch.com. This stamp set featured in the first card shown in this article.
House Mouse “Alterations Sew and Go” stamp, image source at house-mouse.com
Tailor Made stamp set from Close to My Heart featured above, image source: addierecoy. CTMH.com
If sewing isn”t really your thing, any “fashionista” you know is likely a happy recipient of anything fashion or sewing related. A versatile stamp set can suit several styles. The dress form stamp from Tim Holtz”s “Attic Treasures” set was used below (gotta love that little hanger embellishment, too).
Image source: studiol3.blogspot.com
Stampers Anonymous – Tim Holtz Attic Treasures stamp set shown above, image source: scrapbook.com
Sewing is an amazing embellishment on its own, but added pins, thread, buttons and other accessories add that perfect, finishing touch to any sewing theme project.
Read more about How to Make Button Embelished Cards, image source: craftstylish.com
Image source: cardsbyamerica.blogspot.com
Hope you find the time to try a little stitching on a project and were inspired by these examples featuring some new products and tried and true methods. Now, it”s time to test my skills with my paper piercer and see what I can create for my first sewing teacher, my mom! Have fun with this theme and thank you “sew” much for reading this post.
What a lovely idea! I think it’s time to get out my sewing machine to start combine different techniques!
wow these projects are all so awesome…thanks for sharing…
Great article Katherine. I do like a stitched look, but I generally go for the faux stitching look of piercing and pens, or just pens. I know how to hand-stitch, but I rarely take the time, and to pull out my old, hand-me-down sewing machine is WAY too much work (even if I did remember how to thread it!) Thanks for reminding me that stitching is an option – it’s been a while 🙂
I love the combination of paper crafting and sewing.
What a great post! Thank you for showcasing all of these wonderful products.
This is a very informative article. Thanks for all the resources and great examples. I love the combination of paper and stitching and every once in awhile I’ll combine it on a project.
Wow this is new for me! I love the look of the stitching and how easy it is to make a layered look with it! Now myself, i am definately not an accomplished sewer( ever sewn the shirt you’re wearing to the one you’re making?? Um my point exactly!!lol!) so i am grateful for all the ways shown to achieve the sewn look without sewing!! Thank you and keep up the great work!
CHEERS, Tomma 🙂
My mom was a sewer and she had such a talent for it. Me, I can barely put on a button or hem a pair of pants. These cards would have been perfect to send her.
Fab article. Thanks for featuring one of my makes. Kim