Things to do With Paper and Fabric Scraps Part Three

In my continuous search for cool ideas to make the most of the patterned paper ad fabric scraps you have lurking in your creative stash, I rounded up some super innovative ideas from here and around the web. While ironing a new stash of hand dyed ribbons last week, I had an idea.

 

 

 

 

 

Idea #1- What if I took coordinating fabric scraps, ironed them to Lite Steam a Seam fusible webbing and cut them into little triangles to resemble bunting flags? Super easy. I ironed the flags in a repeating pattern to hand dyed ribbon and added a simple straight stitch across the flags to secure them in place. This bunting ribbon can be purchased from my etsy shop and would be an adorable addition to wrapped packages, gift bags, cards, scrapbook pages or other art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idea #2- While poking around on Pinterest the other day, I ran across this adorable idea for creating a lampshade from fabric scraps.

If you like color, you have to check out The Color issue. It is a delightful blog filled with the most amazing and stunning color that will surely inspire you. I cannot wait to try my hand at creating this lampshade from my fabric scraps!

Idea #3- And while we are talking about fabric scraps, don't fail to overlook the possibilities of old garments such as t shirts and sweaters when cleaning out your closet this Spring. Everything from rolled fabric bracelets, like these "Jersey Bracelets" from U Create Crafts to handmade bathrugs can be created from torn strips of t shirts that have seen better days and may end up in your "toss" pile.

Idea #4- We all love and know paper beads. By cutting simple strip shapes from paper scraps, we can use a decoupage medium such as Collage Pauge to create custom beads. I like this spin on paper beads from Mixed Creations Jewelry Blog. The creator used jewelry wire and round nose pliers to secure the bead inside wire wrapping for a definite mixed media feel.

Idea #5- If you love using paper punches as much as I do, then you will love this idea from the Crate Paper Blog. Various shapes were punched from leftover scraps of patterned paper and sewn together to create a string of scraps and finally wrapped around vintage spools for storage. How awesome is this? These would be a unique addition to your workspace decor, they are just too darn cute to hide in a storage bin.

Idea #6- Its all about color these days. Don't be afraid to display a mix or prints and solids in lots of different patterns. This cool arrangement created from paper scraps cut into leaf shapes and attached to gathered fallen tree limbs is a terrific example of making the most out of your paper scraps and having fun in the process! Visit Everyday Mom Ideas where the designer gives you a tutorial on how to make this and adds that this idea could be adapted to weddings, showers, spring celebrations, the possibilities are endless.

If you are as passionate about using fabric and paper scraps in your projects, see part one and two of this series. I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to use these items and would love to hear your ideas.

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Comments

[light switch stickers]

it's cute!

[AQIS Clearance]

I love the lampshade! Now I know I don't have to throw everything away, I just need to unleash my creative side.

[Donna Jo Westberry]

Melony, I like your ideas. I'm excited to follow your blog! Do you teach classes?

[BJ]

I use small scraps of fabric to make tiny bears and dolls.

[Vicki S]

I usually punch out shapes with punches, or cut them into strips or squares to use on cards.

[Cathie]

I like to glue them down to other material, layering with paper scraps. Then I place tissue paper over the top sealing it down with watered down glue. When this dries I cut into shapes and make art quilts, post cards for sick kids or ATC's with them.