For years I have been saving my fabric scraps, at least those that are 3" squares and larger. But lately, Ive been finding myself cutting the selvages off my fabrics and saving them as well. I have been very inspired by all the clever fabric selvage projects I have been noticing. So I decided to create these gift tags made with fabric selvages.
After deciding on a pink and orange color palette for this project, I tore some fabric scraps into strips, roughly 1 1/2" wide. Some of the strips I sewed knife pleats in using a sewing machine and black thread.
I painted the shipping tags with Decoart Americana acrylic paints in Razzleberry, Baby Pink, Snow White and Bright on both sides of the tags. After they were dry, I arranged various bits of fabric pieces on them and sewed them to the tags.
I also added a sewn black straight stitch to the border to frame each design out.
Adding bits of layered tulle add to the gift tags, as does some strips of bling here and there.
I plan to use my gift tags for special occasions such as birthdays, hostess gifts, wedding gifts, etc. But I couldnt resist adding in some holiday themed motifs such as this simple Christmas tree.
The orange and pink colors made these especially feminine. These might be good even for a baby girl gift. Changing the colors to a turquiose and lime green and choosing different fabric scraps, such as polka dots and stripes would result in tags that would be good for a little boys birthday gift or to welcome a baby boy.
But no matter what colors and patterns you use, pairing fabric scraps and selvages with painted and sewn paper results in a project that is fun, easy and somewhat addictive!
Do you create with fabric selvages? I would love to see what youv'e made!
OOps. Link didn't take.
http://bayouquilts.blogspot.com/2014/07/studio-time-and-one-day.html
Posted by: jenclair | July 13, 2014 at 12:35 PM
I love these tags and the cheerful colors. I do use selvages as well. Here is a link to some recent textile brooches using selvage words.
Posted by: jenclair | July 13, 2014 at 12:35 PM
I know I have used a selvage or two somewhere but can't remember just where right now. These tags are scrumptious Melony. Nice tutorial.
Posted by: Frances Peets | July 13, 2014 at 12:03 AM