Hoop Collage

Once again I've sweded an idea from Pinterest for my own! Above is the original photo I repinned. I originally found several examples of this on Google but I couldn't find them again. Below is my knockoff version:

In buying all the hoops, I spent maybe $15. They're incredibly cheap, as it turns out. The fabric was all from a single pre-matched squares pack at Joann's, which are $10 full price (I had a coupon). No glue, no sewing, just cutting the fabric, putting it in the hoop, tightening the hoop and then trimming off the excess! I spent more time trying to balance the patterns on the wall than making them- a fun and easy craft for sure.

Remnants- Jewelry frame

I've only been sewing since the beginning of 2011 (seventh grade home ec doesn't count), and I've already built up a large collection of spare fabric bits from various crafts. So far I've found out of the way places to put them, but soon there will be too many to stash under beds! Lately my goal has been to use a bunch of my remnants and clear out some room for more.

Today's craft is based on an idea I've seen on other craft blogs- a framed jewelry display. Here's the version that finally got me inspired to make my own, courtesy of Poppytalk.

First off, my materials:

Foam board- $2, Hobby Lobby

Fabric- $0, remnant from a previous craft

Nails/ hammer- $0, already owned those too

Wood frame- $12, Hobby Lobby (I have no doubt that cheaper frames can be found though)

Spray adhesive

Pins/tacks- I used $3 beading pins from Jo-Ann's and have plenty left over for future crafts

How- To:

First, cut out the right size of foam board- slightly smaller than the area in the frame. Cut fabric 2" larger on every side, and glue (or tape, doesn't matter) to the foam board.

Cut more fabric for the frame, 2" extra fabric on both the outside and inside of the frame window. Glue on frame.

Glue/tape foam board to frame. I had a damaged spot on the fabric in one of the corners, so I made a twisty flower by scrunching up one edge of fabric and glueing the whole thing on top of the spot.

Place pins on foam board as needed to hang jewelry on. Suggestion- put the pins in so they tilt up slightly, so that when the frame is on the wall the jewelry doesn't slide off!

Hang on wall, add jewelry, and show to all your friends!

3D Collage Frame

I have some 5" x 7" prints that I purchased on sale that have just sat around in the corner of my room for years. I've never hung them up despite how much I love Audrey Hepburn because generally I find frames boring and don't like shopping for them. The idea of a fabric backing around and behind the photo and adding 3-D elements to a photo was appealing, and that is what I am attempting today.

I picked up a suitably deep photo frame (I keep referring to it mentally as a 'deep-dish pizza' frame) at Joann's and a pretty fabric in the remnants bin. I cut the fabric to fit the back cardboard side of the frame and then left a few inches along all sides.

Lay the fabric out and glue the back of the frame to it so that the side that faces the frame glass is against the back side of the fabric. Make sure the fabric isn't bunched up or bubbled anywhere and let it dry for awhile.Next, cut the edges off the fabric so that there are four panels of fabric that go past the edge, then turn and glue those down. Again, let it dry.

Above: Helpful hint- use spray glue. I used Tacky Glue, which, though very effective, showed through the fabric. If you do this it isn't really an issue since the fabric will be covered with stuff later.

Below: If the frame has a little hanger on it already, just cut the fabric around it.

Now for the super fun part- decorate! I found ribbon and lace and random little things in my craft drawer to make my print photos interesting, and glued them all to the fabric. Let it dry as well, and then hang up the frame and enjoy a completely unique piece of homemade art!