Before I became a paper crafter, I was (am still am) a fabric crafter. I've also been a polymer clay crafter and dabbled in fiber arts and jewelry making. But I digress. Back to today's topic, a die-cut fabric brooch - wearable art.
I loved the brooches shown at the Stampin' Up! Convention in August, 2009, by Shelli Gardner, CoFounder and CEO of Stampin' Up! She used the exclusive Flower Folds Bigz XL die and the Sizzix Big Shot to cut out fabric, and then artfully arranged the folded pieces to make flowers similar to the one I've made here. Add a pin back, and you can wear it on a lapel, on a belt or hat. Stitch it to a barrette finding or headband and wear it in your hair.
I frantically took pictures of the big screen as Shelli showed us how to make these, and I also feverishly tried to sketch diagrams and take notes. But I didn't buy the die right away, and by the time I did, the urgency had faded. Then I began to see some of these appear on the Internet, and I dove into my fabric stash (I'm still a quilter). Will the change in seasons, I chose Autumn fabrics.
And then just last weekend, I attended a fantastic stamping event held by my upline, Connie Heisey, and sideline, Cindy Fodor. Because I'd done a display for the event, they gave me this brooch as a gift! I'll love wearing this one on my black jacket.
The fabrics on this one are firmer than the one above. Also, to fray the edges of the cotton fabrics above, I roughed it up after assembling it, rolling it around in my hands, rubbing the edges between my fingers. I wanted to emphasize the "shabby" part of Shabby Chic. The black-red-white one is more formal, and has a sophisticated feel to it. Thanks so much, Connie and Cindy.
PLUS, the brooch coordinates with this monogrammed journal - it's an altered composition book. Isn't it pretty?
