DIY Network

Fabric Wall Art Paint or appliqué for fun fabric art. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-606

Some of the best fabric projects get their start in the scrap bin – like Michele Beschen's fabric wall art. The B. Original host clamps fabric in embroidery hoops then uses fabric scraps and trim to "paint" on this homemade canvas. Follow her tips below, then head to your own scrap bin for a great new project.

Frame up fabric that's slick and sophisticated...

Or fabulously funky.

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Fabric Scrap Art

Materials:

oversized embroidery hoop
solid color fabric
staple gun
variety of fabric scraps
fabric glue
needle and thread
primer or gesso (optional)
paint and brushes (optional)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Look for oversized wooden embroidery hoops in the quilting section of any fabric store. They a make beautiful and easy frames with no cutting or mitering.

• Paint the hoop, if desired.

• Remove the outer loop of the hoop and place the solid-color fabric over the inner loop. Smooth the fabric, place the outer loop back in position and tighten the thumbscrew.

• Add a few staples around the hoop to hold the fabric securely. Slip the hoop over a piece of wood to hold it steady while stapling (figure A). If the staples don’t go all the way in, tap them in with a hammer.

• To create a painting on the fabric, brush on a coat of primer or gesso in one direction. Let the primer dry, then sand thoroughly. Apply a second coat of primer or gesso in the opposite direction. Let the primer dry and sand it lightly. Paint a complete picture or just a background for appliqué.

• To "paint" with fabric, gather a variety of scraps and fabrics (figure B). Determine the design – plenty of inspiration is available in books about clip art, illustration and stained glass. Design ideas also can come from photographs.

• Approach the fabric painting like any painting, working from the background to the foreground.

• Use just a touch of fabric glue to tack the elements to the canvas (figure C). When all of the items are in place, secure them further with hand stitching (figure D).

• Experiment with different stitch styles and contrasting threads – the stitches themselves could serve as design elements.

• Trim away any excess material.

• Attach a piece of wire to the back, hang it up and step back to admire!
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Coat Pillows
  	Blue Jean Gauchos
  	Custom Clothing Patches
  	Fabric Wall Art