Monday, 11 January 2016

Patchwork Possibilities

 Patchwork has been popular in papercrafting for a number of years, and for those of us that aren't sewing goddesses, it gives us the opportunity to create endless possibilities.

 Whilst I have used a Sizzix Bigz die (reference 658316), you could create a stunning patchwork background simply using squares, either in blocks, or rotated in an almost diamond effect (but with equal sides)

I cannot claim credit for this idea as it was something I had seen in a magazine a few years ago.  I cannot remember who the designer was, but I seem to remember she was working for Lili of the Valley at the time.  I have used one of their stamps on my finished card (above).  Make sure you cut plenty of patches in a variety of colours and papers....anything goes !!  It's a great way to use up all those scraps that perhaps aren't useful for anything else.  Sewn patchwork originally was designed to use up the scraps, so we papercrafters can do the same I'm sure.

Select a piece of card to work upon, that is a similar size to your finished card size, as this allows you to be able to trim it to neaten all the edges.  Randomly cover the card butting up all the edges so there are no gaps, and being aware if you have a pattern with a direction.  When it is dry, trim all edges so you create a mat for your base card.  Then using a fine nib black pen, draw small dashes around every patch.  This is time consuming but therapeutic.  Don't get hung up on them all being perfect in size and straightness, it is afterall, just a background, and besides, I can't sew straight ha ha !!!!

I also drew faux stitching around the edge of the patchwork mat and the base card.  Add a picture and a greeting and Voila ! .... a stunner of a card - don't you agree ?

You don't have to completely cover the card, you may just decide to add patchwork to one corner, and don't forget scrapbooking pages....how stunning would they look ?
So come on, get those paper scraps put to good use.
Ta ta for now 
Christine

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