Fun storage for pens and things

One can never have too many places to store all the fabulous goodies that we collect or that we 'need' to craft - wouldn't you agree?

I just love decorating these pen and ink cases.  I have decorated several already with the gorgeous metallic and opaque fabric paints from Colourcraft. My favourite are the metallic colours as they suit my colour pallette but they are also available in a range of primary colours and pastels as well.

This technique will work well on aprons, costmetic purses, bags and tee-shirts as well as many other items of apparel. Once the paint is dry it can be heat set with an iron which will preserve the colours and the paint.

And it is so very easy. Let's go!

I like to use a piece of 'cut 'n dry' sponge to apply the paint as it provides a good solid base but a stencil brush would work just as well.

The most important thing to remember is  NOT apply too much paint on at once otherwise it will 'leak' out through the stencil. The paint dries very quickly so if you want it darker, it is simply a matter of re applying the paint as many times as you like. Little and often is better in this instance.  

So firstly I secure the stencil with some stencil tape and then put a small amount of paint on my mat.  I ensure that I only have a small amount on my sponge and lightly sponge it through the stencil. I use a different sponge (or different side of the sponge) for each colour.  Because this particular fabric is relatively porous the paint dries even more quickly and the different colours can be applied straight after each other.

In the case where I wanted the image to look as though it was 'dribbling' into each other, I just mixed a little of the paint colours on my sponge and then applied the different colours quickly to achieve this look.

I let the paint dry once I had completed my stencilling and then I ironed it the whole case, taking care to use a non-stick sheet between my case and the iron. 

And hey presto! a pen and ink case for use very quickly.

Aztec eco metallic paint starter paint

Memory Quilts

In my last blog Using Photos for a Memory Quilt, I used the Colourcraft Image Transfer Medium. I thought I would share other ways of transferring images to fabric.

As I am unable to be with my family at the moment the memory quilt I made a few years ago that I have on my setee is especially treasured at the moment.
It is made from fabric which all hold memories, a piece of my wedding dress, the front to my Grandpa's shirt, the lace from my grandmother's nightdress, fabric from my daughter's prom dress, a piece from one of my son's waistcoats and fabric from my other son's boxers!
Can you find them on the quilt?

I am blowing bubbles as a child in one picture and holding my newborn daughter in another. 

Using photo fabric direct in the printer

Cotton twill fabric is soft to the touch and paper-backed for use with inkjet printers.

Product can be hand washed or dry cleaned.
There are silk and heavier cotton versions too.

 

Making your own photo fabric

Cut freezer paper into A4 size sheets.

Cut your fabric a little larger than the freezer paper.

Heat your iron to HIGH. Iron the fabric to the shiny side of the freezer paper.

Trim the fabric to the A4 paper size. A rotary fabric cutter and a good metal ruler is recommended.

One sheet at a time, print your images on the fabric side. 

 You may have to coax it a little, stay with your printer to pull through if necessary.

 (Tip: if it is too flimsy, iron a second piece of freezer paper to the back of the first piece)

Let the ink dry for 30 minutes before handling.

Peel fabric away from the freezer paper backing.

If this fabric is for a craft and will never be washed, you can stop here. Otherwise, rinse the fabric for 30 seconds under running water, until the water runs clear.

Lay the fabric flat on a towel to dry. Iron with a warm iron.

Here are examples of students' images, from workshops I've led. One is a pocket, the other a glasses case.

Photos printed onto fabric can be turned into so many special gifts to cheer folk up.

What photos would you like to add to fabric?

Helen x