Scrapbooking with Fabric

In the days before I became addicted to scrapbooking, I enjoyed another hobby, called Scherenschitte, a German form of intricate paper cutting. I would cut these designs, lovingly mount them onto fabric, frame them and give them as gifts. I collected a giant stash of beautiful fabrics as part of this hobby, a stash I have recently discovered looks just as beautiful on my scrapbook projects. Using fabric on a scrapbook page adds dimension, warmth, and interest to a scrapbook page.

Most fabrics are perfectly safe for use in your album, although you should stay away from wool and wool blends that might attract moths. Using fabric on your pages requires no special tools, although you might want to buy pinking shears, spray adhesive and iron-on transfer paper.

There are many fabrics that look wonderful on a scrapbook page. Textured fabrics, like corduroy, felt and velvet, are my very favorite. Twill, denim, linen, burlap, tulle, leather and cotton patterns also find a frequent home on my layouts. I love to browse the bargain bins for quarters (a piece of fabric a quarter yard in total size, favored by quilters) at fabric stores, often finding terrific deals and interesting patterns. I have even cut up old clothing to get just the right piece of fabric.

Attaching fabric to your layout is just as easy as attaching cardstock. You can sew the fabric onto cardstock; use staples, eyelets or brads; or spray the back of fabric with a spray adhesive. If the fabric is thicker and not transparent, you can even use regular paper adhesive or glue dots.

The best part of fabric is its versatility. You could use fabric on every layout you create and get a different look every time. Here are just a few ideas to jump-start your creativity.

Sewing – Sewing onto fabric is the most natural combination for your scrapbook page. Try making a pocket, sewing a border or mat onto cardstock, or making buttonholes.

Torn into strips – I love the look of torn strips of fabric, whether they are used as a border or attached to the top of a tag. Most fabrics tear very easily; simply start the tear with a snip of your scissors, and then pull the fabric apart. This will leave a beautiful, softly frayed edge. Once the edge is frayed, you can pull off any loose threads.

Adding Words – Adding titles, subtitles or journaling to fabric is easy. Use rub-ons, stamp or paint letters or even your printer. To run fabric through a printer, use a temporary adhesive to attach your material to the paper first, which will secure the fabric and prevent printer jams.

Stamping or Painting – Most fabrics hold ink and paint very well. You can also use a hot iron and a rubber stamp to emboss an image into velvet for a subtle effect.

Tags – Cut fabric into the shape of a tag and embellish with other favorite scrapbook supplies.

Punched or die cut shapes – Many fabrics can be used with paper punches and die cut systems. (My favorite for this is felt.) You might want to attach the fabric to a piece of cardstock for added stability.

Cover slide mount – Why settle for paper to cover a slide mount? Trim fabric just a little larger than your slide mount and wrap the excess around the back of the slide mount. Cut an “x” in the center of the slide mount and wrap these sections to the back of the slide mount.

Behind a stencil letter – Let your fabric show through the center of a brass or cardboard stencil letter! For an added twist, stamp or paint on it first!

Photo corners – Make your own fabric photo corners using these simple steps: Cut a rectangle and fold in the top corners to create a point. Trim any extra paper showing below the bottom of the rectangle. This will create a triangle that can be slipped over the corner of a photograph.

Iron on Transfer – Don’t want to run fabric directly through your printer? Use your inkjet and some transfer paper to add any image to fabric. Try a photo on twill, or clip art on solid cotton.

Whatever technique you use, it will be sure to add appeal to your layout and emphasize that homemade look.

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