Stitching - it adds so much interest to a card and can be done in so many different ways! I have used three different methods of stitching on this sample today.
I absolutely love the vintage feel of the Rummage Bin collection of stamps. Working with them allows my creativity to expand in a whole new direction that I find very appealing. Lesley Langdon has done a wonderful job putting coordinating elements together in her sets. For today's project I wanted to help you hit your stride creating Christmas cards for the upcoming holiday season. I selected Primitive Christmas being it so easily allowed me the opportunity to share more information regarding the stitching trend.
To present the first stitching option I "Stamp Stitched", using the "blanket stitch" that is included in this set. I could have opted to simply stamp it on the surface of the paper, but I wanted it to have a more raised effect similar to what "real" blanket stitching would achieve. I stamped the image using Versamark Ink and then used Tim's Distressed Embossing Powder to really add some dimension to the stitching. To help the corners meet without overlapping and looking off, I simply used Eclipse tape at a 45 degree angle on each corner, stamped, removed the Eclipse tape, applied the embossing powder, heat set and then repeated for the next corner.
As you can see in the top photo I was able to get the corners to meet up in an attractive "framed" method using this technique. If you find that you miss a small portion of your stitching, simply grab your VersaMarker and complete the lines that feel empty.
For the next method of stitching I pulled out my Janome once again and "Sew Stitched." I simply straight-stitched the Cosmo Cricket paper to the my cardfront. This line of stitching added reality to the faux-stitching I had created with the stamping.
The third method of stitching I used on this project was simple "Hand Stitching." Using thread and needle I stitched the buttons in place. I was thinking about adding a running stitch around the perimeter of the star, but realized that this would most definitely be "overkill" - LOL! I selected the felt for this very purpose, but the urge to add the red pearls just pushed the hand stitching to the background Ü.
One little tip I would like to share with you in regards to stamping on felt is in regards to the type of ink to use. I have found that pigment inks are my preference. I have stamped using Palette and Memento as well, but the pigment ink gives the image a little more substantial effect. Be certain to allow your ink to fully dry before continuing to work on your project. You can heat set the ink, but when using some types of felt you must be careful to not overheat it and cause it to shrink.
Other methods of adding stitching to cards would be using piercing templates together with a colored pen such as the Opaque Pen or fine-tipped markers. This is called, "Faux Stitching."
So are you ready to try your hand at stitching? I hope that I have shared enough different options and ideas to get your started. Your challenge is to:
- Create a card using stitching of any variety - stamped, sewing machine, hand, or faux.
- Post it on your blog or in any online gallery. Then come back here and link us to your creation.
- You have one week to do this! So this challenge ends at midnight on Friday, October 10th and once again the drawing will be done using the random number generator.
You don't think I would expect you to do this without a giveaway do you? For all those who post a link to their stitched creations here within the time frame above you will be entered to win this awesome stamp set, Primitive Christmas!
Once again thank you for stopping by and for your wonderful support of our CLASSroom blog. We appreciate your business and support more than you could ever know and we are thrilled to provide you with ideas, tips, techniques and on occasion these fun opportunities to win some free goodies! Have a WONDERFUL time creating today on WCMD!!!
