Fabric art trees by
Cynthia Ann Dubbers. |
Want to make a festive fabric art table decoration and use up your fabric scraps in a hurry? Create these Fabric Forest Topiaries by Cynthia Ann Dubbers.
There are so many things to like about this project.
You can use quilting fabric scraps that are as small as a nickel (you know you have them!).
You can separate the steps and complete parts of the project ahead (and while watching television or daughter's basketball game).
And, you can change the look of the trees by your choice of fabrics (like vintage feedsack scraps or all-white sheers, brocades, and velvets) or patterns (like solids, prints, or batiks).
Fabric Forest Topiaries
By Cynthia Ann Dubbers
For this project you need:
- A plastic foam cone
- Dressmaker pins
- Fabric scraps
- Fabric scissors
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- 1"-wide strips of fabric or ribbon to cover the base
- Buttons
- Needle and thread
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Get the free downloadable instructions when you become a Quilting Daily Facebook fan: http://bit.ly/ExclusiveFreeProject
Cynthia's Tips:
- Don't put too much thought into choosing your fabric while cutting the circles; just pick up a piece and start cutting. It will save a ton of time.
- I like to cut more than one circle at a time and I have found that cutting four at a time is pretty manageable. I also like to finish cutting a lot of circles at one time before moving on to the next step. I'm a big believer in saving time, so I often spend one evening just cutting and stacking until I have several baggies of circles.
- Cut the fabric circles out of used clothing for a worn, vintage look.
- I do the fraying at a table while I watch a movie, and I like to wear an apron to keep from being covered with hundreds of tiny strings.
- Sew any extra fabric flowers onto headbands, barrettes, or even onto a hat as a cute accent.
You could make an entire forest of these topiaries for your table or mantel, and they make great gifts, too. In addition to Facebook, this project, and many more fiber art and mixed-media ideas for holiday decor and gift-giving, are included in Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts 2011/2012, now available in print and digital download.
P.S. What are your favorite to use when decorating for the winter holidays? Leave a comment below!