scrappy fabric frame tutorial

It has been too long since I shared a tutorial...

in fact this is more a decoupage technique..

 using fabrics though and not paper.

This is my first attempt at a fabric frame

so let's work through this together!

Here's what you need~

A frame (or something you fancy covered in fabric!)

PVA glue, the type of glue that dries clear

A paintbrush

Scissors

And fabric scraps*

* The point of this little project is purely to use up all those odds and ends.

That said, I can well imagine this would be really cute

with a limited palette of one floral fabric

or spots and stripes.

So lets go!

Start by taking the frame apart.

This first picture is inside the back of the frame.

This lip stops the glass falling out

and is where I began gluing.

When placing your scraps you will need to have at least one straight edge,

cut one if you need to.

Apply glue to the area of the frame that you are about to cover,

and smooth down the fabric with your fingers or a paintbrush.

Take the fabric all the way round the back of the frame 

to create a nice edge.

Continue overlapping scraps

glueing them down as you work around the frame,

always working from the inside out.

Another view from the back of the frame.

The fabric top edge can be neatened during or after.

If something isnt working add another scrap!

Be aware that you will (if you're like me)

get into a bit of a sticky mess,

but at least you are not taking photos (like me!)

Okay still with me?

The picture on the left is the finished frame.

To stop the fabrics fraying and generally hold it all together

paint a layer of glue over the whole frame.

This gives an almost plastic finish,

(if you want to keep the fabric look

then you will have to work very neatly

good luck with that!)

Once dried replace the glass etc....

and add a suitable picture or special postcard from a friend x

Good things to know.

Darker fabrics work better over lights

(as I discovered, see the purple gingham~ whoopsie)

Too much glue will give an opaque look when dried~ boo.

Make sure you remove any fluff from the finished frame

before you coat it in glue.

Admire what you've made

and think of bigger and better things you can cover with this technique!