Today I would like to introduce a technique/ concept that you can use on your cards or scrapbooking pages... needlework! Yes, I can tell I've lost some of you already but please bear with me! You don't need to be a cross-stitch or embroidery guru to add a special touch to your creations, read on to learn how..
There are two methods of creating pinpricks/ holes in your cardstock - one is using a Paper Piercing Tool & Mat (found in the "Tools" section of my online shop) and the other is using a sewing machine. Let me take a moment to explain these two methods...
Paper Piercing Tool & Mat
These two products retail for AU$16.00 & is a cheap and effective way of creating holes or borders on your papercrafts. From time to time Stampin' Up! offers piercing templates that coordinates with their die-cut shapes (eg stars, squares, ovals etc) that make this a breeze. It ensures a regular spacing is gained, and it isn't wonky. Without the templates, it can be somewhat tricky to get a perfect line.
Sewing Machine
If you own a basic sewing machine, this can make the job a lot quicker & easier. Ensure there is no bobbin or thread in the machine (we want to use the needle only). Placing your cardstock under the foot, you can manually spin the circular handle (located on the side of your machine) or put your foot gently on the pedal, ensuring you guide your cardstock gently as it goes to ensure a straight line. A tip is to line the right side of the sewing machine foot up with the edge of your paper, slowing down when you get close to the end. Leave the needle in the paper, lift the sewing machine foot and swivel your paper 90 degrees, drop the foot down and away you go again down another side of the paper.
Once you have got the dotted pattern/ border you desire, take a needle & some Stampin' Up! Bakers Twine in the colour you desire. In my photos, I have selected white.
Thread your needle with a single strand of bakers twine (don't make the strand too long otherwise it gets tangled easily) and then go in and out the holes created with the thread as shown in the photo above.
Tip: Try to catch the beginning thread under your cardstock when you come back through the hole (from underneath) so that it won't come loose. You can knot it underneath if you prefer but just try to keep the knot as small as possible otherwise it will create a bulky patch on top when you adhere the cardstock to your card.
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| On the underside, ensure you "capture" the beginning and end of your thread to ensure your stitches do not come undone or loose when completed. |
When you near the end of your strand of thread, on the underside of your cardstock, weave the remaining thread in and out through the lines of thread you have just sewn. This captures it and stops it unravelling once snipped/ thread comes to an end. Then take another strand of bakers twine and begin again until your whole project is finished being sewn.
Here is a completed Christmas card I made, CASED (copied & selectively edited) from a similar one made by Marie Meyer I found on pinterest, to show you what you can create with a threaded needlework border...
The needlecraft possibilities are endless so why don't you pull out a needle and some baker's twine and have a go! Try using different shapes like stars, circles, squares etc. and making borders or patterns using different coloured thread!
I hope I have inspired you to try something new this week.
Till next time,
Happy Crafting!! Lorin xx
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