Upcycled Fabric Christmas Gift Tags How To

I don't know about you, but at this time of year I love being surrounded by wrapping paper and ribbons and glitter and sticky tape, watching a Christmas film as I wrap Christmas presents! I like to give my gift wrapped packages a personal touch by adding handmade gift tags. Today I'm sharing my really simple and thrifty How To for fabric scrap gift tags...

1) You will need

Fabric scraps (I used felt, tweed and tartan), gift tags, scraps of ribbon, scissors, double sided tape (not pictured)

2) Cut small squares of fabric for your "presents." You could make a template if you want to, but I cut mine freehand. Add double sided tape to the back of each square and stick onto the bottom of each of your gift tags

3) Cut pieces of ribbon to decorate your fabric present and attach using double sided tape. You can make each tag unique by using different fabrics and differing pieces of ribbon to dress your present design

4) Tie a little bow in contrasting ribbon to decorate the top of each present. Attach using double sided tape

That's all there is to it and you'll soon have a lovely set of unique gift tags... Happy making!

You could also use the fabric present idea to make your own Christmas cards

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

DIY Fabric and Chain Tassel Garland How To

I came across this heavy gold chain in a craft store and instantly felt a How To coming on! I love the trend for tassels at the moment, so I have combined the chain with fabric tassels (a good way to use up long, thin fabric scraps!)to make this fun garland. Here's how...

1) You will need

Long lengths of lightweight cotton fabric in your choice of colours (I chose three blues), heavy weight chain (from a craft store or up-cycled), fabric scissors, metallic embroidery thread and a large eyed needle

2) Cut the fabric strips along their length aprox 5mm wide, to minimise fraying 

3) Decide how long you'd like the tassels to be and cut the long fabric strips into pieces of this length. My strips were 40cm long, meaning the finished tassels are 20cm long

4) Place 5 fabric strips (or more for a fuller tassel) underneath the chain and fold the fabric strips over the top of the chain

5) Secure the tassels with embroidery thread at even lengths along the chain. Trim the ends of the fabric tassels if needed

6) Ta-dah! A lovely garland to cheer up any space

Happy making! If you make a garland don't forget to share your photos, I'd love to see!

How To... Fabric Scrap Photo Frame DIY

Do you have an old photo frame that you'd like to brighten up? Give my latest How To a try and you can display it with pride!

1) You will need

Old wooden photo frame, Mod Podge, paintbrush, fabric scissors, fabric scraps

My cotton fabric scraps were taken from fabric shade cards, but you could use scraps from your stash or even up-cycle pretty fabric from old clothes. I've gone for a bright and eclectic mix of fabrics as that's my thing, but you can be as matching or clashing as you wish!

2) Cut your fabric into strips

I cut mine into pieces roughly 5cm long by 2cm wide and  a few at odd sizes for variation

3) Get sticking!

Working on small sections of the frame at a time, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the frame and lay your fabric strips on top. Overlap the fabric pieces to create a collage effect, ensuring that the pieces are fully stuck down. Cover the outside edges of the frame too and allow to dry fully

4) Add a top coat of Mod Podge

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the collage of fabric to seal. Allow to dry fully

 5) Display your lovely updated photo frame!

 A special photo presented in a hand decorated frame would also make a lovely gift idea. Happy making!

Making teeny-tiny fabric scrap Yo-Yos!

I've very kindly been given a huge bundle of fabric samples, so I've sorted through them all and there are some really pretty pieces! I've made a little dent in my new stash today, learning to make some teeny-tiny fabric Yo-Yos using a Clover Quick Yo-Yo Maker. I haven't made Yo-Yos before but I think it could get quite addictive, especially as you can buy the tools in different sizes! I think they look like little rosettes! They are so quick and easy to make and they show off the colours of the fabric really well- I'm excited to see what I can make with them. I've made a Fabric Yo-Yos Pinterest board for inspiration!

You use the tool for stitch guidance and then remove it and pull the thread to gather the fabric

I'm just experimenting at the moment, still working towards a new textile jewellery collection, but I think the Yo-Yos look quite sweet added to the Harris Tweed, which I've begun to embroider with Bullion Knot flowers.