faux textiles
a number of years ago, I vacationed in the lake region of northern Italy. One of my few purchases was a gift for my mom – a tote bag made of colorful stripes of silk textile remnants. It was gorgeous and I have to admit, I was sorely tempted to keep that tote bag for my own.
The artful paper projects I’ve worked on lately bear a strong resemblance to the design of that tote bag from years past. And my current projects take yet another step in that direction. They are truly textile inspired but are made completely of paper.
I had an old pre-cut mat in this nice frame that held 3 small photographs and I wanted to put something inspired inside. First I drew my lettering and cut them from pieces of junk mail cardstock.
Then I cut a lot of narrow strips of printed paper and wove the pieces together, large enough to cover the 3 letters. I glued it onto the letters, cut around the edges after the glue dried and applied mod podge on top to adhere the woven edges.
Next I cut 3 5×7-inch pieces of junk mail cardstock and covered them with colorful paper stripes. I tore the edges by hand to resemble an uneven frayed edge, then glued the letters on top.
It’s irregular and imperfect and it reminds me of the soft frayed edges of the silk on those handbags from Bellagio.
The project I worked on just prior to this one was a bit of a test drive in paper weaving.
My goal, again, was to frame a photograph using a frame I already had. It’s not a very interesting frame, so I wanted to add something special to the photograph by creating this woven paper backing.
I left the edges uneven and added a brown paper edging to the photograph.
I think it is a decent complement to the gritty subject in the photo.
I had started these woven hearts last weekend with the plan to make enough for a garland. But I still have a few more to go.
Craft projects are NEVER complete, am I right about this?
Thank you for dropping by, I appreciate it more than I can say.
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Okay, first….
“a number of years ago, I vacationed in the lake region of northern Italy.”
OMG, how fabulous! One of these days I have GOT to get to Italy. I cannot believe I was in Europe and yet NEVER made the trek over to Italy! I’m actually afraid if I go, I’ll never come back – HA!
Second, I LOOOOOOOOOVE this project. And oh how sweet, C&D, I LOVE it!!!
I’m totally blown away at how you wove all those little strips of paper. That must have taken FOREVER?!
And I also love the test drive project below. It is sooooooo cool-looking, Diane! I actually like the frame because it doesn’t distract from the piece.
Well….another A+ for you, my friend!
Hope you had a FABU day!
X to you and C!
those look amazing!
These are so beautiful. You have such a great talent, Diane.
Okay, you’ve just made me want to add another craft idea to my ever growing list. I love all the ideas you have with paper. The woven papers, your paper beads. Such cute ideas! I just don’t have enough hours in my day!
Diane, you are so good at this! I love the woven “mat” behind the photo! It’s interesting but it doesn’t overwhelm the picture. Those little woven letters are so fun, too!
I think it all looks so much like fabric, or little strips of ribbon. None of it really looks like paper!
Oh my! Love this! Yet another project to add to my to do list this winter. (I’ve got lots lined up to fill the void when my baby goes to kindergarted this fall!) So inspiring!
I love that C & D textile project! That would be an adorable gift for my bf- especailly when we finally get our new house 🙂 I wish I was crafty enough to make it!!
These are really cool…you have a lot of patience!!
Wow these are beautiful! This is just the kind of thing I love to do most. You are very talented. I would love it if you would stop by and link up this idea at the crafty link party I just started.
http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-link-party-1-cure-for-common.html
:)Rachel
I am visiting via Today’s Creative Blog.
This is a fantastic project! Thank you for sharing.
Happy Tuesday!
Oh Diane. This is absolutely spectacular. So glad you included the close up images so we can see the beautiful work in these pieces. Very cool
Pam
Thanks for the link up to Motivated Monday at beColorful
This is really creative. I just love the result! Really good work!!