A closet can sometimes get a little cluttered. It’s difficult to throw out that lucky business tie or the bridesmaid dress collection, and so we often keep gathering until space runs out. Or maybe the favorite pair of jeans has worn through in certain places and is no longer wearable, but parting with it would be such sweet sorrow that you decide to leave it folded in a drawer. If you find yourself in this scenario, consider putting those old and unworn pieces of clothing into a fun art project!
Utilizing old fabric can be as simple as folding up and matting a beautifully printed scarf, or as detailed as cutting shapes from the fabric. In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a modern art fabric homage to those clothing items you just can’t throw out.
STEP 1: Finding Material
You can use any fabric, from tulle to jean. Make a decision about where the finished piece will be displayed and choose colors, textures, and patterns accordingly. Have a fair selection of fabric items with varying textures and patterns to try. Best results occur with bright hues and similar fabrics.
STEP 2: Cutting
It’s best to designate a box or bin for fabric scraps, because hopefully you will have a lot of them to choose from! Determine before cutting if the fabric requires ironing to be able to lay flat. Once the fabric is prepared, cut the item into strips approximately 1-2 inches wide. The width does not need to be measured, and the widths of fabric can vary. However, it is recommended to have no more than two width sizes.
STEP 3: Preparing the Background
Find or cut a piece of cardboard with at least a 1’ x 1’ area. If the cardboard product is not a desirable color, consider painting it. White works well as a backdrop for your fabric. The darker the color, the more difficult it may be to see your finished design.
STEP 4: Application
Coat the cardboard with spray adhesive. Lay strips of your fabric in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines across the cardboard, and press down firmly. Depending on the size of the cardboard, it may be best to use only two or three fabric strips or to use as many as ten. Using minimal fabric typically turns out better than overusing and cluttering your design. If the fabric strips are too long, cut away the excess on either side. Allow the piece to dry.
Voila! You have now immortalized that lucky tie into a modern art masterpiece. Or maybe you have created a way to display the memories of past bridesmaid adventures. Keep your unused scraps for future projects and creating modern art to give as gifts. Of course, the piece wouldn’t be complete without the proper frame. Take it in to Frame Warehouse to find the frame which will compliment the colors and give your creative memories that special touch!
