I will admit that I am a garage sale, estate sale,and auction addict. My love for fabrics and crafts provides fuel for that sales addiction. One of the ways that I rationalize my addiction is to believe that, with every purchase, I am saving items from becoming landfill. The only problem with that rationalization is that by saving the earth from additional landfill, I am creating a personal landfill in my own home.
The creation of this holiday wreath is an example of how I am putting my collecting landfill to use and – in my mind – saving the planet by beginning the landfill reduction within my own home. (anyway, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it)
To create this wreath, I dug in to my collection of buttons, sequins and beads. I also unearthed some old stained damask napkins (you know … the ones that you find at estate sales where the proprietor always assures you that there are no stains on the carefully taped napkin bundle??? I fall for that hunk of malarky every time!) from the fabric stash. I also dug through the embroidery floss for some greens and some browns.
After starching and ironing a napkin, I discovered an area that was about 6 inches of stain free fabric. (use good light for this, some stains with not show themselves readily) I found a 4 inch diameter circular lid that I used to draw a wreath base.
After hooping the napkin in an embroidery frame, I stem stitched in the brown floss over the wreath base line. Varying the shades, I then used random fly stitching and back stitching to create the greenery of wreath.
Beginning with my focal point (which in this case was the rhinestone button) I overlaid and stitched buttons and sequins around the wreath. (I used a North – South then East – West approach to better balance the design)
Since I decided that this upcycle was going to become a wall decoration, I needed a much more substantial drape to this piece. So I used a combination of spray adhesive and a craft stabilizer sheet to give this piece the stability that it needs.
Circular items are so attractive, but circular frames are difficult to find. You can always create your own by stitching you finished work to some plastic canvas, felt or other stable background. I have seen frames created from mason jar lids, embroidery hoops and and grapevine branches. Personally, I crochet, so I created the crochet frame that is shown with this wreath. The frame is available as a paid pattern in my ravelry or etsy shop (links provided below)
As Creatives, we often find inspiration reading and seeing the projects that other people create. Hopefully this little post inspires you to enjoy and create from your collection. Happy Holidays!
Links to frame patterns;
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/circular-crochet-picture-frames
KarenGlasgowFollettDesigns 