Fabric Panels: How To
Gosh, you all are so sweet! Thank you for the nice comments about my new studio - if I could, I'd have everyone over for tea, lemon scones, and crafty conversation :)
My fabric panels are super simple and I wanted to share how I made them. The inspiration was what many of us face when we have fabric we love but can't bear to cut it - what to do? I used foam core, double stick tape (I like poster tape especially or ones available for scrapbookers) and wall putty to put them all together. Cut your foam core to accommodate the piece of fabric that you are using. Make sure you have about 1" to 1 1/2" of fabric to fold over to the backside.
Place the double stick along the edges of the foam core, gently pull the fabric over each corner and press down onto the tape, and then working from opposite sides, gently pull taut the fabric along the sides and press down onto the tape.
I used wall putty to put them up so I wouldn't have a bunch of little holes in the wall. It also makes it easy to move them around and take down if you want to use a panel as a background for a picture; see here.
If you don't want to wrap the fabric around (or there just isn't enough fabric to do it) then put the double stick tape along the edges on the front and press your fabric on. You might need to neaten the edges a bit.
I think it would be so cool to create a whole quilt on the wall with the panels butted up next to each other, don't you? There's actually a ton of stuff that would be fun to do using this method. If anyone gives it a try let me know, I'd love to see!
Such a great way for instant art! I did this is college with old frames. I was so with it. :)
Posted by:kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | 09/07/2006 at 05:32 PM
Hello!
I just discovered your blog today and am so pleased as punch to have done so! :D
These fabric panels are great!
I found you by googling "tissue holders"--- I've been desperate to learn how to make them (although, I think I may have been able to make it up as I go..I doubt it would've turned out right. hahaha).
Rock on, crafty lady!
Posted by:Mary | 09/07/2006 at 12:27 PM
this is so much better than framing them - which is what i did... used to do! - since im moving into a new home, and therefor, a new studio, i should try this out. Hard part is to pick fave fabrics because there are so many!
And Kudos for the Patchwork wall, that'd look amazing, i'm sure!
have a great day!
Posted by:van | 09/06/2006 at 10:31 AM
Gorgeous! But I hate using blu-tack/wall putty for anything even vaguely long-term because it leaves oily spots on my walls and posters after you peel it off...
Posted by:Nancy | 09/05/2006 at 11:38 AM
Your panels are gorgeous!
Posted by:gillian | 09/05/2006 at 08:34 AM
How fun! I live next door to Finnstyle in Minneapolis, where they have a beautiful assortment of Marimekko fabrics mounted on canvas stretchers. Beautiful, but expensive. Instead of purchasing one, I got some fabric (on sale) and mounted it on...you guessed it--foam core! But instead of using double-sided tape, I used brass tacks. It was a gift, so I wanted to give the back a more finished look. Hooray for foam core!
Posted by:Amber | 09/05/2006 at 07:06 AM
Thank you very much for the tutorial. I should try one soon!!
Posted by:momo | 09/04/2006 at 04:23 AM
I wonder if it will be sturdy enough for a bulletin board and thumb tacks...
Posted by:quenna | 09/03/2006 at 09:57 PM
Thanks for sharing, and your studio is picture perfect :)
We have blu-tack here in Australia which is very commonly used to stick things up - is wall putty the same thing or different?
Posted by:Lara | 09/03/2006 at 05:47 PM
I love it all. Your new studio and the fantastic idea for beautiful fabrics. Martha has nothing on you ;-)
Posted by:Adriana | 09/03/2006 at 04:03 PM
fabulous idea! i like the temporary use of it...changing fabrics.
Posted by:jessica | 09/02/2006 at 06:08 PM
Wow, not even a nail in sight...that's so simple and cool. Can the putty hold the foam on the wall for long? I never used it before, it must be strong.
Posted by:cruststation | 09/02/2006 at 02:11 PM
I love the look of all your vintage books in your studio, I could just sit down with them and read, read, read !!
Posted by:Tanya | 09/02/2006 at 12:48 PM
What a nice idea! This is the first time I visit your blog and I`m sure to come again! And I like your studio too!
Posted by:Katrine | 09/02/2006 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for the instructions! I agree, this is a really fun way to play with fabric on the wall!
Posted by:Amanda | 09/02/2006 at 09:47 AM
Thanks, a great idea. Mum did this in the seventies with divine Marrimekko fabrics. It is time for me to do it. I will link to this from my site http://onehourcraft.wordpress.com
Mia
Posted by:Mia | 09/01/2006 at 10:02 PM
love this! thanks for the instructions. your studio looks great...enjoy it!
Posted by:stephanie | 09/01/2006 at 05:35 PM
What a great idea! I've had foamcore warp on me before. Have you had trouble with this?
Thanks for sharing this great idea.
Posted by:ashley | 09/01/2006 at 02:08 PM
what a great idea! thanks for posting the tutorial...i'll be sure to try this out.
Posted by:kristin | 09/01/2006 at 12:17 PM
What a great but simple idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by:Zoe | 09/01/2006 at 07:29 AM
Very nice. Its inspiring to be able to work in a nicely organized and cheerfully decorated space. Enjoy it!
Posted by:Patricia | 09/01/2006 at 04:20 AM
What a fab idea!! Hmm off to play with things now. :-)
Posted by:Gemma | 09/01/2006 at 01:58 AM
Oh, brilliant!
Posted by:Linda | 08/31/2006 at 05:55 PM
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I love how the fabric panels look in all your pictures and am looking forward to trying this myself.
Posted by:June | 08/31/2006 at 02:15 PM
fantastic! simple yet perfect...I too, am going to do this! My studio is nothing like yours! >> http://www.flickr.com/photos/86878368@N00/218438695/in/set-72157594194208333/
you are an inspiration! :) thanks for taking the time to share.
Posted by:catherine | 08/31/2006 at 02:07 PM