Mixed Media You are Loved Burlap Banner Tutorial

As I mentioned yesterday

Josh's "You are loved" banner was

 in the latest issue of Somerset Home

Here is a quick tutorial:

You are Loved!

Mixed Media Banner Tutorial

4 feet of twine

15  8”x 5” burlap fabric rectangles

15  4”x 6” canvas fabric rectangles

(any thick white fabric will do)

Patterned Paper

Gel Medium

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine with different thread

Step 1: Make the letters out of patterned papers

Choose a color scheme and gather a bunch of patterned papers to go with it. Lay out your white canvas rectangles in a row and cut out smaller squares (about 3” x 3”) of colored paper. Lay out the colored squares on the squares of canvas. When you find a pattern and color scheme you like, adhere the paper to canvas with gel medium. Next cut out the shapes, letters, and designs you want on your banner. Start with big shapes and continue adding smaller and smaller details.

Step 2: Attach the canvas letter squares to the burlap rectangles.

Once you have the letters and designs glued onto the fabric, it’s time to sew! Gather different colored sewing thread to compliment your color scheme. I like to use different shades of the same color. Be careful to leave at least 3 inches at the top of each burlap square to sew over in the end. Sew each canvas square onto a burlap rectangle using different colors and kinds of stitches. I have a very basic machine, so I just switched from zigzag to straight.

Step 3: Sew completed rectangles onto twine and hang up your banner.

Fold the top of the burlap over the thread and sew, leaving a 1/4 inch between burlap pieces.  After sewing your rectangles on, find a place you love and hang up your banner!

Tips:

Top secret tip: You don’t have to measure! I provide you with measurements as a guide, but I eyeball everything. I don’t have the patience for rulers and I like things to be  quirky and irregular. It’s handmade, for goodness sakes!

Your local hardware store is a great place to pick up twine and the burlap.

You can use any thick, white material for the “canvas” squares. I chose canvas because I had a ton in my stash.

Start big and work small. This is my general rule of thumb when designing. Cut out the general shape of each letter and continue adding smaller details until you get the look you are going for.