fabric postcards Click image to enlarge Designer: Patti Milazzo www. Difficulty rating
Instructions (Print version) 1. Cut 2 – 4 ½” x 6 ½” pieces of fabric. One will be the front where for your design. The other will serve as the back where you will need to stamp or print postal information. At this point I applied a lightweight fusible interfacing to the back of each fabric piece.
2. Prepare the pieces of your design that will be appliquéd to the front of the postcard. I started by ironing lightweight fusible web to small pieces of fabric (4” to 6” square). Then I used the Circle Shape Template to trace circles and leaf shapes on the paper backing and cut the following pieces: 2 – 2” to 3” leaves cut freehand with the Non Stick #8 Scissors
NOTE: To do this I drew a 3” circle inside the 4” circle. I then marked dots evenly around the circles to show where I needed to cut to form my petals. 3. Peel off the paper backing of your pieces and begin to layer, iron and stitch your pieces. I started with the leaves – ironed them and then added stitching in green thread. Then I ironed the petaled pieces and the 3” circle and machine stitched around with yellow thread. I ironed on the 2. 5” yellow circle and again stitched around it in yellow. Then finally, I ironed on the brown circle and stitched around it in black thread. The stitching is not only decorative but will also insure that your postcard doesn’t fall apart in the mail.
4. At this point, attach any other embellishments you wish to add like the buttons I stitched to the brown circle. Because the sunflower has so many layers of fabric and bond material I found it difficult to pierce through the fabric even with a heavy duty needle. This is where the Punch Needle from the Sewing Multi-Tool was a life saver on my fingers. I simply used it to pierce the holes where I wanted to attach my buttons with embroidery thread. Once the front is complete set it aside.
5. Take the back piece of material for the postcard and stamp or print the word “POSTCARD” at the top. Stamp or print any other markings needed. I used Fiskars A to Z Clear Stamp set for my letters and Li’l Davis’ Sentiments stamp for the dotted line to separate the two sides of the card. I also added the small stamp shape from Fiskars Squarely Sentimental stamps just for fun. NOTE: Be sure to use permanent, fabric safe ink or pens. 6. Cut a 4 ¼” x 6 ¼” piece of fusible fleece or interface to sandwich between the front and back pieces of the postcard. Iron and machine stitch around the edges. I used my Pinking Shears to trim the edges of my postcard. Now your postcard is ready to be mailed! Be sure to use self adhesive stamps and press down firmly. Also the postcard must be hand canceled at the Post Office to be mailed properly and avoid damaging it. Fabric postcards make great keepsakes and gifts for any occasion. They can be used for swaps as well. Another idea is to pre-make a postcard that represents your next vacation spot. Mail it home from there and use it as a unique mini album cover. Simply punch a couple of holes and add grommets for the binder rings or ribbon to hold the album together. Whatever you decide to do, I hope I’ve inspired you to create one of these little pieces of fabric artwork for yourself or to share with others.
Supply List: Fiskars Brands: 94457097 Pinking Shears Fiskars Brands: 01-000068 Stamp Block Set Li’l Davis: 01-002585 Sentiments Clear Stamps Other: Fabric scraps; buttons; fusible web |
