Scrapping with stitches
by Kathy Cano Murillo - Jul. 22, 2005 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Kathya Hidalgo doesn't consider herself a seamstress.

But when it comes to embellishing her scrapbook pages, she will brave the frontier of needles, threads and bobbins in the quest for the perfect layout. In this case, her tool of choice is a 6-inch mini sewing machine that she uses to stitch brightly colored ribbon to rubber-stamped background paper. Her machine may look like a cute toy to some, but Hidalgo and hordes of other scrappers adore its ability to add a dash of homespun texture to their work.

"I'm always trying out new techniques, so I bought it on a whim," the 29-year-old Laveen resident says. "I started playing around with it, and now I love it. It's called the Sew Crafty Mini. It's so simple; you just press one button and it works. Now I'm really into stitching everything: ribbons, paper, all of it."
Whether it's layering a page with fabric, accenting with an appliqué or embroidering a border, scrapping with stitches is super. Hidalgo's first scrapbook 10 years ago was a basic album, pictures trimmed with layered cardstock and stickers. These days, her layouts spring off the surface with sewn-on pockets, tags, flaps and envelopes, in which she inserts photos, mementos and notes.

"Stitching directly on the page, whether it's by hand or machine, is a big thing," says Alana Parish, 42, owner of the Scrappin' Sisters store in Glendale. "It gives off that home-crafted looked that is so popular with quilting. It evokes that whole feeling of comfort and warmth, plus it saves on adhesives. It's really a great way to combine elements on a page."

Parish says the Sew Crafty Mini is great for newbies and kids, but recommends a standard machine for those who know their way around a bobbin. Although people like Hidalgo enjoy sewing and embroidering on ribbon, fabric, paper and cardstock before using them in layouts, Parish suggests purchasing pre-stitched ribbons for those who want a shortcut to the look.

"I like the zigzag stitch," she says. "I had bought some ribbon with the zigzag on it that I liked, so I tried to make my own. But I had issues with the tension, so I gave up and just bought some more."

Chris Wallace, 42, owner of My Scrapbook Studio in Scottsdale, has been using fabric and fibers for years on her books. She also teaches classes on the technique.

"It's froufrou," she says. "It gives scrapbook pages and other projects that swoosh, dimensional effect that flat stickers cannot do, and gives a scrapbook page, altered book or card 'I want to touch you' appeal."

More on this topic

Dress up your scrapbook layouts with these techniques, products

Inspired to juice up your layouts with contrasting threads?

Techniques to try

• To add texture to plain ribbon, run a strand through your sewing machine, or hand stitch designs with embroidery floss.

• Sew ribbon directly onto your page.

• Stitch your scrapbook pieces together instead of gluing them.

• Run your paper under the sewing machine, creating random designs or patterns.

• Use a needle to poke holes around the edges of your paper, and then use a paper needle and floss or thread to add a stitched border effect.

• Sew around photos, cardstock, tags and anything else you can think of.

• Line your pages with fabric or make color copies of fabrics.

• Use appliqués instead of stickers for design accents.

Products to try

1. Fabric Album Set (Maple Lane Press, $34.99): Keep the theme going with this boxed set of fabric scrapbooks that you can embellish to match your pages.

2. Sew Crafty Mini (Provo Craft, $12): Perfect for the crafter who doesn't own a sewing machine. This tiny tool is easy to use and works great for adding accents on small paper projects. If you are experienced at sewing, stick with your standard machine.

3. Paper Needles (Making Memories, $1.29): Great for all your paper sewing projects.

4. Creating Keepsakes Collection: Artistic Effects and Creating Keepsakes Collection: Elements ($29.95) each: Each of these boxed sets contains five books packed with photos, ideas, tips and inspirations of the latest trends.

5. Sewing Kit (Making Memories, $14.99): Comes with everything you need to get started with paper sewing. Includes: mini pin cushion, a combination needle threader-paper piercer-needle holder, needles, threads, tape measure, plastic ruler with drilled holes, and foldable scissors.

6. Make Your Own Scrapbooks Kit (Made-By-Hands, $18.99): As featured on The Today Show, this scrapbook kit for girls is a fun way to get into the craft. It includes supplies for a variety of projects. www.made-by-hands.com.


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Labels: paper, sewing