FRENCH TAGS - MIXED MEDIA FREE TUTORIAL
These are a just great
for gift giving.
Do
you have hidden away in your sewing stash pieces of lace that are
just too small to put to use,
but you cannot bear to part with
them.
This
is a way to have it on show.
Bring
out such items as:
Small
remnants of Lace ( Vintage or Modern )
Doilies
- damaged but precious
Buttons.
Charms, Ribbons
Hand
Dyed Lace Trim or Motifs
Broken
pieces of jewellery
Images
Satin Transfers OR Fabric images
For
this illustrated tag you will need:-
1
Backing Piece 12 x 22 cms.
1
Fabric Stiffening 10 x 20 cms.
1
Image ( 8 x 6 cms)
Small
pieces of fabric to frame the image.
Make
up the front panel add
pieces of fabric around the image.
Layering
is the one plus with this type
of craft, the more the better. Place
the stiffening at the back.
For
this example I have placed
lace around the image
to create a picture frame.
Overlapping
where necessary. Making it wider than
the fabric.
Hand tack in matching thread to
keep the lace in position.
At
the base I have added a hand dyed lace motif
with
a slight touch of blue in the centre which I feel suits
the blue
in the maids dress. Pearls stitched into the
flower centre.
With
seed beads I have framed the image, stitching them
to
the edge of the lace with a beading needle and
beading thread.
Rosette:
Base-
Is a gathered Rosette in lace.
2nd
Layer - Constructed from 13 mm Silk Ribbon.
Make
small pleats, hand stitch each one in place, be
sure
to leave a tail at each end to form it into a
circle.
Total length 8 cms after pleating and allow
an
extra 2 cms each end.
Shape
into a circle and stitch ends together and flat against
the rosette so it will not show, then run a gathering
stitch through the inside seam and gently pull
it together
into a rosette, finish off well so it will
not come undone.
Layer
the two together stitch down in place on the
lace
foundation using a button as the centre, this will cover
all
the gathering areas you don't want to show.
To
add balance to the frame 2 pieces of venise lace
leaves cut
from a motif, dyed to match the flowers
at the base.
Once
you are happy with the finished result for the tag,
fold over
the laces to the back and slip stitch them
down to the stiffening.
Cover
it with the backing piece.
Backing:
I
pressed the seams down to make it the required size then edged
this
with a fine 1 cm lace trim to give an attractive edge.
If
machine sewing it may be best to do some hand tacking first to
make
it easier to handle under the pressure foot with such
a
narrow lace.
Place
it to the back of the French Tag and slip stitch the two
pieces
together.
All
that remains now is to add an eyelet to the top of the tag.
The
opening for this believe it or not I have made with a
ordinary
office whole punch. Should you have the proper
tool
it will be simple to do. As
an alternative the ribbon could be stitched to the tag, maybe with
a few pleats for disguise.
Ribbons:
Satin, Organza, Silk, Braid or even a length of Lace
can
be used to display your French Tag.
Let
your imagination run wild with different themes
for your tags.
Colourful,
Christmas, Birthday, Modern, Vintage, Embroidered.
Place
the eyelet as per packet directions.
Consider
it as a card for a special occasion, which will be
treasured
and on display.
An
extra pouch could be added at the back to hold a fragrant
envelope.
Much
prettier than being hidden away in a sewing basket,
don't
you agree.
So
pull out your Sewing Baskets and get inspired.
A Selection of Fabric Images is
Available from my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaroldaisyCrafts
