Learn to Let Go~ an affirmation keepsake

Happy Heart Day friends;

Today I want to share with you a little heart keepsake that I was inspired to create using the I Am Words stencil created by Cat Kerr.

One thing to note about me is that I am a glass half full kind of girl and I am all about positive self talk, setting boundaries and self love.

The I Am Word stencil is all that for me as it serves as the perfect reminder and hence it was chosen to be the star of today’s project.

I will be using inks on an old canvas today but the project can also be made on fabric and with acrylic paints and a sponge rather than sprays.

Some slow stitches add another layer of interest as does the tattered edges.

For the tattered edges I used drop cloth ~ yes the kind you find at the hardware store!! 

Choose bits of fabric, lace, ribbon or simply leave it as is.

Think of the process as making a sandwich.

There is a bottom layer, a middle and a top layer! 

Let’s start:

Set the stencil on your fabric and apply paint or spray ink of your choice. I am working on canvas and decided to use Distress Spray stains

Now remember the sandwich reference- here are the steps.

*Cut out a heart from your stencil fabric

*Cut a piece of batting the same size

*Cut a third heart about 1/2” bigger than the stencilled one.    This will be the base.

 I used a piece of rescued denim. 

Now we will layer them together.

I used fabric glue to hold them together.

*glue the batting on to the base fabric. In this case the denim.

Next cut pieces of fabric that will serve as the tattered edges.

The length will depend on the size of heart. For this one I cut 2.5” strips and folded in half (just to save time pus it makes it easier to stitch)

With the fabric glue tack them all around the heart shape ensuring they overlap the batting just a bit.

Take the stencilled heart and with the glue tack on top of all this goodness.

I found using some pins to keep it secure also helped with the slow stitching. 

Stitch around the entire heart by hand or the sewing machine.

Now as I said up top, this step can be omitted but it does add a raw rustic feel which I love.

Lastly, add a positive note or several ~ that you can refer to when needed 💓

Thanks for stopping by and remember be kind to yourself because you are worth it!

Let’s connect Tina Hois Art

Supplies:

Stencil I AM words

Fabric

Batting

Inks or paint

Needle and thread

Fabric glue