Make a Halloween Fabric Garland

Hello Everyone, it's Martha again with a Halloween project that I hope you'll like. I love Halloween so I thought I'd give this idea a try. Of course, you can adapt this project to any holiday or no holiday at all. 

I usually start projects with a general idea of what I want to make, then let them evolve as I go along. With that thought, I took out the stencils I wanted to use and some fabrics. I'll list all of the supplies I used down below.

I don't like to measure unless it's absolutely necessary so I mostly eyeballed everything during this process. I tore the muslin fabric into rectangular shapes because I had originally planned to fold over the tops of these pieces to make the openings through which I would thread the string to hang the garland. That plan "evolved" as I went along, but I'll describe that later.

Then I started stenciling on the muslin fabric pieces with acrylic paints. 

I was liking this so far, but decided that I needed some additional color and interest on some of these pieces. I added this warning sign in orange to this one.

I stenciled some of the designs with gesso first to make the second color stand out more from the background.

At some point during the stenciling I realized that I could make five pieces with the stencils I chose, but  needed more than that for a garland so I made two of each piece.

I was happy with my pieces so far but thought they needed more so here is where my plan changed a bit. I decided to put the muslin pieces on top of some fun fabrics. I tore the fun Halloween fabrics into long rectangular pieces and tore down the muslin pieces into more of a square shape that would fit nicely onto the colorful fabrics. Again I just eyeballed everything. I planned on folding over the tops of the colorful fabrics to make that opening for the string to hang the garland. I also pulled out some ribbons to further decorate my pieces.

I did then fold over the top of each piece and sewed around the stenciled muslin pieces. Instead of machine stitching I think some hand stitching around these pieces would look great too.

I used Fabri-Tac to glue the ribbons on and just snipped off the ends with my scissors. 

I'm almost finished! I chose this string and threaded it through the openings at the top of each piece with this large paper clip.  I was forced to break out my ruler for this part. I measured one piece then multiplied by the number of pieces (ten in this case). I then added an extra three inches on each side of the pieces (you'll see why below), added more inches to make sure I had enough string on each end to hang this thing, then doubled all of that. My string is quite thin so I wanted to double it. That's a lot of measuring! 

I added some ribbons in between each piece. This is what I had originally intended to use the fabrics for but thought the ribbons added a nicer contrast.

And with that my project is finished! I tried it on my bookshelf which looks nice. Then I hung it over a window and I love it there. Did I mention I love Halloween?? The garland fits right in with my decorations. 

I hope you'll give this project a try!

Supplies Used:

Industrial Signage

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Industrial-Signage-DeeDee-Catron-p/ll1107.htm

Industrial Wordage 

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Industrial-Wordage-DeeDee-Catron-p/sa1057.htm

June 2021 Stencil Club June Pfaff Daley

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-club-june-2021-june-pfaff-daley-early-art-2-s/2159.htm

Webbed Medallion

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-webbed-medallion-cecilia-swatton-p/s522.htm

Gross Anatomy Inside My Head

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-head-pam-carriker-p/s272.htm

Twist Lattice Stencil

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-twist-lattice-lizzie-mayne-p/s152.htm

Jackwitch Mini

https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencil-Jackwitch-Mini-Jennifer-Evans-p/m225.htm

Fabrics

Acrylic Paints

Foam Wedge Sponges

Ribbons

Sewing Machine

String

Scissors

Glue ( I used Fabri-Tac)

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My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@madebymartha

Create a Stenciled Americana Banner with These New Designs from Ann Butler!

Not only does Ann have new designs for you, but a project to go with them! Be sure to scroll to the end and bookmark this page so you can come back to make this adorable project!

Americana 1 - L979

This stencil is filled with bits and pieces of Americana…from stars and flat to burst of fireworks. This stencil is perfect for creating Americana themed projects along with cards, mixed media, journaling and so much more.

 

Americana 2 - L980

This stencil has four background that are perfect for Americana projects along with creating backgrounds for cards, and mixed media projects. Use bits and pieces inside your journals and art projects.

 

Fleur de Lis Squared - S963

This 6x6 stencils another fabulous background that can be used for cards, mixed media, quilting and journaling or parts of it can be used to create depth and texture to your projects.

Lots of Dots - S964

This 6x6 stencil is a fabulous background that can be used for cards, mixed media, quilting and journaling or parts of it can be used to create depth and texture to your projects. 

 

Stenciled Americana Banner with StencilGirl® Stencils

 

The Americana Stencils are perfect to be used for so many projects. Here I created an Americana Banner that is perfect to use for the 4^th of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day. It would also be great to use for anyone who has a Birthday in July!

For this project, each banner flag showcases one of the stencil designs, but put your own spin on it and combine the designs to make this banner your very own!

Supplies:

• StencilGirl® Americana Stencils 1 and 2 by Ann Butler
• Cardstock: Red, White, Blue
• Ink Pads: Red, Blue
• Blending Brushes
• Paper Trimmer
• Scissors
• Adhesive
• Foam Tape
• Ruler
• Painters Tape
• Baby wipes
• Craft sheet
• Hole Punch, 1/4"
• Twine
• Ribbon, optional

 

 

Step 1:

Cut banner shapes from the cardstock in the following sizes: 

• White 4” wide x 5” high (12)
• Red and Blue 4 ¼” wide x 5 ¼” high (6 each)
  
• Red and Blue 4 ½” wide x 5 ½” high (6 each)

Then measure and mark 1 ½” from the bottom edge on each side. Trim the bottom edges in a V from the center to the marked edge. Repeat for all banner pieces.

 

Step 2:

Place stencil design of choice over a white banner, tape off if desired. Apply Red or Blue ink with a blender brush. Remove stencil.

 

 

Step 3:

Reposition stencil if needed to fill in any desired areas. Remove stencil.

 

 

Step 4:

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all 12 of the White banner pieces.

 

 

Step 5:

Arrange banner pieces for layering.

 

Step 6:

Adhere layers together alternating Red, White and Blue banner pieces.

 

 

Step 7:

Measure ½” from the top and each edge of banner pieces and punch with hole punch.

 

Step 8:

String banner pieces together with twine, alternating colors. Tie off each end and add ribbon bows if desired.

 

 

 

Have fun creating this quick and easy Stenciled Banner!

 

Designer Notes:

• Use different colors for other times of the year to create banners.
• Layer patterns for another look.
• Try this with fabric instead of cardstock.
• Add ephemera on each banner.
• When blending ink, go light and add more for a darker color. 
• Use paint instead of ink.

Links:

Ann Butler’s Website: https://bellacraftspublishing.com/  

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaCraftsPublishing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BellaCraftsPublishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellacraftspublishing/