Happy Tuesday! I am so excited about today’s tutorial because it incorporates fabric along with inks and stamps in a major way! I wanted to start a new series of projects for a while now that would include fabric as the canvas for inking and stamping. I finally decided that I wanted to make little art banners that I could link together and hang in my studio. I think it will be fun to experiment more with working on fabric and something larger than a tag.
For my first banner, I wanted to begin by creating a unique watercolor like background using the new sets of Distress Ink Minis. (Don’t forget to enter my give away for sets 7, 8, and 9!) Back in August of 2011 I shared a tutorial for dying muslin using Distress Stains. This technique is very similar but a little less messy, quicker, and a little more controlled.
Begin with a piece of natural or white muslin. Use the Distress Ink Mini ink pad to make a swipe of color directly on the fabric.
Continue adding swipes of color with different colors of ink pads. (Shown- Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky, and Crushed Olive.)
You can use the corners and edges of the ink pad to add thinner accents. On my fabric, I used the Frayed Burlap pad to add thin strips randomly in between some of the wider stripes.
I also added some thin horizontal lines to create a cross hatch type pattern.
Mist the fabric with water to create blending of the colors and to allow the colors to soak into the fibers of the fabric.
Blot the fabric well with a dry cloth. Use a heat tool to dry the fabric or air dry.
The dried fabric will have a batik or watercolor like look.
And check out the backside! Adding water allows the color to bleed through to the back of the fabric. Often times, the back side is my favorite because it is so soft and muted – perfect for a background!
You can also use this technique to create focal items for your project like the bird in this project that uses one of the birds from the Dina Wakley Scribbly Birds stamp set. Cut a piece of muslin slightly larger than the stamp. Apply Tumbled Glass Distress Ink Mini pad to scribble some color onto the muslin.
Add Wild Honey Distress Ink in the area that the bird’s belly will be.
Mist with water to blend the colors.
Blot the fabric with a dry cloth and dry with a heat tool.
Stamp the bird onto the dyed fabric using Jet Black Archival Ink.
Use the corners and edges of the Distress Ink Mini pads to add more detail and bolder splashes of color. (Shown- Frayed Burlap, Dried Marigold, and Stormy Sky.)
Mist again to blend the detail colors.
You can also add detail color by scribbling the ink pad onto a craft sheet and applying the color with a waterbrush. After adding the ink and blending, dry the muslin with a heat tool.
Cut a piece of Phoomph slightly larger than the stamped image. Peel one of the backings off. Apply the Phoomph to the backside of the stamped fabric.
Cut out the stamped bird. (I added a space around mine because I originally planned to sew the bird to the banner and wanted space to sew it outside of the design.)
Peel the second backing off of the Phoomph on the back of the stamped bird. Adhere the bird to a piece of cotton batting.
Trim around the bird so that the batting shows beyond the edge of the bird.
Cut a piece of Phoomph slightly larger than the banner. Peel one of the backings off of the Phoomph and adhere it to the back side of your fabric. (I used the back side of the fabric as my front, so I adhered the Phoomph to the “real” front of the fabric.)
Use the banner template to trace the banner shape onto the fabric. Cut out the banner. Use an ink blending tool to apply Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to the edges of the banner.
Tammy Tutterow Art Banner Template
Stamp additional images as desired on the banner. (Shown- Stampers Classics #6 Border using Jet Black Archival Ink.) The Phoomph adds nice stability to the fabric for stamping. Since it is puffy, you would expect it to distort the image but it does not.
Continue to add more images as desired. (Shown- greenery from Tim Holtz Nature’s Moments stamped with Forest Moss Distress Ink.)
Peel the remaining backing away from the Phoomph. Place the banner on a piece of cotton batting. Trim around the edge of the banner with pinking shears. Add ribbon or other trims. Sew around the outer edge of the assembled banner. (The ribbon above is sewed to the banner along the top edge but hangs free below. It is glued down through the center of the banner so that it doesn’t pucker embellishments are placed over it.)
Stamp a sentiment on Sticky Back Canvas using Jet Black Archival Ink.
Tear or cut the sentiment out. Fray the edges and brush with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink. Place the sentiment on the banner. Sew around the edges of the sentiment.
Add a strip of Tissue Tape down the center of the ribbon. Adhere a twig over the ribbon to create a perch for the fabric bird. Adhere the bird to the front of the banner so that it is perched on the branch.
Swipe Wild Honey Distress Ink over a scrap of Tissue Wrap. Mist the Tissue Wrap with water to create spots and color variations in the ink.
Blot the excess water from the Tissue Wrap and dry with a heat tool.
Die cut several small flowers from the Tissue Wrap using the Tim Holtz Floral Garland die. Create flower buds with the larger flowers by folding or smashing them into a cone shape. (The center of the flower is the narrow point of the cone.) Place adhesive on the tip of the cone and tuck under the edge of the branch.
Layer smaller flowers together on a brad. Add adhesive to the prongs of the brad. Use the prongs of the brad like a stem to tuck under the branch. Crinkle and wrinkle the petals of the flower so that they cover the brad center.
In addition to embellishing the branch with flowers, you can also add metal leaves from the Tim Holtz Foliage set. Use embossing powders to add color to the leaves as shown in the Enameled Idea-ology Tutorial.
There are many ways to hang your finished art banner. I decided for mine to add fabric grommets to the top corners. It will make it easy to string banners together and to hang them.
Fabric grommets are easy to install. They are easy to find in the notions section of fabric and craft stores. Grommets come in two pieces, the round piece with a tall tube and a thin ring. You will also need a grommet setting tool which has two parts, the base and a metal bit that you strike with a hammer.
- Place a hole in the banner where desired. I used my Crop-a-dile tool.
- Place the tall grommet piece so that the tube goes through the hole in the front and out the back side of the banner.
- Turn the banner over.
- Place the thin ring over the tube of the tall piece.
- Place the base of the setting tool on a sturdy surface. Place the banner with the two grommet pieces on top of the setting base. The ring from the front of the grommet on the front of the banner will sit down into the ring on the setting base.
- Hold the metal bit by the “stem”.
- Place the metal bit over the assembled grommet that is setting in the base. The raised part on the head of the setting bit should sit down in the center of the tube of the tall grommet piece that is poking through the back of the banner.
- Strike the tip of the metal bit with a hammer two or three times. The force will split the tall tube and flatten down over the top of the thin ring.
It is really easy! The nice thing about fabric grommets is that they are very secure when set and should not fall out. They also give a nice finished look to both sides of your finished piece.
How pretty is this fabric? I love the way it turned out! It was so easy and quick to create and was truly the perfect background for my little birdie.
You have to love when you can find free embellishments in your back yard! The small twig was on my plum tree with no leaves on it. It was ready for a new start as a piece of art!
I shared before that this roll of Tissue Tape is my favorite because of the 108, my old badge number from my 911 dispatcher days. I love when I use the tape and the 108 ends up in the perfect spot. On this project it was like a perfect little signature.
Adding color to the Tissue Wrap before die cutting makes coloring small die cuts so much easier and way less messy.
I love the magic in the way the ink wicks on wet fabric. Could it have turned out any more perfect on this little birdie?
I really love when you finish a project and find yourself smiling because what you created is just so happy. That is how I feel about this banner. I just simply makes me happy! I think it is a great start for my new Art Banner project. I can’t wait to add more!
Don’t forget, you can download the pattern for the banner: Tammy Tutterow Art Banner Template and you can also enter my giveaway to win the new Distress Ink Mini sets 7,8, and 9 which I happened to use in this tutorial!
Feel free to pin this project on Pinterest! While you are there, I would love for you to check out my boards!
Dolly / scrapthat says
June 17, 2014 at 8:30 amAwww that’s so cute! You are going to have one beautiful banner happening in your room!! TFS Tammy! 😀
Dawn Moseley says
June 17, 2014 at 8:45 amThank you for this great piece. I love that you’ve done something that’s not a tag. I can see a whole string of these banners or even seasonal ones to display. Love this idea!! Love the muslin and distress inks too!! I’m going to have to try this. I’m new to Phoomph so I have to find that….
snazzyoriginal says
June 17, 2014 at 8:48 amI have just bought this Scribbled Birds stamp set & can’t wait to try them on fabric. Thankyou for sharing this beautiful & inspiring project xx
audreypettit says
June 17, 2014 at 9:05 amOMGosh, I’ve been so excited to see this tutorial since I saw your sneak peek yesterday on FB! Good Gravy, Girl, this is such an exquisite little art banner! I am a huge fan of working with fabrics, and I really adore all your techniques. I need to get my hands on some Distress Inks and try this! 🙂
Cannot wait to watch as you build a banner for your art room!
Astrid says
June 17, 2014 at 9:25 amOMG, this is so totally adorable and wonderful and clever!!!! I think this has now become one of my all time favourite projects of yours ever!! The effect of the inks on the fabric is so amazing and I absolutely ADORE the way that bird looks!!! Fabulous embellishing too! I love this so much!!!
Sharon Field says
June 17, 2014 at 9:26 amThis is such a gorgeous creation and is something I have never seen before. Great job,girl!
Pat Healey says
June 17, 2014 at 9:27 amYour banner is beautiful. Thanks for walking us through the steps. Love it!
Teri says
June 17, 2014 at 9:31 amOh my gosh, it’s just gorgeous!!! I love it!!! And the technique doesn’t look too hard, I’m going to read it again and definitely give it a try!!!
Jan in Tucson says
June 17, 2014 at 9:31 amThis banner may be my favorite of your art projects, so far! AMAZING!
lerusho says
June 17, 2014 at 9:35 amIt’s so beautiful Tammy, I want to try to color muslin right now with distress inks 🙂
Faith says
June 17, 2014 at 9:46 amLOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you have done here… I LOVE that Birdie Stamp also…. must have now…lol Thank you for Sharing…. off to find supplies and try my hand at this….
Faith
stamping sue says
June 17, 2014 at 9:54 amwhat a great project! I’m going to look for Phoomph to use on my projects. thanks for sharing.
stamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/
barbara macacskill says
June 17, 2014 at 9:56 amThis is so pretty! What a wonderful way to use the mini inks! LOVELOVELOVE this so much! I am going to have to order some of the stuff to try this but am going to be haunting my mailbox waiting for my goodies to arrive so I can do this!! I have a few ideas on what I want to do and will probably come up with a hundred more while I am waiting! LOL
Thank you for the template and the inspiration! Have a great day!
Donna says
June 17, 2014 at 9:59 amSo stinking cute! Love how this came together! Great job!
Thanks for sharing!
paula c says
June 17, 2014 at 10:02 amTammy this is wonderful. So glad you took the time to create this tutorial. I am truly inspired watching the steps unfold. xx
Linda says
June 17, 2014 at 10:05 amThat bird is so cute-great tutorial.
Deb L says
June 17, 2014 at 10:10 amThis is so well done Tammy! Love the sweet little bird. I’m going to need to pick up some muslin to play with.
kat says
June 17, 2014 at 10:53 amTammy this banner is drop dead gorgeous! I love that background technique with the mini and how you “colored” the little sweet bird – just fabulous! Sigh – I am still trying to get my hands on that bird set! Funny thing – I did not even notice the beautiful little flowers until you showed the close up!
Dria says
June 17, 2014 at 11:01 amThis is wonderful! Now I want to go try these techniques!
Felicia Aaron says
June 17, 2014 at 11:24 amOh my goodness! That is just about one of the cutest things ever! I love it Tammy! I KNOW It will go wonderfully in your beautiful “happy” place! Thanks for sharing!
Jamie says
June 17, 2014 at 11:32 amTammy, I love anything you create, but am so glad to hear you’re going to do more with fabric stamping and painting, because I’ve been wanting to do the same. This piece is just beautiful! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Jan Bianchi says
June 17, 2014 at 11:43 amTammy. Speechless. So ubber cute and creative. Love this project. Thank you
for sharing.
massofhair says
June 17, 2014 at 11:44 amThe banner is fantastic, i enjoy working with fabric and inks so it is great to read you are going to do more.
Thank you for the tutorial and download:-) xxx
Arleen says
June 17, 2014 at 12:06 pmLove it!!! You are so talented and creative. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jan Castle says
June 17, 2014 at 12:16 pmYour bird banner is adorable Tammy…what a creative project!!!! TFS
Jan
Hetty says
June 17, 2014 at 12:22 pmThis is just to cute and so wonderfully done.Love that background.
Denise Spillane says
June 17, 2014 at 12:31 pmOh my gosh, I absolutely love this project! Birds and fiber art, how can it go wrong. I never heard of that poomph but will see if I can find it!
Anne V says
June 17, 2014 at 12:35 pmThis is my all time favorite of your many projects I have admired! Distress Inks, Fabric,Die Cuts and a Bird-what else could I ask for?
iamvics says
June 17, 2014 at 12:36 pmSo pretty! Thanks for the template and details.
lucy Edmondson says
June 17, 2014 at 12:56 pmWhat a wonderful tutorial! I love your birdie!
Lucy x
Donna G says
June 17, 2014 at 12:59 pmThank you for the wonderful tutorial! I’m going to have to check out the “Phoomph” product as I’m not familiar with it. I have that scribbled bird stamp set and have wanted to play with it so I think I’ll make a banner and play along as you create yours!!
wbgnl says
June 17, 2014 at 1:29 pmWhat a great banner! Have to try it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Rhonda Strickland says
June 17, 2014 at 1:33 pmI can’t tell you enough how wonderful your projects are, or how I LOVE your tutorials. You are simply amazing, and I am so happy you are there to give us inspiration. THANK YOU!! I LOVE this project. :o)
Rhonda Strickland says
June 17, 2014 at 1:34 pmP.S. There is not a color I don’t love! :o)
Sara Jansen says
June 17, 2014 at 1:46 pmBeautiful, wonderful and oh so cute. Love the colors on muslin. Now I know why I have yards and yards of the stuff! Thanks!
Judy B says
June 17, 2014 at 1:54 pmWhat a lovely banner! The look of the distress inks on the muslin is perfect. I really like the choice of stamps that you used and the cute little twig perch for your bird. Thanks for sharing an amazing project with us.
renee m says
June 17, 2014 at 2:19 pmAbsolutely precious! Such a sweet little bird and quote. Really like how you colored the bird and think it is so cool that you did all this on fabrics 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Rosann says
June 17, 2014 at 2:25 pmOh… this is absolutely gorgeous; great tutorial… love the idea of a cloth banner… just so cheerful too !!
Love the colors ( they make me giddy) … you blended so awesomely… I tell you those birds are on my wishlist and so are those minis ( been trying to talk myself out of them … IT’S NOT WORKING) they are just so perfectly sized for those small projects; and for the stencils too. I THINK I NEED them ALL don’t you ???
Chriss America Real says
June 17, 2014 at 2:36 pmOh my Gosh! This is so cool! Thank you so much for the tutorial & template! I am re-decorating my office and my theme is owls! I am going to make a banner!
Sharon Young says
June 17, 2014 at 2:47 pmTammy, you rock! What a brilliant idea. The background stripes came out great. Love the idea of art banners on fabric.
swaters057Sue W. says
June 17, 2014 at 3:02 pmI have to go buy some muslin now so I can try this. Love it!
Maria Torralba says
June 17, 2014 at 3:13 pmIt’s so pretty & your instructions are just detailed enough. I love your banner idea
Kimberley Pfeiffer says
June 17, 2014 at 4:05 pmLove this…great muted color with the distress minis…have not tried them yet, need to get some…just beautiful and so inspirational…Thanks for doing what you do!
Jen says
June 17, 2014 at 4:43 pmOh my gosh – I can’t wait to see more banners! You must show us, even if they aren’t all Tuesday Tutorials!! That is going to be gorgeous!! I am in love with this one already! Dina’s birds are at the top of my wish list, definitely…so lovely. And you do so many wonderful things with fabric. I can’t wait to get into a new house and unpack my boxes and get my new craft room started!
BJR says
June 17, 2014 at 5:59 pmThis is beyond cute…beyond lovely! It is perfect. P.E.R.F.E.C.T. I love ti!! The fabric, the little birdie…the blending colors…the twig, flowers…(and of course, the number. Love that tissue tape. Is it one if the new ones??)
We have a wind chime on our front porch. The Phoebe’s have used the top for a nesting spot. It’s been used many years. Each spring it’s spruced up a bit It now holds the second batch of little birds this year. We watch and are thrilled and feel like we have “helped” in some way by providing the “singing home” for them to use. Love watching the pair of parents, too. This birdie reminded me of them…and the quote you included is perfect. Love your work. It inspires me to create, even through the pain. Thanks!!
Brooke Bock says
June 17, 2014 at 6:25 pmOOOOOhhhhh…love that method for the stripes….So simple and clever..
tigerlille says
June 17, 2014 at 7:52 pmWonderful tutorial, which has sparked so many ideas. You are God’s gift to vintage style crafters.
Mary Beth says
June 17, 2014 at 8:17 pmGreat piece of art. Love the bird stamp set.
debby says
June 17, 2014 at 8:42 pmAbsolutely love the banner and the colors are just perfect. Thanks for the chance to win some of the small distress pads.
Gayle Montayo says
June 17, 2014 at 8:50 pmWhat a sweet little banner..I love it!
barbwire802 says
June 17, 2014 at 9:32 pmI really want to try this out. I think it is so cute. Thanks for sharing.
Amy G says
June 18, 2014 at 1:35 amI always love your tutorials! I love those little flowers!
Nancy Wethington says
June 18, 2014 at 6:15 amWay too cute! Great tutorial. Thanks for the inspiration.
Cim Allen says
June 18, 2014 at 9:36 amThat is soooo cute, I love that scribbly bird stamp. Awesome idea to use the ink on the fabric, I love the look of watercolor !
Lisa H says
June 18, 2014 at 10:40 amThis is wonderful! I love the distress inks on the fabric. Thank you!
marci piraro says
June 18, 2014 at 12:50 pmSo cute! Love the ink on fabric technique. I always learn things here. I have a question, if you have time. At a local chain store, the extended crease pad package shows OK to use with big shot but doesn’t show the vagabond. I don’t want to risk my beloved vagabond. Is it OK to use the extended crease pad with vagabond?
Ruby Craft says
June 18, 2014 at 7:18 pmI don’t usually work with fabric, but this is very tempting. I see how these techniques would work nicely on paper too. It is a very happy little banner.
Teresa says
June 19, 2014 at 6:53 amThanks for the tutorial! I really like how the fabric is!
Melissa Smith says
June 20, 2014 at 12:11 amWhat a cool look. Love the birdie. I love the idea of displaying your banners.
Deb ~ Paxton Valley Folk Art says
June 20, 2014 at 11:03 pmAbsolutely beautiful Tammy, thank you for this wonderful tutorial, can’t wait to try some of your wonderful techniques and to see more of your gorgeous banners!
Mary Elizabeth says
July 5, 2014 at 4:13 pmAmazing! I love this banner!