Layers of texture, mon cheri. Simple or complex textures, they gather here, and all in the name of love.
This swag is certainly festive, but you could adapt this swag for any season or home decor, with the change of a phrase or graphic. This wreath has been a focal point in for my creations for a while now. I love to change out this and that to make it adapt to the season.
Here's what you will need to create the swag:
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Downloadable cherubs (below) or your own graphics-one for each side
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Layers: burlap, patterned papers, wallpaper, lace, tulle, crepe paper, ribbon, ledger paper, etc.
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Embroidery floss and needle
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Stickles, Platinum or Diamond Glaze and glitter
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Strong Adhesive (preferance Fabric-Tac, by Beacon)
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Wire
Let's begin with the downloadble cherubs for the swag. So sweet! Use your own from your stash, or print out these two. Print onto cardstock using your printer's highest quality setting. There a left and a right cherub, and you can download them by clicking below:
Cut out or tear the cherubs, leaving a bit of extra space around them if you like.
Then add a layer of patterned paper behind these sweeties, and maybe even another layer with a different patterned paper behind them, for a total of 3 layers.
Here's a close up of the finished look at this point:
Just leave pieces of the layers exposed here and there. These layers add interest and strength. Three pieces of paper is thicker than one kinda thing.
Next, stitch the edges of the cherub with embroidery floss and a needle. Again, just a here and there. Now if your sewing machine isn't on the blink (like mine)...sew the papers together lickety split! Or, if you are in a rush, just glue the layers together.
Take a moment to bend some of the edges of the papers, too. This gives a bit of dimension to the cherubs.
Outline chubby fellow with Stickles (Ranger Ind.) OR Diamond Glaze (JudiKins) then glitter.
Obviously it looks better in person than in a photo. But at least you get the idea...
Now let's move on with the swag.
Go through your supplies searching for letters that are anywhere from 1/2" to an inch in size. Cut out a phrase that will fit on your swag. You could also print out letters using a fun font on your computer, or you use rubber stamps to create your phrase. The sample says "love is in the air".
Then, gather yee layers while yee may...and use what you have. Seriously, there are so many ways to make the swag beautiful with a variety of papers, fabrics or both. Both you say? Ok...
Lay out the letters on the swag to determine the correct size. I know this swag will end up on a wreath, so it measures approx. 3x14". As you can see in the photos below, the layers changed as the swag develops.
Add wire in between the layers, too. Glue it in place. Fabric Tac is really great for this. Even when it's dry it remains a bit flexible. The wire will help bend and shape the swag later. Leave a 3 inch tail on both sides of the swag-for later.
Back to the layers...a silver netting (old scrap from Christmas a few years ago), gathered crepe paper, velvet ribbon, vintage music score, lace and silver trim all get glued together.
A sewing machine would be really great right about now, mes oui? But Fabric Tac is a great alternative!
Glue the letters on with a glue stick, not Fabric-Tac.
Oh you lovely layered swag and cherubs... how ever shall we hang you? Oh, the wire tails! Poke the wire through the cherubs and then through the swag to secure. You may need to poke the cherub with a needle first then run the wire through the holes.
Once the wire is threaded through everything, twist it into a loop in the back for hanging.
Add the swag to a wreath, over a mirror, on a door, over a door, across a small window, above a vignette, or anywhere you like. Enjoy!
You can find more tutorial like this in my Paper Bella E-Workshops. This tutorial was featured in the Love Letters E-Workshop!
