Monday, January 28, 2013

inexpensive framed fabric...

What I won't do to give you all some inspiration! 
I was a complete nuisance in Joann Fabrics,
laying bolts of fabric on the floor, 'framing' them, and taking photos!
All to show you how to easily, and inexpensively create a unique look.
The black & white abstract I put together for the vignette on the
emerald dresser here was $2.50 for 1/2 yard of fabric (much more than I needed).
The 18 x 21 frame was a thrift store score for $8.
Of course, higher end fabrics work very nicely, too! 

Here are some fabrics I grabbed to get you thinking...
(sorry for the poor photos, lighting on the floor in Joann's isn't optimal)    

Global Vibe




Modern Graphic




Watercolor Abstracts




Tie Dyed Teen


Due to time, I just stopped in a spot that looked interesting.
 I chose all of the combinations from the small collection of fabrics on the right side,
 only a tiny representation of their huge selection.
They have coordinated groupings if you don't think mixing patterns is your forte.


I used the black and white bolt above for mine, shown below.



Think outside the box, any type of fabric will work,
maybe you have a stash of interesting fabric,
 a special dress or tablecloth of your Grandma's that may be stained or worn,
something from your travels folded up in a drawer...
the possibilities are endless!

Join me at Ditto DIY Projects for lots of inspiring framed fabrics!


33 comments:

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

I want to go shopping with you Pam! You see things in such a creative light. I framed many garments for customers (sports shirts, christening gowns, Hermes scarves) but I love choices you've made here - and that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. So cool!

Crissy @ House of Marlowe said...

You never cease to amaze with such clever ideas..... especially love the idea of framing a fabric with sentimental value. Your piece looks great!

Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...

They are all beautiful but I looove the really colorful watercolor fabric.

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

I framed a little swatch in our dining room too, but I love yours- the bigger the better!! It has the perfect impact. Ps- saw you on Centsational Girl!! :)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I have framed fabric for my guest room...but I never thought to take the frame to the fabric store...that was a great idea...and I love the choice of your fabric...it looks so wonderful on the buffet!....That dumpster dive piece has certainly made a hit in blogland...so well deserved Pam as you did a magnificent job....you always do!!

Nat said...

Such a great idea! I might have to do this in our dining room

Lisa Mende said...

Love the way this looks! So clever! I keep thinking I am going to do this but don't!

Diana @ Your Day Simplified said...

Unbelievable how much better it looks when you put it behind the frame! You are so clever!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I can think of all sorts of places I could use this! Inexpensive way to add some art and tie together the fabrics in my daughter's dorm room! And I could use some nicer fabrics for a few blank walls in my own house!!

Question---how do you attach the fabric? I'm trying to figure out if you are gluing, stapling, etc???? THANKS, mkraich@bellsouth.net

High Cotton Style said...

Great inspiration! I would have never guessed that the b/w abstract was fabric!

Lori said...

Who knew...JoAnn's Gallery of Fine Art! We are so fortunate that you see the world through those creative Pam lenses. I would not have given some of those fabrics a second look, but love them framed as art.

linda said...

So glad to find a blogger who lives in Denver like I do. Just curious, which Joann's do you go to? I struggle finding nice and reasonably priced fabric here. (I promise I won't stalk you)

Unknown said...

I love this idea. Do you suppose it would work on a larger scale or is it better to keep it smallish?

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

An entire new approach to ART!!!
FABULOUS!!!

pam {simple details} said...

Glad you like the idea everyone!

I pulled the fabric taut and used my hot glue gun at the corners to secure it to the foam core that was included with the frame.

Linda - The Joann's in Highlands Ranch has the best selection, Southwest Plaza is good too, but I went to a small store in Lakewood.

Mallory - I think it would be great on large scale, I've seen it done with large scarves. All of the fabrics I showed were a light weight silky type poly.

Leslie said...

Pam, I could just see you at Joann's doing this:)

The fabrics are so pretty.. love all the blues.

Cindy @ a curious gardener said...

What a great idea! They all look so good framed. I keep wanting to frame a vintage scarf, never thought to do this! You are so creative and clever!

My Little Bungalow said...

What a great idea, Pam! I love the black and white one you have on your dresser. The blue/black modern graphic is nice too. Sounds like an easy project that even I could do!
Claudia

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

The possibilities are endless! I would have never guessed that your "print" was fabric. :)

Kristen Rettig said...

You've given me an idea. I have an old "playsuit" of my mothers from the 50's. Mother said to throw it out but I think I am going to cut it apart now!

Lori @ Lori May Interiors said...

What a great idea to bring your frame to the fabric shop with you! Love it! I love black and white that you chose.

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Great ideas :) I have a 'few' pieces of fabric I could work with ;)

Libby said...

Makes me think back to, many years ago, in my first apartment in NYC the stretched Marimekko fabric I had! In those days, it was quite rad...It's a great, very personal way to have color on the walls: love your selections too!

Unknown said...

wonderful Pam! I love it. Your styling on the dresser is perfection.
Great idea to use parts of fabric, I like that better than a reproduction Ive seen a million times. Those black shades look fabulous.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Great idea Pam....love how the dresser is looking!

theknittycontessa.etsy.com said...

How inventive! you put together a beautiful vignette.

Laura said...

Thank you! Ive been wanting to change out the art in our master bedroom, but haven't found anything large enough to fit the space that I love. I'm thinking this will be a inexpensive and unique solution!

Stacy CUrran said...

Such a great idea Pam – I love that you can do as much or little color variation as you want with this
Stacy

Andrea said...

I love this idea. I have covered a few canvases with fabric in the past too. There are just too many beautiful fabrics out there to choose from these days!

Gypsy Heart said...

Such a great idea! I still LOVE that black & white you used. :)

Pat

Kelly said...

What a great idea to bring the frame and try out all different fabrics right there in the store! Your vignette with that amazing dresser and the graphic art is SO SO fabulous! Thanks for linking up to Ditto DIY!
Kelly @ View Along the Way

ingrid@nowathomemom said...

It doesn't look like fabric, it's so pretty! really like it and love how you styled everything around it!
stopping by from DITTO DIY link party
Ingrid

Crazy Wonderful said...

Oh I have got to do this! The styling on your dresser is so stinking fabulous too :)

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