Add a textured and dimensional detail to foam letters by adding hand-stitching on them.
Supplies used - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned paper: Carta Bella, Foam letters: American Crafts; Chipboard letters: American Crafts: Letter stickers: October Afternoon and unknown; Wood veneer pieces: BasicGrey; Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; Emboridery floss: DMC; Computer font: Century Gothic
I think at this point, I've tried hand stitching on almost everything. I would even go so far as to say that it is impossible for me to complete a layout without stitching on it. Because of that, I'm always searching for ways to incorporate it into my layout. Most of the time that search leads to borders or frames on different elements. And sometimes it leads to something new (for me.)
This one was a risky experiment! The stitching on the foam letters was the very last thing I added to the layout.
I had used tan foam letters on kraft cardstock and while I did like the look of similar colors layered on top of each other, I wanted to add something to the letters that helped them stand out even more.
Enter my stitching addiction.
I pulled out my trusty paper piercer and with a little bit of nervousness I started piercing holes for something I had never tried on a completed layout. It was a little scary and slightly risky, but I am very happy with the way it turned out. I love the texture and detail it adds to those letters.
Want to try it for yourself? Here are a few tips:
• It might help to do a quick scan of the letters and plan where you are piercing. Think about things like: Do I want it to go all the way to the ends of the letters or do I want to have a little bit of space? Do I want to connect each letter or do I want them to stay unconnected? Do I want a single line of stitching in the middle of the letter or do I want to create a border near the edges of the letter? Having a plan ahead of time and thinking about what you want to accomplish can help eliminate mistakes.
• I always recommend starting with meeting points first and then filling in the rest. For example: with the "t" I would pierce the hole in the middle of the crossing point or for the "e" the hole were the loop meets back with c. Doing this makes sure that you have those meeting points in the proper place because if those points are off, it can really make the letter look off.
• Be careful when you pierce that you aren't piercing at an angle. It's easier to do that because you are piercing through something so thick. It won't change the look of your stitching, but it does make it more frustrating as you stitch. You're trying to stick a needle through what you think is a straight hole to find that it's angled. It can slow you down a bit.
• Have a baby wipe or paper towel nearby. You are stitching through something that has adhesive all over one side of it and it does gunk up your needle. You don't have to clean it off after each stitch, but when you start to notice it on your needle, it helps to clean it off really quick. When it gets a little sticky it makes it harder to pull the needle through the holes.
If you give it a try, let me know what you think of it!