Wednesday 24 April 2013

Fabric and Pebble Jewellery: Tutorial

OK, I hold my hands up -  these are not real pebbles.  They're made from polymer clay (Fimo or similar) and if you'd like to make some pebble buttons for this project, it's really easy - the instructions are here.



You could make the pendant and brooch multi-colour to match pretty much everything or just in colours you wear a lot of.  Whatever you decide, this is something that can be made mostly from tiny scraps.

OK, so you'll need:

scraps of fabric
scraps of heavyweight interfacing (pelmet or craft weight)
sewing machine with black thread
small pieces of felt
brooch finding/safety pin
leather thong or necklace strap (maybe from an old necklace?)
Pebble buttons (or just ordinary buttons if you prefer)

This is how to make the brooch:

Cut out three basic shapes - hearts are good, but they could really be any shape you like.  Also cut interfacing to back the largest of the three.  The eagle-eyed will have spotted there are four layers in the finished items - we'll get to the felt backing later.



Sew the pieces together, starting with the largest and the interfacing.  Stitch using a straight stitch and black thread.  Sew several times round for the sketchy look.



Carry on until the hearts are sewn together, layering them.

Sew the pebble button in the middle.



Sew the fabric backing on.  Trim it so it's just slightly larger all round than the main heart.



Sew a brooch pin on the back.



To make the necklace, the process is exactly the same, but with different shapes and more pebbles, until you get to the backing.



But before sewing the backing on, make little rectangles from fabric and felt (as above)



Fold the stitched rectangle in half so it makes a loop and insert it between your necklace and its backing.



Thread a readymade necklace thong into the loop, or use ribbon, plaited embroidery floss, or a chain.



And if you don't want pebbles, or can't be bothered making them - then buttons may be more your thing!



If you were confused because my largest shape was the flowery one earlier, that's because I changed my mind about the colours mid-make - which is why I have this second brooch!

I could see this becoming addictive!

14 comments:

MadBirdDesignsUK said...

Great tutorial. Another one to add to my "What can I do with all the bits" folder :-) Joan

Craftysiany said...

These are lovely & can't wait to give them a go! Thanks for sharing :)
http://buttonsandpaint.blogspot.co.uk/

Natalie Jones said...

I love your tutorials - although I don't always want to make the actual "thing" you offer so many great hints and tips for general use. I couldn't thank you enough x

Paulina said...

lovely;)

marileni said...

EiΝαι παρα πολυ όμορφες οι καρφιτσουλες σου!!?


Μπράβο!!!!!!

BEARKIS said...

It,s a wonderful idea!!!Congrats,and thank you,for sharing!!

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Thanks for this great tute featuring my favorite material combo, fiber and PC. Now even more folks will enjoy, Wendy!

GreenDotCreations said...

Very creative idea! Thanks! :-)

Wendy said...

Thanks for sharing it on your blog Tina - much appreciated! x

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Barbara Nimmo said...

Your ability to transform humble materials into beautiful accessories is truly inspiring. Aintpayingfull where fashion and accessories often come with hefty price tags, it's refreshing to see the emphasis on finding budget-friendly alternatives.

Ashlee Rolfson said...

Crafting on a budget doesn't mean compromising on quality or style. In fact, it opens up opportunities for innovation and self-expression. frugalishness signifies a resourceful approach, seeking out affordable materials and repurposing everyday items to create something unique and beautiful.

Jennifer Walsh said...

I appreciate your Fabric and Pebble Jewellery tutorial. It's a creative and unique way to make jewelry. For those looking to gather materials for this craft, keeping an eye out for UsePromos might lead to discounts on fabric and jewelry-making supplies, making this DIY project even more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing this innovative jewelry-making idea!