A Tutorial and A Give-Away

Hello friends!  I'm here today to share a VERY simple tutorial I made for Classy Cards 'N Such on how to make your own hand-dyed scrunched seam binding.  I like the "scrunched" or "crumpled up" look.  But if you prefer the smooth style, you can skip the "scrunching" step, or you can iron it out for a straighter look.  I will try to go step-by-step, but if there is anything that's unclear to you, please feel free to leave me a message here, and I will be more than happy to answer all your questions.  OK, here we go!

 

You will start out with some white seam binding.  I used the Chalk White Seam Binding from Classy Cards 'N Such which is a GREAT value.  You get five (5) yards for just $1.25.  Here is what it looks like:

Next, you will use just enough tap water to moisten the Seam Binding.  You don't want it sopping wet, just moist.  White it is moist, crumple and roll it in your wet hands to make it "scrunchy".  Once this is done, lay it down on a safe surface.

For this next process, I like to use an inexpensive rubber place mat.  I have this lovely watermelon mat that I picked up at the Dollar Store.  (LOL)  I use it for crafts.  You just don't want to do this directly on your table or counter top.  I use the placemat for this reason.  You are working with dye, after all, and for this reason you may wish to use rubber gloves.  Either that, or be sure to wash your hands right away when you're finished.

Now you have your moist Chalk White Seam Binding and your Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.  I chose to use Cranberry Zing Glimmer Mist.  You start the process by simply spraying the Seam Binding generously with the Glimmer Mist.  You will see in the next photo that the Glimmer Mist kind of "puddles up" on the placemat.  I don't waste a drop!  I sop it all up by rolling the Seam Binding in every last luscious drop of Glimmer Mist.

Once you've covered the Seam Binding so that no white is left showing through, and you've sopped up ALL the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, you're almost finished!

The next step is to wad up your Seam Binding and scrunch it into a little ball and then tuck it in the corner of a plastic baggie.   Then, twist the baggie so that the little wad of Seam Binding is tightly secured in the corner of your plastic baggie.  I like to just set it somewhere safe for several hours (even over-night if you have time).  This gives it a chance to get "scrunchy". 

Now that the Seam Binding has had a chance to set in the baggie for several hours, you simply take it out and hang it somewhere safe to dry.  I like to hang mine outside over the back of a lawn chair.  Just let it hang somewhere to dry completely.  Once it's dried, you are completely finished.

Now you're ready to use your hand-dyed scrunched seam binding on your projects.  To make a bow, the method I use is to cut a length long enough for a bow.  I cut one more just a tad bit longer; creating two bows where one is slightly bigger than the other.  Then, I hot glue them to my card by placing the larger bow on the bottom and staggering the smaller bow on top of it.

This card is not anything special.  I just threw it together to demonstrate how I use the seam binding.  You will see that I covered the card with a length of the seam binding, and then added my two bows; one on top of the other.  They make such pretty bows.

There are obviously MANY different ways to create your own hand-dyed scrunched seam binding.  This is just one way to do it, and in my opinion, one of the easiest ways.  You will find several lovely colors of the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist at Classy Cards 'N Such, and I'm sure that you will absolutely LOVE them all.  You can spray flowers, chipboard, and many embellishments with this lovely Glimmer Mist.  It's a wonderful project, and this tutorial shows just one of the many useful ways to use it.  You can also spray a bit of walnut stain on your finished ribbon to give it a vintage look, if desired.

 

I hope that this little tutorial was helpful to you.  Why not stop by Classy Cards 'N Such and pick up some Seam Binding and Glimmer Mist of your own and give this a try.  You will absolutely LOVE having every sweet color of this hand-dyed seam binding, and will really enjoy playing with it and adding these sweet bows to your cards, mini albums and crafty projects.

OK.....now for the give-away!  Anyone who places an order at Classy Cards 'N Such between now and Wednesday, June 26, for seam binding (and any other goodies) will be entered into a drawing here on my blog to receive a FREE bottle of Glimmer Mist from Classy Cards 'N Such.  Just leave me a comment to let me know you've placed your order (which I will verify).  Also remember that you can save an additional 10% on all your orders by using Coupon Code KAREN-10 for your purchases.  Be sure to let me know if you have any questions.  Happy crafting, friends!