Free Tutorial - Fussy Cut Wall Art

I've been hard at work creating some fun wall art for my kids' rooms and writing up a tutorial so that you can try it yourself!  I hope these instructions make sense.  If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to e-mail me and I'll try to help.  Hope you have fun with this project!

Free Tutorial - Fussy Cut Wall Art

(assumes some sewing knowledge)

Materials:

• One matted picture frame with an 8" x 10" opening (usually an 11" x 14" frame), glass removed
• One 3" x 3" square of quilting fabric, fussy cut to show off a design or motif (fabric A) 
• Two pieces of 3" x 2" white cotton quilting fabric
• Two pieces of 5 3/4" x 2" white cotton quilting fabric
• Two pieces of 5 3/4" x 4" coordinating / contrasting quilting fabric (fabric B)
• Two pieces of 12 1/2" x 2 1/2" coordinating / contrasting quilting fabric (fabric B)
• Two pieces of high loft batting, one cut to approximately 9" x 12" and the other cut to approximately 6" x 9"
• 8 1" pieces of painter's or other masking tape

This is a very simple project -- one that can be whipped up in less than an hour.  You are simply sewing a basic quilt block, taping that to the back of a mat, adding some batting and hanging.  There are so many fun fabrics on the market that would work beautifully for this project.  I used Jillian Phillips' "To the Rescue" by Hoffman California International Fabrics for my son's room and Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom as well as a print from Joann for my daughter's room.

The first step is to cut all of your fabrics.  I like to use a rotary cutter but it's not necessary.  You could just as easily trace your pieces with a fabric pen and ruler and then cut with fabric scissors.

Fussy cut your 3" x 3" square of fabric.  Fussy cutting simply means to center and cut a particular design or motif.  

Next, sew your 3" x 2" white cotton strips to the top and bottom of your fussy cut square using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press seams open.

Then sew your 5 3/4" x 2" strips to the opposite sides of your fussy cut block, again using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press seams open.

Now take your two 5 3/4" x 4" pieces of fabric B and sew them to the top and bottom of your quilt block (1/4" seam).  Press seams open.

Then sew the longer 12 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips to the opposite sides of the block (1/4" seam).  Press seams open.

Now remove your mat from your picture frame and place wrong side up on your work surface.  Flip your quilt block and center on the back of your mat.

Take your masking tape and gently tape the block to the mat as shown above.  You'll want to tug ever so slightly as you do this but be careful... too much tugging can warp your seams.  Flip over to see your work and make adjustments as necessary.  

Now flip back over and place into your glass-less picture frame right side down.  Place your larger piece of batting on the quilt block, topped with the smaller piece of batting.

Replace the back of the frame and voila!  Inexpensive, bold and attractive wall art for your child's room, nursery or playroom.

Let me know what you think!

Big thanks to Apartment Therapy's Ohdeedoh for featuring this project here.

Happy Friday!

I've been hard at work on some new projects but I'm not quite ready to show you. I have something fun planned for Monday, so stay tuned. For now - I'll just leave you with this inspirational image and wish you a weekend filled with sewing, quilting, crafting or whatever brings you happiness.

Finished Quilt Top

Just finished this quilt top.

Not sure where the original inspiration came from. This is such a popular and simple quilt design. I've probably seen it in many places and in many fashions. I just wanted something basic that would show off some of my favorite fabrics. I love the turquoise and tangerine color combo. Now I just need to select a backing and binding fabric. Be back soon (I hope!) with pics of the finished product.

Hubba Hubba

I have a hot date tonight....


with my tv, these fabric squares and perhaps a glass of wine. Can't wait!

Dancing With the Stars... My New Favorite Show?

It's been a tough couple of days in the McCarthy household. Both kids have been battling colds which means that mom has been tending to runny, red noses and late-night coughing spells. That also means that there has been a tragic lack of quilting/sewing so far this week. But I'm back in work mode and have a couple of fun things in the works that I hope to post about later this week.

Until then, I just have to share the most precious story about my three-year-old. My little boy is growing up so fast and is getting to be very independent. Most of the time, he's too busy (already??? sob, sob) for cuddles. Last night, however, he made his mama (and maybe his dada?) cry at the following...

We were watching "Dancing With the Stars." Not really paying much attention, but we had it on. I guess Daniel was paying very close attention as one of the couples danced the waltz. I was busy chatting with the hubby trying to catch up on his day when Daniel approached me, arms outstretched and said (in his cute, hoarse, sick voice) "You dance with me mama? We hold hands?" Needless to say, I dropped everything and got down on my knees, right arm out, left arm on his neck and we danced and swayed for... well it was only a few seconds before he was back at his trains and trucks. But those few seconds made my day. And I know the moment will stay with me for a long, long time.

What adorable things are your kids doing/saying this week?

Cross Wall Art

We had our baby girl baptized last weekend. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. Madalyn wore a christening gown that has been in the family for many generations. It was truly special. At some point over the course of the weekend, I realized that I hadn't done anything to commemorate the day. So I decided to make a simple cross wall hanging for Maddy's room.


I really like the simplicity of it. It's sort of sweet and charming. It is a basic quilt block backed with some high-loft batting that I taped to a mat and framed. I used a Pottery Barn frame designed to be hung with a ribbon.

To dress up the nail from which the ribbon hangs, I simply glue-gunned a pink button to the nail head. This is a really easy project and I'm hoping to post a tutorial in the near future for any of you that might like to try this for yourself or someone you know (would make a darling christening gift!). You could use any combination of print fabrics or even use multiple solids or just one print or solid for a different look. The possibilities are endless!

True Love

They'll be fighting like cats and dogs before I know it. Trying to savor these sweet moments while they last.