Get The TechniqueSheila asks-
"Before I rush out and buy several paper punches, I was wondering if you can use them on fabric or felt?"
The answer is YES! you can use craft punches on certain fabrics (though we haven't had much luck with felt, as it is a bit too thick). The trick to punching fabric is starching it first- this technique was developed for a story in Living a few years ago. Of course not all fabrics will work- as with paper, some work better than others, and the thicker you get, the more difficulty you will have punching through. Check out some ideas for your punched fabric below- you'll find a sweet Mother's Day card, as well as some easy gift ideas- barrettes, boxes, and bouquets, including how-to for starching and punching fabric.
See more craft punch projects.
1 I love these miniature bouquets! 2 These barrettes would make a great party favor, or group activity- they are quick, and the supplies are so inexpensive 3 4 5 To prepare your fabric for punching: Lay a piece in a shallow tray. With a medium paintbrush, apply enough fabric stiffener to saturate, but not soak, the fabric. Let it dry, about 1 hour. Repeat with any remaining fabric. 6 Using craft punches, punch out petals and leaves as close together on the fabric as possible.
From: mandiesmithsegura | 5/7/10 at 10:47 am
What a super fun and creative idea!
From: Sara Morris | 5/7/10 at 11:12 am
The oyster dish is very interesting to make..how could I get the source of the earrings that were given to the audiance???? Thank you! Sara
From: Cheryl Oz | 5/7/10 at 11:29 am
Gorgeous bouquets!
From: Lara Corbell | 5/7/10 at 2:29 pm
Wow those are beautiful, what a fantastic idea!
From: Lola | 5/7/10 at 10:03 pm
Thank you for sharing this info.
From: Melissa Cordstone | 5/8/10 at 4:47 pm
Wow, that is just gorgeous, I love the colors, and it looks so simple!
From: Donna | 5/8/10 at 7:54 pm
hello
how does one go about submitting an "ask the crafts dept."??
From: Morgan Levine | 5/10/10 at 9:49 am
Hi Donna,
Please e-mail us at thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com, and type "ask the crafts dept" as the subject.
Thanks!
From: ann | 5/15/10 at 8:16 pm
i've admired this idea for a long time, but haven't been able to find fabric thin enough to be cut by the punch. i believe the instructions call for 'indian cotton', where can one find this, or what other fabrics would work?
thanks
From: cheryl | 5/27/10 at 1:50 pm
Hi,
I am making the crepe paper rose barettes, the
templete did not print out the size it shows so I
enlarged it a bit on the copier, Will Morgan Levine
make a video showing how to put together the rose,
I know about the video she made but she just shows
them all together already.
I think I made it but first they came out smaller.
and also where can I find Martha's crepe paper?
Michaels does not carry it. I used castleinthesky
thanks.
Cheryl
From: Morgan Levine | 5/27/10 at 3:31 pm
Hi Cheryl,
Martha no longer makes the double sided crepe paper, but you can always find it at Castle in the Air, or D Blumchen. You can actually make your own double sided crepe paper using regular crepe paper folds and spray adhesive. You can also try using single sheets of crepe paper for a more delicate look.
A crepe paper flower video is a great idea. We'll try to work on getting one up some time.
Enjoy making those barrettes. Let us know how they turn out!
Morgan
From: polyester spandex fabric | 6/4/10 at 4:41 am
wow,so beautiful ,thank you for share
From: Patricia | 7/18/10 at 5:51 pm
I am working on a mask for a ball coming up at the end of the month and I would like to use some of Martha's flocking on it. I am just inquiring on what type of glue would you use to hold the flocking down. I have heard that you can use a tacky glue but wanted to check with you folks first to be sure, want to do this project correctly.
Thank You
Patricia
From: Morgan Levine | 7/19/10 at 9:41 am
Hi Patricia-
If you're using Martha Stewart flocking powder, you can use the same glues you would use to apply glitter. We recommend our glittering glue. Let us know how you mask turns out!
From: Judi Bulgarelli | 11/6/10 at 1:41 am
A few years ago I printed out a craft called Screw-Punched Monogram Cards (designed by Martha Stewart Crafts). I failed to download the Monogram Template. We were to resize the template using photocopy machine or scanner. The picture is of a light blue greeting card, punched top, side and bottom with a small curve punch. The Letter "K" using the screw punch appears on the first page. I love the style of lettering and also the ease of changing the size, using this template. I cannot find this particular template download anywhere. The picture shows the various size holes to punch to make this very beautiful Monogram. I would really appreciate it if you could find this template for me, or tell me how to find it on your very busy website.
Thanking you in advance - I love Martha and HSN shows in particular. Best of luck, Judi
From: carmel morrison | 6/7/11 at 11:22 am
Would it be possible for you to forward to me any information on the birds that you decorated the Whitehouse guest house with. These were copied from the wallpaper.
Thanking you
Carmel Morrison
From: Blake Ramsey | 6/7/11 at 1:42 pm
Hi Carmel,
You'll find the birds that you are referring, along with the many other decorations used in the Blair House (the name of the Whitehouse guest house), through this link-
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/martha-stewart-decorates-the-blair-house
They were photographed from the wallpaper, printed out and backed with a heavy cardstock, then glittered using Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter, and a glue pen.
Hope this helps!