Experimenting with Washi craft tape.

Washi tape is created in so many beautiful colours and designs and seems to be one of “the” craft products at the moment. I have been wondering how I can use it in Paper Quilting. I was a bit concerned about the self- adhesive backing on the Washi tape because double-sided craft tape plays absolute havoc with the needle on your sewing machine. Well, I’ve now used Washi tape on a couple of quilt pattern designs – and so far so good. The adhesive on the back of the Washi tape is not as sticky and doesn’t seem to be attaching itself to the sewing machine needle. I’ll keep experimenting – but in the meantime – why not have a go at adapting your Paper Quilt Patterns with strips of Washi tape. Use the pattern piece to trace around onto a plain piece of 180-200gsm paper first as any line or words will show through the Washi tape as it is very transparent. Sew the tape together as you would with other projects. There is no need to retrace the image design onto the Washi tape as the first tracing line will show through. With all the beautiful designs out there – you will be sure to get a great result. And it’s really quick too.

The Autumn Papercrafts Festival - Penrith, Sydney

I am just back from the wonderful Paper Crafts Festival at Penrith. What a week-end! It was great to catch up with the other store owners and customers (many who have followed my journey since the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show back in 2007). So many happy people enjoying the latest crafting products. I don’t have too many pictures – as we were SOOO busy which was fabulous. We set up a Make and Take table again and we were so happy that everyone, (women, men and children) 

We had a great space at the show. Here is Bill setting up the booth.

of any age, realised just how very easy and how much fun Paper Quilting is. We’ll be doing it all again next week at The Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne.

Make and Take table on the first day of the show.

It was lovely to see a family creating gift tags together.

Sunday was VERY busy

An Afternoon at the Canberra Show

Every year at this time the show comes to Canberra. And because Canberra is sometimes known as the bush capital it is a very rural focused with many farm exhibits, animals and agriculture. But the part I love is of course the Craft Pavilion where there are exhibits ranging from knitting, lace, embroidery, crochet and quilting  to quilling, card making – and now Paper Quilting.

Two of my students from A White Dragon entered the Paper Quilting category and I was very proud that Harriet was awarded first place and Patricia won both second and third. It was fantastic to walk into the pavilion and see their work displayed in the glass cabinets set up to showcase all the work. Congratulations girls.

Harriet's award winning Paper Quilt entry

Patricia's second place entry

Local vegetable competition

Proud Dahlia growers getting ready for judging

Display of antique garments

Spinners and weavers at the show

Thursday, 24th January 2013 

One of my top 10 tips is ALWAYS – and I mean always, be on the lookout for inspiration where ever you go.  I was in the newsagent yesterday, leafing through the latest delivery of magazines (am I addicted to magazines? – yes I think so). ' Bliss Victoria' http://www.victoriamag.com  is just one which is sure to inspire. I came across this beautiful Victorian inspired heart ornament. I wondered if I could adapt my pattern “Sparkle Heart” (pattern # GC108a) to look like this lovely piece.

 To create the Paper Quilt, I used a decoupage wrapping paper along with an Anna Griffin cream design paper and shell pink card stock. It is sewn with a variegated polyester thread. Around the heart I added a row of clear rhinestones and then a smaller row of champagne colour rhinestones. Pearls would also look very pretty. To the centre I attached a monogram pendant. Result – “Sparkle Heart” with a difference – very very  sparkly but with a vintage twist.

I think this would make a really special Valentine’s Day card or picture to frame for someone you love. Or find a Mum/Mom pendant and create this for Mother’s Day. A double monogram would make a beautiful wedding card or picture.

Happy Paper Quilting

Michaela