I had some leftover pieces of fabric that I really liked, they were too small for any project I could think of, and I was in need of some wall "art". Out of this came these needs came this project. I get to see my beautiful fabrics all the time and if I ever need them, or get tired of having them on my wall, I can always recover the frames.
This is a cheap way to "enhappy" any neglected wall in your house. In my case it serves as the perfect placeholder for any future, real art, on our bedroom barren walls. Better to use something pleasant and inexpensive while I find the the perfect piece for the place than buying now and regretting it later.
Here's how I did it.
Start with a stretcher. In my case I am re-using a canvas that actually has a painting on it. It is something I did long ago but no longer fits my decor. I don't want to throw it away or damage it, so I recovered the paint with a piece of blank canvas before starting (using the same method described below).
Cut the fabric a couple of inches larger than your stretcher. In my case, my fabric was already cut, and I had barely enough to do this project. It would be better to have had a bit more of fabric, but I'll make do with it.
Iron your fabric in the recommended setting (cotton in my case). If your fabric has any stubborn wrinkles, use the steam setting or starch the heck out of it.
Start by placing a staple in the middle of one of the stretcher sides.
Repeat on the opposite side, stretching the fabric before stapling. Repeat this on the remaining sides.
Keep going towards opposing corners, placing a staple on the opposite side as you go along. You should arrive at opposite corners at the same time. Leave the corners for last. Finish with some neat hospital corners and staple them.
If you want a much easier way, you can use ultra-large embroidery hoops. Arrange several with complementary fabrics for a striking look.
You are ready to hang your masterpiece. Make sure to buy insurance. 🙂
Aunt Clara
