This post was reposted in July 2011 with more photos and info here…
A little while ago I came across a blog that mentioned a company called Tonic Living located here in Toronto. Being eager to find more local sources for decorating things, I popped over to their site immediately…and fell in love. They have the most gorgeous retro, funky fabrics. They even offer samples of many of their fabrics for $1 each. I ordered a few samples for a couple of projects I was planning (roman blinds for the kitchen, throw pillows for my girls room, etc.) and waited with much anticipation for them to arrive in the mail. I didn’t have to wait long and I wasn’t disappointed.
These are just a few of the samples I ordered:
After I decided which I preferred for certain projects, like the Roman blinds for the kitchen, I had a quick fun idea for what to do with some of the sample pieces. They were, after all, in the right colour scheme. How perfect!
So my project was going to be three square pieces that each had a different fabric. Here’s what I started with: three small square canvases, three fabric samples and a staple gun. That’s it.
Basically, I just laid one canvas upside down on each piece of fabric. I then pulled the fabric tight and stapled it to the back of the wooden frame, working on opposite sides to be sure the fabric laid straight. For the corners I just folded them up like presents and stapled them too.
Right here is where I ran out of staples in the staple gun and had to recruit hubby to look for more – out in the shed, under the bed, in the closet. (Don’t ask, some of our stuff is stored funny at the moment).
Tonic Living also sticks these great labels onto the back side of their samples. I just removed them and put them on the back of each of the canvases so I could still remember which fabrics were which should I decide I wanted more.
Here is the finished product on the table and then on the wall in my kitchen over the doorway.
Here is the cost break down:
$3 ($1 each x3) for the fabric samples (Tonic Living)
$2 for all three square canvases (Dollerama)
$0 for the staple gun we already had (you could use a regular stapler or a hot glue gun too)
TOTAL: $5
Not bad for a such a nice little space filler. What do you think?
(Fabric photos belong to Tonic Living, remaining photos were taken by AKA Design).
Hi Shannon: I love this site and the amazing fabric designs. I love what you did to decorate part of the kitchen. I have a couple of plain walls that I would love to do the same thing. I was all excited until I saw that you had to order by credit card and I don’t have one. Do you know if this store is only down in your area or do they have one up towards Barrie? That way I could pay cash so if you get a chance could you let me know!!!
Thanks alot,
Allison
Thanks Allison! Tonic Living is a pretty fun shop. But I am also pretty sure I paid by paypal and not a credit card when I ordered my samples. If you have trouble, send them an email and I’m sure they could walk you through it. Let them know where you found out about them too. =)
Shannon
Shannon, I love your fabric art! I need to make a few of these as I have to put some things on 3long narrow shelves that I cleared off because we have our house up for sale.(they had all our family photos on them).
I have been putting this project off because I only had ideas for a few things, but your inspiration will help me fill up those shelves! Thanks!!!
Oh Pam, I’m so glad to have helped. A project like this would make a great staging solution in a house that’s for sale!
S.
i love this idea! just wondering, what’s the size of the swatch?
The swatches vary in size, depending on the fabric. Just for example sake the canvases I used were about 6×6 inches square. Hope that helps! S.
Wow, that is so cool! Thanks for sharing! I’m totally going to do that
Aw, thank you! Have fun with your project – be sure to let us know how it turns out. S.
Love this turned out great and love the prints!
This is such a great idea! I’ve framed fabric before, but hadn’t thought about attaching it to actual canvas! I also have some large pieces of scrap wood… hmmmm
Thanks!
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That is super cute!! I am in dtaeprsee need of cute new kitchen towels. I will have to try this!!Stopping by from Justsewsassy.com
Shannon, another great and easy project! Wow, you have really inspired me to do so much! THANK YOU! I think I’m actually becoming an {aka} mini-me!
I have posted a link to your site on my fabric artwork tutorial!
http://threechicksoneegg.blogspot.ca/2012/05/fabric-artwork.html
Three Chicks & One Egg recently posted..Fabric Artwork
aka mini me! Ha! Love it!