Crochet Trimmed Hoop Art

This is the first project of three I will post about my Spring Mantle. I realize, it is nearly Summer, but I'm sure you can understand how crazy Spring can be with three kids! I will roll this project out beginning with each separate craft, then a final reveal of the entire mantle. I have seen several printables and machine cut-outs with cute spring shapes, like bunnies and chicks. I thought I would do this, but a little differently.

You can create art out of nearly anything. This project proves it. These are made from muslin fabric with paper cutouts applied to it, inserted into an embroidery hoop with a crochet trim. Sounds like a lot, but it's really very simple.

Supplies:

Embroidery hoop

Muslin, or any scrap fabric

Embroidery floss, one skein for each hoop size 8" or smaller (you may need a second if you tend to crochet loosely, or for good measure - mine was nearly the perfect length, but I had to substitute a similar color for a couple because it ran short)

C2/2.75 mm crochet hook

Yarn sewing needle

Scrapbook paper, printer, scissors

Mod Podge

Sponge paintbrush

Wax paper

Begin with the crochet trim.

Chain the length needed to fit around the hoop. This project used an 8" hoop, so I crocheted a chain 120 ch long. (For other lengths, chain a multiple of 3 plus 2) Do not turn. Begin foundation chain, in 2nd bar (underside of chain) from the end; sc, *ch2, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch*. Repeat between *s to end.

Turn, *ch1, in ch2 space [dc, tc, dc], ch1, sc in next stitch*. Repeat between *s to end. Fasten off leaving length of floss as the tail.

Thread the remaining floss on sewing needle. Whip stitch onto outer hoop ring, place stitches into sc of foundation chain. At the end, sew to beginning of trim around the screw closure.

For paper cut outs, search for clip art of your choice. Print onto scrapbook paper in a light gray. Cut out.

Trim fabric to fit the hoop frame. Mod Podge entire piece of fabric and insert into frame while wet. Apply paper cut out to fabric. Be careful not to have too much mod podge on fabric, or the paper will wrinkle. Dry on wax paper. Once dry, mod podge over paper. Allow to dry again on wax paper.

Then hang and enjoy. These could be made for any occasion, holiday decor or even using photos.

Share yours with us, I'd love to see them!