ruffles have shimmer...

You know those crepe paper streamers that you hang at kid birthday parties, or that were draped over everything at prom?  They are very inexpensive, and so much fun to play with! And of course, I use CI paints on them!  So grab some streamers and come play!

You will need:

crepe paper

Creative Inspirations Paint

heat gun

sewing machine (or needle and thread)

Step 1: Cut a piece of crepe paper.  You want it about 3-4 times the size you want it when you are done.

Step 2: Paint your crepe paper with Creative Inspirations paint.  You don't want to over saturate the paper, so just put on a thin layer of paint. 

Step3: Carefully pull your painted crepe paper off of your craft sheet. You can then set it back down in a clean spot. You just don't want it stuck for the next step.

(check out that shimmer!)

Step 4: Dry with a heat gun. 

As long as you haven't over saturated it, and you have made sure it isn't painted onto your table, it should crinkle back up to the wrinkly stretch way it was before. (except for it is now a custom color and shimmery!!!)

Step 5: Using a sewing machine, or needle and thread do a loose straight stitch without any backstitching.  Leave long tails. (the thread hanging out of each side)

Step 6: If you used a sewing machine, you should have 2 thread "tails" on both ends of your crepe paper.  (1 on each side for hand stitching). While holding one end of the crepe paper, pull one of the tails.  This should start bunching your crepe paper.

 You can gently work the bunches around until you get what you like.

 Fun, huh!

Ok, when I first learned this technique, I had no idea how to attach the ruffle to anything, and it took me a while to find a way I like.  I thought I would share with you. This is not the only way to attach it, just the way I like. =)

Step 1: run a line of dry adhesive (double sided tape or atg gun tape etc.) across your project where you want the STITCHED LINE of your ruffle to be. 

Step 2: Place your stitched line on the tape and press. By just taping the stitch line, your edges will remain free and fluffy.

Step 3: Flip your project over. Using clear tape, secure the ends of your ruffle to the backside. Make sure to catch the threads so they won't unravel.

You can then cover the stitch line with buttons, ribbon, flowers, etc.

Here is the completed card I made for my niece for St. Patty's day.  The flower is a hair clip I made for her, and is just clipped onto the ribbon.

Hope you have fun with this technique! I sure have been. =)

~Kassi