Crafting with fibres is a fun and innovative way to add a new dimension to your crafting projects. Whether you’re looking to create texture or a specific effect, experimenting with different kinds of fibres can lead to exciting new discoveries. Here are just a few great ways you can incorporate fibers into your next crafting project.
Understanding the different types of fibres
When it comes to crafting, one of the most exciting aspects is experimenting with different types of fibres. Each fibre type brings its unique properties and benefits, which can add depth and texture to your finished projects. Some common types of fibre used in crafting include wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic materials.
Wool is a great choice for projects that require warmth and texture, silk ribbons such as Sari ribbons are perfect for using on tags, covering mini albums, and using on scrapbooking layouts.
In this blog post, I will be talking about a few of the various fibres you can use. In this post I'll talk about Coloured Wool, Plastic Fibre Tops (also known as Reprieve), Kids Mohair Curls and Sari Ribbons.
Adding Texture & Interest with Sari Fibres
If you've ever admired a scrapbook layout, junk journal page or mixed media project and wondered what gives it that soft, textured, slightly messy-but-beautiful look, the answer is often fibres!
One of my favourite fibres to use in crafting is sari silk fibre, sometimes simply called sari fibres. These gorgeous fibres are made from recycled silk sari fabrics and are full of rich colours, texture and character. No two bundles are exactly the same, which makes them perfect for adding a unique touch to your projects.
What Can You Use Sari Fibres For?
The wonderful thing about sari fibres is their versatility. They can be used in so many different ways across a variety of paper crafting projects.
One of the easiest ways to use sari fibres is to create small texture nests behind embellishments.
Simply pull apart a small section of fibre and gently tease it into a loose bundle. Layer it behind flowers, butterflies, chipboard pieces or ephemera. Add some cotton thread or lace and you'll have a gorgeous dimensional cluster in seconds.
The secret is not to make it too neat. The slightly messy, wispy look is what gives fibre clusters their charm.
A Little Goes a Long Way
One of the best things about sari fibres is that you only need a small amount to make a big impact. A few strands tucked here and there can transform a flat project into something with warmth, texture and personality.
Plastic Fibre Tops
We know that millions of plastic bottles go into landfill and oceans every year, Even though we re-cycle we don't know where the plastic ends up. In NSW many of the bottles are recycled and used to make car parts, clothing, shoes, and more. Some even end up being plastic bottles again.
When plastic is recycled into clothing it's first transformed into a product called Reprieve (otherwise known as Plastic Fibre Tops), which is then used by the world's leading brands to make clothing.
The Plastic Fibre is quite rough to the touch, a little like cotton wool. In this card below, I sprayed some of the fibres with Nuvo Shimmer Spray and used it as a base underneath the Kids Mohair Curls.
Mohair Curls
These delightful hand-dyed mohair curls are sourced from angora goats here in Australia. They can be hand dyed or just used in their natural colour. Curls can be used in the same way as our Plastic tops for embellishment, mixed media, tags, journals, and more. They are quite thick and soft to the touch. They can also form a great fringe when their ends are opened up. I have used them in the tags below, as a background for the buttons and cotton. This has to be one of my favorite fibres to use.
Other Ideas On How You Can Use Fibres in Your Craft Projects!
Many crafters have no trouble at all in finding ways of using fibres, in their projects. however, if you're stuck, here are a few ideas below:
1. Wind the fibre very tightly and then glue it down on cardstock for use as a flower center.
2. Use it to tie a bow.
3. Make a frame around a matted photo or a journaling box.
4. Use it to tie through holes on a shoe die cut.
5. Use it as a cluster (wind together).
6. Use the fibre as a clothesline.
7. Use fibre to hang charms.
8. Attach brad to paper.
9. Thread embroidery floss or fibre through a button and tie a knot.
10. Use it to hang charms.
11. Use it to add dimension to rubber-stamped images.
12. Use to tie through the hole of a tag.
13. Use to attach a tire swing to a tree.
14. Thread punches on fibre.
15. Use as a bow on a present die cut.
16. Use fibers to tie on buttons.
17. Create a spider web on a Halloween project.
18. Use as a string for a balloon or kite.
19. Lace two pieces of cardstock together.
20. Use it as decorations on a Christmas tree.
21. Make hair for paper dolls.
22. Hang your page title from fibres.
23. Spell out a word with fibre and glue it to cardstock.
24. Use fiber on maps to show locations, trip distances, and more.
25. Create seaweed on an ocean or vacation page.
26. Make hair or other features on the paper doll die cut.
27. Stitch or mount as a mountain/water outline.
28. Use as fringe for hair/mane on an animal.
29. Use fibers to make tassels.
30. Use to hang embellishments on a page.
31. Braid or weave together. 33. Weave fiber through some mesh.
EXPERIEMENTING WITH COLOURED RIBBON
When it comes to adding depth and interest to your crafting projects, color can make all the difference. Using vibrant, bold colors can create a statement piece that really pops, while more subtle hues can add a sense of delicacy and elegance. Consider experimenting with different shades of one color or incorporating contrasting colors for a bold look. You could also try using variegated fibers. Remember, even small changes in color can have a big impact on the final project. So don't be afraid to experiment and find new and exciting color combinations for your next crafting endeavor!
Mixing Fibres for Extra Interest
Don't feel limited to using sari fibres on their own. They pair beautifully with:
- Lace
- Cotton thread
- Seam binding
- Cheesecloth
- Ribbon
- Mohair curls
- Jute twine
- Gauze
Combining different textures creates wonderful depth and helps draw the eye around your project.
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